Pastor. Author. Inspirational Speaker
Advent Worship Series:
A Gift for Us
A Gift for Us Advent Worship Series was used Advent 2021. This series focuses on Isaiah 9:6 - "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Each week of Advent focuses on one of the names for our Messiah: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We also used the song, "His Name is Wonderful," that highlighted each of these names for Jesus our Messiah. All the Worship Helps and Prayers are below and will be posted for others us use with permission. Email Pastor Laura: revlaurakelsey@gmail.com
Wonderful Counselor: Week 1
Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. We see this lived out because we know that our Messiah Jesus knows us completely and understands what type of counsel we truly need. We have many counselors but few have the wisdom This first week in the A Gift for Us Advent Worship series speaks to this. The liturgy is below.
Call to Worship - from Isaiah 2:2-5
In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Advent Prayer (Unison)
O Holy God, who sent Jesus the Messiah to us, hear our prayers and the petitions of our heart. May we embrace you as the Wonderful Counselor you are and follow your will and vision for our lives. Encourage us and we celebrate You and your most wonderful name. Amen.
SONG OF RESPONSE: His Name is Wonderful – by Chris Tomlin
† Call to Confession
Following our Savior Christ leads us in new directions and it is through God’s vision for us and the ability to listen to our Wonderful Counselor Christ Jesus that we can find the wholeness and happiness that Jesus brings. Yet so often we fall short in our journey and take wrong paths. We forget whose we are and what God has done to bring us together. When we falter, doubt and sin, God seeks to forgive us and realign us with God’s please. Therefore, let us pray together:
† Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Almighty God, you have given so much for us and we thank you for seeking us out and choosing relationship with your people. Help us Lord, to choose you and to follow your direction and plan. We ask you to counsel as we follow you and live into the Light of Christ. Amen.
† Silent Prayers
† Words of Assurance
Friends, Christ continues to show us the path to life. Believe in the new life brought to you because who what he did for us. Believe in the Wonderful Counselor that shows you your future in Christ’s fold. You are forgiven and given life anew through the glory of God.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, prepare our hearts to receive your Word and follow your path. Guide us as you counsel us toward your plan for us all. Inspire us today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
The Message: “A Gift for Us: Wonderful Counselor” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
Invitation to Give
Each day as we walk through life, we are given opportunities to follow our God. We are shown images of what Christ’s love can bring to our broken world. We believe in the Messiah and follow our Wonderful Counselor as we seek Christ out and engage with the world with fresh eyes. Today as we gather to praise God we also emerge changed and renewed. May these offerings we bring enhance our journey and bless others as the Almighty has already blessed us.
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† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, receive these offerings that we bring and bless us on our journey with you. May we rededicate our lives to you and may you, O God, renew each of us as we focus on your will and follow your Light. Amen.
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Prayer After Communion (Unison)
Gracious God who continues to give abundantly to God’s people, we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and the new life given to us all. May this Sacrament of which we received today reinvigorate each of us for service, mission and proclamation, that we may follow You and Your will. Amen.
WE LEAVE IN GOD’S NAME
† Hymn #106 GTG “Prepare the Way, O Zion” Bereden For Herran
† Hymn #105 GTG “People, Look East” Besancon
Anthem “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” Traditional
Offertory “Noel sur la Flutes” L. C. d’Aquin
During this Advent Series, A Gift for Us, our second seek focuses on Jesus - Our Mighty God. Through these Scriptures and this liturgy we highlight the Second Person in the Trinity, the Son of God, and how Mighty Jesus Christ is in our lives. This week we focus on this in the liturgy below:
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Call to Worship - from Psalm 62
For God alone, my soul waits in silence; from God comes my salvation.
Our God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
How long will you assail a person, will you batter your victim, all of you, as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence? Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence.
They take pleasure in falsehood; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.
My Mighty God is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Let us trust in God at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
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† Hymn #100 (GtoG) “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout” Star of the County Down
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Advent Prayer (Unison)
O Mighty God, you brought our Messiah into this world for us and have shown us your great power and majesty. We worship and honor you today and thank you for the abundant love you bring to our hearts. Guide us as we move through this month of waiting and toward the birth of the one who indeed has saved us. Amen.
Song of Response: “His Name is Wonderful” Chris Tomlin
† Call to Confession
Our Messiah Jesus is known to us in so many ways and we find him in our quest for relationship with the Divine and through our act of receiving and following the call set upon our lives by God. Through this quest we have gone off the paved roads of our journey and have climbed rocky mountains, descended into deep valleys and forged through the rapids of our own making. Today we seek to change our focus from ourselves to our Mighty God. We pray together, saying:
† Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Mighty and Everlasting God, we believe in your power and majesty; and we seek to respond to your call of discipleship with believing hearts. Help us today to lay aside all that weighs heavy and become the servant disciples you seek. When we fall from the way you intended for us go, encourage us and help us course-correct. When we become uncomfortable with the bumpy journey ahead, help us to find the horizon and let the seasickness pass. Keep us with our eyes set upon you, Jesus, our Lord. Forgive us when fall apart and need you to bring us back home. We thank you for not giving up on us and striving to bring healing to our hearts and our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
† Silent Prayers
† Words of Assurance
Friends, worshipping the Mighty God means risk-taking. It also means that God sees us and knows us. You allow us to respond in faith and ask forgiveness of all our sins and brokenness while striving to bring your love to the world. Know what it means to follow the King of kings and Lord or lords, for we are forgiven by the power of God.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, prepare our hearts to receive your Everlasting Word. Help us to experience your Living Hope as we understand more clearly the Mighty God we worship and serve. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:27-31
Scripture Reading: Psalm 147:1-20
The Message: “Great is our Lord, Abundant in Power” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - The Apostles’ Creed (Confessions, 2.01-2.03)
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
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Invitation to Give Friends, God has shown us that no matter where we go our Mighty God is with us. Today we give to the Lord these gifts, tithes and offerings. May God bless them and use them for the glory of God.
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† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless these offerings and guide their use. May the Lord encourage us as we trust in God and follow the path of Jesus. Amen.
Hymns: from Glory to God hymnal
† Hymn #92 (GTG) “While We are Waiting, Come” Waiting (Cason) SM
† Hymn #144 (GtoG) “In the Bleak Midwinter” Cranham
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Mighty God - Week 2
Everlasting Father - Week 3
Week 3 in our Advent Worship Series, A Gift for Us, focuses on our the Messiah being our Everlasting Father. We don't necessarily see Jesus in this way. That is why studying these names for Jesus is so important. However God is Everlasting. and Jesus is Everlasting. For the liturgy on this week's theme, please read below:
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Call to Worship - from Psalm 90:1-2, 11-17
Lord, you have been our refuge in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Lord, who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is a great as the fear that is due you.
Teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
Have compassion on us! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad as many days as we have been afflicted and as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands.
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Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Advent Prayer (Unison)
O Everlasting Father, we honor You this day for You sent our Messiah Jesus to us in order to save Your people. There are weeks like these when we realize the extent of Your saving work in our lives and how awesome You truly are. You created us, You lead us and You redeem us. Help us as we journey to the manger to reflect on all the love You poured into this world in Jesus and help us embrace Your Son who brings Your joy to the world. May we experience the joy of Jesus this year and may to mean more to us than ever before. Amen.
Song of Response: “His Name is Wonderful” Chris Tomlin
† Call to Confession
Our Almighty God has given us the greatest of gifts in the incarnation of our Messiah Jesus who bring joy to our world. Our Messiah whom we know as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace shows us hope, love, joy and peace. Today we reflect on our Everlasting Father who is with us always in Jesus, for he is Emmanuel – God with us. Help us to reflect this day on all that Christ has done for us and how important his saving act is for our salvation glory. Let us now pray together, saying:
† Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Everlasting Father, we thank you for being willing to come to us as a babe known as Jesus of Nazareth, born of Mary in Bethlehem. We are overcome this Advent by the brokenness of our world and the extent we need your saving. Sometimes it is hard to celebrate when the pain of the world is all around us. Yet your people had many obstacles upon them as they journeyed to unknown places, not knowing what was coming. The expectation was apprehensive and exhilarating. Help us to embrace your hope, your joy, and your love. Give us courage to keep following you, even when the world seems dark and to look toward your Light that shines through that darkness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
† Silent Prayers
† Words of Assurance
Here the Good News of the Gospel! Christ came into the world on Christmas. At first only a few knew who he is, but as time passed the world discovered that their Messiah has come. Our sins have been forgiven by our Savior and we receive new life because of him. Let us celebrate and experience the Joy Jesus brings.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, bless the reading of these Scriptures as they inspire us with your joy and hope. We look today toward our Everlasting God who created all this is, was and is to be. Give us courage to receive your Word with open and readied hearts. Amen.
