A Service for the Lord's Day
Epiphany Sunday
* Indicates that those who are able may stand.
January 8, 2012, 11:00 A.M.
Bold type is spoken by the people.
A thought from Calvin: “The angel ordered Joseph to defend the child by flight and so Christ was subjected to the weakness of the flesh.”
VOLUNTARY We Three Kings Gail Hazard
Paul Thurmond, Organist
(Please sign and pass the registers)
*CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 72) Linda Wilson, Liturgist
Give justice and righteousness to your leaders, O Lord.
May your leaders defend the cause of the poor and deliver the needy.
Your righteous leaders hear the cries of the poor and those who have no help.
The lives of all your children are precious in your sight.
Your righteous leaders will have pity on the weak and redeem their lives.
And then the mountains and hills will yield their prosperity.
*OPENING HYMN NO. 62 Bring We the Frankincense of Our Love
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Great God of love and light, forgive us when we fail to recognize the mystery of your love. You call on us to forgive, but we hold grudges. Your Son blessed the poor, but we hold onto our possessions. You offer us peace, but we often choose to live in turmoil. In your mercy, forgive us and help us to see the light of your love. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we might truly live as your redeemed children. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
*RESPONSE: HYMN NO. 572 Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our God is righteous and just, forgiving the sins of all who repent.
God’s goodwill overflows to us in the baby of Bethlehem.
That child in a manger is also our crucified and risen Lord.
We are bold to ask your forgiveness and claim your mercy. Amen.
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.
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 60:1-6 (OT 649)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SOLO Amazing Grace Traditional
Emily McCormick, solo
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 2:1-20 (NT 1)
SERMON Moving On Rev. Pat Handlson
*HYMN OF AFFIRMATION NO. 63 As with Gladness, Men of Old
*GREETINGS (After an exchange of the Peace between the pastor and the congregation, we encourage you to greet one another. The Greetings will conclude with the first verse of
“Blest Be the Tie” {Hymn No. 438})
The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you. (A time of greeting)
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love:
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY How Brightly Shines the Morning Star Max Reger
*DOXOLOGY (p. 592)
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.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN NO. 68 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
*POSTLUDE Andante marcato Leon Boëllmann