GRACE COVENANT

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Awakening a Love for Christ in the Heart of Richmond January 5, 2014 The Epiphany of Our Lord 10:55 a.m.

Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. Please stand for these parts of the service.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

PRELUDE Four French Couplets on Angels We Have Heard on High Plein Jeu Fugue Rcit de Tierce en taille Grand Jeu CALL TO WORSHIP (from Isaiah 60) One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: Larry Visser, b. 1962

Reverend Bobby Hulme-Lippert

Arise, shine, for your light has come! The glory of the Lord has risen upon us. Let us praise the Lord together. The sun shall no longer be our light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on us, for the Lord will be our light, and our God will be our glory. The Lord will be our everlasting light, and our days of sorrow will end. Come, let us sing to our light and salvation! Dix

HYMN 63 (Blue Hymnal) As with Gladness Men of Old

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (IN UNISON) God of grace, You have given us Jesus, the light of the world, but we choose darkness and cling to things that hide the brightness of your love. Immersed in ourselves, we have not risen to new life. In our self-preoccupation, we are unaware of your will and your way. Forgive us. Renew us in the power of your Holy Spirit. We seek to see as you see, love as you love, and be as you have called us. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON GLORIA PATRI 579 (Blue Hymnal) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Greatorex

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING GOSPEL READING SERMON Psalm 72:1-14 Matthew 2:1-18 The War on Christmas Virginia Hudson Holy Bible, p. 515 OT Holy Bible, p. 7 NT Joshua Ralston

WE RESPOND TO GODS WORD

HYMN 308 (Blue Hymnal) O Sing a Song of Bethlehem Kingsfold

APOSTLES CREED (IN UNISON)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND GIFTS
On the first Sunday of each month, in addition to your tithe and regular giving, we receive both the Five Cents Per Meal and Loaves and Fishes Fund offerings. See the announcement bulletin for additional information.

ANTHEM All Bells in Paradise

John Rutter, b. 1945

Deep in the cold of winter, Darkness and silence were everywhere; Softly and clearly, there came through the stillness a wonderful sound to hear: All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Welcoming our Savior, born on earth a heavenly King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: Glory to God on high the angel voices sing. Lost in awe and wonder, Doubting, I asked what this sign might be: Christ our Messiah revealed in a stable, A marvelous sight to see. He comes down in peace, a child in humility, The keys to his kingdom belong to the poor; Before him shall kneel the kings with their treasures, gold, incense, and myrrh.

DOXOLOGY 592 (Blue Hymnal) Old Hundredth Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

SACRAMENT OF THE LORDS SUPPER DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS

Reverend Nelson Reveley

You are invited to hold the bread or the cup in silent prayer until all are served, then partake of the element with the whole congregation when invited by the pastor.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORDS PRAYER

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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

WE GO FORTH TO LOVE AND SERVE

HYMN 66 (Blue Hymnal) We Three Kings of Orient Are BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning POSTLUDE Chorale Fantasia: In dulci jubilo Three Kings of Orient

Morning Star

Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750

For those who would like prayer, Reverend David Nambu and Reverend Kwasi Samuel Misrowoda will be available at the front the sanctuary immediately following worship.

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship. The flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Lindley B. Hill and Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hill, Sr., by the family.
1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 804-359-2463 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Email: info@grace-covenant.org Website: www.grace-covenant.org Radio: WLES 590 AM Pastor: Bobby Hulme-Lippert Director of Music: Christopher Martin Administrative Assistant: Vanessa Strait Christopher Tweel: Christian Education Coordinator for Children Bookkeeper: Martha Rubin Custodian: James Greene Child Development Center Director: Nicole Williams Luke Woodcock: Seminary Intern