His Gospel Is Peace Midweek Service Outline  Week 1: No Fear of the Future
Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
Opening Sentences (Proverbs 9:10; Isaiah 41:9b-10)
Pastor: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
Congregation: and his gospel is peace.
Pastor: You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off;
Congregation: fear not, for I am with you;
Pastor: be not dismayed, for I am your God;
Congregation: I will strengthen you, I will help you,
Pastor: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Confession and Absolution (Psalm 130:3-4)
Pastor: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
Congregation: But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
Pastor: Let us confess our sins to God our Father:
Congregation: Almighty God, you have told us that we are deceiving ourselves if we deny our sinfulness. Your law has shown us the truth, that we do not fear, love, and trust you above all else. We do not love our neighbors as ourselves. We deserve to suffer your just punishment for our sins. For the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, be merciful and forgive us our trespasses, that we may be guided by your Word into the way of peace.
 
Silence for Confession
 
Pastor: Take heart and fear not! God, in his mercy, has heard your cry! Because Jesus put on your flesh, suffered, bled, and died on your behalf, your sins are forgiven. I stand before you this day and announce to you: For Christ’s sake, you are forgiven in the name of the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen! His gospel is peace! 
Hymn
(See our Suggested Hymn List provided in the 2024 Advent Project downloads if you would like suggestions)
Scripture Reading: Psalm 112
Creed
Hymn 
Sermon 
Hymn 
Offering
Prayer of the Day
Gracious and Almighty God, in this season of Advent, we come before you with hearts full of anticipation and awe, remembering the wonder of your first coming and awaiting your glorious return. We confess that our lives are filled with uncertainties, and too often, we are burdened by fear of the future. Yet your Word promises us that "the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord" (Ps. 112:6-7).
 
Lord, we give thanks for your faithfulness throughout the ages. Just as you led your people through the wilderness and provided for every need, you have been with us, sustaining us through trials and triumphs. You have proven time and again that your goodness endures forever.
 
Help us to rest in the assurance of your presence, for "their hearts are secure; they will have no fear; in the end, they will look in triumph on their foes" (Ps. 112:8). Teach us to trust in you, to be still in the face of uncertainty, and to embrace the peace that only you can provide. Guide us through this Advent season with joy, hope, and wonder, that we might reflect your love to a world in need.
 
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Benediction
Pastor: The peace of Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come, fill your hearts this Advent season. As you look back on the wonders of Bethlehem, be filled with awe and gratitude for God's steadfast love. And as you face the future, remember the words of the Psalmist: "The righteous will never be shaken; they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Go forth with hearts secure and at peace, confident in the God who holds your tomorrow.
Congregation: Amen
Closing Hymn

His Gospel Is Peace Midweek Service Outline Week 2: No Fear of Failure 
Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
Opening Sentences (Proverbs 9:10; Isaiah 41:9b-10)
Pastor: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
Congregation: and his gospel is peace.
Pastor: You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off;
Congregation: fear not, for I am with you;
Pastor: be not dismayed, for I am your God;
Congregation: I will strengthen you, I will help you,
Pastor: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Confession and Absolution (Psalm 130:3-4)
Pastor: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
Congregation: But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
Pastor: Let us confess our sins to God our Father:
Congregation: Almighty God, you have told us that we are deceiving ourselves if we deny our sinfulness. Your law has shown us the truth, that we do not fear, love, and trust you above all else. We do not love our neighbors as ourselves. We deserve to suffer your just punishment for our sins. For the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, be merciful and forgive us our trespasses, that we may be guided by your Word into the way of peace.
 
Silence for Confession
 
Pastor: Take heart and fear not! God, in his mercy, has heard your cry! Because Jesus put on your flesh, suffered, bled, and died on your behalf, your sins are forgiven. I stand before you this day and announce to you: For Christ’s sake, you are forgiven in the name of the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen! His gospel is peace! 
Hymn
(See our Suggested Hymn List provided in the 2024 Advent Project downloads if you would like suggestions)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-8
Hymn 
Sermon 
Hymn 
Offering
Prayer of the Day
Gracious and loving God, in this season of Advent, we come before you with hearts that are often weighed down by the pressures of life, the fear of not doing enough, and the anxiety of failure. Just as your disciples trembled in fear, we too, find ourselves overwhelmed by expectations—our own and those of others.
 
But we thank you, O Lord, for your tender mercy. You meet us in our weakness, as you met Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop. You meet us with compassion, telling us, "Do not be afraid." We praise you for the gift of your presence in Christ, who draws near to us not only in moments of glory but also in our moments of failure and fear. Help us, Lord, to rest in the promise that you are with us and for us, even when we fall short.
 
As we prepare our hearts for the celebration of your arrival, remind us that you do not seek our perfection but that we rest in the peace and forgiveness you provide. Help us to let go of the need to perform and embrace the peace that comes from knowing that Christ has already accomplished all that is needed for us.
 
