SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Epiphany Observed/Communion
January 2, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine! Your light has come!
Arise, shine! The glory of the Lord has appeared among us!
*HYMN #151 (Red) ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’
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.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign. [Refrain]
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God Most High. [Refrain]
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and Sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal God, by a star you led magi to the worship of your Son. Guide the nations of the earth by your light, that the whole world may see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The light of Christ shines in our lives, even in those corners where sin lurks.
Let us seek God’s forgiveness as we pray together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, wondrous star, light no darkness can overcome, drive out the sin in our hearts. Forgive us for turning from your way, for denying your truth, for resisting the life you would have us live. Refresh us and restore us. Focus us on the brilliant light of Jesus Christ that we may see him more clearly and follow him more nearly, this day and every day.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Grace, mercy, and love—these are the gifts God has given us in Jesus Christ. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA PATRI
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Saving God, source of our calling, your Word is full of power and glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may receive your grace and live as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening.
1 Samuel 3:9–10
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 60:1-6
1 Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5 Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 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.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘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.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. Mark 1:27
REFLECTION: ‘Outsiders Becoming Insiders’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN #156 (Red) ‘Sing of God Made Manifest (verse 1 only)
Sing of God made manifest
in a child robust and blest,
to whose home in Bethlehem
where a star had guided them,
magi came and gifts unbound,
signs mysterious and profound;
myrrh and frankincense and gold
grave and God and king foretold.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God, from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 8:4–6
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Purposeful Lord, we praise your wisdom and your insight in providing us the opportunity to give to your ministries through this local church during 2021. Through His birth and deeds, Jesus set us free from earthly limitations. Today, we joyously acknowledge that our spiritual blessings are evidence of your love for your children. May these generous gifts be applied according to your plan as we glorify your Holy Name. Amen.
Ephesians 1:3-14 David S. Bell
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, God of majesty and splendor.
By your power you created all that is, making a universe out of chaos, and ruling over all things in love. Throughout the ages you called your people to love and serve you, and to be your light among the nations. When we failed you, you did not fail us and sent prophets to call us back to your ways. We praise you that in the fullness of time, you revealed your love by sending your Son Jesus to be the Light of the world.
He came to heal our brokenness and to set before us the ways of justice and peace.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
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.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. He was born to dwell among us, full of grace and truth; in him we have seen your glory.
He lived for you, spoke your truth, and showed your love.
Lavished with gifts from the magi, he gave his life for others.
Baptized by John in the Jordan, he poured out his mercy for all.
Turning water into wine at a wedding, he transformed sorrow into joy.
In his death on the cross, he overcame death. Raising from the tomb, he raised us to eternal life, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
Words of institution
Remembering your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising as we await the day of his coming. With thanksgiving we offer our very selves to you a living and holy sacrifice, dedicated to your service.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, that we may be one with all who share this feast, united in ministry in every place. As this bread is Christ’s body for us, send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Illumine our hearts, O God, with the radiance of Christ’s presence, that our lives may show forth his love in this weary world. Send us to befriend the lost, to serve the poor, to reconcile our enemies and to love our neighbors. Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes in final victory and we shall feast with all your saints in the joy of your eternal realm.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give you thanks and praise, O God, that you have fed us with your mercy and poured out your Spirit in this place. Continue to nourish and fill us each day, that we may live as your beloved people; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #136 (Red) ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’
Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain,
over the hills, and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]
Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HELP NEEDED after our Epiphany worship today, Sunday 1/2/22, in taking down the Christmas decorations in the sanctuary. Many hands make light work. Thanks from the Worship Committee.
SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 9TH
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
CHALKING THE DOORS
An old Epiphany tradition involves using chalk to write the letters CMB and the numbers of the current year, separated by crosses (+), over the doors of congregations and Christian homes; 20 + C + M + B + 22 or CMB + 2022. The letters CMB are said to stand for the names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) or the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (Christ bless this house).
God of doors and homes,
bless this home this year and every year.
Bless all who come and go through this door,
both those who live here and those who visit.
May all who enter through this door
come in peace and bring joy.
May all who come to this door
find welcome and love.
May the love and joy in this home overflow
and spread into the community and the world.
And may Jesus the Christ watch over us all. Amen.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.
