Worship 01/07/24

Starling Avenue Baptist Church Epiphany Sunday January 7, 2024 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

The Worship of God Epiphany Sunday January 7, 2024 ╬ 11:00 a.m. *We invite you to stand as you are able.

Gathering at God’s Invitation Welcome

Angela Zimmerman

Call to Worship

Angela Zimmerman

Arise! Shine!

God's light has come to reveal The Way in this New Year.

Arise! Shine!

The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

Arise! Shine!

God's light penetrates the darkness that covers the world.

Arise! Shine!

Nations shall come to God's light and kings to the brightness of God's dawn.

Arise! Shine!

For the Glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

Arise! Shine!

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Joan Joyce

We light the Christ candle as a reminder that Christ is the one who has drawn us to this place, abides with us now, and is with us to the end of the age.

Prelude

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Life of the Community

Mark Hayes

Margaret Caldwell

Offering Ourselves to God *Hymn #148

What Child Is This

Scripture Reading The Word of God for the People of God Thanks Be to God.

Isaiah 60:1-6

GREENSLEEVES

Angela Zimmerman

Prayer

Margaret Caldwell

Who are you, Jesus?

It seems that people have always wanted to know; From the beginning when foreigners travelled great distances just to see you, To now when trying to answer this question can lead to heated debate and even violent conflict.

Who are you, really?

There is no shortage of names for you – Son of God, Messiah, Lord, Anointed One, Suffering Servant…

But each one feels like a doorway into greater mystery; an invitation to dive into depths that are beyond my capacity to fathom.

I want to know you, Jesus I want to touch something of the truth of who you are.

And so, even as I allow my mind to wrestle with ideas about you, I open my heart that your radiant presence, may shine in, may change me, and may draw me into an eternity of learning and loving who you are. Amen Scripture Reading

Psalm 72:1-7

Angela Zimmerman

We Three Kings

KINGS OF ORIENT

The Word of God for the People of God Thanks Be to God.

*Hymn #151 Giving our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Prayer Offertory *Doxology (Hymn #706)

Dwight Stultz Bethlehem Lullaby

Malcolm Archer

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Listening to God *Scripture Reading

Matthew 2:1-12

Margaret Caldwell

For the Word of God in Scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us.

Thanks be to God.

The Church at Prayer

Angela Zimmerman

Anthem

Carry the Light

Sermon

“The Magi”

Andy Beck

Angela Zimmerman

Discipline of Silence To be in God’s presence is to be changed.

During this moment of silent reflection, consider the change God wishes to make in you.

Communion at God’s Table Invitation to Christ’s Table Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s 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 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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Sharing the Bread As the plate is passed, say to your neighbor: The body of Christ was broken for you.

Sharing the Cup As the plate is passed, say to your neighbor: The blood of Christ was shed for you.

Responding to God’s Word *Hymn #122

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

IN DULCI JUBILO

If you sense God calling you today, we invite you to respond during this time of invitation.

If God is calling you to follow Jesus for the first time, to rededicate yourself as a Christ-follower, or as a faithful Christian, to join the fellowship of our church, we encourage you to come forward to speak to our pastor during this closing hymn.

Sending Into God’s World Benediction Postlude

O Come, All Ye Faithful

arr. Diane Bish

(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)