GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
January 6, 2008 8:45 a.m.
GATHERING PRAISE
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SHARING CHRISTÕS PEACE
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
BOWING BEFORE GOD IN 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
PROCLAIMING THE WORD
Matthew 2:1-12
SERMON
ÒOf Magi and MysteryÓ
CELEBRATION SONG
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Offertory
The LordÕs Supper
BLESSING
DEPARTING IN FAITH AND HOPE
All songs projected by permission: CCLI # 945944
January 6, 2008 Epiphany 11:15 a.m.
Today we use The Presbyterian Hymnal (blue)
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHIMES
PRELUDE ÒImprovisation on Lattimer" Charles Callahan
The Congregation Stands
PROCESSIONAL HYMN #68 (stanzas 1-3)
What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright PUER NOBIS NASCITUR
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Let us celebrate GodÕs glory around us, and the light of Christ within us!
People: Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the LORD has dawned upon us!
Leader: For shadows covered the earth and deep darkness enveloped the people;
People: But the LORD will appear upon us and his glory will appear over us.
Leader: Then, we shall see and be radiant; then, shall our hearts thrill and rejoice!
All: Come, let us worship the One who is the light and life of all people!
GLORIA #579 GREATOREX
The Congregation is Seated
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God of Epiphany, you reveal yourself to us in so many ways; but, we confess that your light overwhelms us and we often turn away. For in the light of your glory we see ourselves as we should be and not as we are. We see the the magnitude of your love and the smallness of our own. Forgive us, O Holy God, and make us seekers of your glory and bearers of your light. Be with us, in mercy and joy, as we journey with your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, in the season of light.
A Time for Silent Prayers of Confession
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: GodÕs grace has dawned in our hearts, eternityÕs light has shined in our souls. So, rejoice and be exceeding glad; for in Christ Jesus, the Light of the World our sins are forgiven.
All: The light of the world shines in our lives, delivering us from evil, gracing us with hope and joy.
Thanks be to God!
The Congregation Stands
HYMN OF THANKSGIVING #68 (stanza 4)
What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you all.
People: And also with you.
(The people greet fellow worshippers with the peace of Christ)
The Congregation is Seated
GATHERING HYMN ÒThis Little Light of MineÓ
This little light of mine, IÕm gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, IÕm gonna let it shine,
This little light of mine, IÕm gonna let is shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
CHILDREN IN THE CHANCEL
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
READING FROM THE EPISTLES Ephesians 3:1-12
ANTHEM ÒCarol for the KingÓ
READING FROM THE GOSPELS Matthew 2:1-12
SERMON ÒOf Magi and MysteryÓ
The Congregation Stands
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The ApostlesÕ Creed (traditional, hymnal, p. 14)
The Congregation is Seated
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Offertory Sentence
Offertory ÒDing Dong Merrily on HighÓ
The Congregation Stands
Doxology #592 OLD HUNDREDTH
Prayer of Dedication
The Congregation is Seated
Invitation to the LordÕs Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Minister: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Minister: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Minister: It
is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God,
for you are the fulfillment of all our searching. Since the time you created
all things you have had a plan — hidden in mystery through the ages
— to draw all the world into one body, and to share with all peoples your
promises of glory.
People: And now the light has risen, the mystery is made known: your beloved child, Jesus, is revealed to the whole world as Savior and Redeemer, and as the King who reigns in justice and peace.
Minister: You made him known first to the magi from the east, who came to pay him homage, though they knew of him only what the silent stars could tell. And now, you draw us to the feet of Jesus — the crucified and risen Christ — to offer our gifts of praise to the light of the world. Holy God, as the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on discovering the depth of his love for us.
People: For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us.
Minister: Gracious God, send now the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, that we may experience the presence of your Word-made-flesh, Jesus the Christ. May this bread which we break may become our wholeness; may this cup which we pour touch our lips with your healing. Embrace all of those whose names we have lifted to you this day. And may those who grieve be consoled by your comforting presence. Come in your might to every place where there are wars and rumors of wars. Come in your might to every place where there is hunger and homelessness, disease and despair.
People: May we ever believe that your justice and peace are to be shared with all people; so that we may go forth in the light of your love to bring light to those in thick darkness, a voice to those for whom no one speaks, and hope to those for whom no one cares.
