Welcome! May God greatly bless you. If you are looking for a church home,
please consider Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
January 7, 2024 1st Sunday after the Epiphany 10:30 A. M.
Announcements
Prelude Lighting of the Candles
*Opening Prayer Pastor
*Call to Worship Responsive Reading, Genesis 1:1-3 and Isaiah 60:1-3
Leader: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
All: And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good.
Leader: Now the prophet announces, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
All: See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
Leader: Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
All: Christ the Lord will be our light, and our God will be our glory!
*The Hymn “We Three Kings of Orient Are” No. 220
(All Verses)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession
God of Grace and Mercy, we confess that we are people of weak faith: we anguish over our yesterdays, we fret over our todays, and we are apprehensive about our tomorrows. Our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. Deliver us from our attitudes of selfishness, fear, and dissatisfaction. Calm our restless spirits and give us quiet confidence in the salvation you offer. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon Pastor
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:9,12
*Hymn of the Month “Jesus, Name Above All Names” No. 57
(Two Times)
Our Giving to the Lord Pastor
The wise men followed a star to find Jesus. When they saw him, they were amazed, and opened their gifts to the Christ. Like the Magi of long ago, we are drawn to Jesus and with joyful hearts we bring him gifts as we are able.
*Offertory, Doxology and Offertory Prayer
*The Hymn “Come, Share the Lord” No. 260
(All Verses)
Sharing of Blessings and Concerns, Pastoral Prayer Pastor
Followed by The Lord’s Prayer
First Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-12
Second Scripture Reading Ephesians 3:1-12
Leader: This is the Holy Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God for His Holy Word.
Sermon “The Mystery of Christ” Pastor
Communion
*The Hymn “As with Gladness Men of Old” No. 219
(All Verses)
*Benediction
*Retrieval of the Light
Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.
*Postlude