Due to the winter weather advisory, worship tomorrow January 9 will be Zoom only.
HOW TO JOIN: For computers: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2536635871 For smartphones and tablets, download and install the Zoom app. If prompted: Click “JOIN Meeting” and enter: Meeting ID: 253 663 5871 Passcode: NO PASSCODE REQUIRED For telephones: Dial 1 (646) 558-8656
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Union Church, Newburgh NY
January 9, 2022 10:30 am
BAPTISM OF THE LORD
USHERS today are Janice Anderson and Sheila O'Donnell.
If you would like to usher, contact Dan Olson.
FELLOWSHIP TIME HOST today is Donna Trafagander.
Hosts needed for January. Signup chart in the Fellowship Hall.
2022 ENVELOPE BOXES are available in the church vestibule. If you would like to be assigned an envelope box, please contact Jolee DuBois.
SUNDAY SCHOOL resumes today.
DEACONS are taking down the greens after Fellowship. Come help!
OUTREACH meeting today after Fellowship in the parlor.
Ordination of new officers Sun, Jan 16. Annual Congregational Meeting Sun, Jan 23.
ANNUAL REPORTS due by 10:00 am Monday, Jan 17. Email reports to the office at newburghunionchurch@gmail.com.
A HUGE GRATITUDE to Debby Hill for serving as Clerk of Session for twenty years!
Thank you for all your dedication and attention to detail in this never-ending and sometimes thankless job. Libby will continue as a co-clerk with Mary Whidden.
THANKS to Paul Hill for serving as President of the Corporation for the past six years, and for some time periods before that as well. James Phillips will become President after our Annual Meeting in January.
FOOD PANTRY: NEXT OPEN Monday, Jan 17 and Wednesday, Jan 19 from 9:30-11:30 am. Serving LOTS of people! If you would like to help, contact Kathy or Debby.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
**Kindly stand if you are able
PRELUDE We Three Kings of Orient Are (verses 1 & 5) RED #185
(Feel free to sing along)
CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 29)
Leader: Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
PEOPLE: Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor.
Leader: The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders,
PEOPLE: The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty!
Leader: The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness.
PEOPLE: The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
Leader: The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
PEOPLE: May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
INVOCATION
Almighty God, who anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved son, keep us born of water and the Spirit, faithful in your service that we may rejoice to be called the children of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
**OPENING HYMN Brightest and Best RED #182
CALL TO CONFESSION
On this day as we recognize the baptism of our Lord, we join in confessing all our shortcomings in the pathway that Jesus set out for each of us. Let us confess our sins together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We come as your baptized believers, O God, confessing our sins. You send forth your Spirit, yet we don’t respond to your presence. You set us apart as water is poured over us, yet our behavior doesn’t match our unique status. Evidence of your goodness surrounds us, yet we ignore your gracious ways. Have mercy upon us and teach us the meaning of repentance and forgiveness as your love upholds us.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the Good News! God said to Jesus, “Thou art my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.” In the name of Jesus Christ, we draw near to the throne of grace, and we are forgiven. Amen.
**GLORIA PATRI
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
**APOSTLES CREED (Traditional)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens RED #54
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out on us the spirit of wisdom and understanding that our hearts and minds may be opened. Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 43:1-7 Libby Szymanowicz
NEW TESTAMENT Matthew 2: 1-12
GOSPEL Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
SERMON Star? Which Star? John Redman, CRE
PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE
Gracious God, keep in our hearts all those whose names you already know and who ask for healing in their own quiet ways, as we pray as Jesus taught us:
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Let us all consider what we have been blessed with and how we can best share it with those in greater need, even as we gift our church for its greater work to the Glory of God and the undying love of Jesus.
OFFERTORY God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens arr. Dale Wood
**DOXOLOGY
**PRAYER OF THANKS
Gracious God, accept our gifts in tribute, they be put to good and purposeful use in assisting those in greater need even as we seek to serve you and our community and the greater world. This we gratefully pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
HYMN OF PARTING Open My Eyes, That I May See RED #557
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light! RED #539
(Feel free to sing along)
INVITATION TO FELLOWSHIP TIME
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955