Dear friends,
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
“COSMIC COLLATERAL CONFUSION!!!”: In her comments on the passage from Matthew 2, Chelsey Harmon says: “Well this is a real ‘Merry Christmas!’ story, isn’t it? Many of us have had the privilege and joy of spending time with loved ones, relaxing, and enjoying the holidays. This story shocks us out of the feel-goods and brings us back to the reality of struggle and suffering. Joseph, Mary and Jesus flee from the terror of Herod. This Christmas story of the road out of Israel and then home again reminds us that though the promise of victory is real, evil continues to put up its rebellious fight. We continue to look for the fulfillment of all God’s promises and for Jesus’s return, hoping and praying for the time when God will make us all safe and there will be no more reasons to fear:”
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 153: “Joy to the world”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 141: “Good Christians all rejoice”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 148
Gloria Patri
Old Testament – Isaiah 63:7–9 (en français BFC English on the screen)
New Testament – Hebrews 2:10-18
Gospel Lesson – Matthew 2:13-23
Sermon: “Cosmic Collateral Confusion!!!”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 139: “Hark the herald angels sing” (vs 2 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 166: “Once in Royal David’s city”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude