Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

God of all time, we praise and adore you for breaking into the darkness of this world with the glorious light of your presence.  A light which made your love for the world visible in the babe born in Bethlehem: Jesus Christ, your Son, our Saviour.  A light which guided those gift-bearing travelers from afar to find and worship the Christ-child.  A light which leads us to you, now revealed in Jesus Christ.  We pray that you will accept our worshipfor it arises from hearts and minds in awe over the enormity of your gift to us of pure love. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen

Welcome

Introit  

Response Hymn 113

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Response Hymn 137

He came down that we may have love.  

He came down that we may have love.  

He came down that we may have love.  

Halleluia, forevermore!

Call To Worship 1

ONE: O come, let us worship the Lord and consider what wondrous things God has done:

ALL: The Magi who study the heavens follow a guiding star!

ONE: O come, let us worship the Lord and consider what wondrous things God has done:

ALL: The peoples who live in the shadows see a glorious light!

ONE: O come, let us worship the Lord and consider what wondrous things God has done:

ALL: The Christ who embodies the Word unveils the hidden plan, making us joint heirs of the promise of salvation through the gospel!

ONE: O come, let us worship the Lord,

ALL: for God has done wondrous things!

Hymn 143     Angels, from the Realms of Glory

Prayer of Confession

Most holy and most loving God, we admit to you and to each other, that we are creatures who either through foolishness or wilfulness often choose darkness instead of light.

Here and now we surrender to you our fears and proud opinions, our short-sighted folly and our pompous wisdom, our deep seated sins and our apathy towards change and renewal.

Please forgive the darkness and pain we have inflicted on others, and restore the light-starved hopes and ideals within our own souls. Trusting your grace, we earnestly pray: “Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.” Through Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen!

Response Hymn 89 (sing twice)

For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits;

truly my hope is in you

For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits;

truly my hope is in you

Assurance of Forgiveness 2

ONE: My friends, Epiphany is good news!  The Light comes not to sear and blind us but to save us.  Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners.  In his name I declare to you: Yours sins are forgiven!

ALL: Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6  Matthew 2:1-12

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     Green Groweth the Holly   Traditional carol

Sermon   "Epiphany" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 156   Sing of God Made Manifest

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 3

Loving God,

We offer you our gold:

The morning on the wing

The glow on the faces of children at play

The shining moments that brighten our lives.

We offer you our frankincense:

The quiet reassurance of familiar things

The grace of care and friendship

The blessing of bread and our heart's yearning in prayer.

We offer you our myrrh:

The ashes of our dreams

The bitter taste of our failures

The shadows through which we stumble.

Transform our inadequate gifts,

that they may be an acceptable sacrifice of praise,

and transform our lives

to reflect more deeply your justice and joy

In the life of the world.  Amen

Sacrament of Holy Communion 1

Welcome to the delight that is this table.  Our Lord's table.  Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity.  We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood.  Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.  

“This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him.  Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected.  Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

Preparation of the Table

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, You are the source of all life, creating and sustaining every living thing.

You are the source of all food, material and spiritual, nourishing us in both body and soul.

You are the light that goes before us, shining into the darkness.

May we be filled with your breath nourished by your food renewed by your living water and sustained by your love.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 681     This is the day the Lord hath made

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude  

Announcements

1  Moira Laidlaw Liturgies on Line  Visit that site for many other excellent worship resources

2 The Visit of the Magi—Epiphany Sunday

3  Bruce Prewer Visit that site for many other excellent resources for worship.

Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, to the world around us. Show us what we should see but from which we hide our eyes. Show us how people live in this world and the reality of their days. Give us courage to do what you ask and to 'Come and see'.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, to the shape of your Kingdom. Show us what life could be like if only we could see in wisdom. Show us what we could do to change things forever with you. Give us courage to have a vision and to 'Come and see'.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, to the people all around us. Show us what we should see, but what we fail to notice.

Show us what people are saying to us and what they long for. Give us courage to be where you are and to 'Come and see'.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit  

Call To Worship 2

ONE:  O God, you called us by name to come, and we respond with delight and gladness

ALL: In joyful obedience, we come to worship our God.