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Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:29-3:2
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
The Message: “Our Everlasting God, the Creator of the Ends of the Earth” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - from The Scots Confession (Confessions, 3:04)
We constantly believe that God, after the fearful and horrible departure of man from his obedience, did seek Adam again, call upon him, rebuke and convict him of his sin, and in the end made unto him a most joyful promise, that “the seed of the woman should bruise the head of the serpent,” that is, that he should destroy the works of the devil. This promise was repeated and made clearer from time to time; it was embraced with joy, and most constantly received by all the faithful from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, and so onwards to the incarnation of Christ Jesus; all (we mean the believing fathers under the law) did see the joyful day of Christ Jesus, and did rejoice.
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Invitation to Give
Today as we gather to praise God for all that has been done for us, we are overcome by the blessings and gifts that God has bestowed upon God’s people. We are so encouraged today by our Everlasting Father and we are humbled in our hearts. Today we share of what God has given to us and ask our Lord to clarify our call and encourage us to follow the will of our Triune God.
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† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Everlasting God who created us, redeemed us and sustains us, receive these gifts, tithes and offerings and use them according to your will. Help us to listen to your voice and follow. As we do so, may we share your love and joy with our broken and hurting world, enlightening their hearts and their lives. Amen.
Hymns: from the Glory to God hymnal
† Hymn #96 (GtoG) “On Jordan’s Baptist’s Cry” Winchester New LM
† Hymn #108 (GtoG) “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Divinum Mysterium
† Hymn #366 (GtG) “Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling” All Love’s Excelling
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Prince of Peace - Week 4
Call to Worship - from Psalm 80
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might and come to save us!
Restore us, O God, let your face shine, that we may be saved.
O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure. You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts: let your face shine, that we may be saved.
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Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Advent Prayer (Unison)
O God of Peace, who brought to us our Lord Jesus, guide us as we seek to follow you. Remind us of what it means to be children of God and disciples of Christ. Prepare us to celebrate his coming this Christmas, O Wonderful Lord. Amen.
Song of Response #88 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” vv. 1, 6-7 Veni Emmanuel LM
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† Call to Confession
God has sent us the Messiah Jesus, Prince of Peace. In him we find the peace that makes no sense and through him we receive a Divine calm created by our Triune God. So often we neglect the call to peace and choose disruption in our spirits over this calm. Today, we ask forgiveness for all the times we chose aggression over peace and God’s guidance as we choose peace and wholeness today, for the sake of our Messiah. Let us pray.
† Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Everlasting God, you are greater than all that exists and we thank you for being mindful of us. Show us, Lord, the hope that you bring in the birth of your Son Jesus. Encourage us to focus on the forgiveness he brings to us all. May we live into your peace, strive to love and experience true joy and share your hope with the world. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
† Silent Prayers
† Words of Assurance Here the Good News of the Gospel: God’s great and awesome power is at work in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, lived with this brothers and sisters and then began his ministry, enacting God’s plan to save us. When God’s plan came to fruition, we understood the saving work of Christ. We were forgiven and freed. This freedom we celebrate today. Therefore, we thank God for what Christ has done.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, guide us as we hear your Word read and proclaimed, for through these Scriptures we will see your Prince of Peace more clearly. Ready us as we approach the manger and prepare to worship your Son our Messiah Jesus. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:16, 18
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
The Message: “Prince of Peace” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - from The Second Helvetic Confession (Confessions, 5.062)
Christ is True God. We further believe and teach that the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, was predestinated or foreordained from eternity by the Father to be the Savior of the world. And we believe that he was born, not only when he assumed flesh of the Virgin Mary, and not only before the foundation of the world was laid, but by the Father before all eternity in an inexpressible manner. For Isaiah said: “Who can tell his generation?” (Ch. 53:8). And John said in the Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,”…. (Ch. 1:1) Therefore, with respect to his divinity, the Son is coequal and consubstantial with the Father; true God (Phil. 2:11), not only in name or by adoption or by any merit, but in substance and nature, as the apostle John has often said: “This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). Paul also says: “He appointed the Son the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding all things by his word of power” (Heb. 1:2f). For in the Gospel the Lord himself said: “Father, You glorify me in Your own presence with the glory which I had with You before the world was made” (John 17:5). And in another place in the Gospel it is written: “The Jews sought all the more to kill him because he….called God his Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18).
