- GATHER -
Prelude
Welcome
Announcements
The Passing of the Peace
Call to Worship
L: Let your praise of God sound to the heavens!
P: We shout the good news of God’s mighty love!
L: Let all the stars, the sun, and the moon sing praise to God!
P: The Universe that God created sings its praise!
L: Praise the Lord!
P: Hallelujah! AMEN.
Opening Hymn: #230 "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
OPENING PRAYER
God of hope and light, your good news has been emblazoned across the skies, the great starry night of Jesus’ birth, sung by angels, celebrated by shepherds, and witnessed by animals.
You have given us a new chance, a reminder of your continual love for us.
Be with us in this worship, we pray.
Guide our thoughts, our lives, and our spirits.
Heal and restore us, for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
-TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD -
All God's Children
Scripture Lesson
Matthew 2:1-12
New International Version
The Magi Visit the Messiah
Hymn of Preparation
#254 “We Three Kings” (1,2, & 3)
Sermon - Pastor Kelly Karges
“The Star of Bethlehem”
Call to Prayer:
#2128 (Vs. 1) "Come and Find the Quiet Center"
Prayers of the People, Joys & Concerns:
Lord hear our prayers
Lord's Prayer #895
Prayer of Confession: (Unison)
We come to you this day, gracious Lord, exhausted from all the activities of the season.
It seems that we spend so much energy, time, and resources in preparation, and then when it is over, we collapse.
We wonder what happened to all the enthusiasm we had.
Lord, forgive us for placing our energies in getting and gathering.
Give us peace and strength to renew our commitment to you.
Remind us again to look around at the many ways in which we can be of service to you by serving others.
Help us move forward in our compassion and not collapse in our witness.
Heal us, merciful Lord, for we ask this in Jesus’ Name.
AMEN.
Words of Assurance:
Though the world swirls around you and exhaustion threatens to overtake you,
rest your spirits in the great God of all creation who is with you now and forever!
God will give you strength and restore your spirits.
AMEN.
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY #94
Prayer of Dedication: (UNISON)
God of light and promise, we bring our gifts to further your work in a dark world.
May they bring your light to those who are overwhelmed by darkness, pain, and loneliness.
Accept these gifts of money and time.
May they shine for all to see and be brought into the sphere of your love and righteousness.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen
- FORTH TO SERVE -
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Closing Hymn
#254 “We Three Kings” (1,4, & 5)
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
