Order of Worship
Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Focus: “Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, humanity in God, God in humanity, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body.” — Peter Chrysologus
Gathering Music: Noel (by Matt Redmen/Chris Tomlin)
-Michelle Currie
Welcome: Rev. Paula Norbert
Call To Worship:
L: O come, let us worship and consider what wondrous things God has done: The Magi who study the heavens follow a guiding star.
All: O come, let us worship and consider what wondrous things God has done: The people who live in the shadows see a glorious light!
L: O come, let us worship and consider what wondrous things God has done: the Child has come to share with us a message of great hope and love. Our God is with us, Emmanuel.
All: O come, let us worship, for God has done
wondrous things!
Opening Hymn: What Child Is This #145 vs. 1 & 3
Opening Prayer:
We have heard of your grace, Shaper of stars; from those set free from injustice; from our children who whisper of your joy; from greeters of dawn’s fresh start; from late risers
who listen to the stories of the needy. We have heard of your Light, Bright Star of the morning: which can illumine
the shadows of our lives; which can show the path to God’s heart; which can point the way to where we become servants of the gospel. We have heard of your promised peace, Wisdom’s Radiance: that peace which can end war, as well as heal our hearts; that peace which can conquer our fears, and flood us with faith; that peace which can enter our lives and overwhelm us with hope. We have heard of you, God in Community, Holy in One, and will proclaim your glory to all, even as we pray, saying, Our Father . . .
Lord’s Prayer
Scripture: Isaiah 51:1-3, 2Corinthians 1:3-4, Matthew 2: 2-4,7-12 -Bruce Fenlason
Music: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen -Michelle Currie
Refrain: Congregation
Oh tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Reflections: Comfort and Joy Rev. Dr. Nancy Bancroft
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Words of Invitation The Bread and The Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Communion Meditation Music: Michelle Currie
Musical call to Prayer: (two times) Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People
Silent Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Offertory: Song of the Magi (by Anais Mitchell) -Ada Goff
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Closing Hymn: The First Noel #147 vs. 1, 2 & 4
Benediction:
The Light of the Star, the light of God’s love, shines before you as you leave this place. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love to embrace a new year of hope and promise. Amen.
Postlude: Go In Peace
With thanks to our Musicians today, Michelle Currie and Ada Goff. Thank you to Nancy Bancroft for sharing our Reflection and to our Reader and Deacons.