Dear friends,
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
THIS SUNDAY IS EPIPHANY SUNDAY. We know the story so well, we could probably recite it as it is read… but we must never be put off by the familiarity because God challenges us through what we think we know or remember. The sermon title is: “The gifts were left behind!” When the children presented their pageant on December 14th, as Mary and Joseph took the young Jesus, they left the gifts behind. The scene was that of the empty chairs with the gifts in front of the chairs. That struck me in a way that left me breathless and thinking. What are the things that God offers to us as gifts and we leave them behind?
THE NEW YEAR ARRIVES bringing with it a time for contemplation, reflection, repair and learning. Happy New Year to the church family of St. Andrew’s and your loved ones! As we step into this New Year, may it be filled with God’s blessings of hope, peace, joy and love.
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 136: “The first Nowell” (vs 1, 2, 4 &6)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 172: “As with gladness” (vs 1&5 English; 2&3 en français)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Gloria Patri
Old Testament – Isaiah 60:1-6 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
New Testament – Ephesians 3:1-12
Gospel Lesson – Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon – “The Gifts were left behind!”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 161: “What child is this?” (vs 3 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 174: “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude