Wherever you are, whoever you are, Join us in our Journey!
WE GATHER TO PRAISE GOD
TO PONDER:
As the snow continues to pile up all around us, we can be lulled into a
kind of lethargy. God is calling us to lift
our sights to what is ahead of us in this New Year.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
HYMN:
"I Have Called You by Your Name" M.V. 161
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
In the semi darkness of the Temple at Shiloh the light burned low.
We cannot illumine God's presence.
God will come without warning into our world.
Come, O God of Epiphany and shine into our lives.
A PRAYER FOR DISCIPLESHIP
V.U. 564
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
They followed the light of a Star.
It led them to a crude stable and a lowly manger.
We light the candle that gives light to our world.
A PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We forget at our peril that God sees all and knows all. God knows us
completely. Try as we might we cannot hide from God. We have broken
many promises and neglected many duties. God's love and power can
change us from the ground up. God is able to uncover the good that is
in us and work toward making us whole again. This we know through the
grace of a loving God. AMEN
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God has sent Jesus into our world with a message of hope. It doesn't matter
that we have failed and can no longer live in our brokenness. We have been
forgiven and can live again in the freedom God has promised.
RESPONSE: V.U. 400
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace
PASTORAL PRAYER RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION
HYMN: "
I, the Lord of sea and sky" V.U. 509
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERTORY RESPONSE:
For food in a world where many walk in hunger, for friends in a world where
many walk alone, for faith in a world where many walk in fear, we give you
thanks, O God. V.U. 552
OFFERTORY PRAYER: We come before Your altar, O God, and in the presence
of all Your people to declare that Jesus is the greatest gift of all.
For it is through his servanthood and ministry among us that we can
offer up ourselves and these gifts. AMEN