January 5, 2025
Prelude
John Bodinger
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 147]
Praise the Lord! Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord builds up broken cities; he gathers the outcasts, he lifts up the downtrodden.
He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Let us worship the LORD!
Down to Earth, as a Dove (Hymn 300)
Piae Cantiones/Kaan
Down to earth, as a dove, came to light holy love: Jesus Christ from above
Bringing great salvation meant for every nation.
Refrain:
Let us sing, sing, sing, dance and spring, spring, spring
Christ is here, ever near! Gloria in excelsis.
This is love come to light, now is fear put to flight. God defeats darkest night,
Giving for our sorrows hope of new tomorrows. (refrain)
Christ the Lord comes to feed hungry people in need; In the house there is bread:
Jesus in a stable, in the church a table. (refrain)
Confession
God of gathering, thank you for adopting us into your family. Forgive us when we create division rather than reconciliation. Help us remember that you take pleasure in all who receive you. Forgive us when our focus is too narrow and individual. Broaden our minds and hearts to welcome more of you into our lives. Draw us closer to one another as you gather all things in Christ, and help us live for the praise of your glory. Amen.
Silence
As with Gladness Men of Old (Hymn 63)
Kocher/Dix
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 Lord, 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.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
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,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
We Three Kings (Hymn 66)
Hopkins
We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
Refrain:
O- star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright;
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light!
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign. (refrain)
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies. (refrain)
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Tina Russell
Old Testament: Psalm 147:12-20
New Testament: Ephesians 1:3-14
Homily: The mystery of God’s Will
Scott Starbuck
Focus: The goal of our lives is not simply self-agency or mastery but even more surrender to and embrace of God’s will and being.
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Music
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
Shelly Owen
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
-Luke 2:52
Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love (Hymn 62)
Carmichael
Ever secure in His changelessness,
Though the kingdoms of earth may fall,
Bring we the gold of our faithfulness
To the King who is Lord of all.
Holy the Infant and holy the mother
and holy and precious the gifts that we bring;
Praise to the Father and praise to the Spirit
and praise to Christ Jesus our King.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude
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