Minister: With our hearts lifted high, we offer you thanks and praise at all times through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. And we join our voices in the prayer taught us by our Lord:
People: 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
PARTAKING OF THE BREAD
(Worshippers will be served at their places in the congregation. You may pass the bread to your neighbor with the words: ÒThe bread of heaven.Ó Please hold the bread so that we may eat together.)
Minister: Jesus said, ÒI am the bread of life: those who come to me will never be hungry.Ó
People: Lord, give us this bread forever. Amen.
PARTAKING OF THE WINE
(When the cup is passed you may drink when served, then place the empty cup in the holder in the chair in front of you. You may pass the wine to your neighbor with the words, ÒThe cup of salvation.Ó)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (UNISON)
Holy Lord God, bright splendor whom the nations seek:
We, with the Magi, have been drawn by your light and seen your glory revealed
to us in the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that by this holy meal
we may be strengthened and sustained so that we may ever follow the Star of
your divine will. We pray in JesusÕ name, Amen.
The Congregation Stands
RECESSIONAL HYMN #63
As With Gladness Men of Old DIX
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE "Recessional" Charles Callahan
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WELCOME VISITORS: In the name of Jesus Christ, we welcome you to worship today. Please sign the friendship pad during the announcements so that we may have a record of your presence today.
FROM THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE: The exterior doors of the main building will be re-keyed to match the exterior doors of the new addition shortly after January 1. The Committee is presently in the process of issuing new keys to the Elders, Church Staff, School personnel, and designated Church committee members. If you are not one of the above listed groups and would like to have a key, please leave a note in the Property Committee box located in the Church office. To offset the cost of obtaining duplicate keys, there will be a small fee charged for the new keys. This fee will be waived if you have Church duties that require you to have entry to the buildings. Present key holders are advised to retain their old keys since it provides access to several other areas in the building.
A REMINDER ABOUT FINANCES: 2007 is quickly drawing to a close. If you made a monetary pledge to the churchÕs general fund for the current year, please make every effort to pay your pledge in full by the end of December. Also, for those who made a pledge to the Building Fund 3 years ago, please remember that 2007 is the final year to complete payment of these pledges. This is a very critical time for church finances as we close out 2007 and seek to begin 2008 on as strong a financial base as possible. Grace Presbyterian Church greatly appreciates all of you who so faithfully support the churchÕs ministry with your giving.
THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 10:45 am. Please make every effort to attend this very important meeting.
Please note the following changes of address:
Virginia Wright, 1325 Volleyball Lane, Apt. #277, Cordova, TN 38016, (901) 590-2608.
Wendi Glenn, 5323 Scrivener Dr. Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 383-3816 (cell)
Day Trippers will sponsor White Elephant Bingo Monday, January 28, 2008. We will have a potluck lunch at 11:30 am and Bingo from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. You are encouraged to bring a new item to be used as a prize that has a value of at least one dollar—one that you have absolutely no use for, but just canÕt bring yourself to part with. Bring a potluck lunch item—bringing a prize is not a requirement, additional prizes will be provided. Come join us for a time of fellowship, food and fun.
Please note the following correction: Circle #1, #2, & #5 meet on Tuesday January 08, 2008, not Monday, January 07, 2008, as previously noted in last SundayÕs bulletin.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHÕS SOUP KITCHEN is asking us to collect items for hygiene kits. In January they are asking for travel size shampoo/conditioner bottles. There will be a box in the Narthex for these items.
UNDECORATING PARTY! Now that we have had the twelve days of Christmas and Epiphany has arrived, itÕs time to take down the Christmas decorations and store them in the attic. We will do this on Saturday January 12th at 9:00 am. Though itÕs never as much fun taking down decorations as it is putting them up, we can still have fun just being together and sharing a laugh or two. Come join us!
