Montague Bulletin December 28, 2014
Meditation: Mary Dunbar
MEDITATION: We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar
MUSICAL PRELUDE.
CALL FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: When Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph, People: God is there. Leader: When Jesus is presented at the temple. People: God is there. Leader: When Simeon holds Jesus in his arms. People: God is there. Leader: When Anna recognizes Jesus in the temple. People: God is there. Leader: This very morning. People: God is here. Leader: In the future we cannot see. People: God is there. All: Let us worship God!
HYMN: (please stand if able)# 142 Unto Us a Boy is Born
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (all in unison) All: Holy God, we know that you have been present to us throughout all of history, even throughout our own histories. We know you will be with us in our future. Yet often we don’t live as if we know that. You ask no more of us than what we can provide. Parents: As Jesus’ parents were asked to give within their means at the temple, you ask us to give of our means. We often fail to do this. Men of Wisdom: As Simeon recognized in Jesus the salvation of his people, we recognize in Jesus’ Way our own wholeness and health, yet we often fail to follow. Women of Wisdom: As Anna recognized in Jesus the redemption of her people, we recognize in Jesus God’s saving grace for us, yet we often fail to rejoice and to share this good news. All: Forgive us, make us wise and joyful and strong so that we live in the understanding of your never ending love. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE The scriptures promise that God will make all things new. As God makes the year new, may we also be made new by God’s love and forgiveness in Jesus. Amen.
GLORIA PATRI 513R (all in unison, please stand if able) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC SCRIPTURE LESSONS Responsive Reading: #108R, Psalm 148, p. 539 Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7 p.167 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 p.51
SERMON: Past Meets Future; A Blessing for Today (the gospel, Luke 2:22-40, will be read as part of the meditation)
HYMN (please stand if able) #137R Away in a Manger
PRAYER WITH THE CHILDREN Dear God, Thank you for this chance to be together, for the vision of Simeon and Anna, for the baby Jesus, and for each one of us. Help us to see people as you see them, to see that each one of us is special to you and that you have plans for each of us. Help us to make time to remember that we are special and to think about what hopes and dreams you have for us. Amen.
PASSING OF THE BLESSING TIME OF PRAYER Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer L: Let us join in prayer. The Lord be with you. P: And with your spirit Silent Prayer The Lord’s Prayer (all in unison) 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever Amen. Prayer Response
OFFERING Invitation to Giving Offertory Anthem Doxology #514R (all in unison, please stand if able) Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self: (please stand if able) God of Vision, take these offerings of money and turn them into vision; vision of all people fed, vision of all people safe, vision of all people housed, vision of all people educated, vision of all people with medical care. Amen
HYMN #141R The First Noel
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE First Congregational Church of Montague, Trinitarian
PRAYER GARDEN (If you know of someone you would like us to pray for please put their name on a slip of paper and drop it into the offering plate or let one of the deacons or secretary Ann Cenzano know of their name. Names will stay on the list for approximately one month.) Tina Wells, Nicole Cuthbert, Steve M., Janice Daysh, Helen Lambert and Linda Ackerman family, Connie
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please join us at coffee hour immediately following worship
Two NEW things! ONE: We have a Facebook page now. Look us up and “like” us on Facebook to spread the word about our work in the world. And TWO: We are beginning to tape our worship services so they can be shown on local cable television and you can click on a link to see them on your computer at home. Thank You Kathy Lynch for getting us started!! We need your help though. We need a few people who would be willing to be on this outreach team. One more way of breaking down barriers, becoming more accessible, sharing our gifts and building God’s kin-dom!
Pledges: Are you up to date with your pledge?? Call or email Peg Burns to find out. The end of the year is fast approaching and she needs to balance the books.
Choir practice is on Wednesdays at 6:30
Mark & Ann Fisk donated Christmas Flowers
***Please fill out the pew card or let a deacon or Pastor Barb (413-949-3391) know if you would like a visit or have a prayer concern.***
www.montaguechurch.org 413-367-9467
Attached Files:
Posted: to Sermons & Prayers on Sun, Dec 28, 2014
Updated: Sun, Dec 28, 2014