ONE:  Rising out of the depths of despair, we gratefully gather for worship.

ALL: In joyful hope, we come to worship our loving God.

ONE: Our God had given us a new song of praise to sing to our Awesome God!

ALL: In joyful trust, we come to worship our God. Amen.

Hymn 134     Joy to the World

Prayer of Confession 3

ALL:  God of Light, we confess that we have gone astray and have left Your light. We follow the dim lights of the world of success and fortune. We follow the dim lights that call us to be more religious by following rules. We follow the fading light of personal salvation. Forgive us for not seeking the true Light of Your love for all the world. Forgive us for not following the ways of Jesus, who commanded us to love one another. Call us to be light-bearers of love, compassion and justice, in which the Mystery of Your Love is revealed. In the name of Jesus the Messiah, we pray. Amen.

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Assurance of Forgiveness

ONE:  This is the good news in Jesus Christ.  We can stand before God, not through our own goodness, but through God's great kindness to us.  Rejoice and be glad, for God comes to us!

ALL:  Thanks be to God

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Scripture: Isaiah 49: 1-7  and John 1: 29-42

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “The Peace Carol”     Bob Beers

Sermon   "Helping Others to Feel Called"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 152   What Star is This, with Beams So Bright

Invitation to the Offering

It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in our world.  Knowing that God can use gifts of any size in any form, we invite you to give as you are able.  You are invited to come and put your offerings in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   “Aspenglow”     John Denver

Prayer of Dedication

Ever-giving God, thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus, who is the Light of Life.  As we remember his baptism, and our own, accept our thanks for the way we are built up together into Christ.  We pray for you to receive our gratitude, our gifts, and our intention to continue as followers of Jesus.  Help us use what is provided, to share the Good News of your love with those close by and others, to the ends of the earth.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 150     As With Gladness Men of Old

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude  

Announcements

1 Susan Durber, Monthly Prayers - Christian Aid

2 ©2011 Joan Stott – 'The Timeless Psalms' RCL Psalms Year A. Used with permission.

3  Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution

Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

You call us, Wanderer of seashores and sidewalks, inviting us to sail out of our snug harbors into the uncharted waters of faith, to wander off from our predictable paths, to follow You into the unpredictable footsteps of the kingdom; to leave the comfort of our homes and accompany You into the uncomfortable neighborhoods we usually avoid.  As we wait, in our simple, sometimes crazy, constantly uncertain lives, speak to us, Spirit of Grace: of that hope which is our anchor; of that peace which is our rock; of that grace which is our refuge. We are listening.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     I Wander By the Sea     Dale Wood

Call To Worship 2

ONE:      The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.

ALL: We long for a light to guide us.

ONE:      You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy.

ALL: We long for God's joy in our lives.

ONE: For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

ALL: We long to be relieved of all that we carry.

ONE: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

ALL: He is named Emmanuel: God with us. In this tiny baby, this vulnerable child, we find our light, our joy, our comfort.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 86     The People Who Walked in Darkness

Prayer of Confession 3

God, our Light and Salvation, forgive us for those moments when we have walked in darkness, stumbling in the wilderness of quarrels, division, and bickering. You have called us to follow you and to fish for people but too often we think that our way is the only way to do your will. Forgive us, Lord, for the brokenness that we bring upon ourselves.  We offer you our own confessions in silence now.

(silence)

God, the Stronghold of our Life, hear our cry as we come to you for unity.  Send your Spirit to gather us as you desire us. Remind us that unity does not mean uniformity. Teach us that the “same mind” you call us to have is not ours, but the mind of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Assurance of Forgiveness

ONE: This is the good news in Jesus Christ.  We can stand before God, not through our own goodness, but through God's great kindness to us.  Rejoice and be glad, for God comes to us!

ALL: Thanks be to God

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-4  and Matthew 4:12-23

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     Shine, Jesus, Shine     Graham Kendrick     Arr. Craig Bray

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 170   You Walk Along Our Shoreline

Invitation to the Offering

It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in our world.  Knowing that God can use gifts of any size in any form, we invite you to give as you are able.  You are invited to come and put your offerings in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   “Aspenglow”     John Denver

Prayer of Dedication

Ever-giving God, thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus, who is the Light of Life.  As we remember his baptism, and our own, accept our thanks for the way we are built up together into Christ.  We pray for you to receive our gratitude, our gifts, and our intention to continue as followers of Jesus.  Help us use what is provided, to share the Good News of your love with those close by and others, to the ends of the earth.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 150     As With Gladness Men of Old

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

1 Rev. Bob Gibson for the London Conference of the United Church of Canada

2 Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational in Rochester, NH

3  Stephen Fearing, Wild and Precious Life

Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

God the Holy Spirit, You are the restless breath of love that sweeps through the world. You move where you will, breaking down barriers, stirring hearts to change, making all things possible. Inspire each one of us to hunger and thirst for justice! Come, Spirit of God, sweep through our world bringing great change. May the bounty of your goodness be shared more justly, so all may share in the rich blessings of your creation. And, for us, bring transformation in our praying and living, so that we may act justly, love mercy, And walk humbly with you all the days of our lives.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit    "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"     Traditional/Spiritual

Call To Worship 2

ONE: What does the Lord require of you?

ALL: To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.

ONE: What does God command of us?

ALL: To love God with all our heart, and all our soul, and all our mind, and all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

ONE: God does not call us to ease or to comfort.

ALL: But to presence, and abundance, and grace in our struggle.

ONE Let us worship the God who believes in us, and trusts in us, and abides with us.

ALL: Let us worship the God who will ask much of us, but will be beside us every step of the way.

Hymn 740    Lead Me, Guide Me

Prayer of Confession 3

God, our Light and Salvation, forgive us for those moments when we have walked in darkness, stumbling in the wilderness of quarrels, division, and bickering. You have called us to follow you and to fish for people but too often we think that our way is the only way to do your will. Forgive us, Lord, for the brokenness that we bring upon ourselves.  We offer you our own confessions in silence now.

(silence)

God, the Stronghold of our Life, hear our cry as we come to you for unity.  Send your Spirit to gather us as you desire us. Remind us that unity does not mean uniformity. Teach us that the “same mind” you call us to have is not ours, but the mind of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

He came down that we may have love.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Assurance of Forgiveness

ONE: This is the good news in Jesus Christ.  We can stand before God, not through our own goodness, but through God's great kindness to us.  Rejoice and be glad, for God comes to us!

ALL: Thanks be to God

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8  and Matthew 5:1-12

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     "The Beatitudes"     Camille Saint-Saens     Arr. Heller

Sermon     "Tyre Nichols"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 172   Blest Are They

Invitation to the Offering

It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in our world.  Knowing that God can use gifts of any size in any form, we invite you to give as you are able.  You are invited to come and put your offerings in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   "What Does the Lord Require of You"     Jim Strathdee

Prayer of Dedication

Ever-giving God, thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus, who is the Light of Life.  As we remember his baptism, and our own, accept our thanks for the way we are built up together into Christ.  We pray for you to receive our gratitude, our gifts, and our intention to continue as followers of Jesus.  Help us use what is provided, to share the Good News of your love with those close by and others, to the ends of the earth.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 742    We Will Walk with God (sing 3 times)

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude     "Beatitudes"     George Lynch

Announcements

1 Third Space

2 Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational, Rochester, NH

3  Stephen Fearing, Wild and Precious Life

4  Literature and Literacy

Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Faithful God, we come into Your presence with thanksgiving, deeply grateful for the unfailing love and faithfulness You have shown toward us, Your people. When we call out to You, You answer. When we are exhausted, You give us the strength to go on. When we find ourselves in trouble, You are there, standing beside us. And so we come before You gratitude and praise, offering You the worship of our hearts and lives. Open our eyes to see and know You here among us; open our ears to recognize Your voice. And then send us out from here, to live and work in the world as Your faithful disciples. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen

Welcome

Introit    "Just a Closer Walk With Thee"     Traditional/Spiritual

Call To Worship 2

ONE: We are called to bring a new understanding of God: that God so loves the world.

ALL:  We are the salt of the earth.

