Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
January 4, 2004
Worship 10:00 am Sunday School for all ages 11:15 am
 

  Morning Praise (9:45 am)
  Announcements
  Prelude

  Call to Worship                                                                              (see insert)

*Hymn                                     "We Three Kings"                             (see insert)

*Opening Prayer

  Scripture                                Ephesians 1:3-14

  For Children         (Pre-schoolers then leave for playful worship)

  Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise

  Hymn                                 "Some children see him"                         (see insert)
                                                 (alternate music site)

  Pastoral Prayer

  Scripture                                    John 1:1-14

  Hymn                              (vs. 1-2) "What child is this"                                  215

  Returning our Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory

*Response                          (vs. 3) "What child is this"                                   215

*Dedication

  Scripture                                 Matthew 2:1-12

  Message                         "Voyagers, not voyeurs"

*Hymn                            "As with gladness men of old"                               218

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship

One:  Far off, a star shone brightly,
                 invading the nighttime shadows with its light.
         This special star twinkled and radiated with
                 news to tell.

All:    Intrigued the wise men watched,
                 listening to the star as it beckoned,
                         drawing them near.

One: They sent no ambassador,
                 government commission,
                         or scientific expedition to explore.
         Their curiosity was so strong they went themselves.

All:   What a wonder the journey held.
         A bundle of joy, the Christ-child.

One:  Parents and wise men alike rejoiced!
         Joy shone in their hearts.
         Behold! A miracle had happened.

All:    Star of wonder,
                 twinkling in joy,
                         shower on us your light of joy,
                                 for again the Christ-child has come to us.

by Jeanine L Ewert, Cashmere, WA
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin (1193)
   

Opening Prayer

God of wonder, we come to you,
                  not as kings, nor full of wisdom.
         The gifts we bear cannot compare
                           to gold, frankincense, or myrrh.
You are holy. We are not.
         And yet, we are saved by your Son,
                  whose birth we once again have celebrated.
         And yet, we are touched by your Holy Spirit,
                  whose presence and gifts we count upon every day.
         And yet, forgiven and empowered,
                  we come to you in worship.
                           We lay before you,
                                             all that we are,
                                    and receive from you
                                             all that we need.
You are, indeed, a God of wonder.
         Lead us by you star.
                  Amen.
   

For Children

composed by a member of our fellowship
to be posted afterward
  

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         "In the beginning." That’s how the Bible starts out in the book of Genesis, the very title of which in Hebrew is the very first word, meaning "in the beginning." That’s how the gospel of John also introduces the story of Jesus, a fitting word for this very first Sunday of a brand new year. The light of a new day has dawned. The wise men were drawn to this light. John the Baptist prepared the way for this light to shine. We are witnesses to the light.

         As you return your offering just now, ponder the question you just sang. "What child is this," anyway? Is He someone you are willing to follow in 2004? Are you willing to risk everything that you are for Him? Even if you are called a "Jesus freak?" Will you be a witness to His light this year? If so, "enthrone him" in your heart.

The ushers will now come forward to receive our offerings.
    

Dedication

         We raise our song, O Lord: "This, this, is Christ our king!" If that statement was not true of us in 2003, may it be so in 2004. Multiply these offerings in the work of your Kingdom. Help us to be witnesses of the light. Jesus Christ still shines! Amen.
   

Benediction