January 7, 2024 - Epiphany
Order of Worship - Grace United Church
Worship led by Grace Choir, Grace Trio, Holy Berries, Lois Sonnega, & Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
INTROIT “One Star” Holly Belles
Words & Music: Sally K. Albrecht & Jay Althouse
WELCOME
CALLTO WORSHIP
Leader: In the brilliance of this sacred moment, we gather as seekers and believers.
Congregation: As the Magi followed the star, we, too, seek the Light of the World.
Leader: From the East to the West, the call resounds: "Arise, shine, for your light has come."
Congregation: We come, O Lord, with hearts open to the radiance of your revelation.
Leader: As we join in worship, let the echoes of the Magi's journey resonate within us.
Congregation: May our worship be an offering, a response to the glory unveiled in Christ.
Leader: Together, let us be drawn into the marvelous light of God's love.
Congregation: We come, expectant and ready, to encounter the presence of the newborn King.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*HYMN “As With Gladness Men of Old” VU #81
Words: William Chatterton Dix Music: Conrad Kocher
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”
Words & Music: Gladys Jack
*CHILDREN’S TIME “This Little Light of Mine” Meri-dian Ukuleles
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
This day, Wise and Loving God, we hold close to us our dreams for the future and hopes for each new day. Be with us as we confront our own pains and fears, our own uncertainties and challenges, the places in our lives where we need to heal and grow as we move into the year now before us. Receive now all the confessions of our hearts and lives:
(A time of silent prayer)
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
The magi received a message that transformed their lives. They followed a star, shared their gifts, and began a new journey into God’s future. We, too, have received this transforming message. God is our guide for the future that is spread out before each one of us. We need not fear the journey, as God goes with us. Thanks be to God.
Bill Steadman, Goulais River U.C., Goulais River, Ont.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
MATTHEW 2: 1 – 12
*PRESENTATION Grace Trio
SPECIAL MUSIC “We Three Swingin’ Kings”” The Holly Belles
Words: John F. Hopkins, Arranged by Larry Shackley
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Child Is This” (vs. 3 only) VU #74
Music: English melody, John Stainer Words: William Chatterton Dix
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “I Am the Light of the World” VU #87
Words & Music: Jim Strathdee
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
CHORAL BENEDICTION “Halle, Halle, Halle” VU #958
Words: Trad. Liturgical text Music: Anon, arr The Iona Community
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
STEWARDSHIP SECONDS
How can we be light in the world, shining in the shadows and offering our gifts to the world?