EPIPHANY

January 6, 2013

Epiphany

Welcome to Melville United Church

January 6, 2013 - Epiphany

MINISTERS: The People of the Congregation

*You are invited to stand in body and/or in spirit.

WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE

Gathering Music

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE: Wie schoen leuchtet der Morgenstern D. Buxtehude

Call to worship

One:	Look up; look way up. See the brilliant stars overhead.

ALL:	We know that God offers us guidance on the journey.

One:	Look ahead; look a long way ahead.

See the path that leads to the future.

ALL:	We know that God is a part of that future.

One:	Look within; look deeply within yourself.

See the gift of God's Spirit shared for us all.

ALL:	We know that God is within us and among us.

One:	Today we begin a new journey in a new year;

Today we are open to hear an old story

with a treasured message.

ALL:	Thanks be to God.

*OPENING HYMN: VU 79 Arise your light has come

Centering Prayer (VU 86) (unison)

Radiant God, light for all people and all places,

by the guidance of a star you led the Magi to worship the Christ child.

By the light of faith lead us to worship you in peace and love,

and guide us in your way.

We pray in the name of Christ, light of the world. Amen.

(Joan McMurty 1990)

One: May peace be with you

All:	And also with you.

One: Please greet those around you with the peace of Christ.

Prayer of Reminder and Silent Confession

One: Living God, as we follow the Magi into this new year

we are filled with hope and anticipation.

May the light of your love shine into deep places creating a bright star for all the world to see.

Forgive us when we are tempted by things that separate us from you and when we think we have all the answers on life.

In the silence we bring our own personal prayers to you.

Time of Silent Confession.

Words of Assurance

One: The Magi heard a message that transformed their lives.

They followed a star, shared their gifts,

and began a new journey into God's future.

God is our guide for the future.

We need not fear the journey as God goes with us.

May we know that we are not alone.

Time of Quieting and Lighting of Candles.

One:	We light this candle to remind us of the presence of Christ.

All:	May the light of love surround us.

WE APPROACH GOD

*BAND SONG: Shine, Jesus Shine (with the Band)

(children and young people please come forward during the singing of the last verse)

Theme Conversation

Blessing of one another

WE LISTEN FOR GOD'S WORD

SCRIPTURE READING:

Isaiah 60:1-6 - The light of the world

Matthew 2:1-12 - the Gifts of the Magi

One:	Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

All:	Thanks be to God.

Reader: Graeme Chalmers

Choir Anthem: Star of the East - H. Frey

REFLECTION:	"First Footer"	Valerie Pitt

Moment of Meditation

*HYMN: VU 82 A Light is Gleaming

WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD

Minute for Mission: Deb Bodiam

Offertory Invitation

Offertory Response: VU 55 In the Bleak Midwinter - vs 4

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise one, I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him, give him my heart.

Prayer of Dedication

One:	As the magi brought gold,

we bring these gifts.

As the magi brought frankincense,

we bring our prayers.

As the Magi brought myrrh,

we bring our lives to you, O God. Amen.

Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the People

Prayer of Jesus

*CLOSING HYMN: VU 91 The First Nowell

WE GO OUT INTO THE WORLD

SENDING AND BLESSING

May God be a guiding star before you,

a glorious song above you, a gentle path below you,

a gentle voice behind you wherever you may journey. Amen.

Choral Response: Go Tell It on the Mountain

Chorus: Go, tell it on the mountain,

over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain

that Jesus Christ is born.

1	While shepherds kept their watching

o'er silent flocks by night,

behold, throughout the heavens

there shone a holy light. Repeat Chorus

POSTLUDE: Wie schoen leuchtet der Morgenstern D. Buxtehude

OUR WORSHIP ENDS - OUR SERVICE BEGINS.

Welcomers:	Diane Maloney, Jean Alexander

Eleanor Johnston, Barb Lynden

Counters:	Lara Johnston (C), Joan Cuming

John Cuming

ANNOUNCEMENTS January 6, 2013

Hot Dog and Soup Lunch today in the Fellowship Hall after the service. The funds raised are for Youth for Christ - the Door.

Soup and Spirituality will meet this Tuesday at 11: 45. All are welcome. We will be finishing our study on Mary and selecting a topic for the new year. All are welcome to attend at any time.

Congratulations to Barbara Stewart-Schieck on her upcoming 80th birthday. There will be an open house for her on Saturday, Jan. 12 to celebrate! The open house is being held at Heritage River from 2 - 4:00 p.m.

Items to collect for the Food Bank this month are Baby Food, Diapers and Wipes to go along with it being a New Year!

It is that time of year again! Please remember to get your annual

committee reports to the office by January 31st at the latest for inclusion in Melville's Annual Report. If your is ready please bring it in!

Observer subscription renewal time - If you subscribe to the United Church magazine, the Observer, the $20 subscription fee for the 2013 year is now due. Please make cheques payable to Melville United Church, note the amount is for the Observer subscription and put in the offering plate or into the church office by January 31. If you wish to subscribe to this excellent magazine, please give your $20 and name and address to Gerri in the office or phone Lorri at 519-843-2018.

Photo update: I have inserted pictures I have taken up to and including Christmas Eve, Dec 24 2012 in the "Melville Memories" Photo Album in the library. Please take a look to see some of what Melville has been doing over the past while. Art. Russell.

As you celebrate the arrival of 2013, we invite you to attend a NIGHT OF MUSIC on January 12th at the Elora Legion from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. as the wrap up for the Centre Wellington Build. Advance tickets - $20/at the door $25 are available at the Elora Mill St Bakery and at Sante or Fergus RBC or Reflections. We look forward to seeing your there. Colleen Roberts - on Behalf of the Centre Wellington Build Committee

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Mon. Jan. 7 to Sun. Jan. 13, 2013

Tues. 8	9:00	Quilting	Heritage Hall

11:45 Soup and Spirituality	Parlour

Wed. 9	7:00	Transition Team	Heritage Hall

Thurs. 10	7:00	Choir	Parlour

7:30	Canadian Bible Society	Heritage Hall

Fri. 11	10:00	Coffee Hour	Parlour

11:00	Pastoral Care	Choir Room

11:00	Meditation Group	Library

Sun. 13	9:30	Choir	Choir Room

10.30	Sunday Service	Sanctuary