Online Worship – January 3, 2021

Trinity Presbyterian Church
Online Worship Service

for January 3, 2021 – Second Sunday of Christmas

Welcome and Announcements

Welcome to Trinity Presbyterian Church’s online worship service!
If you prefer, you can view this service on our Worship Service Player. In the player, the service plays from start to finish without interruption. To try that version of the worship service, click HERE.

Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
2024/03/28-21:19:33-UTC 42st ols; 34woc; 9waro

Communion will be celebrated during this online service. If you wish to participate, please have a small beverage and piece of bread available.

Trinity has returned to Indoor Worship with LIMITED seating at 10AM on Sundays. In addition to limited seating, there are several details you should know before attending. Please read about them in our Guide to Indoor Worship.

Please fill in your 2021 Stewardship Pledge Cards. If you need a new pledge card, please contact the church office for a replacement or print your own by clicking this link or the pledge card image. Once filled in, they may be turned in to the church or mailed to the church office. May God richly bless our generosity as we return to God a small portion of what He has given to us.

Trinity’s Bible Study is available online. Visit our website or Facebook page to view a video from Rev. Beebe. A new video will be released each week and will be available to watch whenever it is convenient for you. You can also ‘catch-up’ anytime at the Bible Study archive. To be included in our weekly email, simply subscribe to the website or join our Facebook group. Links to subscribe and join are at the bottom of our webpage.

Portions of the liturgy we use in the service are provided by Sanctified Art. Where used, they are identified with a superscript 2 (similar to this2). A copyright acknowledgment is at the bottom of this worship page.

Briefly, a word concerning the technical presentation of this service. If you are having difficulty reading the words, look for your web browser’s “Zoom” settings. The keystrokes are typically ‘Ctrl-Shift-+’ to increase the zoom or ‘Ctrl-Shift-(minus)’ to decrease the zoom. Other devices may have a different mechanism (‘finger pinch’), but most support zoom.

Although you could not be with us in-person today, we hope you will have a meaningful Sunday worship experience!

This week’s bulletin is available at any time by clicking this link. The bulletin will open in a separate tab or window.

The order of service on this page closely follows the bulletin, but there are additional items in the bulletin that may be of interest to you and that are not included on this page.

Today’s service contains:

  • Preparation for Worship
  • Prelude “Jesus Christ”
  • Call to Worship
  • Hymn #395 “Blessed Jesus at Your Word”
  • Prayer of Confession
  • Declaration of Forgiveness
  • Anthem “We Three Kings of Orient Are”
  • Moments with Children
  • Affirmation of Faith
  • Responsive Reading
  • Prayer for Illumination
  • Old Testament Reading
  • Hymn #375 “Shall We Gather at the River”
  • Gospel Lesson
  • Meditation “Following The Star”
  • Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
  • Blessing and Charge
  • Congregational Response (Hymn #306)
  • Offering
  • Postlude “God”

Preparation for Worship

Let us join together now and prepare for worship.

Dear Family of God – these are trying days in God’s beloved world. As Christ’s Church, sustained by the Holy Spirit, we have gifts and a call by which to care for one another and our neighbors. Worship in which we encounter our living God and know ourselves connected to the body continues. So this day, even though we worship at a distance, we read the same Scriptures, and share in the same prayers, we are held together on this Sunday morning. Let us prepare our hearts and minds to worship the living Lord.

Prelude “Jesus Christ”

Heasuk Che, organist.
Early American Melody

Call to Worship

Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
provided by: A Sanctified Art2
One: The Magi had a dream.
All: They dreamed of a Messiah. They dreamed of just rulers. They dreamed of a new day for all people.
One: The Magi had a dream, and this dream led them to action.
All: They journeyed to unknown places. They followed a star. They walked for days to get to Jesus.
One: So may we be like the Magi,
All: May our dreams inspire action. May we worship the one true God. Amen.

Hymn #395 “Blessed Jesus at Your Word”

Barbara Davis, Carol Corson, Kathy Link, Julie Pearson, Norma Rogero, Judith Spurrell, and Lillian Warner. Accompanied by pianist Heasuk Che and flutist Jillian Koenig.
Liebster Jesu

1 Blessed Jesus, at your word
we have come again to hear you;
let our thoughts and hearts be stirred
and in glowing faith be near you.
By your gospel true and holy,
teach us, Lord, to love you solely.

2 All our knowledge, sense, and sight
lie in deepest darkness shrouded,
till your Spirit breaks our night,
filling us with light unclouded.
All good thoughts and all good living
come but by your gracious giving.

3 Glorious Lord, yourself impart,
Light of Light, from God proceeding.
Touch our lips and ears and heart;
help us by your Spirit’s pleading.
Hear the cry your church now raises;
hear, and bless our prayers and praises.

Prayer of Confession

Please join us in our prayer of confession2
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.

(Silence for Reflection)

Declaration of Forgiveness

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Anthem “We Three Kings of Orient Are”

Barbara Davis, Carol Corson, Kathy Link, Julie Pearson, Norma Rogero, Judith Spurrell, and Lillian Warner. Accompanied by pianist Heasuk Che and flutist Jillian Koenig.

Kings of Orient

Moments with Children

Brooke Tucker, Director of Faith Formation.

