28 Dec Worship Bulletin: 12/31/23
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, December 31, 2023 @ 10:15 a.m. New Years Sunday – Communion
Gathering Music | “Christmas Joy” | arr. Gilbert Martin
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Video Welcome
Sharing Time | Joys & Concerns
Centering Music | “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” | arr. Chip Davis
Tom Hurst, piano
Opening Responsive Litany | “Beginnings” | New Kilpatrick Parish Church, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
It has only just begun – Creator God – who calls us by name;
the universe gave a great sigh this week – after all the build-up of expectation –
all that patient longing – all that hoping and believing – such a big effort
but now it has only just begun – now comes the real labor
now we find out what you are like Creator – now we find out what all your words mean
now we get to see you in the flesh – now we get challenged
now everything changes from darkness to light – from conflict to peace – from difference to diversity
now the real story begins where promise becomes presence and the real effort starts
and invitations go out to move the world from where it is to where you long for it to be
from expectation – into transformation
Loving God – with us now – calling us by our New Name – it has only just begun
may we begin again – with you
Opening Song | “He is Born the Divine Christ Child”
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 | Go Tell it on the Mountain”
Ritter Lange, Mona Lange-Wisdom, vocals
Scripture Focus | Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3
10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For God has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom
adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign God
will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
Zion’s New Name
62 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication
shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of God will bestow. 3 You will be a crown of splendor in God’s hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
♫Scripture Song |“You Are Mine (I will come to you in the Silence)” | David Haas
Message | “Let us embrace our New Name!” | Jerry Bowen
Song of Calling | “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
Invitation to Communion
Words for the Bread
May this communion bread – remind us to pursue new ways of being in our lives and work – that might –
lead us – to concrete and tangible expressions of – God’s Love and Spirit.
Words for the Cup
May this communion cup –remind us to pursue new ways of being in our lives and work – that might –
lead us – to concrete and tangible expressions of – God’s Love and Spirit.
Communion Prayer
♫Sending Song | “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” | #478
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | “O Thou That Tellest” | G.F. Handel
Ellen Gilbert, organ
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