Join us this Sunday, the first Sunday after Epiphany (in-person and live stream when available)
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“Seeking the Savior”
Thank you for worshiping online with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!
Order of Service
Worship Service Participants
Rev. Scott Siefert | Organist: Penny Rolf
Liturgist: Christine Wing | Communion Assistant: David Henschen
Chris: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, the life and light of humanity. Great is God’s love for us. Alleluia!
All: Alleluia!
Chris: Jesus said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
All: We have seen the light of Christ like a star shining in the sky; and like the Magi, we have come to worship.
Chris: Glory be to God, and to Jesus Christ, the Word of Light, in whom God is made known in the power of the Holy Spirit.
All: Alleluia. We have seen the star in the East and have come to worship.
*Opening Hymn: “As With Gladness Men of Old” (The Hymnal #123)
Prayer of Invocation
Chris: We thank you, God, that you have spoken to people of faith at many times and in various ways, and that in Jesus, your living Word, you have revealed yourself among us. We come longing once more to know your presence and to hear your word.
All: We come eager to follow Jesus. We rejoice that you are with us always when we gather in Christ’s name. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Scott: God has come to us in Christ, but we often live as if it made no difference. You have come to us in Jesus; yet we confess that we often refuse to receive you. We live in the world as if we did not know you. Showing your love for all peoples, you guided sages from distant lands to worship Jesus, your child. Although we know of this love, we limit our love with safe boundaries, building walls rather than bridges, denying our connection with all those you love.
All: Forgive us, God, and give us new hearts to love and serve you. Write your Word within us. Make yourself known to us as we live today. For we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, in whom you most fully have revealed yourself.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
Rev Scott: Be of good courage, for God sent the Word into the world not to judge but to save. I say to you in the name of Jesus Christ: You sin is forgiven. Through the power of the Spirit, let us live as children of God. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12
Pastoral Meditation: “Offering Our Gifts”
Hymn of Response: “Arise Your Light Is Come” (New Century Hymnal #164)
Communion
Prayers and Concerns
Joys – Concerns – Blessings
Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.
Silent Prayer – Pastoral Prayer – Lord’s Prayer
ALL: 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.
Collection and Presentation of the Offering
Invitation to the Offering
Rev Scott: Jesus comes to us as the light of the world. Let us share our abundance in order to shine the light that has come to us through him.
Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
Prayer of Dedication
Closing and Blessing
Closing Hymn: “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (New Century Hymnal #154)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Wednesdays – Confirmation Class – 6pm – schedule on website
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall and ZOOM
- TODAY – De-Christmas the Sanctuary following worship
- Jan. 16 – Consistory Team Meeting – 6pm via ZOOM
- Jan. 29 – Consistory Team Strategic Planning Meeting – 1030am
- Feb. 19th – Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary following worship
Fruit of the Spirit. The January Fruit of Spirit offering will go towards His House Foundation, helping Carver County homeless. Look for the special collection basket at the rear of the sanctuary.
Weather Watch Policy. This includes weather forecasts for wind chills below -20 degrees, significant snowfall, or dangerous winter weather conditions. Announcements cancelling services or events will be made via social media, our website, and email.
Many hands make light work! Please consider serving as a Consistory Team Member. We need 3 members in 2023. All talents and skills are welcomed. Contact Michelle Bachmann at 952-361-3033 or Pastor Scott for more details.
Find Food Carver County. Volunteers are needed to pack produce, sort food items, and distribute food into vehicles in NYA the first Friday of the month. This program helps with food insecurity and food rescue to reduce waste. If interested, contact Michelle Bachmann at 952-361-3033 or findfoodcarvercounty.org.
Live Streaming: We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.
Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our YouTube channel, St. John’s UCC-Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.
Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com.
For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com. Vacation planned for Jan. 9 to 15th.
We’ve partnered with easyTithe so you can use your bank account for a direct ACH, debit card, or a credit card to make a secure one time or reoccurring gift.
St. John's United Church of Christ 
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