january 4, 2026

Jan 4
2 min read

Updated: Jan 31

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaffer

Please use this Order of Service to easily follow the service online.

CLICK HERE FOR HYMNS (or scroll to the bottom)

Prelude: Debbie Deane

Chalice Lighting: (Amanda Gorman):

“Every day we are learning. How to live with essence, not ease. How to move with haste, never hate. How to leave this pain that is beyond us....behind us. Just like a skill or any art. We cannot possess hope without practicing it. It is the most fundamental craft we demand of ourselves,”

Opening Hymn: “This is a Day of New Beginnings” NCH #417

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship: (From the “I don’t know” prayer)

One: Behold, I am doing a new thing.

All: Every day.

One: Be ready.

All: The time is coming.

One: For peace on earth.

All: For tranquility.

One: For equality.

Prayer of Invocation:

First Sacred Reading: Psalm 98

Use the version that speaks to you. You might go to BibleGateway.

Passing of the Peace

Sharing of Our Joys & Concerns/Pastoral Prayer

Offering & Doxology: We Give You But Your Own - NCH # 785 – If you are using hymns from the “Singing the Living Tradition” the doxology we use “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” SLT#16

Second Sacred Reading: Hebrews 1: 1-4. Again, use your favorite version. I will read from First Nations Version, An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament.

Hymn of Reflection: “O Mighty God, When I Survey in Wonder” NCH#35

Sermon: “God is present”

Service of Communion:

God is with you

And also with you

Let us open our hearts

Let us open them to God

Let us give God thanks and praise

It is a good and joyful thing to do

Closing Hymn: “Great is Your Faithfulness” NCH# 423

Benediction:

Postlude: Debbie Deane