ONE:  We are called to bring a new hope in God: that God gives us new life.

ALL:  We are the light of the world.

ONE:  We are called to follow the commandments and the law.

ALL:  The Law of God is to love God and to love one another.

ONE:  Come, let us be the salt of the earth, the light of the world.

ALL:  Come, let us love one another with the love of God. Let us join together in our love of God to worship and follow Jesus

Hymn 749    Come! Live in the Light!

Prayer of Confession

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 pride hide the brightness of your light.  We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace.  Forgive us, God. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and baptize us once again with your Spirit, so that, as forgiven and renewed people, we may reflect the love and life of Jesus Christ into our world.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have light.

He came down that we may have light.

He came down that we may have light.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Assurance of Forgiveness 3

ALL:  Our God is a God of grace and mercy and love; know that our sins have been forgiven. May we be strengthened in all goodness. Since we have been raised with Christ, let us seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Thanks be to God; Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9a and Matthew 5:13-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem          In You     Craig Bray

Sermon     "It's Not About Us" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 377        I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

Invitation to the Offering

It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in our world.  Knowing that God can use gifts of any size in any form, we invite you to give as you are able.  You are invited to come and put your offerings in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   Jesu, Son of God (Ave Verum)     W.A. Mozart

Prayer of Dedication

Ever-giving God, thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus, who is the Light of Life.  As we remember his baptism, and our own, accept our thanks for the way we are built up together into Christ.  We pray for you to receive our gratitude, our gifts, and our intention to continue as followers of Jesus.  Help us use what is provided, to share the Good News of your love with those close by and others, to the ends of the earth.  Amen.

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Welcome to the delight that is this table.  Our Lord's table.  Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity.  We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood.  Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.  

“This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him.  Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected.  Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

Preparation of the Table

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, You are the source of all life, creating and sustaining every living thing.

You are the source of all food, material and spiritual, nourishing us in both body and soul.

You are the light that goes before us, shining into the darkness.

May we be filled with your breath nourished by your food renewed by your living water and sustained by your love.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 65    Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude     "Beatitudes"     George Lynch

Announcements

1 Christine Longhurst re: Worship

2 Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution

3 Presbyterian Church in Canada

4  Rev. Bob Gibson for the London Conference of the United Church of Canada

Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

We thank you, O God, for calling us into your church to be your people. We have gathered, God of grace and wisdom, because we have heard your call. You have reached out to us in Jesus Christ, you have touched us with your Spirit; and we have turned toward you, seeking to love as we have been loved. We call upon your holy name: empower us to worship and serve you, walking gently on this earth, through the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     "Breathe"     Marie Barnett

Call To Worship 2

ONE: God has set before us life and death.

ALL: We long to choose life.

ONE: God has set before us blessings and curses.

ALL: We long to choose blessings.

ONE: So we gather this morning around the table–Christ's table.

ALL: We gather to drink the cup of blessing; to eat the bread of life.

ONE: Let us share the meal together. Let us feast on the Word.

ALL: Let us worship God with joy!

Hymn 510    We Gather Here in Jesus' Name

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, we confess that we have taken Your commandments and turned them into rules. We have criticized those who have fallen short and selfishly proclaimed ourselves righteous. We have failed to understand the spirit of the commandments and the Way that was shown by You to live, loving God and loving our neighbors. Forgive us for turning Your law into burdens for others and ourselves, instead of a Way to love and freedom in You. In the name of Christ, who has given us the Way and leads us on, we pray. Amen.

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have light.

He came down that we may have light.

He came down that we may have light.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Assurance of Forgiveness 3

ONE: You are loved. Love is the Way. When you love God, you love others. When you truly lay down your life for others, you lay down your life for God. Give yourself to God by serving others. Know that in God's love there is forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. Amen.

