January 5 service

January 5 Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS OPENING PRAYER: Loving God, who breaks through the darkness of doubt and despair, be with us this day as we hear of the visit of the Wise Ones, who risked everything to follow a Star. Let us open our hearts and be willing to risk receiving the gift of gracious Love that you have to offer us in the form of our Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN. PRELUDE & LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES “I Wonder as I Wander” *OPENING HYMN “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” - #218 CALL TO WORSHIP: L: O Come, Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord! P: The Star in the dark sky heralded His Coming. L: Led by the light of the Star, the Wise Ones came to pay homage. P: We, too, come to the stable, seeking the infant King. L: Come, Arise! Shine! The Light has come. P: God’s Light of love is shining upon us. AMEN. HYMN “We Three Kings” - #254 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Lord, we confess that we have been wrapped up on our secular celebration of Christmas. We have thoroughly enjoyed the music, the food, the swirl of activities. We have looked happily at the Christmas lights and decorations, and yet we have chosen to ignore the people who are most in need of compassion and assistance during this time. We often feel overwhelmed by the demands on our resources and so we turn our “deaf ear” and look away. Open our hearts today, precious Lord, and help us hear the cries of those in need. Bring us to an understanding of active discipleship in which we work helping others and thus serving you. Heal us and give us courage and joy in your service. For we ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN. WORDS OF ASSURANCE FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 60:1-6 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: Special Music *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHILDREN’S MOMENTS (Children 1st-6 grades are invited to Junior Church at this time.) SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 2:1-12 SERMON on Epiphany HOLY COMMUNION HYMN (sung during Communion) “What Child Is This?” - #219 *BENEDICTION *SENDING FORTH “As We Go” POSTLUDE “How Great Our Joy”