Veradale United Church of Christ
An Open & Affirming Congregation
Worshiping God in Christ – Welcoming All – Working for Justice & Peace
“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”
January 8, 2022 • 10:30 a.m.
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10:20am Gathering and Prelude
Wayne Shull, Music Director
Charlie Salt, AV
Joe McSwain, AV and Candle lighter
Naomi Hanvey, Zoom App Assistance
Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor
Sue Ferrozzo, Scripture Reader
Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor
10:30am Worship begins
God is good . . . all the time!
All the time . . . God is good!
Welcoming the Light Christ
Hymn: “We Three Kings” Public Domain
(Gifts for the baby enter)
1.We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar field and fountain, moor and mountain following yonder star:
(Refrain): O Star of wonder, star of night star with royal beauty bright westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy Perfect Light
2. Born a King on Bethlehem's plain. Gold, I bring to crown Him again. King forever, ceasing never over us all to rein: (Refrain)
3. Frankincense to offer have I. Incense owns a Deity nigh; pray'r and praising, all men raising worship Him, God most high: (Refrain)
4. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes of life of gathering gloom. Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying sealed in the stone-cold tomb: (Refrain)
5. Glorious now behold Him arise. King and God and Sacrifice. “Alleluia, Alleluia,” Earth to heav'n replies: (Refrain):
Blessing of the gifts
Loving God, bless these gifts of our Wise Ones. Let them bring hope and comfort. Empower us to see the Christ Child in all children especially those who are in need. Amen
Community Prayer
Spoken Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response:” Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” 345 (NCH)verse 4
At Christ’s feet the six-winged seraphs, cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, God most high!
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
How do they do that? Vice Moderator Jerry Brines talks about
Dedication: “God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen”
122 (Pilgrim Hymnal) v. 4 Public Domain
Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace. This holy tide of Christmas doth bring redeeming grace. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy. O tidings of comfort and joy.
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Holy One, shine your light upon our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. Continue to pour out a special blessing on the baby things that we have brought. May they bring warmth and comfort to the families they reach. In this small act, may we fulfill your vision for our lives, our world, and this your church. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Listening for God
Message to Young Hearts
“What do babies need?”
Matthew 2:1-12 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:
‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Message: The Gift of Myrrh
Silence
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Carol: “What Child is this” verses 1 and 3 Public Domain
1 What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus: This, this is Christ, the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
3 So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. [Chorus]
Benediction and Silent Reflection
Postlude
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