Gathering Our Spirit with God's Spirit

The angel image is on the screen; lights are shining out around the room, on walls, whatever. In the center of the room, a light shines on a clear glass cylinder holding a single white rose. A large candle burns on top of the cylinder. The chairs are in chunks around the room, not clear aisles, not clear order.

• “We Three Kings” by The Roches plays
• A Journeyer steps up to light the lamp and another rings the bell TEN TIMES
• Leslie makes announcements

Worshiping with Our Children

• Susan McK. leads our children in talking about how the wise men traveled for months and months, maybe years, to come and visit the little boy Jesus. And Jesus doesn’t just belong to those of us who celebrate Christmas; God’s love belongs to everyone, everywhere.

Welcome and Breathe

• Rick welcomes, has us breathe, reviews theme

God’s Spirit and Our Spirit

• Dave Madden leads music
• John W. reads Reading One, from Matthew 3:1-10
• Rick leads reflection about this question: Who is it for, this gift of Jesus?

Giving -- To Help God Do God's Work in This World

• Woodie J. reads from Matthew 2, and then says an offertory prayer
• Dave M. sings as the ushers pass the baskets and then take them to the candle table

Telling The Story and Our Story

• Darren K. reads from Matthew 8
• Rick talks

Go Out to Serve with Courage and Grace

• Susan C. leads a responsive prayer and dismisses

God, You Are: A Journey Responsive Prayer

Leader: God, I don't know what I’m supposed to do. My own life is big enough, and I’m already doing all I can.

Journey: But – God, You are here.

Leader: God, I really don’t have any idea how to do this. I can barely accept that You’re real for me, that You love me, much less that I’m to share You with the rest of the world. How do I do that?

Journey: But – God, You are at work.

Leader: Is it possible that even as I continue to open myself to You, a little at a time, and learn and grow, and take even halting steps, I can also see what You are doing in the world around me? And that I can be part of that?

Journey: But – God, You are willing.

Leader: I know You don’t belong only to me. But You are here with me. And You are all around me. And You are big. And You are real.

Journey: God, You are big, You are real, You are beyond, You are here. Thank You. Help us share You, and see what can happen. Amen.

• “We Three Kings” by The Roches plays again as folks depart