Neillsville,
Wisconsin
Pastor Jacoba Koppert
Church 715-743-2147
Pastor's Office
715-743-2117
January 6, 2020
10:00 a.m.
Epiphany Sunday
All who are comfortably able are invited to
stand at those
places in the service indicated by an
asterisk*
We ask you to please turn off all telephones
and electronic devices.
We Gather to Worship with the Magi
The New-born King
PRELUDE Karen Mohr
ÒHow Brightly Shines the Morning StarÓ (Johann Pachelbel)
RINGING OF THE BELL
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
We would like to welcome all of you who
have gathered with us today for worship. We come from many places to this time
and place. From our varied and hectic lives, we gather in this sacred space, as
a community to be challenged, to give thanks and to worship. No matter who you
are or where you are on lifeÕs journey you are welcome here.
*GATHERING MUSIC Senior Choir
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: The Star still beckons. We follow the Light that was before, is now and ever will be.
People: The Star led the Magi to Christ,
the true Light.
Leader: The Star still leads us. Let us seek the Light.
People: We will
watch for the Holy SpiritÕs guidance.
Leader: Each day the Star rises again, ready to lead us to the child born in Bethlehem
People: Led by
the Star we will find our way to hope, peace, joy, love and new life.
Leader: Led by the Star, we will
offer compassion, care, kindness and our faithfulness to the world.
*HYMN ÒJesus
the Light of the WorldÓ (Insert)
We Confess Our
Sin and Seek GodÕs Forgiveness
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy One, you sent the Light of the World to live among us. Forgive us
when refuse to follow the Star that still guides us to Him. Make us aware of
the times and places when we choose our own path. Let your light shine on us so that we can clearly see our way
to the faithfulness that honors you and brings peace with justice into the
world.
*SILENCE FOR PERSONAL
PRAYERS
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*PASSING THE PEACE
Following the Star that leads us to Christ leads us to reconciliation with one another, acceptance of one another and love for one another. Christ helps to do what is needed in the world to bring about peace. May ChristÕs peace become real in and through you.
May
ChristÕs peace become real in and through you.
(All are
invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying to them ÒThe peace of Christ be with youÓ and
responding, Òand also with you.Ó)
*SONG OF PRAISE ÒGloria CanonÓ (sing twice)
Gloria, gloria,
in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia!
We Listen for the Good News the Christ Is Born
THE CHILDRENÕS TIME ÒThe Gift of the StarÓ
CHOIR
MUSIC ÒOh, How Beautiful the SkyÓ
(Arr. by P. Christiansen)
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 2:1-12
SERMON ÒThe Guiding StarÓ Pastor Jacoba Koppert
We Respond to the Good News of ChristÕs Birth
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PRAYER RESPONSE ÒAway in a MangerÓ
Be near me Lord
Jesus, I ask you to stay
close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender
care,
and fit us for heaven to live with you
there.
INVITATION
TO OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY Karen Mohr
ÒWalking in the AirÓ (Howard Blake)
*CAROL OF ADORATION #89
Yea, Lord we
greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come let us adore him, O come, let us
adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!
*PRAYER
OF DEDICATION
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
The
United Church of Christ practices open communion. People of all ages who
confess Jesus Christ as Savior are welcome. Today we will come forward to
receive the element at the altar.
THE
INVITATION
Pastor: May the Child of Bethlehem
be born in you.
People: And in your heart as well.
Pastor: Children
of God, lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the One
who was worshiped by the wise men.
Pastor: People of God, give thanks to the One who is the Bread of Life.
People:
When we come to Him we shall never be hungry.
THE
COMMUNION PRAYER1
The Pastor continues the prayer.
Pastor: With the angels, shepherds and faithful
of every nation and time, we glorify your holy name singing ("Hark the
Herald Angels Sing")
All: Hail
the heaven born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life
to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die, born to raise us all from earth, born to give us
second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born
King."
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
THE CONSECRATION
Pastor: Holy God, make known your presence among us through the power of Holy Spirit. We ask you to send your Spirit on this bread and the fruit of the vine and on each of us. May we remain faithful living in love and hope until the perfect feast with our Savior, Jesus Christ, at the end of the age.
People:
We
offer ourselves to you, giving thanks for the perfect offering of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior.
THE LORDÕS PRAYER
Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive
us our
debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
THE SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
We invite you to take the bread (gluten free wafers also
available) and dip it in the cup, or take the bread, eat it and then take one
of the small cups. The silver chalices contain wine. The pottery chalices
contain grape juice. Light colored glasses contain juice and dark glasses
contain wine. Youth will receive your empty cups at side aisles as you return
to your pews. Anyone who would like to receive the elements in the pew is asked
to raise their hands as the servers come nearby.
PRAYER OF
THANKSGIVING
God of glory, we thank you for this
meal where we have again experienced the love of Jesus. As we behold your glory, we commit
ourselves to serving you in the world.
Send your Spirit with us so that we might continue to rejoice in the
good news of great joy: Christ is born and you are indeed among us. Alleluia!
Amen.
*HYMN ÒI Am the Light of the WorldÓ
*THE BENEDICTION
*RESPONSE ÒWe Three KingsÓ
Glorious
now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice!
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
Heaven to earth replies
O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
*POSTLUDE Karen Mohr
ÒMarch of the KingsÓ (Gordon
Young)
The Light of Christ Leads Us into the
World
Announcements
Following
Worship, you are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall downstairs for coffee/refreshments
and conversation.
Today: 3 p.m. Communion served
at Neillsville Retirement Community; you are invited to join us.
Note: You will find the attendance
folders in the pews on the center racks of every pew - please take time to fill
out the attendance sheet including your full address and return them to the
side aisles, ushers will collect them during the last hymn. Thank you.
Radio Broadcast Sponsors –
The radio broadcast portion of our worship service today is given by Jim
and Rosie Repinski in honor of our church family.
Calendar
Monday, January 6 – ANNUAL
REPORTS ARE DUE;
6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar Anon.
Wednesday, January 8 – 3:30 p.m.
Confirmation.
Thursday, January 9 – 1:30 p.m. Circle of
Friends meeting.
Next Sunday, January 12 – New Member
Reception.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Following Worship Downstairs in Fellowship Hall
Refreshments will be served by the Deacons/Deaconesses
We hope you will attend this important meeting of your
church
Christmas Fund Offering – You will find ÒChristmas FundÓ Special offering
envelopes in the pew racks. We
will collect through January. Thank you for your support!
ÒSoupÓer Bowl Challenge