Service Recording: January 6, 2019
January 6, 2019 ~ 10:30am
Liturgists
The People of Peace Church
Karen Sheldon, ASL Interpreter
Ellyn Wiens, Lay Leader
Jim Pospisil, Music Director
Dr. Gary Boelhower, Guest Preacher
Nathan Holst, Faith Formation Minister
Prelude “Prayer Song” by Ron Deters
Jane Aas, Dave Winchester, Ron Deters, Ian Connell, John Erickson
Greeting One Another
Announcements
Ringing of the Peace Bells and Lighting of Candles
God is Revealed as We Gather
*Responsive Call to Worship by Gary Boelhower
Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of God shines upon you.
May we open our lives to the light of God’s presence,
may we let God’s light lure us into hope and justice.
Caravans of camels shall fill you, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of God.
May we open our lives to the riches of God’s presence,
to compassion and community.
Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of God shines upon you.
May we open our lives to the glory of God, to the gift of every breath, every heartbeat, every moment, every person.
*Opening Hymn “Arise, Your Light Is Come” (#164)
Unison Prayer of Confession
O Holy One, we are easily distracted. Rather than following your star, we are often attracted to the shiny objects and empty promises of our consumer culture. Rather than seeking your wisdom, we are drawn off-course by society’s understanding of success. Give us clear sight to follow your star and an open heart to use our gifts for the common good. Give us courage to seek your way of justice and truth.
Assurance of Pardon
Story for All Ages
God is Revealed in the Word
God’s Word in the Prophets: Isaiah 60:1–6
Anthem “Draw the Circle Wide”
God’s Word in the Gospel: Matthew 2:1–12
Sermon “Epiphany Upside Down” Dr. Gary Boelhower
Hymn “We Three Kings” (#39 P&W Songbook)
We Respond to God’s Presence
Sharing Our Prayer Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer by Nathan Holst, the Lord’s Prayer (with debts), Choral Amen
Sharing our Offerings
Offertory “Let it Shine On Me” by Nanci Griffith
*The Thanksgiving “We Give You But Your Own” (#785)
*Prayer of Dedication
Sharing Communion Together
Litany of Community
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Good and gracious God, your creation is relentless.
Just when we thought you were leaving us to our own devices, just when we thought that creation had been irreparably separated from you, you sent us your Son,
the Christ-child, to make his home in our arms. To Mary and Joseph, you blessed a child who would be the savior
of the world. Their blessing is our blessing and we are called to share it.
The star hovered in the heavens, guiding the wise ones in their journey. So, too, we ask that you guide us that we may see clearly the hope we have in you. We come from all walks of life and in our own way struggle to find your promise. Illuminate the way, Gracious God, that we might find you and follow you. And may we with all of creation, with people in every time and place join the everlasting chorus:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
We remember how, on that holy night, Mary and Joseph could find no place to stay, so they found a manger and made their bed with the animals of the stable. Through these marginalized people seeking refuge, you made your presence known to the world.
We remember how the wise ones gathered to worship the child who would redeem all of creation. Their gifts were brought to pay homage to the Child who would lead us in the paths of justice and hope. Therefore, we give you thanks for the gifts of this Table, not gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but bread and juice, the most common of elements.
We remember how this child would grow up and gather with his friends on the night he was betrayed. How he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: “take, eat, do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, he took the cup and, pouring it, said:
“this is the cup of salvation, shed in my blood, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.”
For as long as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the resurrection of our living savior until he comes again.
As we ponder with the wise ones we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give thanks for your gifts of grace and goodness as we begin a new year of faithfulness. May this meal of remembrance transform us into your servants, going out into the world to proclaim your resurrection in word and deed and to welcome all people to join the journey of peace.
Our vision is to be an accessible, open and affirming community growing in Christian faith, committed to peace and justice, and reaching out in healing love to all of creation, including all people, respecting and valuing the diversity of people’s sexual orientation, race, culture, gender identity, age, opinions, and physical and mental abilities.
Hymn of Preparation “As the Grains of Wheat” (#783)
Song During Communion “You Won’t Relent” by Misty Edwards
*Closing Hymn “Jesus, the Light of the World” (#160)
*Benediction
*Postlude “Ready for the Times to Get Better” by Crystal Gayle