Lift our eyes, O God, to see Jesus only—to focus on your love and grace, which surpass all our fears. May his gentle hand guide us through this season and beyond, giving us courage, hope, and peace for the days to come, in the name of the glorified Messiah, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
Benediction
Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The One who stilled the fears of his disciples on the mountaintop still the fears in your heart today.
You know the peace of Christ, who draws near to you in your weakness, comforts you in your trembling, and speaks these words over you: "Do not be afraid."
And as you go, lift your eyes to see Jesus only, the One who is with you, for you, and whose grace is more than enough.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
Closing Hymn

His Gospel Is Peace Midweek Service Outline Week 3: No Fear of Lack
Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen
Opening Sentences (Proverbs 9:10; Isaiah 41:9b-10)
Pastor: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
Congregation: and his gospel is peace.
Pastor: You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off;
Congregation: fear not, for I am with you;
Pastor: be not dismayed, for I am your God;
Congregation: I will strengthen you, I will help you,
Pastor: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Confession and Absolution (Psalm 130:3-4)
Pastor: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
Congregation: But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
Pastor: Let us confess our sins to God our Father:
Congregation: Almighty God, you have told us that we are deceiving ourselves if we deny our sinfulness. Your law has shown us the truth, that we do not fear, love, and trust you above all else. We do not love our neighbors as ourselves. We deserve to suffer your just punishment for our sins. For the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, be merciful and forgive us our trespasses, that we may be guided by your Word into the way of peace.
 
Silence for Confession
 
Pastor: Take heart and fear not! God, in his mercy, has heard your cry! Because Jesus put on your flesh, suffered, bled, and died on your behalf, your sins are forgiven. I stand before you this day and announce to you: For Christ’s sake, you are forgiven in the name of the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen! His gospel is peace! 
Hymn
(See our Suggested Hymn List provided in the 2024 Advent Project downloads if you would like suggestions)
Scripture Readings: Luke 12:22-32
Creed
Hymn 
Sermon 
Hymn 
Offering
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father, in this season of giving and receiving, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and trust. We acknowledge the pressures and anxieties that accompany this time of year, the fear that we might not have enough or give enough. Yet, your Word reassures us with a promise that is both profound and comforting: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
 
We confess that in our daily lives, we are consumed by worries about our needs and the adequacy of our provisions. We strive for more, worried that we might lack something essential. In these moments of fear and uncertainty, remind us of your abundant grace and boundless provision. You know our needs, from the simplest to the most complex, and you have promised to meet them with your generous hand.
 
Lord, help us embrace the truth of your kingdom—the reality that you are actively working in our lives, providing not just for our physical needs but also pouring out your love, mercy, and strength. Teach us to trust in your provision, to find peace in your promises, and to experience the fullness of your presence each day.
 
As we celebrate this season, let us be mindful of your greatest gift: Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among us, bringing with him the assurance that we will never lack what we truly need. May our giving reflect the joy and confidence from knowing you are with us and for us.
 
Amid our holiday preparations and celebrations, let us experience your peace and share your love with others, knowing that you have already given us the kingdom. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Provider. Amen. 
Benediction
Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you, shining his light upon your path and guiding you through every moment of your days. As you navigate the challenges and joys of this season, hear and remember his promise: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
 
Experience the peace that comes from knowing that your Father sees your every need and provides abundantly for you. Celebrate, give, and your heart will overflow with gratitude and joy as you are made confident in the richness of his provision and the assurance of his love. Go forth with the certainty that you are seen, you are loved, and in Christ, you will never be without. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Congregation: Amen
Hymn

His Gospel Is Peace Christmas Eve Service Order  No Fear of Man
Hymn (See our Suggested Hymn List provided in the 2024 Advent Project downloads if you would like suggestions)
Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen. 
Opening Sentences (Proverbs 9:10; Isaiah 41:9b-10)
Pastor: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
Congregation: and his gospel is peace.
Pastor: You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off;
Congregation: fear not, for I am with you;
Pastor: be not dismayed, for I am your God;
Congregation: I will strengthen you, I will help you,
Pastor: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Confession and Absolution (Based on 1 John 1:8-9)
 
Pastor: The apostle John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. But, he also promises that if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness. Trusting this promise, we confess our sins to God our Father.
 
Congregation: Merciful Father, we confess to you that we are sinful in both who we are and how we live. Instead of trusting your promises and obeying your will, we have lived to follow our own desires and seek the approval of people. We have not loved others as you have called us to do, but used them for our own personal gain. We deserve your just punishment. For the sake of Jesus Christ, who was born to die and rise for our salvation, have mercy upon us and forgive us our sins.
 
(Please take a moment of silence to confess your sins to God.)
 
