PRELUDE: Largo (from “Essercici Misici”) by Georg-Philipp Telemann; Julie Metz, violin; J. Scott Janusch, oboe
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
INTROIT: Thou Dost Guide by Karin Weinhardt Englund/arr. by Marie Pooler
O thou, who by a star didst guide the Wise Men on their way, until it came and stood beside the place where Jesus lay; although by stars thou dost not lead thy servants now below, thy Holy Spirit, when they need, will show them how to go. As yet we know thee but in part, but still we trust thy word that blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see the Lord. O Savior, give us then thy grace to make us pure in heart, that we may see thee, face to face, hereafter as thou art. [John M. Neale]
PRAYER OF PRAISE
HYMN: As with Gladness Men of Old [Dix]
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
SONG OF GRATEFUL PRAISE: Jesus, Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child Traditional Spiritual/arr. Mark Hayes
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 2:1-12
HYMN: We Three Kings of Orient Are [Kings of Orient]
SERMON: “Outsiders Who Know Better than Insiders”
ANTHEM: Christ is Nigh Old Scottish Tune/arr. by Mark Schweizer; Mark Waters, tenor solo; Julie Metz, violin; J. Scott Janusch, oboe
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding; “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say, “Cast away the works of darkness, O ye children of the day.” Wakened by the solemn warning let the earthbound soul arise; Christ, our Sin, all ill dispelling, shines upon the morning skies. He comes down like fragrant showers, raining on the fruitful earth, love and joy and hope, like flowers springing on his path to birth: see before him on the mountains peace, the valiant herald, go; righteousness, in flowing fountains, from the hills to valleys flow. Kings and monarchs bow before him, myrrh and gold and incense bring; for all nations shall adore him, laud and praise, their offering; unto him shall prayer unceasing, with our daily vows ascend; his great kingdom still increasing, kingdom that shall have no end. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from Heaven; let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all to be forgiven. Honor, glory, might, and blessing be to God: the Father, Son; and the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run. [William Monk, James Montgomery]
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION AND WORDS OF INSTITUTION
PRAYER
PARTAKING OF THE FEAST
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
HYMN: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ [Linstead]
BENEDICTION
CHORAL RESPONSE: Shine, O Star! by Lloyd Larson
Shine, O star, and illumine our darkness. Shine, O star, and brighten our day. Shine, O star, and beckon the seeker. Shine, O star, and lead us on our way. [Mary Kay Beall, based on Matthew 2:2]
POSTLUDE: Allegro (from “Concerto for Violin & Oboe) by J.S. Bach; Julie Metz, violin; J. Scott Janusch, oboe
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