SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JANUARY 6, 2019 | 11AM
Called to SERVE WE ARE CALLED BY THE SPIRIT TO GLORIFY GOD, SO THAT ALL MAY BECOME JOYFUL DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST.
Gathering CHIMING OF THE HOUR | 11AM PRAYER OF THE DAY SILENT Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendor. The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the night that covers the earth and signals the dawn of justice and peace. May his brightness illumine our lives and beckon all nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, one God forever and ever. VOLUNTARY Alleluia from “Christmas Oratorio”
C. Saint-Säens (1835-1921)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Paul Phillips
PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Duke Walker
CALL TO WORSHIP | LITANY FOR EPIPHANY THE PEOPLE’S RESPONSES ARE IN BOLD.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God, Alleluia! Shout to the Lord, all the earth, Alleluia! With joy let us pray to our Savior, the Son of God who became one of us, saying: The grace of God be with us all. O Christ, let your gospel shine in every place where the Word of life is not yet received. Draw the whole creation to yourself that your salvation may be known through all the earth. The grace of God be with us all. O Christ, Savior and Lord, extend your church to every place. Make it a place of welcome for people of every race and tongue.
The grace of God be with us all. O Christ, Ruler of rulers, direct the work and thoughts of the leaders of nations that they may seek justice, and further peace and freedom for all. The grace of God be with us all. O Christ, Master of all, support of the weak and comfort of the afflicted, strengthen the tempted and raise the fallen. Watch over the lonely and those in danger. Give hope to the despairing and sustain the faith of the persecuted. The grace of God be with us all. O Christ, light made manifest as the true light of God, gladden our hearts on the joyful morning of your glory; call us by our name on the great Day of your Coming; and give us grace to offer, with all the hosts of heaven, unending praise to God in whom all things find their ending, now and ever. Amen. ď ˜ HYMN 151 We Three Kings of Orient Are
KINGS OF ORIENT
PRAYER OF CONFESSION UNISON God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and baptize us once again with your Spirit, that, forgiven and renewed, we may show forth your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ. Amen. A TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION.
DECLARATION OF PARDON THE PEACE The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. THE PEACE MAY BE EXCHANGED WITH THOSE AROUND YOU.
RESPONSE Let There Be Peace on Earth
MILLER/JACKSON
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be, with God as creator, brothers and sisters are we, let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow: to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Proclaiming the Word PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST READING CHILDREN’S SERMON
Ephesians 3:1-12
New Testament p. 181
CHORAL ANTHEM
The Sanctuary Choir | Conrad Otts, percussion
The Little Drummer Boy SECOND READING
Davis/Onorati/Simeone/Goss
Matthew 2:1-12
New Testament p. 2
Treasure Chests
Rev. Paul Phillips
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. SERMON
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO REFLECT UPON GOD’S WORD.
Thanksgiving HYMN 327
From All That Dwell Below the Skies
LASST UNS ERFREUEN
THE APOSTLES’ CREED UNISON
TRADITIONAL
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. OFFERTORY | ORGAN VOLUNTARY Swiss Noel
Louis Claude D’Aquin
RESPONSE | DOXOLOGY
Praise
God, from whom all
OLD HUNDREDTH
bless-ings flow;
Him a—bove ye heav’nly host.
Praise Him
Praise Fa—ther, Son, and
all creatures here be —low. Praise
Ho—ly
Ghost.
A—— men.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Eternal God, holy and mighty, it is truly right and our greatest joy . . . who forever sing to glory of your name. . .
RESPONSE | HYMN 552 Holy, Holy, Holy
LAND OF REST
COMMUNION PRAYER THE LORD’S PRAYER UNISON 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 BREAKING OF THE BREAD COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE | MEDITATION When the Savior Jesus Christ
Jean Francois Dandrieu
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION UNISON God of majesty and light, you hold the whole world in your hand. So we give you our great praise that in Jesus Christ all people may see your glory. We thank you for revealing Jesus to be your Son, and for claiming our lives in baptism to be his glad disciples. By your Spirit, may peace descend upon us that we may follow him with grateful hearts. Take us and all we have to be useful in your service, in the gracious name of Jesus Christ , your Son, by the power of your Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Sending CHARGE AND BLESSING HYMN 147 The First Nowell verses 1,2,5,6
TRADITIONAL
VOLUNTARY Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts from “Christmas Oratorio”
Saint-Säens
INDICATES AN INVITATION TO STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE. PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR THE DURATION OF THE SERVICE.
THE SANCTUARY FLOWERS If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary, please contact Ann Adams or the church office. Sunday, January 13, 2019 is available to be filled.
Concerns of the Church Welcome to GOVERNMENT STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Visitor and Member cards are located in the pew racks and may be completed during the Ritual of Friendship and returned with the offering. Childcare is available for infants to three years old in the nursery. New Members are welcomed by profession of faith, reaffirmation of faith, or transfer of membership. We invite you to speak with our minister for further information.
Thank you to so many for your good and strong pledges for 2019. Annual pledges help so much in making plans for the future of our church. During this pivotal time of transition, your dedication to our GSPC’s mission, operations, and fellowship is so very important. If you have not yet made your pledge for 2019, it is not too late to do so and is much appreciated. Thank you, Dru Oswalt and the Stewardship Committee New Officer Training and Installation Training for new Deacons and Elders will occur for one-hour sessions immediately following Sunday worship on January 13 through February 3. Installation and Ordination of new Deacons and Elders will occur during the worship service on January 13. The 2019 Budget for GSPC will be presented to the congregation on January 20. The Annual Meeting for 2018 will occur on February 10, 2019. Lunch will be provided for the congregation.
Worship Volunteers Usher Captain: Sunday Assistant: Nursery: Wee Worship: Sanctuary Preparer: Prayer Chain Contact: Next Week’s Sunday Assistant:
Ashford Kettler Nicole Riis | Katherine Ogburn Sage Arnold Elizabeth Boone Harriett Boster Charlotte Crockett 478.1003 / 591.7902 Charlotte Crockett | John Otts
Calendar Meals on Wheels | Monday—Friday 11AM GSPC is an equal opportunity provider. SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 | Epiphany WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 9:30a Sunday School (Adult only) 7:00a Men’s Bible Study | Library 10:30a Choir Rehearsal 6:00p Men’s Evening Bible Study 11:00a Worship 6:00p Handbell Rehearsal 4:00p Epiphany Party 7:00p Choir Rehearsal
MONDAY, JANUARY 7 6:15p Circle of Joy TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 7:45a Women’s Bible Study
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 9:30a Sunday School (all ages) 10:30a Choir Rehearsal 11:00a Worship | LeeAnn VanDyk 12:00p Deacon/Elder Training
home of Ann Adams
10:00a
Women’s Bible Study Frist Rm
1:30p
PWCT Meeting
Lectionary Readings for January 13 Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Known as the mother of Presbyterianism in southern Alabama, GSPC was founded in 1831. Worship has continued on this site since 1836 when the sanctuary, a National Historic Landmark, was completed. Member PC (USA).
Office Hours
Rev. Paul Phillips
Monday—Thursday 8AM-2PM
Interim Pastor
pastorpaul@gspcmobile.org
Friday 8AM-12PM
Director of Music & Organist
Tommy Watts tommy@gspcmobile.org
Lois McNorton Office & Property Manager lois@gspcmobile.org
Dawn Hearn Bookkeeper bookkeeper@gspcmobile.org
Shawn Walker Director of Children’s Ministry shawn@gspcmobile.org
300 GOVERNMENT STREET | MOBILE, ALABAMA 36602 251.432.1749 | gspcmobile.org