Pastor: Almighty God, our Father, has graciously heard your cry for mercy. He sent his only begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin on the cross and save us from death. In this way, Jesus has forgiven you all your sins. Tonight, I stand before you to announce his grace to you and proclaim that you are forgiven for his sake! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
Congregation: Amen. His gospel is peace!
Service of the Word
Hymn 
Psalm 96
Pastor: Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Congregation: Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Pastor: For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. Congregation: For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Pastor: Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Congregation: Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Pastor: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Congregation: Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!
Pastor: Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."
Congregation: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
Pastor: let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD,
Congregation: for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Prayer of the Day  Heavenly Father, on this holy night, we come before you in awe and wonder, remembering the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, born for us in Bethlehem. In his birth, we see your power wrapped in humility, your greatness displayed through weakness. Though he came as a child, he reigns as our Savior and King, and we are grateful that through him, we belong to your family forever.
 
Lord, as we celebrate the miracle of Christmas, we ask that you calm our hearts and free us from the fear of others' opinions, the need to prove ourselves, and the pressures of this world. Remind us that in Christ, we are fully loved, fully accepted, fully provided for, and fully forgiven.
May this Christmas be a time filled with your peace and joy, knowing that the same Christ who came to earth will come again in glory to reign forever. In his precious name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings
 
+Verse+
What Child Is This? vs. 1
 
+Old Testament Reading+
Isaiah 9:2-7
Pastor: The Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God!    
 
+Verse+
What Child Is This? vs. 2
 
+Epistle Reading+
Titus 2:11-15
Pastor: The Word of the Lord.
          	Congregation: Thanks be to God!    
 
+Verse+
What Child Is This? vs. 3
 
+Gospel Reading+
      	Pastor: The Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew.
      	Congregation: Glory to you, O Lord.
 Matthew 1:18-25
Pastor: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Congregation: Praise to You, O Christ.
  Hymn
Sermon 
Hymn of Response
Creed
Offering 
Prayers of the Church 
Service of the Sacrament
(Please refer to your congregations standard liturgy)
Benediction (Isaiah 9:6)
Pastor: For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given;
Congregation: and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Pastor: The Almighty God, the Father, the +Son, and the Holy Spirit bless you with peace.
Congregation: His gospel is peace! Amen!
Closing Hymn

His Gospel Is Peace Christmas Day Service No Fear
Hymn (See our Suggested Hymn List provided in the 2024 Advent Project downloads if you would like suggestions)
Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
Opening Sentences (Colossians 1:15-20)
Pastor: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Congregation: For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.
Pastor: And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 
Congregation: And he is the head of the body, the church.
Pastor: He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 
Congregation: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 
Pastor: and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Congregation: His gospel is peace!
Confession and Absolution
Pastor: Let us confess our sins to God our Father: Congregation: Almighty and gracious Father, we have sinned against you and against each other. You have created us to live in peace, but we have rebelled against your will. You command us to love you with all of our heart, our mind, our soul, and our strength. We have not and we do not. You command us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We have not and we do not. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us and forgive us for all our sins.
 
(Take a moment of silence to confess your sins to God)
 
Pastor: Take heart, dear saints! Our God has heard your cry for mercy. He has sent his one and only Son in your flesh, and there Christ Jesus is pleased to dwell. He has reconciled you to God and made peace by the blood of his cross. Because of this, I can stand before you and announce today that all of your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
Congregation: Amen! His gospel is peace!
Service of the Word
Hymn 
Psalm 2:1-12
Pastor:  Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 
Congregation: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
Pastor:  "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." 
Congregation: He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 
Pastor: Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 
Congregation: "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." 
Pastor: I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 
Congregation: Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 
Pastor: You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 
Congregation: Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 
Pastor: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 
Congregation: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Prayer of the Day 
Heavenly Father, on this holy day, we rejoice in the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, who has come to rule not only the world but also our hearts. As we celebrate the gift of his presence, we confess that we often allow fear and worry to rule in us, rather than the peace he promises. We struggle to let go of our anxieties and doubts, and we fail to trust fully in the gift of peace you have given through Christ’s birth.
 
But today, Lord, we are reminded that your peace is real, present, and powerful. It is not fleeting or temporary like so much in our lives, but it is eternal and present, secured by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In him, our fears are silenced, and our hearts are stilled. Let the peace of Christ rule in every part of our lives, from our deepest struggles to our smallest concerns. May your peace be our guide, our strength, and our refuge.
 
Lord, as we gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas, help us to embrace the joy and wonder of this season. Let your love fill our homes, and your peace reign in our hearts. We thank you for the great gift of your Son, who has brought us life, light, and hope. In his precious and holy name, we pray, Amen.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 7:10-14
          	Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord.
          	Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Colossians 3:12-17
          	Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord.
          	Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Luke 2:1-14
          	Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
          	Congregation: Praise to you, O Christ.
Hymn
Sermon
Creed
Offering
Prayers of the Church
Service of the Sacrament
(Please refer to your congregations standard liturgy)
Benediction
Pastor: The peace of Christ, born to us this day, rule in your hearts and fill your lives with joy. As you go from this place, live as forgiven members of his body called to peace and unity and overflowing with thanksgiving. The love of the Savior who came to dwell among us guide your steps, calm your fears, and strengthen your faith. The blessing of God Almighty—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—be with you now and always.
Congregation: Amen
Closing Hymn