Colonial Park United Church of Christ 5000 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 717-545-3782 www.cpucc.org

JJJJanuary 3,anuary 3,anuary 3,anuary 3, 2016 Early2016 Early2016 Early2016 Early ServiceServiceServiceService

The Rev. Dr. Bonita Zobeck – Senior Minister The Rev. Roben Roof – Minister of Youth

Scott Siciliano – Minister of Music and the Worship Arts

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

* Please stand, if you are able.

Expressing God’s Love Welcome – Parish Joys and Concerns – Prayer Requests

Organ Prelude “Toward the Western Star” Gilbert Martin

* Call to Worship Leader: Arise, Shine; for your light has come! People: The glory of the Lord has risen upon us! Leader: Come, O people, and worship the Lord of glory. People: Proclaim God’s praise among the nations.

* Opening Prayer

* Gathering Hymn “As with Gladness Those of Old” No. 159

* Call to Confession

* Prayer of Confession Merciful God, you have given light to the world in Jesus Christ, but we have preferred to live in darkness. Your justice protects the weak and the distressed, yet we seek the shelter of privilege and power. Your righteousness redeems the poor and the needy, yet we seek the status of wealth and possessions. Your peace upholds the oppressed and the defenseless, yet we seek the security of weapons and retribution. Forgive us our sins, and lead us to true repentance, that we may trust you in all things; through Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN.

* Silent Prayer and Words of Assurance

* Response “Glory be to the Father” No. 759 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 of Christ

(The congregation may greet each other with a sign of reconciliation and peace, such as a handshake or embrace and say these or similar words.)

One: May the Peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.

Growing in Our Faith Show & Tell First Lesson Isaiah 60:1-6 Bible page 690

Reader: Here ends the lesson. People: Let Your Word abide in us, O God.

Hymn “We Three Kings”

We three Kings of Orient are. Bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

Refrain: O, Star of wonder, Star of night. Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Glorious now, behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice. Alleluia, Alleluia sounds through the Earth and skies. Refrain11

Gospel Lesson Matthew 2:1-12 Bible Page 2 Leader: God is still speaking! People: Spread the Good News!

Prayers of the People Sermon

Practicing our Spirituality Invitation to Offering Offertory “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” arr. Siciliano

* The Offertory Response “Epiphany Doxology” What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise one, I could do my part.

Yet what can I give him, give him my heart.

* Unison Prayer of Dedication Glorious God, like the three men of wisdom, we too offer our gifts in gratitude, reverence, and thanksgiving for the birth of the child, whom you called to lead the world into fullness of life. Receive and bless this offering as a joyful sign of boundless love and the abundant life we are called to share in Christ. AMEN.

Sacrament of Holy Communion * Invitation

Leader: People of Advent, the Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Leader: People of Christmas, lift up your hearts. People: We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was

born for us. Leader: People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God. People: We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem.

* Communion Prayer

* Sanctus Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” No. 277

Holy, Holy, Holy, God the Almighty! Early in the morning we praise your majesty! Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed trinity!

Christ came, the morning star of love; Christ died, the night star of salvation; Christ arose, the radiant star of resurrection; Christ will come again, the constellation of hope.

Words of Institution

Sharing the Elements

* Prayer of Thanksgiving Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Now may this glimpse of your kingdom sustain us, and give us eyes to see you at work in every place and strength to be your body in the world. Grant that your light will shine through the cracks of our lives. Make us your people, again and again, light for the world. AMEN.

Going Out into Community * Sending Hymn “Arise, Your Light is Come” No. 164

* Benediction

* Organ Postlude “Variations on an Ancient Noel” Leon Rocques