January 6, 2008, 11:00 AM
Epiphany Sunday

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship –
The Christ child is born!
All you who would find him, prepare for a journey, as determined as the Magi.
All you who would praise him, come with the faith to follow but a star.
All you who would worship him, come with humility to the child who shows forth the immeasurable riches of God.
Come to the light of the world!
*Opening Song – 358:1-3 “As with Gladness Men of Old”
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise  – “Shine, Jesus Shine”
“All in All
“More Precious than Silver”
Call to Confession
The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.  Let us confess our sin to God.
Prayer of Confession
God of light, we have been so blind when truth has been so clear.  When we could have looked ahead, we fell behind.  When we could have viewed the wider picture, we saw only a part.  When we could have sensed the Spirit leading, we missed the way.  Forgive our dim apprehension of love’s clear leading.  Give us faith that trusts when it cannot see, through the light that lingers when all else fails, even the bright Morning Star of our faith, Jesus Christ, the Savior.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  To all who have received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to becomes children of God.
*Song – 231:1-2 “How Great Is the Love of the Father”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 60:1-14
Message – “Drawn on a Journey”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 354:3-5 “Sages, Leave Your Contemplations”
The Offering – General Fund
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Praise -198:1,2,5 “Arise, Shine, for Your Light Is Come”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monday, 7:00 PM Council meets
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at  ??
Thursday, 7:00 PM Growth and Renewal Team meets
Saturday, 5:30 PM Parents’ Night Out

The first Parents’ Night Out for 2008 is this Saturday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM.  If you are planning on your child attending, please sign the sheet that’s posted on the door today or call the church office no later than Friday morning.  Also, if you can help with one of the stations or groups, please talk with Erin Peterson today.

Thank you all for the generous gift you gave us this Christmas.  As we traveled to spend time with our non-New York family, we thought of you with gratitude.  Even more than the gift, we treasure the opportunity to work together to “shine Christ’s light in our valley” for another year.
The Gelders


Next Sunday, January 13, 2008

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Classes for all ages.  The adults continue the series of studies of several world religions called “Which Way to God?”  Plan to join us for this fascinating and informative study.  Our world is becoming more and more interconnected and it is important that we become more familiar with the main world religions.  This week we will be introduced to Hinduism.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Pastor Gelder will be with us to bring another message in the series “On a Journey with Jesus”.  The message is “Detours” based on Matthew 2:13-23.  We will also be celebrating the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.  Please talk with an elder or the pastor if you have any questions about your participation.