Service of the Lord's Day | January 17, 2021

Worship

This week’s service is both live-streaming and in-person.

Live-Stream

Order of Worship

Prelude: Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Call to Worship: Psalm 30

   I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,
    and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.
 O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
    restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.[a]

 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
 For his anger is but for a moment;
    his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    “I shall never be moved.”
 By your favor, O Lord,
    you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
    I was dismayed.

 To you, O Lord, I cried,
    and to the Lord I made supplication:
 “What profit is there in my death,
    if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it tell of your faithfulness?
 Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
    O Lord, be my helper!”

You have turned my mourning into dancing;
    you have taken off my sackcloth
    and clothed me with joy,
 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Hymn #442: Just As I Am, Without One Plea

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Forgiveness

Gloria Patri

Circle Time

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Sermon: “Warm Indignation”

Solo: The Wings of Morning sung by Brian Shepard

Welcome & Announcements

There are two important announcements:

The Middletown Ministerial Alliance invites you to participate in the virtual MLK Community Service.

If you are over 80 and would like to reserve a spot for a vaccine through the health department, please call the church office before noon on Monday.

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

Postlude: Song of Hope

Benediction

CCLI License #768739

Baptism of the Lord | January 10, 2021

Worship

This week’s service is both live-streaming and in-person.

Live-Stream

Order of Worship

Prelude: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Call to Worship: Psalm 29

   You, divine beings! Give to the Lord—
    give to the Lord glory and power!
 Give to the Lord the glory due his name!
    Bow down to the Lord in holy splendor!

 The Lord’s voice is over the waters;
    the glorious God thunders;
        the Lord is over the mighty waters.
 The Lord’s voice is strong;
    the Lord’s voice is majestic.
 The Lord’s voice breaks cedar trees—
    yes, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
 He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull,
    makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox.
 The Lord’s voice unleashes fiery flames;
     the Lord’s voice shakes the wilderness—
        yes, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
 The Lord’s voice convulses the oaks,
    strips the forests bare,
        but in his temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”
 The Lord sits enthroned over the floodwaters;
    the Lord sits enthroned—king forever!

 Let the Lord give strength to his people!
    Let the Lord bless his people with peace!

Hymn #463: How Firm a Foundation (sheet music)

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Forgiveness

Gloria Patri

Circle Time

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-5

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:4-11

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way;
 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight,’”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Sermon: “God’s Voice”

Solo: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling sung by Tina Newlin

Welcome & Announcements

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

Reaffirmation of Baptism

Postlude: How Firm a Foundation

Benediction

CCLI License #768739

Epiphany | January 3, 2021

Worship

Worship is live-streaming and in-person. We are having communion. Please prepare some bread and a cup for the service.

Live-Stream

Order of Worship

Prelude: On This Day Earth Shall Ring

Call to Worship: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

   Give the king your justice, O God,
          and your righteousness to a king’s son.
   May he judge your people with righteousness,
          and your poor with justice.
   May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
          and the hills, in righteousness.
   May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
          give deliverance to the needy,
          and crush the oppressor.
   May he live while the sun endures,
          and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
   May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
          like showers that water the earth.
   In his days may righteousness flourish
          and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

  May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles
          render him tribute,
     may the kings of Sheba and Seba
          bring gifts.
  May all kings fall down before him,
          all nations give him service.

  For he delivers the needy when they call,
          the poor and those who have no helper.
  He has pity on the weak and the needy,
          and saves the lives of the needy.
  From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
          and precious is their blood in his sight.

Hymn: We Three Kings

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Forgiveness

Gloria Patri

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

   Arise, shine; for your light has come,
          and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
   For darkness shall cover the earth,
          and thick darkness the peoples;
     but the LORD will arise upon you,
          and his glory will appear over you.
   Nations shall come to your light,
          and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

   Lift up your eyes and look around;
          they all gather together, they come to you;
     your sons shall come from far away,
          and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
   Then you shall see and be radiant;
          your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
     because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
          the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
   A multitude of camels shall cover you,
          the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
          all those from Sheba shall come.
     They shall bring gold and frankincense,
          and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
   ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
          are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
     for from you shall come a ruler
          who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Sermon: “Goodness, Wisdom, and Power”

Solo: In a Stable Near Bethlehem sung by Fay Smillie

Welcome & Announcements

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

The Lord’s Supper

Please provide your own bread and cup. We will share in the meal together.

Postlude: As with Gladness Men of Old

Benediction

CCLI License #768739

First Sunday After Christmas | December 27, 2020

Worship

This week’s service is both live-streaming and in-person.

Live-Stream

Streaming tips

If you have trouble with the video above here is a direct link to the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oWgcrhzdxss. If you tune into the live-stream while the service has already begun, you can drag the scroller on the bottom are the way back to the left to begin the service. A recording of this live-streamed service will be available on this page following the service.

Click here to submit an Estimated Giving Card online.

Order of Worship

Prelude: Emmanuel Comes with Susan Beagle on piano

Call to Worship: Psalm 148:1-14

   Praise the Lord!
     Praise the Lord from the heavens;
          praise him in the heights!
   Praise him, all his angels;
          praise him, all his host!

   Praise him, sun and moon;
          praise him, all you shining stars!
   Praise him, you highest heavens,
          and you waters above the heavens!

   Let them praise the name of the Lord,
          for he commanded and they were created.
   He established them forever and ever;
          he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

   Praise the Lord from the earth,
          you sea monsters and all deeps,
   fire and hail, snow and frost,
          stormy wind fulfilling his command!

   Mountains and all hills,
          fruit trees and all cedars!
  Wild animals and all cattle,
          creeping things and flying birds!

  Kings of the earth and all peoples,
          princes and all rulers of the earth!
  Young men and women alike,
          old and young together!

  Let them praise the name of the Lord,
          for his name alone is exalted;
          his glory is above earth and heaven.
  He has raised up a horn for his people,
          praise for all his faithful,
          for the people of Israel who are close to him.
     Praise the Lord!

Hymn #132: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Forgiveness

Gloria Patri

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
          my whole being shall exult in my God;
     for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
          he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
     as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
          and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
          and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
     so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
          to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
          and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
     until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
          and her salvation like a burning torch.
   The nations shall see your vindication,
          and all the kings your glory;
     and you shall be called by a new name
          that the mouth of the Lord will give.
  You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
          and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21-40

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
  “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
          according to your word;
  for my eyes have seen your salvation,
       which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
   a light for revelation to the Gentiles
          and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Sermon: “It’s In God’s Name”

Solo: On a Still and Starry Night sung by Tara Downie

Affirmation of Faith: Galatians 4:4-7

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Prayers of the People

Postlude: Ding! Dong! Merrily on High/O Sanctissima

Benediction

CCLI License #768739

Christmas Eve

This year’s Christmas Eve service will be in two parts. We will stream a worship service that includes special music and our Christmas Eve mediation at 7:00 p.m. Then we will gather outside in the church parking lot for a Candlelight Service at 8:00 p.m. We will sing a couple of carols ending with “Silent Night” and light candles.

7:00 | Worship Service

8:00 | Carols and Candlelight

We plan to sing in the West Parking Lot:

• O Come, All Ye Faithful

• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

• Silent Night

Please continue to follow best practices of masking and social distancing for the Candlelight Service.