EMMANUEL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1306 Michigan Street Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Office Phone: 235-8340 Email: emmanuel@ntd.net
emmanueluccoshkosh.org
Epiphany Sunday January 8, 2012
9:00am Worship
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Emmanuel – “God with us.” It’s more than the name of our church ...It’s a statement of faith and a reminder of God’s promise.
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PRELUDE “Judean Pastorale” -Franklin Ashdown

WELCOME, GREETINGS, ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPENING SCRIPTURE Isaiah 60:1-6 (pg. 602)

HYMN “Arise, your Light Has Come” (4 vs.)

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Although the beckoning star heeded by wise travelers long ago no longer leads the way,
THE MANGER-BORN CHRIST IS STILL TO BE FOUND AND FOLLOWED.
We are not brought to our knees in surprise as were those journeyers of old,
YET OUR DESIRE TO WORSHIP CAN BE AS DEEP AS THEIRS.
And though we do not bear gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
WE OFFER OURSELVES AND WHAT WE HAVE.
The story continues. The good news abounds. There is a living Christ to discover and worship and serve.
LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD!

CHANCEL CHOIR ANTHEM “Go Tell the Good News!”
-Jean Anne Shafferman

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 2:1-12 (pg. 783)

HYMN “We Three Kings of Orient Are” (vs. 1 & 5)

A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

INSTALLATION OF CHURCH COUNCIL

PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER

SERMON Rev. Andi Wolf

OFFERING “As With Gladness Men of Old” -Markworth

OFFERING RESPONSE #357

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*INVITATION
Luke, the evangelist, wrote of our risen Savior, who at the table with two of the disciples took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread.
IN COMPANY WITH ALL BELIEVERS IN EVERY TIME AND BEYOND TIME, WE COME TO THIS TABLE TO KNOW THE RISEN CHRIST IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD.

*CALL TO CONFESSION
In looking at the year past, let us confess together that we have not always lived as those forgiven, set free and united in Christ.

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
ALMIGHTY GOD, WE CONFESS THAT WE SOMETIMES SEEK OUR OWN SUCCESS AND SALVATION, AND FEAR TO FOLLOW CHRIST’S COMMITMENT TO A VISION OF WHOLENESS FOR THE WORLD AND ITS PEOPLE. HELP US TO SPEAK AND ACT OUR PARTS IN THE GREAT DRAMA OF YOUR LOVE, AND IN THE FREEING GOSPEL OF CHRIST JESUS. AMEN.

*ASSURANCE OF GRACE
Hear the good news! God has forgiven each of us and calls us to take our parts in the drama of redeeming love.
PRAISE GOD, WHO ACCEPTS AND USES OUR VERY HUMAN LIVES IN THE UNFOLDING STORY OF SALVATION AND NEW LIFE.

COMMUNION MEDITATION

COMMUNION PRAYER
God be with you.
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
Lift up your hearts.
WE LIFT THEM TO GOD.
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE GOD THANKS AND PRAISE.
Most gracious and heavenly God, you have loved us more completely than any earthly love we could know. Like a mother with her child, you have continually sought us out when we would turn away from you. You have followed us when, in our rebellion, we have run away. You have offered us your forgiveness as often as we would repent and turn again to you.
In this communion service, you provide a means of receiving your grace. In the gifts of bread and cup you call to mind the sacrifice of your Son, his body and blood upon the cross. As we partake of these gifts, may they call to mind not only the sacrifice, but the salvation; not only our own sins, but your overwhelming grace. Amen.

BLESSING AND SHARING THE ELEMENTS

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
WE GIVE THANKS, ALMIGHTY GOD, THAT YOU HAVE RESFRESHED US AT YOUR TABLE BY GRANTING US THE PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST. STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH, INCREASE OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND SEND US FORTH INTO THE NEW YEAR IN COURAGE AND FAITH, REJOICING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR. AMEN.

*CLOSING HYMN “As With Gladness Men of Old” #118 (4 vs.)

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” -J. C. Bach
(*All who are able, please stand)

Music copied with permission under license #L17031 LicenSing Online.
Worship leaders: Minister: Rev. Annette Wolf
Music Director: Mary Bruce-Dinkins Thurs. pianist: Cheri Pommerening
Media Coordinator: Jeff Pommerening Chime Choir: Lisa Keuler
Videographer: Cory Schultz