Welcome – Pastor Gayle
Bringing in the Light – Acolyte
Call to Worship – Choir
Greeting:
Leader: A baby has been born for us.
All: A child has been given for us.
Leader: And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, the Prince of Peace. Once we were no people;
All: Now we are God’s people.
Leader: Once we walked in darkness;
All: Now we have seen a great light.
Hymn – Jesus, the Light of the World – WAS 3056
See the bright and Morning Star, Jesus, the Light of the World!
He has risen in our hearts, Jesus, the Light of the World!
Refrain:
Walk in the light, beautiful light;
come where his love and his mercy are bright.
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the Light of the World.
He’s the lamp that lights our way, Jesus, the Light of the World!
Step by step and day by day- Jesus, the Light of the World!
Refrain
No more darkness, no more night- Jesus, the Light of the World!
He will shine forever bright, Jesus, the Light of the World!
Refrain
CCLI SONG # 6363190 Ken Bible and George D. Elderkin
1998 LNWhymns.com (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Praises and Prayer Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – Pastor
Scripture Reading – Luke 2:25-40
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will
be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
L: The Word of God in scripture; for the Word of God within us and for the Word of God among us we say:
All: Thanks be to God.
Message – Pastor Gayle
Prayer
Passing the Peace – May the peace of Christ be with you.
Offering – Joyfully offering our time, talent, energy, and resources
Doxology – UMH 95
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise God all creatures here below,
praise God above you heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Song – Star-Child – The Faith We Sing 2095
Star-Child, earth-Child, go between of God,
love Child, Christ Child, heaven’s lightning rod.
Refrain:
This year, this year, let the day arrive
when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!
Street child, beat child, no place left to go,
hurt child, used child, no one wants to know.
Refrain
Grown child, old child, memory full of years,
sad child, lost child, story told in tears.
Refrain
Spared child, spoiled child, having, wanting more,
wise child, faith child, knowing joy in store.
Refrain
Hope for, peace Child, God’s stupendous sign,
down to earth Child, Star of stars that shine.
Refrain
Carlton Raymond Young, Shirley Erena Murray CCLI SONG #1929319
Words: 1994 Murray, Shirley Erena (Admin. by Hope Publishing Company)
Music: 1994 Hope Publishing Company
Benediction
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Please pray for: Lowery family, Zachary, Bel, Steve, Donna and Fred, Kyle, Jackson-Hester family, Gordon and Joan, Judy S., Jaxson F., Brenda, Israel, Palestinans, Barbara H., Marc T., Bob and Kathy, Nalo, Wenona, Mark Y., Louise Y. Requests will be kept on the list for 4 weeks and then may be re-submitted. Send prayer requests to Pastor Gayle- prayer cards or email cokesburyumc@gmail.com
This Week at Cokesbury
Advent Study: 4 weeks The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Anderson. Sunday mornings following worship.
Prayer Wednesdays 5:30pm in Narthex
Weekend food packing after worship in fellowship hall.
Choir practice Saturdays at 12 noon adults. 2pm children.
Next Month:
Welcome Table Potluck second Sundays at 11:30 am.
Friday with Friends every Third Friday at 11 am. Bring a bag lunch. Food and conversation.
Simplified Accountable Structure exploration meeting Tues. Jan. 9th 7:30pm on Zoon.
Cokesbury Leadership Training Saturday Jan. 20 th 9am.
Loving Our Neighbors
Featherstone and Rippon Schools:
– Weekend food bags. See shopping list for needed items. Also, gallon size zip lock bags.
– Winter clothing, socks and underwear. See list.
Community Garden: See the new garden plots.
English Language class next semester begins in March
Connect with Cokesbury:
703.494.5400
Gmail : CokesburyUMC@gmail.com
Website : CokesburyUMC.church
Facebook : facebook.com/cokesburywoodbridge
YouTube : youtube.com/@cokesburyumcwoodbridge5242
Instagram : instagram.com/cokesburyumc_woodbridge/
Contact Pastor Gayle: 703.980.1029. Mondays are her sabbath.
CCLI #2851555