WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” Lani Smith

CALL TO WORSHIP - Matthew 2:1–12

PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 151 “We Three Kings of Orient Are”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Great God of hope and peace, we thank you for the true light that enlightens everyone, which has come into the world. Forgive us when we have received him not, have failed to believe in his name, or have refused the power to become his children. Renew a right spirit within us; cause us to embrace the new Light and Life of Bethlehem’s manger, to share the prophets’ hope, to sing the angel’s song and to give glory to you for your wondrous love. Through Jesus Christ, the Child of Bethlehem…

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. -- 1 Timothy 1:15

Hear then Christ’s word of grace to us: Your sins are forgiven.

Thanks be to God.

*GLORIA

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON: 2^nd Corinthians 9:6-15

SERMON: “Extravagant Generosity” Rev. Barrett Ingram

*HYMN 143 “Angels, from the Realms of Glory”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed, page 34

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “His Light Still Shines”

Larry Shackley

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #606

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 144 (vss. 1 & 4) “In the Bleak Midwinter”

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Prayer of Thanksgiving and The Lord’s Prayer

Communion of the People

Prayer after Communion

*HYMN 150 “As with Gladness Men of Old”

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE “The Opening Year” Lani Smith