SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Epiphany of Our Lord Observed/Communion
1-03-2021
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
We celebrate the Light of the world, for upon us has the Light shined.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
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 receive your promise fulfilled in the child of Bethlehem. May we, like the Magi, follow your star and seek the one who will truly set us free. May this time of worship bring us closer to you, that the good news of the birth of light and love will transform our lives. Amen.
“Hymn” One Small Child/We Three Kings Blenders (recorded)
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of light and darkness, we have seen the glimmer of your star beckoning to us, but we have turned away and followed other paths. We confess that we have not loved you with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, Holy One. Strengthen our faltering steps and guide in your holy way of peace and hope.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, as we turn to your Word for us, may the Spirit of God rest upon us. Help us to be steadfast in our hearing, in our speaking, in our believing, and in our living. Amen.
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.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
REFLECTION: “In the Beginning was the Word” Donna Flint, presiding
Celebration of Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12
1 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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
SPECIAL MUSIC “Out of the East” Richard Smith, soloist
Judy Smith, pianist
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
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nick, Suh & Finlay R; Rick & Bonnie S
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
…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.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
… Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
With all creation we sing your praise.
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.
… We pray as our Lord has taught us to pray,
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
These are the gifts of God for the people of God
Thanks be to God.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
HYMN “As with Gladness Men of Old”
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious God, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped,
To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure, and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way,
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services will be online via Zoom only during the months of January and February. There will be no in-sanctuary worship during those months per Session decision on December 30th.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume when worship services begin again in the sanctuary.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF SOUTH DAKOTA (PW) will hold a mini-retreat via Zoom on January 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Please check the January Blade for instructions how to receive the Zoom invitation.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting in the month of January.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for January!
Marlys M, Lisa B, Neal F, Joel F, Daniel M, Vivian L, Katy Y, Julie S, Malia G, Brock P, Art V
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
Arise, Shine for your Light is Come!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(Thanks to everyone who helped out 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! )
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
Epiphany of Our Lord Observed/Communion
1-03-2021
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
We celebrate the Light of the world, for upon us has the Light shined.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
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 receive your promise fulfilled in the child of Bethlehem. May we, like the Magi, follow your star and seek the one who will truly set us free. May this time of worship bring us closer to you, that the good news of the birth of light and love will transform our lives. Amen.
“Hymn” One Small Child/We Three Kings Blenders (recorded)
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of light and darkness, we have seen the glimmer of your star beckoning to us, but we have turned away and followed other paths. We confess that we have not loved you with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, Holy One. Strengthen our faltering steps and guide in your holy way of peace and hope.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, as we turn to your Word for us, may the Spirit of God rest upon us. Help us to be steadfast in our hearing, in our speaking, in our believing, and in our living. Amen.
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.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
REFLECTION: “In the Beginning was the Word” Donna Flint, presiding
Celebration of Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12
1 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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
SPECIAL MUSIC “Out of the East” Richard Smith, soloist
Judy Smith, pianist
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
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Dave (Rev. Norlita’s spouse)
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Anthony (Teri B’s son)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jeanne L’s pregnant relative
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Elizabeth (Kennedy’s mom in Cameroon)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nick, Suh & Finlay R; Rick & Bonnie S
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
- Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; First Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members.
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
- Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
…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.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
… Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
With all creation we sing your praise.
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.
… We pray as our Lord has taught us to pray,
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
These are the gifts of God for the people of God
Thanks be to God.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
HYMN “As with Gladness Men of Old”
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious God, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped,
To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure, and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way,
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services will be online via Zoom only during the months of January and February. There will be no in-sanctuary worship during those months per Session decision on December 30th.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume when worship services begin again in the sanctuary.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF SOUTH DAKOTA (PW) will hold a mini-retreat via Zoom on January 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Please check the January Blade for instructions how to receive the Zoom invitation.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting in the month of January.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for January!
Marlys M, Lisa B, Neal F, Joel F, Daniel M, Vivian L, Katy Y, Julie S, Malia G, Brock P, Art V
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
Arise, Shine for your Light is Come!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(Thanks to everyone who helped out 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! )
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.