Epiphany
January 8, 2023 | 10:00am
Rev. Alexander Arthurs, Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: A Christian is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps. | St. Augustine
GATHERING
Prelude: Kings of Orient | arr. Barr
Welcome
Call to Worship
Votum
Our Help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
The Lord be with you.
And also with you!
Arise, shine: for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
We come to this space, following the star, seeking a miracle.
You will see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice
for here we find a prophecy fulfilled, and a mystery revealed!
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise: Arise Your Light Is Come!
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Holy Refugee of Israel,
we would like to believe that we would be like the magi,
that we would protect the innocent child,
that we would stand up to power.
But too often we have turned away from those who need us.
Too often we have bent to the powers that be,
resigning ourselves to the way it has always been.
Forgive our lack of action,
guide us back to your purposes,
and help us be brave enough to do your will.
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
God calls to us from wherever we are.
God’s love shines like a beacon.
God’s voice echoes in our souls,
“You are forgiven!”
Thanks be to God!
The Law of God: Micah 6:8
*Gloria Patri | #579
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Children’s Message
Prayer for Illumination
May the words of your servants mouth,
and the meditations of all of our hearts
be acceptable and pleasing to you,
O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Hymn: We Three Kings of Orient Are
Second Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon: “The Journey” | Pastor Alex
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering: There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit | Akers
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with Lord’s Prayer)
Remember God’s message: Do not be afraid! Therefore we pray with hope and joy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With hope and joy, we pray for the church . . .
Empower us to proclaim to all the world
the mystery you have revealed to us:
the boundless treasure of Christ’s love and grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With hope and joy, we pray for the earth . . .
Let your good creation flourish in peace
and shower it with beauty and blessing,
as long as the sun and moon endure. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With hope and joy, we pray for all nations . . .
Arise and shine upon all peoples of the earth.
Let them thrill and rejoice at your grace.
Let them look and be radiant in your glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With hope and joy, we pray for this community . . .
Extend your faithfulness and mercy to all people—
defending the poor, giving justice to the weak,
delivering the needy when they cry out for help. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With hope and joy, we pray for loved ones . . .
Give light to those who search for you;
give strength to those who wait for you;
give healing to those who need your touch. (names read) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We ask these things with joy, O God,
confident in the knowledge of your goodness;
and we ask these things with hope, knowing that our redeemer is here - for to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord, Jesus Christ, in whose holy name we pray.
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, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
Hymn: What Star is This, with Beams so Bright
Benediction
Postlude: Go Forth | Chesterton
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, January 15 - eggs
Sunday, January 22 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, January 29 - eggs
We are changing our Online Giving System to a more efficient and church-friendly platform. If you would like to continue giving online or would like to set up online payments, please click the “Give Now” button below to set up your online gifts. If you have any questions or need help setting up payments, please contact the church office. We are so grateful for your flexibility as we make this change. Your generosity drives our mission forward!
• Email: office@peapackreformed.org • phone: (908) 234-2733 •
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED