December 29 Service
Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER:
Light of the world, shine in our lives this day. As we gather to worship you this day, give us the eyes of Simeon and the faith of Anna, that we may see the promise of our salvation. As we come before you with hope and expectation, give us the spirit of your Son, that we too may grow in strength and increase in wisdom. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
PRELUDE & LIGHTING OF ALTAR CANDLES “The Birthday of a King”
*OPENING HYMN “Joy to the World ” - #246
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: With mighty mountains and crashing seas,
P: Praise the name of the Lord.
L: With rolling valleys and lush forests,
P: Praise the name of our God.
L: With tiny ants and majestic eagles,
P: Praise the name of the Holy One.
L: With innocent children and wise elders,
P: Praise the name of Love.
HYMN “The First Noel” - #245
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
We come to you with joy and happiness, but we know it won’t always be so. The human heart is a fickle thing. As we celebrate the birth of your Son, open us to the many ways you seek to bless us. Free our lips to sing your praises, even when we feel alone and in need. As a new year dawns, help us bring righteousness and praise to all the earth in your heavenly name. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Galatians 4:4-7
OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.)
HYMN “Sanctuary”
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: “Mary Did You Know?”
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS (Children 1st-6 grades are invited to Junior Church at this time.)
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:22-33
SERMON “What Do You See?”
HYMN “Go Tell it on the Mountain” - #251
*BENEDICTION
*SENDING FORTH “As We Go”
POSTLUDE “O Little Town of Bethlehem”