Coming Home | GOING HOME AGAIN

ABBREVIATIONS
AH = The Africana Hymnal

BOW = United Methodist Book of Worship

CCLI = Christian Copyright Licensing International, SongSelect

TFWS = The Faith We Sing (2000)

UMH = United Methodist Hymnal

W&S = Worship & Song (2011)

ZSS = Zion Still Sings (2007)

ENTRANCE

Congregational Song

A Star Shone Bright W&S 3051
OR
Jesus, the Light of the World AH 4038

Prayer for Illumination

Shine in our hearts, Lord Jesus.
Shine in our lives.
Shine in the Word now read and proclaimed,
and we, children of your light, shining for all people,
will follow. Amen.

WORD AND RESPONSE

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40 Deacon or Lay Reader

Sermon: Going Home Again

Congregational Song: Once in Royal David’s City” UMH 250

Prayers of the People Deacon or Lay Intercessor
Prayers of the People TFWS 2201
Prayers of the People CCLI #3414705
OR
Prayer of the People CCLI #7039048

Thanksgiving (if no communion)

Inviting Deacon or Pastor

The Lord requires of us a pure offering,
without blemish or spot.
We must be right with God
and our neighbor
to offer ourselves or our gifts to God.

Therefore, let us confess our sins against God,
and reconcile with our neighbors.

Let us pray.

Confessing Deacon or Pastor

We have opposed your ways, O God. (Based on Luke 2:22, 51-55, NRSV)
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We have avoided the hard truths of your prophets.

Silence

Your Spirit reveals our inmost desires.
And we are pierced as with a sword.

Silence

Show us your mercy, O God.
And grant us your salvation.
By your light,
may we see light.

Silence

Pardoning and Peace

Pastor: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.
God’s mercy is over all God’s works.
You are forgiven. Walk in the light of Christ.

You are forgiven. Walk in the light of Christ.

All: Glory to God! Amen.

At peace with God, let us now offer the peace of Christ to one another.

People exchange the peace of Christ.
The offering is collected.

Offertory Music

My Master, See, the Time Has Come (Canon) UMH 226

Congregational Thanks at Presentation of Gifts BOW 551 (Almighty and most merciful God…)
May be introduced and concluded by singing “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (UMH 234), st. 2 before the prayer, st. 3 after it.

Thanksgiving and Communion

Invitation, Confession, Pardon and Peace UMH 7-8

People exchange the peace of Christ.
The offering is collected.

Offertory Music
My Master, See, the Time Has Come (Canon) UMH 226

Great Thanksgiving for Christmas Season BOW 56-57

Thanksgiving after Communion

Congregational Song: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory

SENDING

Sending Forth

You have seen the Savior.
Go now in peace.
Be his light to enlighten everyone you meet,
and let your life reflect the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ. Amen.