January 7, 2024
Join us for worship on Sunday, January 7, 2024. The sermon is by Dr. Marshall Zieman, based on Mark 1: 1-11 Our music is provided by the Chamber Singers; Mark Kanitz, organ We are aware of the audio and feedback issues for the livestream and are working to fix the issue. If you have issues during the livestream, please use the online friendship pad to let us know of any issues you have during the service.
- To watch the service, click the Service tab below. The livestream will begin around 11:05 a.m. A recording of the livestream will be available afterward, and you can watch it anytime.
- To read the Bulletin, click the Bulletin tab below. You may flip back and forth between the Service and Bulletin tabs at anytime without interruption. Below the video screen, you can use the button to access a PDF of the Bulletin, if you prefer.
*** New Time for Livestream – Tune in at 11:10 a.m. to watch us live! ***
Please make sure your device and the service video are not muted. Please set your volume appropriately.
Sunday January 7, 2024 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE — Puer nobis nascitur — Charles Ore
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.
SILENT MEDITATION
“He became what we are that He might make us what He is.” — St. Athanasius of Alexandria
CALL TO WORSHIP
God spoke the creative Word into the formless void.
The cosmos cries, “Glory!”
From the wilderness, God brought forth new life and liberation.
The plants and animals that inhabit the wild places cry, “Glory!”
A messenger in the wilderness brings good news.
God’s people cry, “Glory!”
In baptism, we are united to God through Jesus Christ.
With all of creation, we cry “Glory!”
PRAISE AND ADORATION
*HYMN #152 — What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright — PUER NOBIS NASCITUR
(*Please stand if you are able)
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Creating God, we cannot look at our lives, our communities, or the world around us without seeing the fractures and brokenness that reflect the reality of sin. You created the earth and called it good, but it now groans, awaiting redemption and re-creation under the weight of our greed, abuse and carelessness. You created humanity in your image, and called us very good, but we have ignored the image of God in each other. You poured out your love in Jesus Christ, who showed us how to live and how to love, but we continue to make our own path, follow our own desires, and neglect to love others as Christ loves us. Lord, have mercy. Rend the heavens and make us new.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION
KYRIE ELEISON (#434) — Restore in Us, O God — BAYLOR
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (#447) — We Are Forgiven — WE ARE FORGIVEN
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MOMENT FOR MISSION — Karen Morey, for the Mission Committee
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON — Genesis 1: 1-5 — page 1 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 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.
ANTHEM — A Winter Carol — Fred Gramann
PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD
THE GOSPEL LESSON — Mark 1: 1-11 — page 812 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
SERMON — “Rend the Heavens and Come Down” — Dr. Zieman
PRAYER
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY — The Work of Christmas — Dan Forrest
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — from the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), 4.066
Q. What are sacraments?
A. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise. And this is God’s gospel promise: to grant us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ’s one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.
*SANCTUS (#572) — Holy, Holy, Holy — SANCTUS (Pavlechko)
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SERVING OF THE ELEMENTS
Please come forward as directed by an usher. All baptized Christians are encouraged to partake –
by taking a piece of bread and dipping it into the cup. Gluten-free bread is at the station closer to the pulpit.
If you are unable to come forward, an elder will serve you in the pew.
COMMUNION ANTHEM — New Year — John Rutter
*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We bless you, O God, for gifts of bread and cup, for sustaining us in hope, every day of our lives.
We pray for your strength to prepare us now for your service as we offer to you lives of witness and worship in the world you have made. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #159 — O Sing a Song of Bethlehem — KINGSFOLD
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE — A Choral Amen — John Rutter
POSTLUDE — Fanfare on “In Dulci Jubilo” — Paul Fey