Fruitland United Methodist Church
 January 30, 2022

Prelude “Fanfare” by Jean Joseph Mouret

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude “They'll know we are Christians by our love”
                                             -by Peter Scholtes, arranged for piano and organ duet by Fred Bock
*Call to Worship
 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Calling Song “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” UMH #344

Responsive Reading from Psalm 71
Leader: In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
People: Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
Leader: Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
People: For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.
All: My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
​
Unison Invocation
O God, we believe that you revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ. 
Help us see beyond ourselves this morning, that by proclaiming your grace to all nations and singing of your hope to all peoples, we may become one living body, your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.

Chorus “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord” TFWS #2131
Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord
Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord
And He shall lift you up (higher and higher)
And He shall lift you up
And He shall lift you up (up into heaven)
And He shall lift you up

Old Testament Reading - Jeremiah 1: 4-10
New Testament Reading - 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

Message “Let’s Go Fishing” The Chosen – Episode 4 - Luke 5: 1-11
Let me introduce you to someone who has influenced my life.

He lived a long time ago. His name was Simon. He had a brother named Andrew. His father’s name was John. He made his living as a commercial fisherman. He lived in Capernaum, a town on the Sea of Galilee’s western shore.

Simon was an early follower of Jesus and was chosen by Jesus to be one of the original twelve
apostles. Jesus gave him a nickname: Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Hebrew). These words mean rock in English.

These Bible verses will help you learn a little more about this man who has deeply influenced your pastor. Underline his name when you find it.
• John 1:35-42
• Luke 5:1-11
• Luke 6:12-16
• John 13:1-9
• Matthew 26:31-35
• John 18:15-18 and 25-27

These episodes describe some highs and lows in the relationship between Jesus and Simon.
Perhaps Simon Peter’s influence on me stems from his “out front” leadership and his willingness to admit his failures. He seems to be the person who most blessed and exasperated Jesus.

Simon’s early encounters with Jesus are the focus of today’s worship service. It is a story highlighting some things that distracted Simon. It is a story that shows how wrongly we can interpret God’s activity. It is a story that identifies the importance of repentance and obedience.

My prayerful hope is that Simon Peter becomes a positive influence in your Christian pilgrimage.
Pastor Jim

PS – Next Sunday (February 6) will take us to a wedding feast in Cana. You can read about it by
turning to John 2:1-12. Oh yes, bring a wedding picture for display. This should be fun.
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Commitment Chorus “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” TFWS #2129
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus,
My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
no turning back, no turning back.

Unison Benediction
May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Postlude “March from the 5th Symphony” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Postlude 
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 

January 26, 2022
 
Let me introduce you to someone who has influenced my life. He lived a long time ago.
His name was Simon. He had a brother named Andrew. His father’s name was John. He made his living as a commercial fisherman. He lived in Capernaum, a town on the Sea of Galilee’s western shore.

Simon was an early follower of Jesus and was chosen by Jesus to be one of the original twelve apostles. Jesus gave him a nickname: Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Hebrew). The name means rock in English.

Take some time right now to look up these Bible verses to learn a little more about this man who has deeply influences your pastor. Underline his name when you find it.
•       John 1:35-42
•       Luke 5:1-11
•       Luke 6:12-16
•       John 13:1-9
•       Matthew 26:31-35
•       John 18:15-18 and 25-27

These episodes describe some highs and lows in the relationship between Jesus and Simon.
 
Perhaps Simon-Peter’s influence on me stems from his “out front” leadership and his willingness to admit his failures. He seems to be the person who blessed and exasperated Jesus the most.

Simon’s early encounters with Jesus are the focus of this week’s worship service. It is a story that highlights some things that distracted Simon from recognizing the Messiah. It is a story that shows how wrongly we can interpret God’s activity. It is a story that identifies the importance of repentance and obedience.
​
My prayerful hope is that Simon Peter becomes a positive influence is your pilgrimage of following Jesus.
 
Stay faithful and fearless,
 
Pastor Jim
 
PS – Next Sunday (February 6) will take us to a wedding feast in Cana. Bring a wedding picture for display. This should be fun.

Fruitland United Methodist Church
January 23, 2022 – 9:00 AM

Prelude

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude

*Call to Worship
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Calling Song: “Jesus Loves the Little Children”      
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red, brown, yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
                              
Responsive Reading From Psalm 19
Leader: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
People: Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
Leader: There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
People: Their voice goes out unto all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
All: May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Unison Invocation
O God, we give thanks for the children of our church and those of our families. We remember that you have adopted all of us as your children and that Jesus said we must receive your kingdom as little children. Open our eyes to see the blessings children bring and teach us to love them as Jesus does. We pray in his name. Amen 

Hymn of Praise: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”     UMH #277 all vs.
Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear;
things I would ask him to tell me if he were here:
scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea,
stories of Jesus, tell them to me.

