December 31, 2023
First Sunday after Christmas
December 31, 2023 Livestream Worship Online Bulletin
Gathering:
Chiming of the Trinity
Prelude
He Is Born arr. Joanne Brown-LeDoux
Welcome and Announcements
Rev. Lisa Hartzog
Call to Worship
We come here on the threshold of a new year
We come with all our hopes and dreams for what it will bring
We come not knowing what the year will bring
We come with all our fears and worries
We gather to welcome what will come
We gather trusting God is with us in all that is to come.
Hymn
Joy to the World UMH# 246
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Lighting of the Christ Candle Paul and Paula Dempsey
We live as people in the in-between who celebrate the arrival of the Light that shines in lost and broken places as we wait for the day when we will live in the fullness of God’s kin-dom.
Sung response to the Lighting of the Christ Candle
This, this is Christ the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!
Children’s Message
A Reading from the Epistles
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Joys & Concerns s with the Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Lisa Hartzog UMH# 895
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
Solo
Sweet Little Jesus Boy Robert Macgimsey
Carol Kinsey
A Reading from the Gospels
John 5:1-9a
Sermon
The Journey | Rev. Lisa Hartzog
Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon
God's strength makes us stronger. God's grace makes us freer.
God's guidance makes us sure footed on our paths. Know that our eternal God is with you in this time. Know without doubt, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven and made new.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God.
Blessing of the Tithes and Offerings
What can I give him poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
Hymn
Angels We Have Heard on High UMH# 238
Blessing and Sharing of Christ’s Light
Postlude
Go, Tell It on the Mountain arr. James Koerts
Announcements
Paul Dempsey
Today’s Worship Participants
Our Pastor: Rev. Lisa Hartzog
Music Director: Dr. Joel Reed
Pianist: Patty Higgins