Sunday Worship Service
December 29, 2024 – 10:30am
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
The actual worship service begins 15 minutes into the recordings.
WELCOME
Welcome! We are grateful that God has brought us together. If you are a first-time visitor, please email Pastor Jinwoo at pastor@saint-matthews.org. We would love to stay in contact with you. Thank you.
CALL TO GOD’S FORGIVING LOVE
OPENING SONG
Song Without Words: Adagio by Felix Mendelssohn
OPENING PRAYER
† SONG – Together
Angels from the Realms of Glory – UM Hymnal (blue book) #220
CHILDREN’S TIME WITH A MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of God
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 126:1-3; Luke 2:8-14
GOOD NEWS
Let Us Rejoice and Laugh with God!
† SONG – Together
Joy to the World – UM Hymnal (blue book) #246
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE
Pastor: God is our Playmate, full of joy and delight.
People: God is playful, inviting us into holy laughter.
Pastor: We give thanks to You, O God, for Your unconditional, steadfast, and unfailing love.
People: Because of Your love, we can fully be ourselves before You.
Pastor: Because of Your love, we can dream of being transformed to be more like Jesus.
People: Because of Your love, we can enjoy being “under construction” by You.
Pastor: We are grateful for the gift of laughter, a reflection of Your joy.
People: Make us carriers of contagious laughter, spreading joy wherever we go.
Pastor: Lord, we long to join You in bringing laughter and joy into the world.
People: With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate Your playful Spirit!
All: May our laughter echo Your divine joy and bring light to the world. Amen.
OFFERTORY
What Child is This?
PRAYING TOGETHER
THE LORD’S PRAYER UM Hymnal (blue book) #895
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We are SENT by the power of God
LIFE OF ST. MATTHEW’S COMMUNITY
† BLESSING AND SENDING
Shalom to You – UM Hymnal (blue book) #666
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends. May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
CLOSING SONG
Song Without Words: Allegro