Worship Bulletin – January 7, 2018

Worship Bulletin – January 7, 2018

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — January 7, 2018

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Mrs. Joyce Sheppard

Welcome to the Oldtown Church!
We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us today. We invite you to join in on the bold print in the bulletin, and to stand as you are able any time you see a “*”. The restrooms are out the back door of the sanctuary to the right, as is the nursery in case your little one needs a walkabout. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please join us for coffee and refreshments after worship!
Please remember to mute your devices during worship.


WE PREPARE

PRELUDE

INTROIT — “Jesus, We Worship You”

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

TIME OF CENTERING
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold him, born the king of angels
O come let us adore him (3x)
Christ, the Lord!

CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine, for your light has come, a new day is dawning,
A new year is born, fresh and clean.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. Emmanuel, God is with us.
On every path we take, no matter where we go.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the stars still shine.
Christ is here, our light has come, let us sing out in praise!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of eternal hope, you place a light into every darkness and a star in every sky, and yet we prefer to walk in the darkness of concern and despair. We cover the light of possibility with our constant worry. We walk bent over with care and concern and miss the brightness of your stars. We fear the worst, distrust the best, and forge ahead on our own, not noticing your outstretched hand. Shine your light on our path and walk with us through our valleys of darkness. Like the magi from afar, guide us with your star. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

*HYMN C#173 — “As With Gladness”

*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O tidings of comfort and joy!

WE LISTEN

SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12

SERMON — “A Guiding Star”

WE RESPOND

PREPARING OURSELVES FOR PRAYER
O Little Town of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and 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.

OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
GIFT OF MUSIC — “Wise Men, They Came to Look”
*DOXOLOGY
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King of Israel.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION

SONG OF PREPARATION
INVITATION
COMMUNION PRAYER
God be with you
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to God
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Let us pray…

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

ACCLAMATION OF FAITH
As we remember Christ’s promise not to drink the fruit of the vine again until the heavenly banquet at the close of history, let us say boldly what we believe;
Christ has died. Christ is risen! Christ will come again.

BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
You have nourished us at this Table, God of abundance. So now send us out to live abundantly, sharing your love, your grace, and your peace, through the power of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

*SENDING HYMN C#172 — “We Three Kings of Orient Are”

*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
Celebrate and share the joy, celebrate new life.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.

POSTLUDE


Please join us for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!

Read this week’s Oldtown Message