Bulletin for December 28, 2008. Click below to read more.

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WORSHIP DECEMBER 28, 2008
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

THE PRELUDE Walter Huff

* THE CALL TO WORSHIP John Morgan
Leader: Dear friends, consider these questions: Who chose us in Christ before
space and time were conceived, before the universe exploded into
immensity?
People: God alone, through Jesus Christ.
Leader: Who destined us for adoption as beloved children, to be holy and
blameless in God's presence?
People: God alone, through Jesus Christ.
Leader: Who has lavished grace upon us, and plans in the fullness of time to
bring all things to completion?
People: God alone, through Jesus Christ.
All: Alleluia! Amen!

* THE HYMN 28 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

THE CALL TO CONFESSION

THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of the future,
you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule.
We confess that we have not expected your kingdom,
for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment.
We accept lies as truth,
exploit neighbors,
abuse the earth,
and refuse your justice and peace.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Grant us wisdom to welcome your way,
and to seek things that will endure
when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE (for examination of conscience and personal prayers of confession)

THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON

* THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn 417)
Laud and honor to the Father, laud and honor to the Son, laud and honor to
the Spirit, ever three and ever one; One in might and one in glory while
unending ages run.

* THE PEACE OF CHRIST
(Children ages 2-11 are invited to leave after the Peace of Christ for special classes. Three-year-olds are in
Room 204; Pre-K in G-11; K - 2nd grade in G-1; 3rd - 5th grades in G-3.)

THE CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH
(Visitors and members are invited to sign the blue friendship register pad and pass it down the pew.)

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Bill Smith
(page 650 in the Pew Bible)

THE ANTHEM Lord, My Thanks to Thee (Bach - cantata 'For Us a Child is Born') John Young, tenor; December 28, 2008

THE SECOND READING Luke 2:22-40 (page 55 in the Pew Bible)

THE SERMON "Much Is Taken, Much Abides" Joanna Adams
Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for
him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God... Luke 2:27-28a

* THE HYMN 275 God of Our Life

* THE APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose
again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right
hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the
quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion
of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life
everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD'S PRAYER
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
and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

THE OFFERTORY God Rest You Merry / The First Noel arr. Carter

* THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Hymn 592)

* THE HYMN 265 Great God, We Sing That Mighty Hand

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

* THE RESPONSE Song of Simeon American folk melody