WE PREPARE TO WORSHIP GOD
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
--Tony Robbins
PRELUDE
WELCOME
INTROIT
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively, from Isaiah 60:1-6)
Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun!
The glory of the Lord is shining on you!
Other nations will be covered with darkness but on you the light of the Lord will shine.
The brightness of God’s presence will be with you.
Look around you and see what’s happening.
Your people are gathering to come home.
*HYMN: #133 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Glory to God Hymnal
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
God of Glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and our pride mask the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor. We ignore cries for justice. We do not strive for peace. In your great mercy, cleanse us of our sin and baptize us with your Spirit. Thus renewed for your service, send us out into the world to share your light with all we meet. In the name of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, we pray…
Silent prayers of confession
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE
Galatians 4:4-7 (p. 1420)
Matthew 2:1-12 (p. 1170)
SERMON: “Part of the Gift”
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN: #150 “As with Gladness Men of Old” Glory to God Hymnal
AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (in unison)
Christ calls the church into being, giving it all that is necessary for its mission to the world, for its building up, and for its service to God. Christ is present with the church both in Spirit and in Word. It belongs to Christ alone to rule, to teach, to call, and to use the church as he wills, exercising his authority by the ministry of women and men for the establishment and extension of his kingdom. (from “The Book of Order, G-1.011b)
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD'S PRAYER, 3-FOLD AMEN
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory Meditation
*DOXOLOGY (#609)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (in unison)
Gracious and Loving God, everything we have to offer is a gift. Bless and approve our offering. Let it stand as a sign to us and to the whole world of your constant willingness to shower us with everything we need. Amen.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
The invitation to the table
The Great Thanksgiving
The words of institution
We receive the bread and the cup
The prayer after Communion
WE RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSING
*CLOSING HYMN: #295 “Go to the World!” Glory to God Hymnal
*BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION: #583 God Be With You”
God be with you till we meet again; By his counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.
*POSTLUDE: Let us go out into the world rejoicing. May Christ’s warm welcome shine from our hearts and Christ’s own peace prevail through this and every day, till greater life shall call. Amen.
*Those who are able may stand
Children are especially important to this congregation. We don’t mind their minor disruptions and movements. If your child becomes more active than is comfortable for you or those around you, we have a nursery located in the lower level where the worship service can still be heard.
First Presbyterian Church
105 S. Main Street, Pardeeville, WI 53954
Commissioned Ruling Elder: Pastor McGinley
Church Office: (608) 429-2646
Website: fpcpardeeville.org
Worship Service: 10:00 a.m.
January 6, 2019