 

Affirmation of Faith

Brooke Tucker, lay reader.

provided by: A Sanctified Art2

We believe in God,
Who came to this earth as a child,
was born to unmarried teenage parents,
And was quickly made a refugee.
We believe that this child grew up to heal the sick, see the poor, dine with outcasts,
Welcome foreigners, wash the feet of sinners,
Offer second chances, and bless the children.
And so we believe that Christmas is only the beginning.
The dream does not end with a manger.
The dream ends with God’s promised day.
So until all God’s children are home, we will follow the Magi’s lead—
Walking, seeking, and looking up.
May it be so, for this we believe. Amen.

Responsive Reading

Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
1  Give the king your justice, O God,
     and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2   May he judge your people with righteousness,
     and your poor with justice.
3   May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
     and the hills, in righteousness.
4   May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
     give deliverance to the needy,
     and crush the oppressor.

5   May he live while the sun endures,
     and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6   May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
     like showers that water the earth.
7   In his days may righteousness flourish
     and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

10  May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute,
      may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
11  May all kings fall down before him,
      all nations give him service.

12  For he delivers the needy when they call,
      the poor and those who have no helper.
13  He has pity on the weak and the needy,
      and saves the lives of the needy.

14  From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
      and precious is their blood in his sight.

Prayer for Illumination

Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
provided by: A Sanctified Art2
God of the Milky Way,
We, like the Magi, are walking toward you.
One foot in front of the other, we are walking toward you.
It is our very prayer to move your way.
So if you can, leave the light on and the front door unlocked.
Leave a fire in the hearth and food on the stove.
And when we start to get lost or doubt our dreams,
Give us the will to persevere.
We are walking toward you, O God.
So like the parent that throws open the door,
Open the door to us through this text. Amen.

Old Testament Reading

Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Isaiah 60:1-6The Ingathering of the Dispersed. Listen for God speaking to you today.
1   Arise, shine; for your light has come,
        and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2   For darkness shall cover the earth,
        and thick darkness the peoples;
     but the Lord will arise upon you,
        and his glory will appear over you.
3   Nations shall come to your light,
        and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4   Lift up your eyes and look around;
        they all gather together, they come to you;
     your sons shall come from far away,
        and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5   Then you shall see and be radiant;
        your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
     because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
        the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
6   A multitude of camels shall cover you,
        the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
        all those from Sheba shall come.
     They shall bring gold and frankincense,
        and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Hymn #375 “Shall We Gather at the River”

Barbara Davis, Carol Corson, Kathy Link, Julie Pearson, Norma Rogero, Judith Spurrell, and Lillian Warner. Accompanied by pianist Heasuk Che and flutist Jillian Koenig.

Hanson Place

1 Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God? [Refrain]

2 On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. [Refrain]

3 Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we every burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. [Refrain]

4 Soon we’ll reach the shining river;
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. [Refrain]

Refrain: Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.

Gospel Lesson

Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Matthew 2:1-12 The Visit of the Wise Men. Listen for God speaking to you today.
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

6   ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
        are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
     for from you shall come a ruler
        who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Meditation “Following The Star”

Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe

 

Communion Prayer
Holy God, we praise you.
Let the heavens be joyful, and the earth be glad.
We bless you for creating the whole world, for your promises to your people Israel,
and for Jesus Christ in whom your fullness dwells.
Born of Mary, he shares our life.
Eating with sinners, he welcomes us.
Guiding his children, he leads us.
Visiting the sick, he heals us.
Dying on the cross, he saves us.
Risen from the dead, he gives new life.
Living with you, he prays for us.
With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup
and proclaim the death and resurrection of our Lord.
Receive our sacrifice of praise.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us that this meal may be
a communion in the body and blood of our Lord.
Make us one with Christ and with all who share this feast.
Unite us in faith, encourage us with hope, inspire us to love,
that we may serve as your faithful disciples until we feast at your table in glory.
We praise you, eternal God, through Christ your Word made flesh,
in the holy and life-giving Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Sharing the Bread
This is the body of Christ, the bread of life—given for you. Amen.

Sharing the Cup
This is the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation—shed for you. Amen.

Prayer After Communion
Let us pray: We thank you, O God, that through Word and Sacrament you have given us your Son, who is the true bread from heaven and food of eternal life. We lift up to you, this day, the joys and concerns of our hearts. Strengthen us in your service that our daily living may show our thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing and Charge

Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe

Luke 2:10-11 – Go and tell this good news of great joy: to us a Savior is born.
Amen.

Congregational Response

Heasuk Che, organist.
Hymn #306
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Offering

Please continue to give your offering.

God calls us to give all of who we are, and all of what we have to be used in and thru the Church. So let us present our lives. Let us present our gifts unto God. Offerings can be received in the church by mail or you may use online banking options.

You can click the image to the right or this link to give online now. At the online Giving site, select “2020 Pledge” as the Fund to fulfill your 2020 pledge or use another fund if you’re directing your gift elsewhere. Note, the church must pay a small processing fee to receive your contribution via online giving. Increasing your gift would help cover the cost of processing and would be greatly appreciated.

If you’d like to see alternatives to online giving, please take a look at our Contribute page.

Postlude “God”

Heasuk Che, organist.
Haydn

The Service has Ended

May the Peace of Christ be with you!

Thank you for joining us online! We hope you will join us again as long as we need to be apart. We pray for the day when we can all meet again and worship God in the sanctuary and Trinity Presbyterian Church.

1 ALL COPYRIGHTS ACKNOWLEDGED

2 Prayer by Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org Cover Art: Design by Lauren Wright Pittman; Photography by Lisle Gwynn Garrity



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