The roads are not safe this morning, so we will not physically gather together for worship. You are, however, invited to join with other Peace Mennonite folks virtually and in spirit.
You may join us in the “Zoom” hangout any time between 10:45 and 11:20 (Sunday, January 15) to share greetings and prayer joys and concerns. Go to this link.
We also invite you to worship at home, guided by the worship material below. If you are worshiping with others, you may wish to assign different people various parts of the service.
Optional supplies to gather for worship:
- A candle to light to indicate the beginning of worship
- Rhythm instruments for children’s time
- A church directory
- Sing the Story
Call to Worship (to be spoken in unison or responsively):
This is the day that our God has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Opening Hymn: Longing for Light
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Prayer
Take a few moments to give thanks to God, silently or aloud, for any beauty, joy, grace, you have experienced in your life this past week.
Take a few moments to pray for any fears, pain, concern, you carry with you today.
Take a few moments to pray for others you know who need prayer. If you have a church directory, pray for six people listed around you. (Three above and three below, unless you’re near the top or bottom of the list—then adjust accordingly.)
Feel free to share any public joys or concerns in the comments section below. More private sharing can be emailed to pastor Joanna (peacemennopastor at gmail dot com) and/or your Ministry Team person.
Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer: spoken or sung.
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5 Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Optional for Children (and others): This little light of mine
Message: —There are suggested times within the message for you to pause the sermon and reflect on the given questions. You are welcome to post any comments you have in the comments section of this page.
Hymn: Canticle of the Turning
This recording was made at a recent gathering in Laurelville. The very beginning is cut off. This song is #124 in Sing the Story and lyrics are available here.
Reflection: Art image and blessing by Jan Richardson
Sending Hymn and Blessing: Praise God from Whom
Peace Mennonite Church 