Worship Service January 05, 2025
Order of Service
Welcome, Greeting, Service Introduction Rev. Cindy Lunsford /All
Call to Worship Rev. Cindy Lunsford /All
Come, let us know the Lord God Almighty is present this day!
We heard the Good News in the birth of our Lord.
Even the stars in the heavens announced the birth of Christ.
Christ was sent that we might all know of God’s Love and grace.
Then let us proclaim the birth of Christ for all the world to hear!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
(Lectionary Worship Aids, Series IV, Cycle C, James R. Wilson, p.33)
Hymn of Response The First Noel UMH 245
Opening Prayer of Confession Rev. Cindy Lunsford /All
Lord, so often amid the rush and turmoil of the season
we hear the story of Your birth and we take it for granted.
Too often we hear of the miracle of Your coming
and we hardly slow down to take notice.
Forgive us, Lord, and touch our hearts today with the true meaning
of Your birth that we might proclaim it in all the world.
In Christ we pray. Amen (Lectionary Worship Aids, Series IV, Cycle C, James R. Wilson, p.33)
Assurance of Forgiveness Rev. Cindy Lunsford /All
Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God’s love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
Life of the Church Rev. Cindy Lunsford (see bulletin)
Mission Moment – Blood Donations, ABCCM Food, UM Children’s Home $251.00
Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed UMH 881 Sheri King/All
Gloria Patri UMH 071
Psalm Psalm 72:1-17 (UMH 795-796) Gina Elrod
Hymn We Three Kings UMH 254
OFFERING OF OURSELVES
Pastoral Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer Rev. Cindy Lunsford/All
Worship with Our Tithes & Offerings Steve Hawkins instrumental
Dedication & Offertory Rev. Warren Lunsford
Doxology UMH 095
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Centering Song I Wonder as I Wander Steve Hawkins
PROCLAMATION
Prayer of Illumination Gary Seiler
Holy and gracious God, may your Holy Spirit give us
a spirit of wisdom and revelation,
so that, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened,
we may know the hope to which Christ has called us,
the riches of his glorious inheritance among us,
and the greatness of his power for those who believe. Amen.
Scripture Matthew 2:1-12 Rev. Warren Lunsford
Message Unlikely Grace, for Unlikely Candidates Rev. Warren Lunsford
WORSHIP AT THE TABLE
Great Thanksgiving & Communion UMH 9-10 (Insert) Rev. Cindy Lunsford/All
Prayer After Communion:
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world
in the strength of your Spirit,
to give ourselves for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN
GOING FORTH WITH CHRIST
Closing Hymn Jesus Shall Reign UMH 157
Commissioning & Benediction Rev. Warren Lunsford
Depart to Serve, caring for others, as we truly serve God
