Milledgeville, Georgia January 1, 2006 GATHERING THE ORGAN PRELUDE "Joy,Joy,Joy" James Mansfield CHIMING OF THE HOUR CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP "See Amid the Winter's Snow" John Goss CALL TO WORSHIP Praise the Lord in the heavens. Praise God with the hosts on high! Praise the Lord, sun and moon; Praise God, all you shining stars! Praise the Lord from earth to sky, for God commanded, and all was created. The name of the Lord alone is exalted, and God's splendor covers heaven and earth. *HYMN #41 "O Come, All Ye Faithful" ADESTES FIDELES PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little, and hoping for less. Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope in this new year, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen. CHORAL RESPONSE THE ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope in this new year, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Jesus Christ our Lord. i>. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven! People: Thanks be to God! THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Because we have experienced God's forgiveness, let us greet each other as forgiven sinners. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you.Please extend a hand to your neighbors. CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE #567 "Glory to the Creator" ANTHEM "New Year Carol" Benjamin Britten THE WORD FOR CHILDREN THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 61:10-63:3 NEW TESTAMENT READING Luke 2:25-40 THE SERMON Rev. Dr. Don Glover *HYMN #53 "What Child is This" GREENSLEEVES AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles Creed WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS THE OFFERING THE OFFERTORY "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" Hugo Gehrke THE DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator(Father), Christ(Son), and Holy Ghost. PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN #66 "We Three Kings of Orient Are" THREE KINGS OF ORIENT BENEDICTION (Please be seated for the Benediction and Response) CHORAL RESPONSE "New Beginnings" Brian Wren THE ORGAN POSTLUDE "The Old Year Now Hath Passed Away" J.S. Bach *Those who are able, please stand. Free counters provided by Andale. |