Sunday Worship Service
January 5 – 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
Andante by N. Pagnini
OPENING PRAYER
† SONG Together
The First Noel UM Hymnal (blue book) #245
CHILDREN’S TIME WITH A MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES
THE COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN LEADERS
Pastor: Members of St. Matthew’s, will you open your hearts to the ministry of these Stephen Leaders and pray for them as servants of Christ? If so, answer, “Yes, with the help of God.”
People: Yes, with the help of God.
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of God
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 2:1-12
GOOD NEWS
Who Is a True Believer?
† SONG Together
The Summons Faith We Sing (black book) #2130
THE HOLY COMMUNION (The Communion bread is gluten, egg, and dairy free)
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE
Pastor: God of starlight, God of new beginnings, we are so grateful.
People: We are so grateful to be here, at the start of a new year, fresh off the press.
Pastor: We are so grateful to be here, at the start of a new week, gathered in community.
People: We are so grateful to begin again.
Pastor: Guiding God, we know that this life of faith is not easy.
People: Even the Magi, those faithful seekers, had to change course.
Pastor: Gracious God, as we journey, bless our path.
All: If the road turns into a dead end, grant us the courage to begin again. Amen.
OFFERTORY (Come forward to light a candle in honor of the saints you commemorate.)
The Happy Farmer by R. Schumann
BLESSING FOOD MINISTRY
PRAYING TOGETHER
THE LORD’S PRAYER UM Hymnal (blue book) #895
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
Perpetual Motion by S. Suzuki