Service Recording: January 5, 2020
January 5, 2020 ~ 10:30am
Second Sunday after Christmas
Liturgists
The People of Peace Church
Gretchen Karstens, Lay Leader
Rev. Charlotte Frantz, Guest Preacher
Jim Pospisil, Music Director
Nathan Holst, Faith Formation Minister
Rev. Kathryn Nelson
Prelude “Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver
Ron Deters, John Erickson, Dave Winchester, Emily Hysjulien
Greeting One Another
Announcements
Ringing of the Peace Bells
God is Revealed as We Gather
The Story of the Magi: Matthew 2:1-12
*Responsive Call to Worship
Although the beckoning star no longer leads the way,
The vulnerable Christ child is still to be found.
Even if we do not kneel in awe as did those magi of old,
Still, our desire to worship can be as deep as theirs.
Though we do not bear gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh,
We offer ourselves and whatever we have.
*Opening Hymn “As with Gladness” (#159)
Responsive Prayer of Confession by Gary Boelhower
The magi set off on a journey of a thousand desert miles at the beckoning of a star.
When we are tempted to stay put, stay stuck, not risk too much, send, O God, your star to unfasten us from our fears.
The magi brought their gifts of curiosity, wonder, and praise.
When we are tempted to think our gifts are too small, send your spirit, O God, to help us see the precious gifts we have been given so that we might give them away.
The magi prostrated themselves and did homage to the Christ.
When we are tempted to fill every space with busyness and chatter, send your love, O God, to lure us into silence, prayer and gratitude.
Assurance of Pardon (adapted from Isaiah 63:7-9)
We retell the gracious deeds of the Lord and remember the praiseworthy acts of God.
The Lord has shown favor to us according to God’s mercy and the abundance of God’s love.
God has become our Savior.
It is no messenger or angel that saves us; God’s presence saves us.
In God’s love and God’s pity, the Lord redeems us.
God lifts us up and carries us all as in the days of old. Thanks be to God!
Story for All Ages “Christmas Menorahs” by Janice Cohn
God is Revealed in the Word
God’s Word in the Gospel: Matthew 2:13–21
Anthem “Coventry Carol”
Sermon “Be Like an Egyptian”
Hymn “Arise, Your Light Is Come” (#164)
We Respond to God’s Presence
Sharing Our Prayer Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (with debts) and Choral Amen
Sharing our Offerings
Offertory “Shine” by Tina Malia
*The Thanksgiving (Doxology)
To God, all glorious heavenly Light,
To Christ revealed in earthly night,
To God the Spirit now we raise
Our joyful songs of thankful praise.
*Prayer of Dedication
Sharing Communion Together
Music During Communion “Guiding Light” by Foy Vance
Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving
For this bread and cup, for the bonds of Christian community, for the promise that you, O God, Emmanuel, are always with us, we give you thanks. Strengthen us now for the challenge of caring for those whose lives are threatened by the powers of this world. Continue to dwell within us so that we might be your light so that others will see your love shining through us. Amen.
*Closing Hymn “I Am the Light of the World” (#584)
*Benediction and Postlude