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This Week's Bulletin

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Epiphany Sunday

* Indicates that worshippers are to stand if able. 
Congregational responses are in bold print.

Worship Leader: Jacquee Lawrence

ENTRANCE & PRAISE

Prelude                   “The Comfort of God”                      John Kwon
(W.S. Martin)
Greetings                                                              Rev. Marvin McClain
             
Announcements                                                     Jacquee Lawrence
                   

Opening Hymn   “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies”   UMH #173

1. Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear.

2. Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by thee;
joyless is the day's return, till thy mercy's beams I see;
till they inward light impart, cheer my eyes and warm my heart.

3. Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more
thyself display, shining to the perfect day
  
 

Call to Worship

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has
risen upon you. 

 

Passing Peace of Christ      “O How He Loves…”           TFWS #2108
       O how he loves you and me! O how he loves you and me!
     He gave his life. What more could he give? O how he loves you;
              O how he loves me; O how he loves you and me!

          
 
Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer                                                                                   (Screen)

     

Contemplation Hymn          “We Would See Jesus”          UMH# 256

1. We would see Jesus; lo! his star is shining above the stable while
the angels sing; There in a manger on the hay reclining; haste, let us 
lay our gifts before the King.

2. We would see Jesus, Mary's son most holy, light of the village life
from day to day; shining revealed through every task most lowly, the Christ of God, the life, the truth, the way.

3. We would see Jesus, on the mountain teaching, with all the listening people gathered round; while birds and flowers and sky above are preaching the blessedness which simple trust has found.

PROCLAMATION & RESPONSE

Scripture Reading             Matthew 16: 13–16       Jacquee Lawrence

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked 
his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and 
still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the 
living God.”

 

This is the Word of Life for all the people of God.
                                          Thanks be to God.

Offering Our Gifts to God’s Service

 Offertory Anthem       “This is My Father’s World”           John Kwon

*Doxology   “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”   #UMH 95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures
  here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication
 

Accept, O Lord, these offerings your people make to you, and  grant that the work to which they are devoted may prosper under 
your guidance, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. 


You may give your offering at www.bfvumc.org/online-giving 
                                             or mail it to:
                                Bethany of Fox Valley UMC 
                          2200 Ridge Ave. Aurora, IL. 60504

 Special Christmas Music                                                  John Kwon

Message: The Vacation. Rev. Marvin McLain
 

HOLY COMMUNION & SENDING FORTH

Holy Communion-         A Service of Word and Table               Screen
   
Prayer after Communion:
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which   
you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the 
world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, 
 in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 
     
Closing Hymn        “This is My Father’s World”                UMH #144

1. This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

2. This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker's praise. This is my Father's world: he shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
he speaks to me everywhere.

3. This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget that though the 
wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad!

*Benediction                                           Rev. Marvin McClain

Leader: The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
   
    People:  Amen.

Postlude             Traditional Anglican Melody                  John Kwon

We are glad that you joined us this morning in worship.
We hope that you find strength, renewal, and a sense of peace
going through the coming week.