Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
Communion Sunday
January 1, 2011
The time of centering:
"The birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it." (Frederick Buechner)
PRELUDE Worship begins as the chimes sound
ENTRANCE OF THE LIGHT
INVOCATION
The magi came from many places, following a star. We come to worship, and the star sheds light on our lives. The magi brought gifts to offer the child. We too bring gifts – ourselves, our hopes, our dreams. Shepherds and magi – the meek and the mighty – all were welcome in Bethlehem. We too come to Bethlehem to see God revealed to the world this New Year!
WELCOME
PRAISE SONGS "Shine, Jesus, Shine" & "Lead me, Guide Me"
CALL TO WORSHIP Based on Isaiah 61:1-3, 60:1
LEADER: Rejoice, for God has sent the Messiah
PEOPLE: To bind up the brokenhearted,
LEADER: To proclaim liberty to the captives,
PEOPLE: To grant those who mourn a garland instead of ashes,
LEADER: The cloak of ringing praise, instead of a faint spirit.
PEOPLE: Arise, shine, for the light has come!
LEADER: God’s Light, the Messiah, illumines our lives!
ALL: Morning Light opens us to worship this day and this New Year. Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
SPECIAL MUSIC "Serenade No. 12 for Solo Tuba by Persichetti"
Andrew Fries
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering "O Sanctissima" by Ruth Dickinson
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
HYMN OF PREPARATION "This is The Day of New Beginnings"
No. 383 (v 1, 4, & 5)
SCRIPTURE Isaiah 43:1-3a, 18-21
MEDITATION “A New Year”
PREPARING FOR THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Invitation to the Table
Receiving Communion
UNISON PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Long after the angels disappear into the heavens, the shepherds return to their flocks, the magi journey home and the great star sets, Jesus remains.
The Child in whom we rediscover God’s great love for humanity becomes the adult Redeemer who challenges us to imitate his selflessness and compassion in order that we might transform our world in love…
May we allow the miracle of Christmas to continue long after the holiday trappings have been packed away;
May we welcome the adult Messiah and his challenging Gospel to recreate our lives, making the peace, justice and hope of this holy season a reality in every season of the New Year. Amen.
*HYMN FOR GOING FORTH "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
No. 220 (v 1, 2, &3)
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
The Light has splintered t our darkness. God has called us to dance.
We go forth to answer with our lives in this New Year. Amen.
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
