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Christmas in July

07/28/2024

 

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CENTERING MUSIC                         "Silent Night"                                                         

MOMENT OF HOPE                                    

RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:  In the midst of the summer

People:  We are here remembering the Spirit of Christmas

Leader:  The Spirit of Service & Gifts

People:  The Spirit of Love

Leader:  The Spirit of Peace

People:  The Spirit of Joy

Leader:  The Spirit of Hope

People:  And the birth of Jesus!

This morning we will celebrate Christ’s birth the true meaning of Christmas that Service , Gifts, Love, Peace, Joy and Hope for every day of  our lives.

*HYMN #133                            "O Come All Ye Faithful"

PRAYER CONFESSING OUR NEED FOR GOD'S GRACE

Leader: When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem
               They found there was no room.

People:  We confess that in the midst of all our busyness.  We have not made room    in our hearts for others.

Leader:  We confess that, paralyzed by fear, prejudice or apathy
               We have not made room in our homes and in our communities for the      stranger.

People:  We confess that, forgetting the welcome we have been shown,

Leader:  Gracious God, forgive us and renew us.
               Use this time to break open our hearts,
               throw open the doors, open our eyes to your presence
               and open our arms wide to welcome you.

SILENT PRAYER

SONG OF RENEWAL #288     "Spirit of the Living God"

                        Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me,

                        Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

                        Melt me, Mold me, fill me, use me

                        Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

 

CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GRACE

God is good! God is faithful! God is merciful!
And God comes to us, in vulnerability, again and again,
to show us how much we are loved.

We are forgiven; we are freed,
We are beloved; we are blessed,
Thanks be to God!
Amen.                                  

 

SONG                                          "When God is a Child"                                        (Insert) 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Leader:  Lord in your mercy,

People:  Hear our prayer.

 

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER

As we pray together the Lord’s Prayer, you are invited to say this in whatever version is

most comforting and meaningful to you.  Here is one possible version (ecumenical version) that you can use:

   Our Father, who is in heaven, holy be your name.

               Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

               And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Yours is the

kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

 

SPECIAL MUSIC                       "Mary, Did You Know"  Mark Lowry & Buddy Greene
                                                        Traci Akiki - Soloist

 

SCRIPTURE READING                   Matthew 2:1-12                                          (Pg. 783)

RESPONSE

Reader:      The word of the Lord

People:      Thanks be to God.

 

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION   from Psalm 19 - responsively

Pastor:       May the words of my mouth

People:      And the meditations of our hearts

All:            Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord,

                  Our rock and our redeemer.  Amen

 

SERMON                                      "Following Directions"            Rev. Sarah Reyes Gibbs

MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION

*HYMN #151                       "We Three Kings of Orient Are"

During this Hymn, the congregation may bring their gifts

to the front of the communion table.

 

MOMENT OF THANKS

OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS

OFFERTORY    Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head                                              Traditional Appalachian song                                          

                                                                      

*PENTECOST DOXOLOGY   By Roger Lynn                        Tune:  OLD HUNDRED

Praise God whose breath fills all the earth

Whose love reveals our sacred worth

Whose Spirit forms one family

Whose grace brings peace and harmony.  Amen.

 

*UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGVING

Gracious and Loving God,

Thank you for sending us Jesus to be born as a tiny baby in such humble conditions, so that he could show us what it takes to follow him, and as we celebrate his birth in July, may we never forget that the Spirit guides us in our lives today and always.  May our offerings be used to build up the Realm of God seeking justice, sharing compassion, working for peace and bringing hope.

*HYMN #136                          "Go Tell It on the Mountain"

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*PASSING THE PEACE

Leader:      The peace of Christ be with you.

People:      And with you also.

Leader:      Let us pass the peace of Christ.

People:      The peace of Christ be with you.   (To one another)

*POSTLUDE           Joy To The World                                       

 

*Indicates when people should stand.

Congregation will say the words in bold.