Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
January 2, 2011
Worship 10:00 am
Sunday School 11:10am
Epiphany
“The
mystery is that people who have never heard of God and
those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've
been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same
ground before God. They get the same offer, same help,
same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible
and welcoming to everyone, across the board.” (Ephesians
3:6, from The Message)
Beginning with Praise
(9:50 am)
Announcements
Prelude
One: Beacon of light, bright,
announcing the birth of a king
Two:
Beacon of light, bright,
beckoning wise men from afar
Three: Beacon of
light, bright,
promising the dawn of a new age
Two:
Beacon of light, bright,
revealing darkness in the hearts of men
One:
Beacon of light, bright,
bringing joy to genuine seekers
Three:
Beacon of light, bright,
guiding travelers to the Christ child
Two:
Beacon of light, bright,
rising Star of Christ, the Light of the world
One:
Wise men from the East followed the star
Three:
Seeking the king
Two: Kneeling
in worship
Three: Obeying the voice of God
All: So too may
we follow, seek, worship, and obey,
welcoming the light of Christ in us
by Kathleen Miller, pastoral team Conestoga
Church of the Brethren
Leola, Pennsylvania
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"
Opening
Prayer
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 Savior. A light which
guided those gift-bearing travellers 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 worship for 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
from
Liturgies Online,
by Rev Moira Laidlaw,
Uniting Church in Australia
Video by
Children
"The
Christmas Story"
Returning
our Tithes and Offerings
In this passage of scripture, the apostle Paul briefly touches
upon how the light of Christ dramatically illuminated his life.
This light then compelled him to reach out to all the people who
were outside the covenant God made with the children of Israel,
and draw them to Jesus. Like one of those wise men in the
Christmas story, he came bearing gifts – the “boundless riches
of Christ,” which he freely shared.
As you return your offering just now, think about what gifts you
can freely share with the people around you who may feel outside
the covenant of God. What of your “boundless riches” in Christ
might you bear to them? How might you be like the Magi,
following the light to places and into the lives of people
you’ve not yet met? What is your gold, frankincense, and myrrh?
Ushers, please guide us in
giving our offerings.
Dedication
We dedicate these offerings, O Lord, to the work our your
church. Help us to use them wisely. Challenge us daily to reach
out with what light we have to share freely the riches we have
in Christ. Consecrate each of us to this work. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Benediction
Go now, seek out the Christ wherever he may be
found,
and share the good news with all who bear him no ill will.
Bring light to those in thick darkness,
a voice to those no one speaks for,
and hope to those no one cares for.
And may God make you a sharer in the promised light.
May Christ Jesus fill you with his sense of what is right.
And may the Holy Spirit be to you like rain
that gives life to the fertile earth.
International Lesson: Adult
Bible Studies
from The United Methodist Publishing House
(click "supplemental resources" and "current events supplement"
under both the "Student" and "Teacher" sections in the left hand column)