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Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 January 6, 2008 10:30 a.m. Epiphany God is Still Speaking, |
A Time for Gathering
*Opening Hymn # 554 (Brown) There’s a Song in the Air
*Call to Worship
One: Have you seen the star? Have you heard the good news?
God, who created all things, has come to earth.
Many: We have heard of a baby born in Bethlehem.
We have seen evidence that God is with us.
One: Have you allowed God to reign in your life?
Have you laid your gifts before the Holy Child?
Many: We have noticed the generous travelers from the east.
They inspire in us a willingness to share.
One: God's call to us is for justice, beyond generosity.
Are you ready for God's eternal purpose in Christ?
Many: We have been afraid to trust God completely.
Yet we want to respond to God's dreams for us.
* Prayer: Arise upon us, holy God, and let your glory appear over us today. Come in the brightness of your dawn to bring light to all the nations of earth. Gather us together in such harmony that we may discern your will for us and be led in your ways. Amen.
Our Prayers of Confession
*Call to Confession: Amid the oppression and violence all too evident in the world around us, we are called to rid ourselves of resentment and hatred and misuse of power. Let us confess our sin.
*Prayer of Confession: Just and righteous God, you have blessed us with abundance we have not counted and riches we have not fully appreciated. Our gratitude is found wanting before you. Forgive us, God, for misplaced anger and callous disregard of ways we trample others. We seek redemption from oppression and violence to embrace new life in Christ. Amen
*Assurance of Pardon: God forgives us when we are truly penitent and know we have nowhere to turn but to the grace that Love provides.
*Gloria Patri (Brown Hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: The riches of our land far surpass the resources of the visitors from the east who came to worship the infant Jesus. As they
opened their treasure chests, may we open our wallets and our lives in
expressions of thanksgiving and commitment. This offering is an expression of our priorities.
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
Presentation of Our Talent – Choir
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: We bring our wealth as praise to you, God. All the riches of our abundance you have provided. The land has yielded prosperity for us so that even the poorest among us have something to give. Above all, we are thankful for your revelation in Jesus Christ that gives us good news to share. May this offering accomplish among us, and far beyond us, the mission you give to each one of your people. Amen
Chatting with Children of All Ages
A Time for Scripture and Consideration of God's Word
Scripture Reading:
Hebrew Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Hymn # 539 (Brown) We Three Kings of Orient Are
Sermon: God presence – without God mention
A Time for Prayer
Sharing our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
A Time for Communion
Hymn # 545 (Brown) Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Invitation to the Lord's Table and Communion Prayer
The Elements: The Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Commission and Blessing
*Hymn # 549 (Brown) Caroling, Caroling
One: Go forth in boldness and confidence.
God in Christ will meet our needs and give us voice.
Many: How exciting it is to proclaim God's praise.
Our hearts thrill and rejoice, and we are radiant.
Amen. Amen.
A Time to Depart
*Fellowship Circle Joy to the World!
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates Unison