From Rev. Talitha –
Happy new year, and welcome to the first online celebration in 2021, a year we all hope will usher in a new era. This week we will be observing the feast of Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas when we remember the story of the visit of the magi, who followed a star to Bethlehem.
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View January 3rd Celebration online
- The prelude is “Echo Carol (How Great My Joy)”, with Kim Rankin on piano and chimes,
- I will welcome folks to celebration,
- McKinley Forbes will call us to celebration using an adaption of a prayer by Pierre Talec,
- Our opening hymn is “What Child is This?”,
- It’s Birthday Sunday! Debbie Fallehy will lead us in a birthday blessing,
- Lynn and Andy Viale will lead us in a prayer for peace,
- Leslie Louie will read Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the magi,
- I will preach a sermon called “Epiphany Unity”
- The special music will be “From the Light”, by Deborah Rae Thomson, sung by Sorella, Rita Lilly, director
- I will lead us in the sacrament of communion, make sure to prepare your table with bread and wine (or juice) or as close as you can get,
- The closing hymn is “We Three Kings”, and
- I will bring the service to a close with a family life video that includes announcements, the charge and a benediction.
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.