Starling Avenue Baptist Church First Sunday After Christmas December 31, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m.
The Worship of God First Sunday After Christmas December 31, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m. *We invite you to stand as you are able.
Gathering at God’s Invitation Welcome
John Scott
Call to Worship
John Scott
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord for the heavens; Praise God in the heights! Praise God, all the angels! Praise God, sun and moon and shining stars! Praise the Lord from the earth! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! God’s glory is above the earth and heavens! Let us praise the name of the Lord! Lighting of the Christ Candle
Tommy Wells
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
The First Noel
Life of the Community
Victor Labenske
Becky Nance
Offering Ourselves to God *Hymn #87
Arise, Your Light Is Come
FESTAL SONG
Psalm 148
John Scott
Scripture Reading The Word of God for the People of God Thanks Be to God.
Prayer of Thanks
Becky Nance
Emmanuel, God with us, Like the shepherds we have come here looking for you, Ready to glorify and praise you For all we have seen and heard. Your presence with your people, Both long ago and today, Brings to birth in us Hope, peace joy and love, As we wish for the hole world. May you angels quell any fears we might have, So that we too can join this celebration With excitement and praise. Amen *Scripture Reading
Luke 2:22-40
Becky Nance
The First Nowell
THE FIRST NOWELL
The Word of God for the People of God Thanks Be to God.
*Hymn #124 Giving our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Prayer Offertory *Doxology (Hymn #706)
Tommy Wells Shepherds Worship
James Koerts
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
Colossians 3:12-17
John Scott
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 & The Lord’s Prayer Laura Davis 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.
Anthem
Stars Shall Find
John Victor
Sermon
“New Year’s Resolutions?”
Laura Davis
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.
Responding to God’s Word *Hymn #143
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
GO TELL IT
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
Laura Davis Angels!
James Koerts
(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)