(Image: “Visit of the Three Wise Men” JESUS MAFA, 1973, Cameroon)
©Order of Worship for Sunday January 7, 2024
Epiphany of the Lord
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The worship video will be available live at 11:00 am
Prelude: ….“When Morning Gilds the Skies”………….Greg D.
Words and Music: Jerry Sinclair, 1972 © 1972, 1978 Manna Music, Inc.
Call to Worship:…. “Emmanuel, Emmanuel”……………Choir
Words and Music: Bob McGee, 1976 © 1976, C. A. Music
Coming of the Light:…………………………………
Greeting:……………..……………………………Chris M.
Opening Prayer: …………………..……………Chris M.
God of Promise and light open our eyes this morning that we may see your light in the darkness. Open our hearts that we may perceive your promises of justice and righteousness fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem. May we, like the Magi, have a star to guide us on our journey to find the one who will truly set us free, that the good news of the birth of light and love will transform our lives. Amen
Opening Hymns:“The First Noel” #245 UMH
Traditional English carol; harmony from Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871
1. The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.
2. They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east, beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.
3. And by the light of that same star
three Wise Men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.
4. This star drew nigh to the northwest,
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.
5. Then entered in those Wise Men three,
full reverently upon the knee,
and offered there, in his presence,
gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.”
“We Three Kings” #254 UMH
Words and Music: John H. Hopkins, Jr. 1857
1. We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse
afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following
yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
2. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
3. Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising, worshiping God on high.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
4. Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering
gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone
cold tomb.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
5. Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Passing of the Peace:…………………………………..Freda B.
Gloria Patri:“Glory Be to the Father” #71 UMH
Words: Lesser Doxology, 3rd-4th century
Music: Henry W. Greatorex, 1851
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
Announcements:………………………………………….Lorri B.
Giving of our tithes and offerings ……………Lorri B.
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Offertory:….“Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem”………………Choir
Words and Music: Adger M. Pace & R. Rischer Boyce
© 1940 James D. Vaughan Music Publisher
Offertory Response:… “The Doxology” #94 UMH
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674 Music: Geistliche Kirchengesänge, 1623;
Adapt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God,
all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God the
source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Prayer After Receiving:………………………….Pastor Steven
Prayers of the People:……………………………Pastor Steven
Gospel Lesson:……….Matthew 2:1-12……Elizabeth B.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Hymn of Preparation: ..“Star Child” #2095 TFWS
Words: Shirley Erena Murray (Matt. 2:1-12) Music: Carlton R. Young
© 1994 Hope Publishing Co.
1. Star-Child earth child go between of God,
love Child, Christ Child, heaven’s lightning rod,
This year, this year, let the day arrive when
Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
2. Street child, beat child, no place left to go,
hurt child, used child, no one wants to know,
This year, this year, let the day arrive when
Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
3. Grown child, old child, memory full of years,
sad child, lost child, story told in tears,
This year, this year, let the day arrive when
Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
4. Spared child, spoiled child, having wanting more,
wise child, faith child, knowing joy in store,
This year, this year, let the day arrive when
Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
5. Hope for peace Child, God’s stupendous sign,
down to earth Child, Star of stars that shine,
This year, this year, let the day arrive when
Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Sermon:……..“Following Yonder Star”…………….Lusi R.
Holy Communion:………………………………………Pastor Steven
CONFESSION & PARDON
Pastor Steven: Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All pray in silence.
Pastor Steven: Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
All: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
All: Glory to God. Amen.
THE PEACE
Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.
All, including the pastor, exchange signs and words of God’s peace by crossing hands, wave to one another due to social distancing guidelines.
Pastor Steven: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Pastor Steven: Lift up your hearts. The pastor may lift hands and keep them raised.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Pastor Steven: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Pastor Steven: And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Pastor Steven: In union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
All: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pastor Steven: All honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever.
All: Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Communion Hymn:“What Feast of Love” #3170 W&S
Words: Delores Dufner Music: English melody, 16th cent.
Words © 1993 Delores Dufner, OSB admin. OCP
1. What feast of love is offered here, what banquet
come from heaven? What food of everlasting life,
what gracious gift is given? This, this is Christ the king,
the bread come down from heaven. Oh, taste and see
and sing! How sweet the manna given!
2. What light of truth is offered here, what covenant from
heaven? What hope of everlasting life, what wondrous
word is given? This, this is Christ the king, the sun come
down from heaven. Oh, see and hear and sing! The Word
of God is given!
3. What wine of love is offered here, what crimson drink
from heaven? What stream of everlasting life, what precious
blood is given? This, this is Christ the king, the sweetest
wine of heaven. Oh, taste and see and sing! The Son of
God is given!
Closing Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” 2173 TFWS
Words: Graham Kendrick (2 Cor. 46)
Music: Graham Kendrick; arr. By Jack Schrader, adapt.
© 1987 and this arr. ©1998 Make Way Music, admin. by Music Services in the Western Hemisphere
Refrain
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the
Father’s glory, blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on
fire; flow, river, flow, flood the nations with
grace and mercy, send forth your word, Lord,
And let there be light.
1. Lord, the light of your love is shining
in the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us,
set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.
2. Lord, I come to your awesome presence
from the shadows into your radiance;
by the blood I may enter your brightness,
search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
3. As we gaze on your kingly brightness,
so our faces display your likeness;
ever changing from glory to glory,
mirrored here may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Dismissal with Blessing:………………………………Pastor Steven
Postlude:………“Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem”……….Greg D.
Words and Music: Adger M. Pace & R. Rischer Boyce
© 1940 James D. Vaughan Music Publisher
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Sunday January 7th Worship Service