Gathering

Prelude
Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5
Land Acknowledgment & Welcome
Announcements
Call to Worship
Gathering Hymn: Joy to the World #240

Sharing Joys and Concerns
Congregational Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer

Listening
Scripture: John 1:32-41
Hymn: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear #248

Sharing Stories
Silent Reflection

Responding

Sharing 

Prayer for the New Year

God of new life,
God of life made new,

We begin this new year as we ended the last–
embraced by your spirit of love
your presence of peace
your gentle power.

We leave behind the old year in the knowledge that
Whatever we have done in the service of selfish desire;
Whenever we have participated in injustice;
However we have strayed from Jesus’ way;
You have forgiven us.

Lead us now into the abundant life of the new year.
Give us eyes to glimpse your presence in each moment.
Give us ears to hear the quiet promptings of your Spirit.
Give us hearts open to the joy and the pain of the lives that surround ours.

We set our feet
once again
on the way walked by Jesus.

These steps of peace may be difficult in a terrain that slopes toward violence.
These steps of justice may prove tiring as we walk against the  winds of injustice.
These steps of love may be painful with so much hatred to step over and bump up against.

Give us the wisdom
Give us the strength
to take these steps anyway.

Each day a new step.
Each step a faithful movement toward your kingdom.
Each step taken only by your grace
only in your power
our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.

Amen.

Offering Invitation: Please see our giving page here.
Sending Hymn: O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem #275


Blessing

Volunteers: Worship Leader: Sonja Kaufman; Accompanists: Thomas Heilke and Roger Sims; Prelude: Bonners; Scripture Reader: Carola Ratzlaf; Storytelling Facilitator: Cheryl Harader; Zoom Host: Katie Hobson