First let me hear how the children stood round his knee,
and I shall fancy his blessing resting on me;
words full of kindness, deeds full of grace,
all in the lovelight of Jesus' face.

Into the city I'd follow the children's band,
waving a branch of the palm tree high in my hand;
one of his heralds, yes, I would sing
loudest hosannas, "Jesus is King!"

Gospel Reading - Mark 10:13-16
New Testament Reading - 3 John 1-4

Message: “Jesus Loves the Little Children”     The Chosen, Season 1, Episode 3
Those words make us want to break into song!

“Red, brown, yellow, black, and white! They are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

This Sunday our worship services highlights that powerful relationship Jesus engendered with children.

Yes, there is a special place in Jesus’ heart for children. 

Perhaps this comes from the Hebrew Bible’s emphasis on teaching children the laws and stories of their faith. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 points out the importance of “talking” about the commandments. We know that Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem every year (a sixty mile journey from Nazareth) for the Feast of the Passover. No doubt they often talked about the trip and the reasons for it. Look up Luke 2:41-52 for some information about one of those trips.

In Mark 9:33-37 and Mark 10:13-15 Jesus offered the example of children as something his followers should emulate. And there in Mark 10:16, Jesus holds little ones in his arms and blesses them. While Nicodemus, Matthew, Simon, Andrew, and Zebedee are dealing with the “adult” things of life, Jesus is making some young friends.

Let’s think about our influence on the lives of young people.

• What do they take away by overhearing our conversations?
• How are we praying for them and their families?
• How are we encouraging them?
• How are we blessing them?
• Are there ways we can encourage those who work closely with the children of our communities?
• Are there volunteer opportunities available that would bring us into contact with children and young people?

Jesus loves the little children…all the children of the world.
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​
Commitment Song: “Jesus Loves Me”     UMH #191 (all verses)
Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me he who died
heaven's gate to open wide.
He will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in. [Refrain]

Jesus loves me, this I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, "Let them come to me." [Refrain]

Benediction:
May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you 
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, 
protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing 
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Postlude 
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 

From Jim’s Cluttered Desks
January 19, 2022

Jesus loves the little children.

Those words make me want to break into song! “Red, brown, yellow, black, and white!
They are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Yes, Jesus does have a special place in his heart for children.

Perhaps this comes from the Hebrew Bible’s emphasis on teaching children the laws
and stories of their faith. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 points out the importance of “talking” about
the commandments. We know that Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem every
year (a sixty mile journey from Nazareth) for the Feast of the Passover. No doubt they
often talked about the trip and the reasons for it. Look up Luke 2:41-52 for some
information about one of those trips.

In Mark 9:33-37 and Mark 10:13-15 offered the example of children as something his
followers should emulate. And there in Mark 10:16 Jesus holds little ones in his arms
and blesses them.

This coming Sunday our worship services will focus on that wonderful relationship
Jesus engendered with children.

It will be easy to focus on COVID-19 home test kits and N95 face masks this week.
Perhaps there might be something greater to consider. Please join me in thinking about
our influence on the lives of young people. What do they take away from overhearing
our conversations? How are we praying for them and their parents? How are we
blessing them, just like Jesus did.
​
Jesus loves the little children…all the children of the world.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Jim

Fruitland United Methodist Church
Communion Sunday

Prelude “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”
                                             Traditional African-American spiritual arranged by Lani Smith
Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship

Interlude “El Shaddai” by Michael Card

*Call to Worship
 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

*Calling Song “Thou Art Worthy” TFWS #2041
Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory,
Glory and honor,
Glory and honor and pow'r
For Thou hast created,
hast all things created,
Thou hast created all things;
And for Thy pleasure
they are created -
Thou art worthy, O Lord.

Responsive Reading Psalm 36:5-9
Leader; Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
People: Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgements are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike.
Leader: How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
People: They feast on the abundance of your house, and your give them drink from the river of your delights.
All: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Unison Invocation
You invite us to Your presence, to the table of Your feast, to Your walk of companionship, to Your mission of well-being.
We take timid steps toward home and are welcomed. Now, in this hour meet us not according to our flaws but according to Your generous self-giving:
Be our Christmas, and start the world again;
Be our Easter, and draw us from death to new life;
Be our Pentecost, and breathe on us to begin again as we live and pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Message “Shabbat” The Chosen – Episode 2
Last Sunday we met several people: Mary of Magdala, Nicodemus, Simon and his brother Andrew, and Matthew. This Sunday we are going to see how they observed Shabbat (Sabbath in English), the Jewish day of rest. Mary, Nicodemus, Simon, and Matthew each observed Shabbat. Their Shabbat experiences were different.

