Join us in person or live-streamed at 10AM or find our recorded service at your convenience. Details on our Worship page. Service words are below.
Prelude: Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow
There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn,
rise up, shepherd, and follow;
it will lead to the place where the Christ was born;
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow, follow, rise up, shepherd, and follow,
follow the Star of Bethlehem,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
If you take good heed to the angel’s words,
rise up, shepherd, and follow,
you’ll forget your flocks, you’ll forget your herds;
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow, follow, rise up, shepherd, and follow,
follow the Star of Bethlehem,
rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Song: 307 CP When Long Before Time
When long before time and the worlds were begun, when there was no earth and no sky and no sun, and all was deep silence and night reigned supreme, and even our Maker had only a dream... ...the silence was broken when God sang the Song, and light pierced the darkness and rhythm began, and with its first birth-cries creation was born, and creaturely voices sang praise to the morn. The sounds of the creatures were one with their Lord's, their harmonies sweet and befitting the Word; the Singer was pleased as the earth sang the Song; the choir of the creatures re-echoed it long. Though, down through the ages, the Song disappeared—
its harmonies broken and almost unheard—
the Singer comes to us to sing it again: our God-is-with-us in the world now as then. The Light has returned as it came once before; the Song of the Lord is our own song once more; so let us all sing with one heart and one voice the Song of the Singer in whom we rejoice. To you, God the Singer, our voices we raise; to you, Song Incarnate, we give all our praise; to you, Holy Spirit, our life and our breath, be glory forever, through life and through death.
Calling all seekers, all dreamers, all believers…
Calling all glass-half-full optimists and lighthouse keepers…
Calling all star-chasers and bedtime prayer speakers…
Bring your questions, your hope, your faith and your fear into this space.
God is here.
Prayer of Illumination (together)
God of starlight, every part of us is trying to seek you: our bodies that carried us into this space, our heads bowed in prayer, our hearts that keep whispering, “There is more than just this.” We are seeking you. Like a pet looking for its owner, who will search the whole house— under beds, behind doors, in every corner of every room until their person is found— we are turning over every rock and leaf looking for fingerprints that belong to you. So meet us halfway. Find us in the maze. Quiet the rest of the world. Open the door to us with rich laughter and say, “Come on in!” We know you’re near, so know that it’s you we seek. Find us in these words. Gratefully we pray, Amen
The Collect of the Day
Almighty God, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world. May your people, illumined by your word and sacraments, shine with the radiance of his glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
A Reading from the prophet Isaiah (49:1-7)
Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.’
And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— he says, ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’
Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, ‘Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’
Living word of God live in our lives today
Psalm 40:1-11 Refrain: Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God.
I waited patiently upon the Lord who stooped to me and heard my cry. God lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay, and set my feet on a high cliff and made my footing sure.
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God.
God put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord. Happy are they who trust in the Lord! they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God.
Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! There is none who can be compared with you. Oh, that I could make them known and tell them, but they are more than I can count. In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure (you have given me ears to hear you); burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required.
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God.
And so I said, “Behold, I come. In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: ‘I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep within my heart.’” I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O Lord, you know.
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God.
Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation. You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me; let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.
Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God.
A Reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Gradual Hymn: 94 CP Wait for the Lord
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!
Rejoice in the Lord always. He is at hand.
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!
I waited for the Lord he heard my cry.
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!
Our eyes are fixed on the Lord our God.
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!
The Lord be with you And also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John (1:29-42)
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Homily
We believe that faith is active,
found on long walks,
and in long talks,
in future days, and down memory lane.
We believe that those who seek will find,
although it may not be what they expected.
We believe that God finds us first.
We believe that God
drops breadcrumbs along our way
in the shape of people,
invitations,
and even starlight.
We believe that being a seeker—
of God, of justice, of community—
is a holy thing.
So we strive to live
with an open spirit,
with soft hearts,
and with room to grow.
May it be so. This we believe. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Holy God, we find you in the most surprising places— in summer thunderstorms, in freshly baked bread, in the smell of evergreen, in handwritten letters, and long-winding phone calls, in crowded tables, and a warm cup of coffee. You are all over the place. What good news!
Some days it’s easy to find you; like the Magi, we have a clear direction, so step by step we move closer to you. Other days, the clouds cover the stars and we lose our way.
Regardless of the weather, we want to be a people who seek you.
So when the way is clear, when your fingerprints are all over the place, help us to give thanks:
for healthy bodies that can dance and move,
for food on the table,
for roofs over our heads,
for the dreams of this community…
help our seeker hearts give thanks.
And when the clouds roll in, and we lose our way, when the star is out of sight and we feel far from your reach, remind us that you are near:
In food pantries and on street corners,
in lonely apartments with dinner for one,
in empty refrigerators, in bad dreams,
in hospital rooms,
in the bottom of an empty bottle,
and in the bottom of our faith…
remind us that you are near.
Push the clouds back to reveal the stars. Call forth our seeker hearts so that day after day we might summon the strength to always be looking for you.
God, you are all over the place. Keep our hearts brave, and keep them curious, so that like the Magi, we might be on the lookout for you.
Call to Confession
One of my favorite things about the Magi is that they go looking for God. Actively and consistently, day by day, they follow the star until it guides them to Jesus. It becomes easy follow God with only part of the heart engaged. It is easy to get distracted and lost, taking exit ramps off the road, following whatever new shiny sign is present. It’s part of being human.
In the prayer of confession, we acknowledge that more often than we’d like to admit, we find ourselves following the wrong star. Fortunately for us, God is the map maker, and God’s map is measured in grace, so we have nothing to fear. Let us pray together. Let us seek God together. Join me in the prayer of confession:
Prayer of Confession
God of starlight, we know that faith isn’t a vending machine.
Good news can’t be bought or manufactured. It does not arrive with a push of a button.
Instead, in this noisy world, we have to look for you in our midst.
We have to walk toward you, just as the Magi did.
We have to believe that love really can change the world.
We have to seek the stars beyond the city lights.
Forgive us for forgetting that. Forgive us for seeking you with only part of our hearts.
We long to be more like the Magi; may we walk your way every single day. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Friends, I have nothing but good news.
Since the very first day, God has taken the pieces of our hearts that we have offered up and has said,
“I can work with that.”
Even in our failings, God has washed us with words of grace, belonging, and love.
No matter what star you’ve followed, no matter how far you’ve walked, no matter how lost you got— you belong to God. God loves you. God forgives you. God claims you. End of story.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
The Peace
Offertory Hymn: 273 CP Sing of Andrew
Sing of Andrew, John’s disciple, led by faith through ways untrod,
till the Baptist cried at Jordan, “There behold the Lamb of God!”
Stirred by hearing this new teacher, Andrew, freed from doubt and fear,
ran to tell his brother Simon, “God’s Anointed One is here!”
Sing of Andrew, called by Jesus from the shores of Galilee,
leaving boats and nets and kindred, trusting in that “Follow me.”
When a lad’s small meal fed thousands, when inquiring Greeks found care,
when the Spirit came I blessing, Andrew faithfully was there.
Sing of Andrew, bold apostle, sent to make the gospel known,
faithful to his Lord’s example, called to make a cross his own.
So may we who prize his memory honour Christ in our own day,
bearing witness to our neighbours, living what we sing and pray.
Prayer over the Gifts
Living God, you have revealed your Son as the Messiah. May we hear his word and follow it, and live as children of light. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
The Great Thanksgiving (Church of India Prayer C)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Truly it is right and good to glorify you at all times and in all places,
by offering you our thanksgiving O Lord, holy Parent.
You spoke and the light shattered darkness, order arose form confusion.
You breathed into the dust of the earth and we were formed in your image.
Through your Son, our Lord Jesus, you came to us while we wandered.
He met us as a refuge, a threatened child.
He called us by name to leave what is comfortable to be his disciples, friends and partners.
With his outstretched arms on the cross, and through his death he bore our sins and through his resurrection we are saved. And through your Holy Spirit you brood over the chaos we create, mothering us and shaping a new creation. You enlighten everyone coming into the world.
You inspired the prophets and apostles to find the right word at the right time.