ALL: Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:11-30 and Matthew 5:21-37

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     "Arms of Love"     Craig Musseau

Sermon     "Choose Life"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 410        God Is Calling through the Whisper

Invitation to the Offering

It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in our world.  Knowing that God can use gifts of any size in any form, we invite you to give as you are able.  You are invited to come and put your offerings in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication

O God of blessing and of curse, of life and of death, grant that we might have ears t hear the word of life in Christ with all its stark demand. Enable us to hear good news when Christ asks us to give up our attachment to all earthly values, and give us courage to do so. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 750    Goodness Is Stronger than Evil

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude     "Beatitudes"     George Lynch

Announcements

1 Touch of Holiness, Ruth C. Duck

2 Joanna Harader, Spacious Faith

3 Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution

4 Touch of Holiness, Ruth C. Duck

Ringing of the Bells

Opening Prayer  1

We worship you, O God, with songs of praise. We worship you with words of prayer and with ears that listen for you to speak your saving truth into our lives. We worship you in the silent spaces where we struggle for hope and for courage. We long for a glimpse of your glory: the glory that shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it; the glory that touches lives with a beauty so holy that it heals the wounded soul; the glory that gives strength to the weary. We, who stumble and fall so often, worship you, longing for your light to shine upon us. Dazzle us with your holy love, draw us into your purifying presence, speak to us your transforming truth. Then, grant us grace to live every moment changed by such glory - daring to live with hope and courage and love reflecting the life of Jesus, through whom your glory shines in the most unexpected ways. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Bright Morning Stars          Traditional Spiritual     Arr. Alice Parker

Call To Worship 2

ONE: Beyond our busyness, above the cold winter floor there is a glory rising born of heaven and reaching out to each one of us

ALL: a light that shines through the clouds an invitation seeking all of who we are that transfigures the world

ONE: that transforms darkness into hope that brings life from a cross where old life ends and new life is born

ALL: In glory Jesus meets us here raising us from depths of valley to the height of the mountain carrying the weight of our humanity to the heights of heavens glory.

ONE: Let us worship from the mountain and hear again “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

ALL: Let us worship God.

Hymn 193    Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain

Prayer of Confession

God of Mercy and Grace, you come to us in Jesus of Nazareth to break down the dividing walls of hostility between us: Yet we maintain walls that separate and isolate. You give us the ministry of reconciliation: Yet we nurse our wounds and withhold mercy and forgiveness. You invite us to join with Peter, James, and John on the mountain of Transfiguration: Yet we deny the wonders you have worked in our own lives. You ask us to acknowledge and share our wealth: Yet we refuse to recognize and relieve the poverty around us. You bless our lives with boundless love: Yet we fail to witness to that love, and so keep others from knowing you. Forgive our selfishness, we pray. Transform us by your Spirit and your Word into that which pleases you, the image of Christ. Amen.

Response Hymn 137

He Came Down that we may have light.

He came down that we may have light.

He came down that we may have light.

Halleluia, forevermore!

Assurance of Forgiveness 3

ONE: Jesus admonished Peter, James, and John not to tell of what they witnessed on the mountain until he was resurrected. But we can tell what we have seen and heard of God's glory! Here is the good news: Jesus lives! He is raised! We are forgiven! Go, share the vision! Tell of God's love! In this God is well pleased!

All: Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Scripture: Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17:1-9

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     "We Are"     Chuck Butler, Ed Cash, James Tealy, and Hillary McBride

Sermon     "There's no rational explanation for glory"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 189        O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair

Invitation to the Offering

It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in our world.  Knowing that God can use gifts of any size in any form, we invite you to give as you are able.  You are invited to come and put your offerings in this basket on the table now, or later this morning, and you are welcome to continue mailing your offerings to the church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory   I Am the Light of the World     Jim Strathdee

Prayer of Dedication 4

O God of blessing and of curse, of life and of death, grant that we might have ears t hear the word of life in Christ with all its stark demand. Enable us to hear good news when Christ asks us to give up our attachment to all earthly values, and give us courage to do so. Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 450    Be Thou My Vision

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude     "Hold Out Your Light"     Traditional Spiritual     Arr. McNeil

Announcements

1 Christine Jerrett: Reflections on being the Church in God's new creation

2 Rev. Rob Smith, Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church, Apple Valley, MN

3 God of Awe and Glory, Rev. Dr. Renee C. Jackson, Southeast Area Minister for the Michigan Conference, UCC

4 Touch of Holiness, Ruth C. Duck