Shabbat is the day of the week when observant Jews obey the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12). In these passages we see two different reasons for keeping the Shabbat:

• in Exodus the reason is that God rested
• in Deuteronomy the reason is simple justice, keeping the strong from exploiting the weak.

Sabbath traditions vary among Jews just as Christian worship traditions do. Does your family have any religious traditions like this? What religious traditions were you raised with?

Shabbat begins Friday night at sundown. A family meal is the centerpiece of the evening and begins with candle lighting and prayers. The woman of the house begins the ceremony with a blessing and candle lighting. Usually there are
two candles on the table.

Altar flowers today are in remembrance of Debra Street’s Mother, Eva. She will pray: Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to light the candle of Shabbat and of the Day of Remembrance.

Other prayers are offered during the meal and often the conversation is directed toward the reasons for a special day of rest. Following the Shabbat meal, the family would go to bed and attend synagogue services the following day.

Jesus attended synagogue services “as was his habit” (Luke 4:16). The evening meal and the synagogue services were the Sabbath traditions with which Jesus was raised.

Religious disciplines, such as Sabbath keeping, are important. Parents and congregational leaders have a responsibility to provide instructional opportunities. However, it is possible to become “legalistic” about specific ways to learn about and honor God.

Some of the most dramatic confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day were about Sabbath keeping. Jesus clarified the purpose of Sabbath keeping when he said, “The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.” (Mark 3:27)

Mark 3:1-5 records a confrontation between Jesus and some religious leaders during a Sabbath service. Read about it some time.

Let us never be guilty of making our religious tradition more important than God’s grace.
​
Oh yes, watch for “the wink.”
Enjoy!

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The Communion Service
Communion Hymn “Open Our Eyes Lord” TFWS #2086
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus

The Apostles Creed
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,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy universal church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

Our Lord invites to his table all who love him, Who earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another.
Let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Prayer of Confession and Pardon
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. Our faith has been tested and we have stumbled. Forgive us, we pray. 
Our feet have strayed from the path of Christ and we have wandered from you.
Forgive us, we pray. 
We have put our faith in the loud voices of this world, ignoring your whispers.
Forgive us, we pray.
We do want to follow Jesus, the Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.

Leader: Hear the good news;
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love for us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!

Bread and Cup

Please pray:
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Strengthen us in mind, body and soul for the days ahead. May your Spirit fill us as we live and pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Sending Hymn “I Stand Amazed in the Presence” UMH #371 (Verses 1 and 5)
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be;
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
‘Twill be my joy thro’ the ages
To sing of His love for me.
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be;
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me.

Postlude “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by William Steffe
                                              Arranged for piano and organ by Tedd Smith and Don Hustad

Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)

​From Jim’s Cluttered Desks
January 12, 2022

We met several people Sunday: Mary of Magdala, Nicodemus, Simon and his brother Andrew, and Matthew. This Sunday we are going to see how they observed Shabbat (Sabbath in English), the Jewish day of rest. Mary, Nicodemus, Simon, and Matthew will each observe Shabbat in different ways and experience Shabbat with different results.

Shabbat is the day of the week when observant Jews obey the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12). In these passages we see two different reasons for keeping the Shabbat:

• in Exodus the reason is that God rested and
• in Deuteronomy the reason is simple justice, keeping the strong from exploiting the weak.

Sabbath traditions among Jews vary just as Christian worship traditions do. In most traditional families Shabbat begins Friday night at sundown. A family meal is the centerpiece of the evening and begins with candle lighting and prayers.

The woman of the house begins the ceremony with a blessing and candle lighting. Usually there are two candles on the table. 

She will pray: Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to light the candle of Shabbat and of the Day of Remembrance.

Other prayers are offered during the meal and often the conversation is directed toward the reasons for a special day of rest. 

Following the Shabbat meal the family would go to bed and attend synagogue services the next day. Jesus attended synagogue services “as was his habit” (Luke 4:16). These were the Sabbath traditions with which Jesus was raised.

Does your family have any religious traditions like this? What religious traditions were you raised with?

See you Sunday,
Pastor Jim

​Fruitland United Methodist Church
January 9, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Prelude “Jesus is Lord” by Robert Hughes

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Ellen Foncannon

*Call to Worship
 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
​
Calling Song “Be Not Afraid” (Inspired by Isaiah 43)
Be not afraid
I go before you always
come, follow me and I will give you rest
You shall cross the barren desert
but you shall not die of thirst
you shall wander far in safety
though you do not know the way
you shall speak your words to foreign men
and they will understand
you shall see the face of God and live

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
If you pass through raging waters in the sea
You shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames
You shall not be harmed
If you stand before the power of hell
And death is at your side
Know that I am with you through it all

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
And blessed are your poor
For the kingdom shall be theirs
Blest are you that weep and mourn
For one day you shall laugh
And if wicked men insult and hate you
All because of me
Blessed, blessed are you

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest

Responsive Reading from Psalm 29 (The Message)
Leader: Bravo, God. Bravo! All the angels shout, “Encore!”
People: We stand before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power.
Leader: Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him!
People: God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.

