05 Jan Worship Bulletin: 1/8/23
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, January 8, 2023 @ 10:15 a.m.
We Seek a Path Forward | Epiphany | Anointing
Centering Music | “Hark the Glad Sound!” | arr. Edward Broughton
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Sharing Time: Joys & Concerns | Jean Hendricks
Opening Words
Advent is over – Christmas Eve is over – Christmas Day is over.
Epiphany has arrived but will also soon pass away.
AND YET – the REAL work of Christmas is just Beginning;
the work that Jesus leaned into – lived with singular focus – the work to which he gave his life –YES – the REAL work of Christmas begins – NOW!
Opening Song | “Lord of the Dance”
1) I danced in the morning when the world was begun, and I danced in the moon and the stars and the
sun, and I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth. At Bethlehem I had my birth. [Chorus]
2) I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee, but they would not dance and they would not follow me; I
danced for the fishermen, for James and John; they came with me and the dance went on. [Chorus]
3) I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame, the holy people said it was a shame; they whipped and
they stripped and they hung me on high; and they left me there on a cross to die. [Chorus]
4) I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black; it’s hard to dance with the devil on your back; they
buried my body and they thought I’d gone but, I am the Dance and I still go on. [Chorus]
5) They cut me down and I leapt up high, I am the life that’ll never, never die; I’ll live in you and you’ll live
in me; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. [Chorus]
Chorus
Dance then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the Dance, said he.
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Musical Offering | “When the Song of the Angels is Stilled” | arr. Elizabeth Alexander
Vocalists: Cara Hudson, Becky Snell, Deb van Asselt, Grace van Asselt, Eric Johnson, Allan van Asselt.
Violin: Bryan Hess
When the song of the angels is stilled – When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home – When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost – To heal the broken – To feed the hungry – To release the prisoner –
To rebuild the nations – To bring peace among brothers – To make music in the heart.
Invitation to Anointing
Anointing
Prayer
Scripture Song | “Amen, Amen (See the Little Baby)”
CONGREGATION
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen.
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen.
LEADER(s)
1. See the little baby – lying in a manger – on Christmas morning.
2. See him at the temple – talking to the elders; how they marveled at this wisdom.
3. See him at the seaside – preaching and healing – the blind and feeble.
4. See him in the garden – praying to this Father – in deepest sorrow.
5. Then they crucified him, – Jesus our Savior, – and he rose on Easter.
Scripture Focus | Isaiah 42: 1-9 | NIV
42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
5 This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”
Message | “Every 49 Years!” | Jerry Bowen
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message.
Sending Song | “The First Noel” | #199
6th verse on screens only
Sending Words
Sending Music | “We Three Kings” | arr. Joel Raney
Jean Hendricks and Bryan Hess, piano
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming