New Year's Day
Epiphany Sunday
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND
FUNNY STORY
Pastor Bob Stewart
CENTERING WORDS (Isaiah 60)
CALL TO WORSHIP (Matthew 2)
Pastor Bob Stewart
Let us prepare to encounter the living God, revealed in Jesus, who
is the light in the midst of any darkness, and the hope in the midst of any struggle. Let us prepare to hear anew the ancient story of light in
the sky – a light so bright that those who followed clearly found their way. And let us prepare, as the wise men did so long ago, to find that encountering Jesus can change our plans and send us in a new direction. Let us worship God together!
GATHERING HYMN
We Three Kings vs 1-4
UMC Hymnal #254
OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
Sharon Stewart
God of promise and light, open our eyes this morning, that we might see your light in the darkness. Open our hearts, that we may perceive your promises of justice and righteousness – promises fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem.
May we, like the magi, have a star to guide us on our journey quest to find 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 may transform our lives. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION for PRAYER
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing vs 1
UMC Hymnal #240
PASTORAL PRAYER
Pastor Bob Stewart
HYMN: The First Noel
UMC Hymnal #245
We Attend to the Word
GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 2: 1-12
MEDITATION Pastor Bob Stewart
I Have Seen the Light
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Pastor Bob Stewart
We have seen the light of the world.
We have been called to follow the star of promise.
Like the magi before us,
Let us bring our gifts to honor the Christ child;
Let us bring God’s light to all the dark places in our community
and in our world.
Give as you are called and as you are able.
OFFERTORY
The Wise Men's Journey by Garth Brooks
DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal #94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING (Luke 21)
(Unison) Pastor Bob Stewart
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 – the gifts of our very selves.
May they shine for all to see and be brought into the sphere of your love and righteousness.
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
HYMN: Shine, Jesus, Shine
TFWS #2173
GREAT THANKSGIVING
COME TO THE TABLE OF LIGHT – HOLY COMMUNION
THE LORD'S PRAYER
BENEDICTION (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
Pastor Bob Stewart with Response from Congregation
Arise, and go forth to shine for all the world to see.
We go to spread the good news of light and love, the hope of
righteousness and justice.
Follow the star that will guide you on your journey – this week, this year, and forevermore.
We go forth, as the magi of old, transformed by the
presence of the child of light.
May the blessing of the God of light rest upon you and
fill you with light.
AMEN!
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
DEPART IN PEACE
SHALOM!
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2022.