sunday january 4, 2026

Fruitland United Methodist Church
January 4, 2026

*(Please stand if you are comfortably able.)

Prelude: “My Tribute!” by Andre Crouch

Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship.
Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge and Jay

*Call to Worship Jay Whitcomb
Arise, shine, for your light has come.
The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
Nations shall come to the light and kings to the brightness of dawn.
We come to worship Christ, the light of the world.
Let us worship God. Amen.
*Sharing the Peace of Christ.

Opening Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” TFWS 2173

Scripture: Isaiah 60: 1-6  - Reese Garcia
The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Time with Young Christians: Pastor Jorge
Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.

Community Expressions Jay and Pastor Jorge
     Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007
     Thanksgiving and Celebration
     Prayers for Healing and Wholeness
     Our Community and World
     Let us pray.
Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge
Offertory: “How Great is Our God” by Chris Tomlin
*Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 Reese Garcia
*Hymn: “We Three Kings” UMH 254

Message: The Light That Keeps on Shining Pastor Jorge

Confession and Pardon:
Christ is the light of the world, yet we confess that at times, we choose darkness. Let us confess our sin before God.
Merciful God, we confess that we have not always walked in your light. We have failed to love our neighbors, ignored your call to unity, and turned away from your truth. Forgive us. Renew us. And lead us back into the light of Christ. Amen
(A moment of silence.)
Hear the good news.
The light shines in the darkness, and darkness has not overcome it. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also, with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pastor continues with blessing of the bread and the cup.
The Lord’s Prayer : “Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .”

Sharing the bread and the cup. All are welcome at Christ’s table.
During Communion: “One Bread, One Body” UMH 620

Three Kings Procession: “He is Born, the Holy Child” Sunday School Kids
The joy of sharing is a gift we all have. It serves as a reminder that beauty and kindness
are still present in the world, and that we all can bring kindness into the lives of others.
So let us fully embrace this gift and never miss an opportunity to provide for another’s
safety, happiness, or comfort.

Closing Hymn: “Go Tell it on the Mountain” UMH 251

Pastoral Benediction: Go forth in peace. Walk in the light of Christ.
Share the good news with joy.
And may the blessing of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – be with you
now and always. Amen.

Postlude: “Go Tell It On the Mountain”