Claybanks Methodist Church
Sunday, December 31, 2023
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
First Sunday After Christmas
Welcome and Announcements
*Praise Song
”Angels We Have Heard on High”..…..UMH 238
Prelude
*Processional
In this place, among these people
God is worshipped, God is praised.
We have seen the signs and wonders;
The lost are found here, the dead are raised.
We are living the Gospel story;
lives are changed, and mountains moved.
Won’t you come and work among us?
You are welcomed, you are loved.
*Call to Worship
Leader: With mighty mountains and crashing seas,
All: Praise the name of the Lord.
Leader: With rolling valleys and lush forests,
All: Praise the name of our God.
Leader: With tiny ants and majestic eagles,
All: Praise the name of the Holy One.
Leader: With beautiful children and wise elders,
All: Praise the name of Love.
*Gloria Patri………………………………….UMH 70
*Opening Prayer – All: God of the promise, on whom we rely for life and its meaning: We confess that we have sinned against you by abandoning hope, and by failing to accept your promises. Forgive us, we pray, and once more open our hearts in your mercy, our minds to your promise, our hands to our neighbor in need. In this season of hope, restore us to faith in your providing care and your guiding love. AMEN.
*Hymn
”What Child Is This”…………………….UMH 219
Prayers of the People – Joys and Concerns
Children’s Time: “Twice Owned Boat”
Shalom
The Offering of our Gifts and Ourselves
*Doxology………………………………………….…UMH 95
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn
”Away In a Manger”………………….…UMH 217
Sharing of the Word
Old Testament Readings
Psalm 139:14-16…………………………….Page 503
Malachi 3:18……………………………..…Page 779
*Gospel Readings
1 John 5:1-12…….…………………………..…Page 866
Matthew 7:13-14…………………………..…Page 788
John 11:25-26……………………………..….Page 874
Message by Jim Tanis
“Getting Into the Game”
Prayer
*Hymn
”For All the Saints” (verses 1,2,3,5,6)………..UMH 711
Retirement Recognition of Jim Tanis
Congregation: We thank God for the community of the faithful in which the Word of God found response. Countless people have depended upon you for help. In the providence of God, you know that both suffering, and joy can be God’s way of teaching and healing.
Congregation: We thank God that you were given the vision to be faithful. The truth has not always been easy to deliver. We know something of the grace by which you lived, and we thank God for your vision.
Let us pray together: God of grace, you fill your servants with the vision. You empower your servants with your Spirit. We give thanks for the ministry of Jim and for the ways in which
you have ministered to us through Jim. Give Jim a sense of your abiding presence, that he may continue to love and serve you, and ever grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. AMEN.
*Benediction
Postlude – Please be seated
Pianist – Suzanne Bellrichard
Liturgist – David Naghtin
Ministers – All People As We Live The Good News
Claybanks United Methodist Church 