EPIPHANY SUNDAY JANUARY 3, 2021 - University Presbyterian ...
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EPIPHANY SUNDAY
JANUARY 3, 2021
University Presbyterian Church
3240 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225)383-0345 • www.upcbr.org
Co-Pastors: Mamie Broadhurst and Patti Snyder
Choir Director: David Walters Organist: Anne Maverick Ministers: The people of this church
1Epiphany Sunday
January 3, 2021
WE GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
We worship today gathered in Spirit if not in body, realizing perhaps more than ever
the nature of the body of Christ. We gather as a resurrection people even in our time
of loss and uncertainty. As we gather may we be strengthened by the Spirit who knows
no boundaries.
As you prepare for worship together you may wish to light a candle representing the
presence of God with you and concerns, laments, desires for healing, confessions or
prayers of thanksgiving that you are particularly holding in the light of Christ today.
PRELUDE What Child is This?
James Mansfield
Organists Library V. 42,
Lorenz Publishing Co., 2006
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, JOYS, AND CONCERNS Patti Snyder
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)
The Magi had a dream.
They dreamed of a Messiah.
They dreamed of just rulers.
They dreamed of a new day for all people.
The Magi had a dream, and this dream led them to action.
They journeyed to unknown places.
Followed a star.
They walked for days to get to Jesus.
So may we be like the Magi.
May our dreams inspire action.
May we worship the one true God. Amen.
HYMN No. 141 verse 3 On This Day Earth Shall Ring
CALL TO CONFESSION (responsive)
The darkness and the light both belong to God.
Nothing is beyond or outside the reach of the Creator of the Universe.
We can bring everything before God in prayer.
2PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
God, I love to worship you when the stars are bright above me.
I love to worship you when the sky is clear, and the breeze just right.
I love to worship you when the journey to Bethlehem is an easy one.
Unfortunately, as you know, this journey of life, love, and faith is rarely easy.
Now and again, the stars disappear.
My feet get blisters, and the journey is far too long and lonely.
On these days, forgive me for giving up quickly.
Forgive me for allowing the dream to die and for taking the shortcut home.
I want to be as brave as the Magi.
I want to persevere.
Guide my feet.
Show me the stars. Amen.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The promise of God’s forgiveness is as sure as the starlight on a dark night.
And even when the stars do seem to disappear, they are never gone, and nei-
ther are you. The bumps along our journey are not enough to end it. Precious
ones, God’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. Praise be to God!
RESPONSE TO THE ASSURANCE (sung three times in unison)
You are the Lord, giver of mercy.
You are the Christ, giver of mercy.
You are the Lord, giver of mercy.
WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (unison)
As the star lit the wise one’s journey, may your Spirit continue guiding us
as we listen to your holy word.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Patti Snyder
Matthew 2:-12 Mamie Broadhurst
MEDITATION Mamie Broadhurst
WE FOLLOW CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
*HYMN No. 152 What Star is This With Beams So Bright
COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you in the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and the light.
3Blessed are you in your promise to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you in Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you in your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us,
fully of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and
resurrection, and we look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal.
May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with
your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel,
Word of God Incarnate,
Power of the most High,
One God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
COMMUNION PRAYER (unison)
Loving and gracious God, from east and west, from north and
south, you have gathered us at your table, called us your beloved,
and fed us from your body. Transform us to be your body in the
world, and fortify us by your Spirit, so that we may serve you and
our neighbors with great joy! Amen.
HYMN No. 151 We Three Kings of Orient Are
GIVING AND RECEIVING OF GIFTS
During this time you are encouraged to consider your response to the work of Christ
in the world today, making a commitment of time, talents, and resources. Please re-
member your family, neighbors, the wider community, and the church in your offering.
Although many things are shifting, please continue to honor previous commitments to
the best of your ability.
If you choose to contribute to the work of Christ through UPC at this time, online giv-
ing is available via the GIVE tab on our website (www.upcbr.org) or by texting “upcbr
(space) and then the number of dollars” to 73256.
This morning in addition to the giving of gifts we will continue our Epiphany star
tradition by opening together our envelopes containing small stars, each with one of
the Spirit’s gifts written upon it. Members of the congregation will have received enve-
lopes in the mail containing the stars. Others worshipping with us today may contact
the church office to receive a star. During the coming year you are encouraged to be
open to the gift you receive and mindful of ways you might nurture it in your own life.
4PRAYER OF DEDICATION (unison)
May the gifts of money and time that we offer to our church and commu-
nity shine forth. May we use them, and all the gifts you give us, to show
your continuing presence with us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Follow the Star.
Alleluia and Amen.
CLOSING MUSIC Johanna Feamster, Lois Kuyper-Rushing,
Anthony Rushing and Steve Rushing
Coventry Carol
Arr. By Martin Shaw
Lully, Lulla, thou little tiny child, By by, lully lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do for to preserve this day
This poor youngling, for whom we do sing,
By, by, lully lullay?
Herrod, the king, in his raging, charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All young children to slay.
That woe is me, poor child for thee!
And ever morn and day, for thy parting neither say nor sing
By by, lully lullay!
Lully, Lulla, thou little tiny child, By by, lully lullay.
Portions of this service include material reprinted by permission from Sarah Are of A
Sanctified Art; Words for Worship for Those Who Dream (Advent, year B) and the Book of
Common Worship, ©2018 Westminster John Knox Press.Permission to reprint, podcast, and/
or stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license no. A-705298.
All rights reserved. Cover art: "Arise, Shine" by Lauren Wright Pittman | A Sanctified Art LLC
| sanctifiedart.org
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