January 3, 2021

 

PETALUMA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

THE WORSHIP PODCAST

January 3, 2021

The Order of Service

Epiphany 

 

 

PRELUDE: “The Eastern Star” played by Marilyn Lee, Organist

 

GREETING:  Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

                                                           

CALL TO WORSHIP:   Sue Sarno

This day we step as one community into a new year.

This day we step as different individuals into a new day.

This day we step as ones who are committed to love, into a time of new possibilities and new hope.   And as we take these steps, we grasp the hem of the holy garment and ask for a sense of presence and power as we come together to worship.

 

OPENING HYMN:   “The First Noel”  (UMH245)

1 The first Noel the angel did say 
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; 
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, 
on a cold winter's night that was so deep. 

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 
born is the King of Israel. 

2 They looked up and saw a star 
shining in the east, beyond them far; 
and to the earth it gave great light, 
and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]

 

CALL TO CONFESSION:  Charlotte Peterson

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Charlotte Peterson

Holy God of New beginnings, we awake this day to a world that is in pain and chaos.   We arise to news that is hard to hear, and we know that we are a part of the picture.

Lord, we did not cause this pandemic, but we are called to be a part of the solution. We confess that we have not always behaved in ways that protect everyone. We admit our impatience to return to what we think is normal.   Give us grace, we pray.   Forgive us for focusing too much on what we cannot do and give us the courage to do simply what is right. Forgive us for surrendering to fear and give us the power to release our fear as we reach for the light that is your love and power. Holy One, we come with open hearts seeking healing for our world and our church.   Grant us the wisdom and the wonder to be that church in this time and in this moment.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Sue Sarno  

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Isaiah 60:1-6                        

read in English by Nora Tallent

read in Fijian by Vacatawa Sekuri Yadraca

Matthew 2:1-12                 

read in English by Charlotte Peterson

read in Fijian by Vakatawa Sekuri Yadraca

 

SERMON: “Choosing Another Road” Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

 

THE PASTORAL PRAYER: Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER:          

read in English by Nora Tallent 

read in Fijian by Vacatawa Sekuri Yadraca

 

HOLY COMMUNION: led by Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

 

THE OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS AND TITHES: Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

 

Click here to give online or for information on gifting by texting

 

OFFERTORY: “Love Came Down at Christmas” played by Marilyn Lee

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT: Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

 

CLOSING HYMN: “We Three Kings” (UMH 254) played by Marilyn Lee

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 light, 
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 reign. [Refrain]

 

THE BENEDICTION: Pastor Schuyler Rhodes

 

POSTLUDE: “March of the King” played by Marilyn Lee