Unison Invocation
Lord of laughter and tears, sit with us this morning and, through the powerful presence of
Jesus Christ, help us experience the peace that is stronger than terrors without names,
questions without answers, pain without relief.
In His name we pray.  Amen.

Message ‘I Have Called You by Name’ The Chosen (Episode 1)
Try to imagine a world where Jesus was relatively unknown. This first episode takes place in such a world. Jesus plays a very small role in this episode. We will meet several people who will play important roles in the life of Jesus. Most of the episode takes place in Capernaum, a village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Mary Magdalene:
Jesus healed Mary (this healing is reported but not described) of demon possession. Other than Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary of Magdala (her home town), is mentioned more than any other female follower of Jesus. Her healing is mentioned in Luke 8:2-3. In each Gospel she is present at the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In this interpretation the adult Mary uses the name Lilith or Lil. There is no mention of this in the Bible. During the earliest years of the Christian Movement, Mary of Magdala is called the “apostle to the apostles.”

Nicodemus:
Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) and “the teacher of the Jews.” He had significant religious and political power in occupied Israel and was very interested in Jesus. He is aligned with the religious-political party of Pharisees.  Nicodemus is mentioned by name in John 3:1-21 and John 19:39. 

Matthew:
Matthew was a Jew who was awarded a contract to collect taxes for the Roman occupying
force. This made him an outcast among the general population of Israel (including his family) but made him quite wealthy and grudgingly appreciated by the Roman authorities. Matthew was one of the twelve people called by Jesus to be his apostles. He is the inspired author of The Gospel of Matthew. He is identified as “Levi” in the gospels of Mark and Luke. Matthew was his Greek name. Levi was his Hebrew name.

Simon (Peter):
Simon was a commercial fisherman by trade. He lived and worked in the northern province of
Galilee, fishing the Sea of Galilee. Commercial fisherman work hard but, like all who make their living dependent on the natural world, can work hard and wisely and still not be financially secure. This presentation shows him having serious tax issues. Simon (Peter) was known for his natural leadership skills and impetuous personality. He is married but the name of his wife is not mentioned in the Gospels. Here she is named Eden. Simon is nicknamed “Peter” by Jesus but in this episode that has not yet happened. You will find Simon Peter throughout the first five books of the New Testament.  Read Mark 1:16-20 to see one of the first times he is mentioned.

Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus of Nazareth is the preeminent personality of human history. Christians believe him to be
divine, God incarnate. He was born in occupied Israel over 2,000 years ago and was executed while still a young man. Christians believe that his call to follow him is for every person of every generation. In this presentation Jesus calls Mary by her name and she is changed. He knew her although she did not know him. He knows us as well.  He wants us to be whole, complete, who we were created to be. 
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Commitment Song “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” UMH 348
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.

Refrain:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me. [Refrain]

O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]

Unison Benediction
​May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Postlude “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” by Daniel B Towner
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 

Fruitland United Methodist Church
January 2, 2022 – 9:00 A.M.

Prelude

Welcome
Lighting of the Candles and inviting the neighborhood to worship.
​
Interlude

*Call to Worship
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Calling Song “Joy to the World” UMH #246
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ;
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.

Responsive Reading from Psalm 147 from The Message
Leader: Jerusalem, worship God! Zion, praise your God! He made your city secure, he blessed your children among you.
People: He keeps the peace at your borders, he puts the best bread on your tables. He launches his promises earthward – how swift and sure they come!
Leader: He spreads snow like white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, he broadcasts hail like birdseed – who can survive his winter?
People: Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter – suddenly it’s spring!
Leader: He speaks the same way to Jacob, speaks words that work to Israel. He never did this to the other nations; they never heard such commands.
All: Hallelujah!

Unison Invocation:
O Almighty God, heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem. As we retell the Christmas story let us be caught up in the eternal in that same child, that we might join the shepherds and all the heavenly host in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Carol of Epiphany “The First Noel” UMH #245
‘The Procession of the Magi’
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.

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)

And by the light of that same star
three Wise Men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]

Then entered in those Wise Men three,
full reverently upon the knee,
and offered there, in his presence,
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]

New Testament Reading Ephesians 1:3-12 (The Message)
God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks be to God!

Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer

Message “The Shepherd”

Sending Song “Go Tell It On The Mountain” UMH #251
Refrain:
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

The shepherds feared and trembled
when, lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior's birth. [Refrain]

Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]

Unison Benediction
May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Postlude
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

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