ORDER OF WORSHIP – January 17, 2021
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WORDS OF WELCOME
GATHERING SENTENCES (FROM PSALM 139)
You search us and know us, O Lord. You know when we sit and when we rise up.
Our thoughts and ways are known to God.
Where can we escape from your Spirit, or flee from your presence?
Search us, Gracious God. Know us completely and lead us in the way everlasting.
Unto the One who calls us to walk in truth and love, be glory and honor, now and forever.
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN read by The Rev. Dr. Arvid Whitmore
God of grace: you see into each of us and know us. From you no thought can be hidden. Forgive us when we ignore your call or fail to respond to your gracious invitations. Set us free from attitudes, convictions and allegiances that are contrary to the divine light and love revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. Give us ears that listen for your voice and hearts determined to follow your lead. We make this confession in the name and saving power of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON: I Samuel 3:1-10
HYMN
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON: John 1:43-51
SERMON: “Your Response Is Needed” by The Rev. Dr. James Butler
“Philip said to Nathaniel, ‘Come and see!’”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BLESSING
DEPARTING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – January 10, 2021
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WORDS OF WELCOME
GATHERING SENTENCES (ROMANS 6:1-5) read by Jan Soeder
In the water of the Jordan, Jesus was baptized by John.
Jesus saw the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descending on him like a dove.
When we were baptized into Christ, we were buried in his death.
Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God, so we too can walk in newness of life.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
God of grace: Although we have been baptized into Christ Jesus, and welcomed into your household of faith, we are still human beings who make bad choices, hurt others, and champion causes and people set against your will. For this, we ask your forgiveness, and for clear minds that see the truth and seek what is good. Help us to live as those who have been baptized into Christ’s resurrection life of joy, peace, and freedom. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON: Acts 19:1-10
HYMN
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON: Mark 1:4-11
SERMON: “Into What Are We Baptized?” by The Rev. Dr. James Butler
“John baptized for repentance, telling the people to trust in the one who was to come…”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BLESSING
DEPARTING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – January 3, 2021
Online Communion: The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly (PCUSA) has granted permission for congregations to celebrate Holy Communion online while the current public health restrictions on large gatherings are in place. If you would like to participate in the communion, please prepare in advance your own form of bread and cup.
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WORDS OF WELCOME
GATHERING SENTENCES (JOHN 8:12 AND TITUS 2:11) read by Elianna Gorman:
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
The grace of God dawned upon the world bringing healing for the human race.
Alleluia! Amen.
UNISON PRAYER FOR EPIPHANY SUNDAY
God of grace: By a bright star, magi from the East were led to worship the Christ Child bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. May Christ’s eternal brightness illumine our lives and welcome all the nations to walk together in the light of the one true God. Help us in this new year to give to the world our gifts of service, compassion, and loving kindness. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who poured divine grace upon the world. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore the cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and baptize us once again with your Spirit, that, forgiven and renewed, we may show forth your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 2:1-12
HYMN
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 2:13-23
SERMON: “Reading the Gospels Backwards” by the Rev. Dr. Cinda Gorman
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercessions of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they 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
Communion of the People in Their Homes
PRAYER
CHARGE AND BLESSING
DEPARTING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – December 27, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
GATHERING SENTENCES (LUKE 2:14, JOHN 1:5, 14-16)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth.
From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.
UNISON PRAYER OF ADORATION read by Kathy Sands
Eternal God, a thousand years in your sight are like a watch in the night. As you have led us in days past, so guide us now as a new year unfolds. May our hearts learn to choose your will and delight to do it. And may every new resolve be strengthened through the Divine Light that shines in every dark and uncertain place. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON: Galatians 4:4-7
HYMN
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON: Luke 2:22-40
SERMON: “How to Prepare So that the Time Becomes ‘Full’” by The Rev. Dr. James Butler
“Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the Temple…”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BLESSING
DEPARTING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – December 24, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
GATHERING SENTENCES (LUKE 2:14, JOHN 1:5, 14-16) read by Sara Lindberg
Behold! I bring you good news of great joy: To us a savior was born in the city of David who is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth!
The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth.
Come, let us adore him.
UNISON PRAYER OF ADORATION
Eternal God of Limitless Grace: just as you came on a holy night when all was still, so come among us this night, that it too will be holy. As the scriptures are read and proclaimed, give us such love and wonder, that with shepherds and magi and pilgrims unknown, we too may adore the Christ Child and with our gifts worship and serve only you. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON: Luke 1:26-38
MUSIC: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON: Luke 2:1-7
MUSIC: “In the Bleak Midwinter”
THIRD SCRIPTURE LESSON: Luke 2:8-20
SERMON: “Christmas 101: Become Sufficiently Awed” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“The glory of the Lord shone around them and they were in awe.”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot put it out.”
MUSIC: “Silent Night”
CHARGE AND BLESSING
DEPARTING MUSIC: “Joy to the World!”
ORDER OF WORSHIP – December 20, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
LIGHTING OF THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE: “LOVE”
This week we light the candle of love. Christmas is a time to be with those we love, but for those who cannot, let us remember that the love of Jesus came into the world to be with us. Let us pray:
Lord, help us know your love within our hearts or when we see it in the faces of others this Christmas. Amen.
OPENING AFFIRMATIONS OF PRAISE (MARY’S “MAGNIFICAT” FROM MATTHEW 1:46-49)
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For God has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on, the generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name. Alleluia, amen.
UNISON CONFESSION
These have been difficult days, O God. The joy of the holiday, for many, has been replaced with fear, loneliness, and uncertainty. We do not always open our hearts to others. We forget that you are with us. We forget to trust you. Open our hearts in this moment so that we see where we have failed to rely on you and continue to reach out and love others. Forgive us, heal us, and make us whole. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Isaiah 9:6
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: “Well, That Was Different”
BLESSING OF THE PEOPLE
DEPARTING MUSIC