ORDER OF WORSHIP DECEMBER 28TH, 2025
- Union Church
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
ORDER OF WORSHIP
DECEMBER 28TH, 2025 10:30 AM
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
**Kindly stand if you are able
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR PHONE before Worship Service unless NECESSARY for medical reasons.
PRELUDE John Coates
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
OUR CALL TO WORSHIP
Dear Lord,
As we gather in this place, we are reminded of your words: “You are the light
of the world.” We humbly pray that your light may shine brightly within us and through us during this church service. In a world often clouded by darkness, may your love and truth radiate from our lives, drawing others closer to you. Let us not hide your light but rather let it illuminate our path and the path of those around us.
May this service be a beacon of hope and inspiration, a testament to the transformative power of your presence in our lives.
Amen
**OPENING HYMN “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Red #20
CALL TO CONFESSION
We have received God’s gift of a savior, born in a lowly manger and attended by humble shepherds. In that same spirit of humility let us pray together in search of a greater understanding with our God.
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
During this time, we seek your guidance and wisdom. We acknowledge that we are imperfect and in need of your divine direction. Open our hearts and minds to your Word, that we may receive the insights and revelations you have for us today. May your Spirit be our compass, leading us in the paths of righteousness. Help us discern your will and follow it faithfully. This we pray in Jesus name. Amen
(A moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
**GLORIA PATRI Red #805
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Lakota Indians)
We believe in the Great Spirit, creator of all things.
We honor the sacredness of the Earth and all living beings.
We acknowledge the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of harmony.
We commit to living in balance with nature and respecting our ancestors.
We seek guidance through prayer and the wisdom of our elders.
We strive for peace, compassion, and understanding within our communities.
Amen
HYMN OF PRAISE “What a Friend We have in Jesus” Red # 622
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Let this message move you in a way that will bring you closer to Church and God. Inspire our hearts to seek you and enable us to grow both individually and together. May we find commonality and not division with one another as we seek the peace and order only you can bring to our lives. Amen
SERMON MESSAGE “Is there room left for Church and God” Jim Alber
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray: We prayerfully ask you to bring calmness into our very hectic lives. As we start the New Year, we ask you our Heavenly Father, for strength when I am weak and my anchor when the storm surrounds me. Lord, restore my faith where it has grown faint. Renew my hope where despair has crept in. Let my soul rise in confidence, knowing You are near, working all things for good. I surrender myself into Your mighty hands.
May you continue to offer strength and hope for the following people: ………
And Lord we also pray for those in our own hearts whose names you already know, for their own healing and comfort, and in your name let us renew our faith in you together by saying the Lords 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.
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Every time we give, we create moments of joy that not only uplift our spirits but also illustrate God’s love for all humanity.
OFFERTORY “We Give Thee But Our Own” Red #649
**DOXOLOGY Avery & Marsh (Back of the Red hymnal)
PRAYER OF THANKS
Father, help us to be good stewards of the resources you have given us. May our tithes and offerings be a reflection of our commitment to you, our church, and others. Amen.
HYMN OF PARTING “Lord of All Hopefulness” Red #369
BENEDICTION
May God’s peace fill our hearts, God’s joy renew our spirits, and God’s love guide our steps as we carry the light of Christ wherever we go.
POSTLUDE “The Lord’s My Shepard” Red #330
Blessings to all and please join us next door for food and Fellowship
Jim Alber
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
(845) 562-0954