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BULLETIN
Early Christians observed a ritual meal known as the "Agape Feast". These "love feasts" were apparently a full meal, with each participant bringing food, and the meal eaten in a common room. They were held on Sundays, in commemoration of Christ's resurrection. During the meal, the last Supper Jesus spent with his disciples was celebrated. Some supposed revivals of the Agape Feasts are found in "Fellowship" or "Pot Luck" dinners held in some churches.
(from History of the Christian Church)
W E L C O M E
Order of Worship
Agape Sunday - January 4, 2009
COMMUNITY GATHERING
Greeting and Welcome: Announcements of Church and Community
Events, Celebrations of Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Community life - Putting a Welcoming Church into action, Minute Person's Time.
Community Singing:
O Come, All Ye Faithful, # 60 VU
Joy to the World, #59, VU
I Am the Light of the World, #87, VU
*Opening Prayer: In Unison
WORD OF GOD, WILLING TO EMPTY YOURSELF AND TAKE ON HUMAN FLESH, ASSIST US AS WE SEARCH TO SEE YOU. REVEAL YOURSELF TO US, THAT WE MAY REFLECT YOUR GLORY IN OUR FLESH. ALL PRAISE AND GLORY AND THANKSGIVING BE YOURS FOR BRINGING GRACE AND TRUTH TO ALL THE EARTH. AMEN.
*Sanctus: In Unison
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, EARLY IN THE MORNING OUR SONG SHALL RISE TO THEE. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, MERCIFUL AND MIGHTY. GOD IN THREE PERSONS, BLESSED TRINITY.
Celebration of Community Life: Greetings and wishing each other's
blessing for the New Year.
Call to the Common Meal: Come and Dine
Prayer of Thanksgiving: For All Your Goodness God, #549 VU
Dedication of the Meal:
One: The Bread that we bless is the body of Christ.
ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD. AMEN
One: The Drink that we share is the Life of Christ.
ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD. AMEN.
COMMUNITY LISTENING
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:7 - 14; Ephesians 1: 3 - 14
Community Prayer: Prayer for the Journey, #648 VU
*Gospel Lesson : John 1: 10 - 18
*The Gloria: Unison
GLORY BE TO GOD THE CREATOR, AND TO THE CHRIST AND TO
THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW AND
EVER SHALL BE WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN. AMEN.
Anthem/Special Music:
Spoken Word: "God's Tent"
COMMUNITY RESPONDING
Offering of God's People - Time, Talent and Treasure
Call to Offering: : Spoken
Offertory Number: : Organ/Piano Selection
*Doxology:
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW,
PRAISE GOD, ALL CREATURES HIGH AND LOW,
GIVE THANKS TO GOD IN LOVE MADE KNOWN.
CREATOR, WORD AND SPIRIT ONE.
*Offertory Prayer: : Spoken
*Affirmation of Faith: New Creed, #918, VU
*Closing Hymn: One More Step Along the World I Go, #639 VU
*Commission and Benediction: Spoken
*Congregational Response: Threefold Amen
Postlude: Organ/Piano Selection
Lectionary Reading for Next Sunday: January 11, 2009
Genesis 1: 1 - 5; Psalm 29; Acts 19: 1 - 7; Mark 1: 4 - 11
Thought for the Day: Among the dominant character of the early Christians is their common life; sharing of goods and food, among themselves and with the world.
PASTORAL CARE
If you know of anyone in our church family who could use some "caring", please fill out a care card (found in the pews) and drop it in the Pastoral Care box located in the upper lobby. Your pastoral care team will try to address their special needs. All information will be kept in strictest confidence. Thank you!
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