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Invitation to Give
Friends, we are shown who Jesus is as our Prince of Peace and we are so thankful to have our Messiah come to save us. May these offerings we gather today be shared with those in need, help us guide others as they experience the hope of Christ and participate in the healing work of God. May these gifts given help us accomplish all these things for the sake of our Messiah Jesus.
† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, receive these gifts, tithes and offerings for the sake of Christ. Bless them and use them for the upbuilding of your kingdom and for work of freedom, unity, and peace. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.
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Hymns: from the Glory to God hymnal
† Hymn #135 “There’s a Star in the East” Follow
† Hymn #118 “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” Christmas
† Hymn #146 “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” Tempus Adust Floridum
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A Gift for Us - Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight
Call to Worship - from Psalm 97
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.
Zion hears and is glad, and the towns of Judah rejoice, because of your judgements, O God.
For you, O Lord are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
The Lord loves those who hate evil; he guards the lives of his faithful; he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
Opening Prayer
O Great God of all that is, was and is to come, we praise you as we celebrate together the birth of your Son, our Lord and Messiah, Jesus. This day is marked in history as a great day for humankind and for the Triune God. It is on this day that is commemorated on December 25th that we celebrate the Messiah’s entry into our world. We honor you, O God, and your great plan to save us. We come with believing hearts ready to worship you, Our Almighty God. Help us to believe even when we do not see and follow you even in times of trial and doubt. Encourage us this night as we covenant to be disciples of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
† Hymn #41 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Adeste Fideles
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Advent Prayer (Unison)
O Light of the Word, Our Messiah Jesus, we thank you for coming into the world for us. You save your people and never let us go. We look to you, O Messiah and believe in what you came to do and shall do for our sake. Guide us as we worship you, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. We believe, O Christ and testify that you are the Savior of the World. Amen.
† Response #124 “Still, Still, Still” Still, Still, Still
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Prayer of Illumination
O Heavenly Father, guide us as we hear these Holy Scriptures read and proclaimed this evening, for they tell us of your great love for us and remind us why you came to save us. Help us to receive your Word and believe the Gospel of hope you share with the world. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
† Hymn #38 “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” Carol CMD
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20
† Hymn #119 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Mendelssohn
Message: “A Gift for Us” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
Anthem “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” Traditional
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The Presentation of Offerings - Invitation to Give
God sent us the greatest gift of all: Jesus. Tonight we celebrate the one who has saved us all and given us life eternal. Some years it feels more real and the grit of human life has been felt this year. Yet, we have also seen the love shared, the hope revealed and the joy that comes from living free. Let us with joy in our hearts give to the Lord.
Offertory “Angels from the Realms of Glory” Regent Square
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† Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication (with Joy Offering Dedication)
O Everlasting Father, these offerings collected and we ourselves now in these moments are dedicated to you. Bless them and us as we work for your glory and follow the path of our Messiah. Guide us in your way and use all that we have and all that we are fore your purpose and plan. Amen.
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
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† Hymn #60 “Silent Night” Stille Nacht
† Passing of the Light
† Hymn #40 “Joy to the World!” Antioch CM
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† Charge and Benediction Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
† Music for Going Forth “Love Came Down At Christmas” Lyndon Salathiel
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas!”
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The Promised One Has Come - First Sunday of Christmas
Passing of the Peace
Christ has been born.
He has been born indeed.
The peace of our Messiah be with you.
And also with you.
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Call to Worship -from Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Opening Prayer
O Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus, born to us on that holy night in Bethlehem. We have received that awaited salvation because of your everlasting love. We are hopeful. We are joyful. We are full of your love and at peace. We worship you this day and celebrate what our God has done. Amen.
