Marshall Presbyterian Church
January 2, 2022, Second Sunday after Christmas Day
Carol Ann West, Pianist
Nancy Vest, Liturgist
Dr. James M. Vest, Guest Speaker
ASSEMBLING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE
WELCOME
* CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 147 and Jeremiah 31)
One: As we turn into a new year, we look for joy.
All: We will sing with gladness.
One: We will walk by refreshing rivers,
All: and, with your help, we will not stumble.
One: Restore us, O God.
All: Console us. Gather us in.
* OPENING PRAYER
* HYMN Angels from the Realms of Glory
CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of compassion, without you, we do stumble. We forget to praise you for everything we share. We neglect our eternal inheritance. We exalt ourselves rather than you, O God. Through your grace, rescue us from our sins. Forgive us. Heal us, and restore us to your path. …. (silent prayers of confession) … We call upon you—for you are near, O God—through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
One: Know that the God of overflowing grace will forgive. As we are loved and forgiven by God, may others come to see God in us.
All: Thanks be to God. Amen!
* GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
* PASSING THE PEACE
SPECIAL MUSIC: Congregation’s choice
HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
THE SCRIPTURES
Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:7-14
Epistle: Ephesians 1:3-14
Gospel: John 1:1-18
One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!
TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
MESSAGE “Fresh Starts” Dr. James M. Vest
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Adapted from Confession of 1967)
New life in Christ takes shape in a community in which people know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace. Amen.
* HYMN Angels We Have Heard on High
SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
One: Lord, in your mercy . . . All: . . . hear our prayers.
SHARING THE GIFTS OF GOD
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY (ca. 1500s)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING
We thank you, God, for providing these gifts, as we dedicate them and our lives as expressions of your love for the world. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME
* HYMN Go Tell It On the Mountain
* INVITATION
* CHARGE
* BENEDICTION
* POSTLUDE
* = Please rise in body or in spirit.