Epiphany Observed/Communion
January 2, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine! Your light has come!
Arise, shine! The glory of the Lord has appeared among us!
*HYMN #151 (Red) ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’
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.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign. [Refrain]
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God Most High. [Refrain]
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and Sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal God, by a star you led magi to the worship of your Son. Guide the nations of the earth by your light, that the whole world may see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The light of Christ shines in our lives, even in those corners where sin lurks.
Let us seek God’s forgiveness as we pray together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, wondrous star, light no darkness can overcome, drive out the sin in our hearts. Forgive us for turning from your way, for denying your truth, for resisting the life you would have us live. Refresh us and restore us. Focus us on the brilliant light of Jesus Christ that we may see him more clearly and follow him more nearly, this day and every day.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Grace, mercy, and love—these are the gifts God has given us in Jesus Christ. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA PATRI
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Saving God, source of our calling, your Word is full of power and glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may receive your grace and live as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening.
1 Samuel 3:9–10
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 60:1-6
1 Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5 Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 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.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘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.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. Mark 1:27
REFLECTION: ‘Outsiders Becoming Insiders’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN #156 (Red) ‘Sing of God Made Manifest (verse 1 only)
Sing of God made manifest
in a child robust and blest,
to whose home in Bethlehem
where a star had guided them,
magi came and gifts unbound,
signs mysterious and profound;
myrrh and frankincense and gold
grave and God and king foretold.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God, from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 8:4–6
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Purposeful Lord, we praise your wisdom and your insight in providing us the opportunity to give to your ministries through this local church during 2021. Through His birth and deeds, Jesus set us free from earthly limitations. Today, we joyously acknowledge that our spiritual blessings are evidence of your love for your children. May these generous gifts be applied according to your plan as we glorify your Holy Name. Amen.
Ephesians 1:3-14 David S. Bell
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, God of majesty and splendor.
By your power you created all that is, making a universe out of chaos, and ruling over all things in love. Throughout the ages you called your people to love and serve you, and to be your light among the nations. When we failed you, you did not fail us and sent prophets to call us back to your ways. We praise you that in the fullness of time, you revealed your love by sending your Son Jesus to be the Light of the world.
He came to heal our brokenness and to set before us the ways of justice and peace.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
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.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. He was born to dwell among us, full of grace and truth; in him we have seen your glory.
He lived for you, spoke your truth, and showed your love.
Lavished with gifts from the magi, he gave his life for others.
Baptized by John in the Jordan, he poured out his mercy for all.
Turning water into wine at a wedding, he transformed sorrow into joy.
In his death on the cross, he overcame death. Raising from the tomb, he raised us to eternal life, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
Words of institution
Remembering your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising as we await the day of his coming. With thanksgiving we offer our very selves to you a living and holy sacrifice, dedicated to your service.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, that we may be one with all who share this feast, united in ministry in every place. As this bread is Christ’s body for us, send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Illumine our hearts, O God, with the radiance of Christ’s presence, that our lives may show forth his love in this weary world. Send us to befriend the lost, to serve the poor, to reconcile our enemies and to love our neighbors. Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes in final victory and we shall feast with all your saints in the joy of your eternal realm.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give you thanks and praise, O God, that you have fed us with your mercy and poured out your Spirit in this place. Continue to nourish and fill us each day, that we may live as your beloved people; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #136 (Red) ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’
Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain,
over the hills, and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]
Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HELP NEEDED after our Epiphany worship today, Sunday 1/2/22, in taking down the Christmas decorations in the sanctuary. Many hands make light work. Thanks from the Worship Committee.
SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 9TH
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
CHALKING THE DOORS
An old Epiphany tradition involves using chalk to write the letters CMB and the numbers of the current year, separated by crosses (+), over the doors of congregations and Christian homes; 20 + C + M + B + 22 or CMB + 2022. The letters CMB are said to stand for the names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) or the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (Christ bless this house).
God of doors and homes,
bless this home this year and every year.
Bless all who come and go through this door,
both those who live here and those who visit.
May all who enter through this door
come in peace and bring joy.
May all who come to this door
find welcome and love.
May the love and joy in this home overflow
and spread into the community and the world.
And may Jesus the Christ watch over us all. Amen.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.