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† Call to Confession
Our Lord Jesus, born in Bethlehem, came to save us. He came because we needed him to come. We needed saving. So often we choose what is easy over following the will and ways of God. Today we confess our part in needing the saving of Christ and we thank God for what has been done for each and every one of us. Let us pray.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O God of New Life and our Salvation Hope, you have given us all that we need to live well and follow your Light. Guide us as we seek to be good disciples for you. Forgive us when we fail to follow, when we sin and go the wrong way and when we chose death over life. Today we covenant with you, O God, to choose life over death, and hope over despair. Heal us and return us to you will for the sake of Christ Jesus. Amen.
† Silent Prayers
† Words of Assurance Hear the Good News! God has prevailed. Our sins are forgiven and our new life in Christ is real. Let us celebrate what Christ has done.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
Lord, open our eyes and our hearts to receive your Word for us. Illumine us with your love. In the name of our Messiah Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-7
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18
The Message: “The Promise has Come” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
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†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - from The Apostles’ Creed (Confessions, 2.1-2.3)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
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Invitation to Give
Today we celebrate the work of God in our lives. May this be a special day as we continue to honor the one who came for us, died for us and rose for us, bringing to us Life Eternal. We now give to the Lord as the Lord has given already everything and more. May these offerings given today celebrate the greatness and power of God.
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† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless these offerings and use them for your purpose. We are your people and we seek to honor you and work with you, Our God, for your glory. Thank you for what you have done for us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
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Hymns: from Glory to God
† Hymn #132 “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” In Dulci Jubilo
† Hymn #115 “Away in the Manger” Mueller
† Hymn #139 “The Boy-Child of Mary” Blantyre
† Hymn #145 “What Child Is This” Greensleeves
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Celebration of Epiphany - Second Sunday after Christmas
Call to Worship - from Isaiah 60:1-7
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your down.
Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant’ your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you , the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
All the flocks of the Kedar shall be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall be acceptable on my alter, and I will glorify my glorious house.
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Opening Prayer
O Holy God, we celebrate the birth of your Son our Lord Jesus. We recognize the Magi who came to visit and worship the Son of God, Savior of the World. Today is a special day as we honor the extent God has gone for us. May this time of worship illumine us all and reconfirm in us who we are as children of God and disciples of Christ. Amen.
† Call to Confession
As we begin this new year together, we enter it with hearts that are poised to follow our Messiah Jesus. We are expectant and ready to follow the star with the magi and worship the Savior of the world. However, many things can get in the way of our calling and our self destructive tendencies and direct us away from following the Divine Source, our Almighty God. Let us know allow our hearts to be set right and our souls to follow the one who saves us all, forgiving all of our sins and giving us life eternal. Let us pray.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Amazing, Almighty and Ever-Present God, you have gone all the way to death for us and through your resurrection given us eternal life: we praise You. Help us to have the courage to seek you, follow your direction and live into your light. Call us forward and help seek single-minded focus as we follow you. Forgive us our sins and show us your light. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
† Silent Prayers
† Words of Assurance Hear the Good News of Jesus Christ: through the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus we have been forgiven, freed, healed and given new life.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, illumine our path and guide us as we follow you. May these Holy Scriptures instruct us on our journey of faith and encourage us as we seek your hope. In our Messiah’s name we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-23 Pew Bible NT p.
The Message: “Following the Light” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - The Nicene Creed (Confessions, 1.1-1.3)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Invitation to Give
Friends, believing in Jesus and following our God is the most sacred of things we can do. We are honored to have this opportunity to worship and praise Him, to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and to serve only our Triune God. Today we offer these gifts for God’s glory and use. May we be better people because of God’s forgiven, glory and love. Let us give to the Lord.
† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless these gifts given and these lives who shared freely with others for your sake and encourage us to live by your tenants and follow your way. May we continue to live into your glory, for Christ’s sake. Amen
Hymns:
† Hymn #152 “What Star Is This with Beams So Bright”
Hymn of Reflection #149 . “All Hail to God’s Anointed” Rockport
† Hymn #151 “We Three Kings of Orient Are”
† Hymn #150 “As with Gladness Men of Old”
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