Opening Prayer

         O God, Author of eternal light, lead us in our worshiping this day; that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, our meditations may glorify you; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

p. 86, For All Who Minister,
©1993, Brethren Press
Adapted from Sacrum Breviary, 11th century

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Today is the "twelfth day of Christmas." In the church year, tomorrow is Epiphany, a celebration of when the wise men visited the infant Jesus. It ushers in a season for us to behold the light of Christ shining in all people and places. Let me read the story of this visit, as it is told by Matthew. As you listen, and as the plates are then passed, ponder what gifts you might bring to Jesus this brand new year. Pray your resolution to the One who will help you to keep it. Listen, now, to the story as we have received it:
                                                        Matthew 2:1-12

Responsive Prayer of Blessing

part one

Leader:  Blessed are you, O God.
                    You made bread to strengthen us.
                    You set aside this bread
                           as a sign of your Son's broken body.
                 In breaking it, may we participate
                      in the reconciliation of Christ.
People:  May Christ's body be the bread of our souls,
                  to give us strength to continue our pilgrimage,
                  being made worthy to sit with all the redeemed
                       at the marriage feast of the Lamb.
ALL:     Hear us, O God, through our mediator, Jesus Christ. AMEN

part two

Leader:  Blessed are you, O God.
                    You made the vine to strengthen us.
                    You set aside this cup
                           as a sign of your Son's shed blood.
                In drinking the cup,
                      may we participate in the blood of Christ.
People:  May Christ's blood make us strong
                    to drink the cup of suffering
                          without complaint, for Jesus' sake,
                    in the hope that we shall drink new wine
                          in your kingdom.
ALL:  Hear us, O God, for the sake of your eternal love. AMEN

Hymnal #785
by Reinhard Rahusen, 18th c.
translation ©1992 John D. Rempel.

Benediction
 Ephesians 1:3-14 NRSV

1 - The apostle Paul began his letter to the believers in Ephesus with these words,

2 - but they are also appropriate as an ending to worship -

1 - a blessing of God and God’s people,

2 - a reminder of who we are in Christ.

1 - It’s long, so stand firm.

2 - It’s powerful, so lift your head up.

1 - Listen.

2 - Listen.

1 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 - who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

1 - just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world

2 - to be holy and blameless before him in love.

1 - He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ,

2 - according to the good pleasure of his will,

1 - to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

2 - In him we have redemption through his blood,

1 - the forgiveness of our trespasses,

2 - according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.

1 - With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will,

2 - according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,

1 - as a plan for the fullness of time,

2 - to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

1 - In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance,

2 - having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,

1 - so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.  In him you also,

1 - when you had heard the word of truth,

2 - the gospel of your salvation,

1 - and had believed in him,

2 - were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;

1 - this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people,

2 - to the praise of his glory.

1 - Amen?

2 - (motion to all:) Amen!