KARDS 4 KIDS: Thank you to all who wrote 476 Christmas Greetings in Portuguese or Spanish to children in orphanages in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru. These cards bring such joy to little ones and they are treasured long after the holiday season has passed. Presbyterian Women sponsored this project this year as one of our many mission projects. Jean Markham
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sunday, January 6, 2008 Sunday, January 13, 2008
8:45 am Contemporary Worship 8:45 am Contemporary Worship
10:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Sunday School
11:15 am Traditional Worship 11:15 am Traditional Worship
5:00 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:00 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Youth Study 6:00 pm Youth Progressive Dinner
Monday, January 7, 2008 Monday, January 14, 2008
6:30 pm Property Committee 7:00 pm Commitment Committee 7:00 pm Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Circle #4
Tuesday January, 08,2008 Tuesday January 15, 2008
10:00 am Circle #1 & #2 10:00 am Circle #3 meeting
6:00 pm Worship Committee Wednesday, January 16, 2008
7:00 pm Circle #5 (church) 6:30 pm Youth Bible Study
7:00 pm Congregational Life 7:30 pm Choir
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 Thursday January 17, 2008
6:00 pm Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm Care Committee
7:30 pm Choir
REMEMBER THESE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH
Our Church Family:
John Gordon......................................................... Recovering at home
Frances Young .................................................... Memphis Jewish Home
Alex Martin, grandson of Virginia Martin..................... Deploying to Iraq in January
Lou Kehrli............................................................. Working in Bahrain
Brit, Brenda and Brittany Ripley................................ Deployed to Djibouti, Africa
Reverend Larry & Beth Turner, as they prepare to move to Bartlett and Grace Presbyterian Church.
All who are traveling during the holiday season.
Our Extended Church Family:
Norma Jean Vawter, mother of Bob Vawter
Mike Russell ........................................................ Cancerous tumor on spine
Joe Gonzales, Daniel Hicks granddad ...................... Cancer
Paul Cave, Dan & Georgie CaveÕs brother.................. Cancer treatment
Mike Kuykendall, son of June Kuykendall.................. Brain tumor
The family of James Adcock, brother-in-law of Ken Hathaway who passed away.
The family of Elfriede Bogen, Don BogenÕs grandmother, who passed away Dec.15, 2007.
The family of the nephew of Jean Jones who passed away.
The family of Walter E. Caldwell, Father of Betsy Lewis who passed away Dec. 18, 2007.
The family of Stewart Baker, Jean MarkhamÕs brother who passed away.
Worship Attendance for December 30, 2007
8:45 19
11:15 77
Total 96
In Service This Week January 6, 2008
Oversight Elders: Opening – Dossett Foster
Closing – John Evans
Hosts—11:15 am: John Dotson, Bill & Cathy Bendall, Joan Tinnen
Communion—8:45 am: Polly Schrimper, Walt Schrimper, Kim Upshaw,
Ted Upshaw
Communion—11:15 am: Andrew Vawter, Jean Starnes, Harold Howard,
Cristal Perry, Bill Carroll, Paula Bishop
In Service Next Week January 13, 2008
Oversight Elders: Opening – Byron Graves
Closing – John Evans
Hosts—11:15 am: Bill Carroll, Virginia Martin, Johnnie & Daryl Davis
The Session (Our governing body)
Class of 2008 Class of 2009 Class of 2010
Dossett Foster, Session Clerk Cathy Bendall Bill Carroll
John Gordon Joe Bishop John Evans
Cathy Harris Byron Graves Mark Gray
Charlotte Hicks Sandy Kehrli Jean Markham
Sarah Pfaffenroth Miree Pomering Walt Schrimper
Jere Lawson John Price Jean Starnes
Church Staff
Pastor: Rev. Judith Reese – jreese@grace-pres.org. Cell phone (901) 233-7813
Director of Music: Charlotte Eaheart Hicks, CCM – chicks@grace-pres.org.
Director of Instrumental Music: Bob Vawter – bvawter@bellsouth.net
Youth Director: Cristaldawn Perry – revmission2002@yahoo.com
ChildrenÕs Director: Betsy Bogen – bbogen8960@comcast.net
Organist: Jean Jones – jjones8960@comcast.net
Nursery Attendants: Kathe Walker and Judy Thigpun
Church Administrator: Betsy Lewis – blewis@grace-pres.org
Administrative Assistant: Linda Cole – lcole@grace-pres.org
Grace Presbyterian Church
6671 Yale Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
Phone: 901-386-3241
Fax: 901-507-4779