FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
January 7, 2024
PRELUDE How Brightly Beams the Morning Star, arr. Roger Wilson
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House
-PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet on Tuesday at 1:30 PM at the FPC Quilting Room
-MISSION/FINANCE will meet Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room (Jan. 4 start new study on Exodus)
-FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be held on Jan 14 following the worship service.
-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held on Jan. 21 following the worship service.
-WORSHIP COMMITTEE will be meeting after the Annual Congregational Meeting on Jan. 21.
CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Ephesians 2: 19-22)
We gather together in the name of Jesus Christ
We gather as members of God’s family,
We are a church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ himself is the chief cornerstone.
There are no outsiders here among us,
For we have been brought together by the redeeming love of Jesus.
Let’s join together in worship!
*OPENING HYMN #110 (Red) Love Has Come
Love has come: a light in the darkness!
Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it;
Hear how their song of joy arises:
Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!
Love! Love! Glory to God on high.
Love is born! Come, share in the wonder.
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of his mother;
What is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers.
Love! Love! Jesus, Emmanuel.
Love has come and never will leave us!
Love is life everlasting and free.
Love is Jesus within and among us.
Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.
Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.
Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Dear Lord, we are so grateful that we have found our home in Your church. We have been forever changed by the new identity You give us as forgiven and beloved children, and we are refreshed again and again as we dive deeper into Christian fellowship, Your Word, and prayer. But, Father, we confess that we are not so good about sharing this safe and loving home with others. You want for us to be overflowing with hope and peace, but we are too often consumed by the cares and distractions of this world. Forgive us, Lord. Give us clean hearts, a clear conscience, and a willingness to speak boldly about the forgiveness and love that You so freely give. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC 'Three Kings' Carol from Puerto Rico and Choir
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Acts 2:42–47 (Read Responsively)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Hebrews 10: 19-25
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
SERMON Resolution: Learn to be Christ’s Church
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Romans 12: 4-12 (Read responsively)
4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
ORDINATION and INSTALLATION: Joel Foster and Nancy Thompson, Elders, Class of 2026
INSTALLATION: Lee Peterson and Carrie Van Buren, Deacons, Class of 2026
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (From the Confession of 1967)
The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of mankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for men when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to men, moves them to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ. The new life takes shape in a community in which men know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no man has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace.
INVITATION TO OFFERING and PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*DOXOLOGY (on the screen)
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
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE
HYMN #525 (Red) Let us Break Bread Together (remain seated)
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF 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.
… Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with all the faithful of every time and place:
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.
… Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
…who taught us to pray:
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND BREAKING OF THE BREAD
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*CLOSING HYMN (bulletin) We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
We’ve a story to tell to the nations
That shall turn their hearts to the Lord,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light
Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright,
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth,
The kingdom of love and light.
We’ve a song to be sung to the nations
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword. [Refrain]
We’ve a message to give to the nations
That the Lord who reigneth above
Hath sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love. [Refrain]
We’ve a Savior to show to the nations
Who the path of sorrow hath trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God. [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Good Christians All, Rejoice; Mary McDonald
ORDER OF WORSHIP
January 7, 2024
PRELUDE How Brightly Beams the Morning Star, arr. Roger Wilson
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House
-PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet on Tuesday at 1:30 PM at the FPC Quilting Room
-MISSION/FINANCE will meet Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room (Jan. 4 start new study on Exodus)
-FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be held on Jan 14 following the worship service.
-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held on Jan. 21 following the worship service.
-WORSHIP COMMITTEE will be meeting after the Annual Congregational Meeting on Jan. 21.
CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Ephesians 2: 19-22)
We gather together in the name of Jesus Christ
We gather as members of God’s family,
We are a church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ himself is the chief cornerstone.
There are no outsiders here among us,
For we have been brought together by the redeeming love of Jesus.
Let’s join together in worship!
*OPENING HYMN #110 (Red) Love Has Come
Love has come: a light in the darkness!
Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it;
Hear how their song of joy arises:
Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!
Love! Love! Glory to God on high.
Love is born! Come, share in the wonder.
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of his mother;
What is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers.
Love! Love! Jesus, Emmanuel.
Love has come and never will leave us!
Love is life everlasting and free.
Love is Jesus within and among us.
Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.
Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.
Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Dear Lord, we are so grateful that we have found our home in Your church. We have been forever changed by the new identity You give us as forgiven and beloved children, and we are refreshed again and again as we dive deeper into Christian fellowship, Your Word, and prayer. But, Father, we confess that we are not so good about sharing this safe and loving home with others. You want for us to be overflowing with hope and peace, but we are too often consumed by the cares and distractions of this world. Forgive us, Lord. Give us clean hearts, a clear conscience, and a willingness to speak boldly about the forgiveness and love that You so freely give. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC 'Three Kings' Carol from Puerto Rico and Choir
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Acts 2:42–47 (Read Responsively)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Hebrews 10: 19-25
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
SERMON Resolution: Learn to be Christ’s Church
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Romans 12: 4-12 (Read responsively)
4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
ORDINATION and INSTALLATION: Joel Foster and Nancy Thompson, Elders, Class of 2026
INSTALLATION: Lee Peterson and Carrie Van Buren, Deacons, Class of 2026
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (From the Confession of 1967)
The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of mankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for men when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to men, moves them to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ. The new life takes shape in a community in which men know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no man has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace.
INVITATION TO OFFERING and PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*DOXOLOGY (on the screen)
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
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE
HYMN #525 (Red) Let us Break Bread Together (remain seated)
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF 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.
… Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with all the faithful of every time and place:
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.
… Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
…who taught us to pray:
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND BREAKING OF THE BREAD
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*CLOSING HYMN (bulletin) We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
We’ve a story to tell to the nations
That shall turn their hearts to the Lord,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light
Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright,
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth,
The kingdom of love and light.
We’ve a song to be sung to the nations
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword. [Refrain]
We’ve a message to give to the nations
That the Lord who reigneth above
Hath sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love. [Refrain]
We’ve a Savior to show to the nations
Who the path of sorrow hath trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God. [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Good Christians All, Rejoice; Mary McDonald