You liberate, equip and commission your people for the continuance of your mission to make everything new. Therefore, with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we proclaim and sing your glory
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might Heaven and Earth of your glory are full Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might Heaven and Earth of your glory are full Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread and when he had given thanks to you, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:
“Take, eat: this is my body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
In the same way after supper, he took the cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying:
“Drink this all of you: this is the blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Lord, we commemorate your death on the cross,
We celebrate your resurrection,
And we await your coming.
Eternal God, let your Holy Spirit move in power over us and over these earthly gifts of bread and wine, that they may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ, and that we may become one in him. May his coming in glory find us ever watchful in prayer, strong in truth and love, and faithful in the breaking of the bread. Then, at last, all peoples will be free, all divisions healed, and with your whole creation, we will sing your praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour are yours, almighty God, forever and ever. Amen
As our Saviour taught us we pray
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins. As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours. Now and forever. Amen.
The Sharing
When we break the bread, do we not share in the body of Christ?
We seek to share your life, Gracious God
When we lift the cup, so we not share in the life-blood of Christ?
We seek to share your life, gracious God
These are the gift of God for the people of God
Thanks be to God!
The Communion
Songs during distribution:
Let Folly Praise That Fancy Loves 152 CP
Let folly praise that fancy loves; I praise and love that child
whose heart no though, who tongue no word, who hand no deed defiled.
I praise him most, I love him best; all praise and love are his.
While him I love, in him I live and cannot live amiss.
Love’s sweetest mark, laud’s highest theme, our most desired light.
To love him life, to leave him death, to live in him delight.
He mine by gift, I his by debt, thus each to other due:
first friend he was, best friend he is; all times will try him true.
Though young, yet wise, though small, yet strong, though man, yet God he is;
as wise he knows, as strong he can, as God he loves to bless.
His knowledge rule, his strength defends, his love doth cherish all;
his birth our joy, his life our light, his death our end of thrall.
Emmanuel
Refrain:
Emmanuel, Emmanuel. A child is born. A child is born.
Sing glory unto God on high. Joy to all the world this night.
And to all people, peace. And to all people, peace.
Remember Him, oh little star.
Remember Him and shine
around the world in every heart.
On this holy night, lead us to His light. Refrain
Remember Him, the angels sing,
and do no be afraid.
In to this world, good news we bring.
Love has overcome. Behold a Son. Refrain
Prayer after Communion
Merciful God of all creation
Holy parent of all people, who through our Lord Jesus Christ united all things in his fullness,
we join your whole creation in exultant praise of your bountiful goodness.
You have touched us with new life and filled us with new hope that your reign will come,
that the hungry will be fed, that the oppressed will be set free from evil,
that your reconciling work will be done, that love and faithfulness will meet together,
that justice and peace will kiss each other and the whole creation will be filled with your glory. Amen
Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be yours God,
now and forever. Amen
The Blessing
May God, who calls you by a new name, give you joy in your walk with him. May God, who holds you as a crown of beauty, make you shine with his radiance. May God, who rejoices over you, grant you the deep knowledge of his love. And may the blessing of God – the undivided Trinity – be upon you and all whom you love this day, tomorrow, and for ever. Amen.
Announcements
Closing Hymn: 632 CP The King of Glory Comes
Refrain: The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices. Open the gates before him, lift up your voices.
Who is the King of glory? What shall we call him? He is Emmanuel, the promised of ages. Refrain
In all of Galilee, in city or village, he goes among his people, curing their illness. Refrain
He gave his life for us, the pledge of salvation; he took upon himself the sin of the nations. Refrain
He conquered sin and death; he truly has risen. And he will share with us his heavenly vision. Refrain
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
Postlude: So This Is Christmas
So this is Christmas, and what have you done?
Another year over, a new one just begun;
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun
the near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.
And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong.
The rich and the poor ones the road is so long.
And so, happy Christmas for black and for white
for yellow and red ones let’s stop all the fight.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.
And so this is Christmas and what have we done?
Another year over, a new one just begun;
And so happy Christmas, we hope you have fun
the near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year.
Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.
War is over if you want it, war is over now.