010123 Digital Bulletin with communion Epiphany Sunday

Moscow United Methodist Church 126 Church Street Moscow, Pennsylvania 18444 Church Phone: (570)842-7251 Email: [email protected] Website: moscowumc.com Worship Service 10:00 Sunday School 9:00 Mission Statement: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. January 1, 2023 10:00 a.m.

Epiphany Sunday GOD’S PEOPLE GATHER Gathering Prelude “Go Tell It On The Mountain” American Spiritual arranged by Gordon Young Ringing of the Church Parish Notes Invocation *Call To Worship Leader: Arise! Shine! People: God's light has come to reveal The Way in this New Year. Leader: Arise! Shine! People: The glory of the Lord has risen upon us. Leader: Arise! Shine! People: God's light penetrates the darkness that covers the world. Leader: Arise! Shine! People: Nations shall come to God's light and kings to the brightness of God's dawn. All: Arise! Shine! For the Glory of the Lord has risen upon us.

*Opening Hymn UMH #245 “The First Noel” 1 The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. 2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. 3 And by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. 4 This star drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;

and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. 5 Then entered in those Wise Men three, full reverently upon the knee, and offered there, in his presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. Children’s Chat Blessing of the Infant Hats & Youth Shelter Donations GOD’S WORD PROCLAIMED Prayer for Illumination: (in unison) Join our thoughts that they may be one with you, Lord. Open our ears that they may hear your Word. Soften our hearts that they may receive your wisdom. Speak to us for we, your servants, are listening. Amen. Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to

Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped

him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Leader: The word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. Special Music Carol Hess “Bells! Bells! Bells!” Ukranian Carol arranged by Anthony Giamanco Message Pastor Lori Robinson The Epiphany Journey GOD’S PEOPLE RESPOND *Hymn of Response UMH#254 “We Three Kings” 1 We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Refrain: O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,

westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. 2 Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. 3 Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, voices raising, worshiping God on high. O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. 4 Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb. O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright,

westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. 5 Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice: Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies. O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Sharing In Prayer: Concerns and Joys Circle of Prayer Churches: Carlisle UMC, Carlisle South Montrose Community Church, Montrose Slocum UMC, Wapwallopen Palestine UMC, Morrisdale Shopes UMC, Hummelstown Ebenezer UMC, Liberty Paxtonville UMC, Paxtonville * Tombodu UMC, Tombodu - Sierra Leone Abrahamsville UMC, Damascus East End UMC, Altoona CrossWords UMC, Mount Wolf Camp Penn Camp & Retreat Center, Waynesboro Prayer List: Corona Virus Pandemic, Our United Methodist Denomination, those affected by the natural disasters, Our Country and Leaders, All Military troops, War in Ukraine, Dawn Biesecker, Alice Roese, Merle Lyon, Carole Phillips and Bill, Sharon Kelly, the

Frank Shillow family, Carol Kreider, the Linda DeScipio family, the Gary Zavacki family, John Wagner, Judy Durkin, Roseanna Van Dyke family, Jennifer Michaels Family, Unspoken Requests, Those Suffering in Silence Silent Prayer Pastoral Prayer Reception of the Tithes and Offerings UMH#94 *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *Offertory Prayer Celebration of Holy Communion for Epiphany (see insert)

EPIPHANY COMMUNION SERVICE INVITATION CONFESSION & PARDON The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Before the mountains were brought forth, from everlasting to everlasting, you alone are God. You created light out of darkness and brought forth life on the earth. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God, and spoke to us through your prophets. Through your love for the world, the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. The angels caroled glory to you in the highest heavens and peace to all people on earth. We join with them, with

all the company of heaven, and with all people to praise your holy name: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of endless love, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The angels sang of it, we have been lavished with it. Blessed is he who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people. Holy God, you have revealed yourself as our light and our salvation. As the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on finding out the depth of his adoration for us. For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us. Through your signs and witnesses, in every age and through all the world, you have led your people from far places to his light. By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: \"Take, eat; this is my body which is

given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.\" When the supper was over he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: \"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.\" And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.

And now, with the confidence of children of God, let us pray: THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. SHARING IN THE BREAD AND CUP The Body of Christ given for you. The Blood of Christ shed for you. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 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. -Adapted from the UMBOW & Moira Laidlaw’s Prayer at the Epiphany Table

GOD’S PEOPLE ARE SENT FORTH *Hymn of Sending Forth UMH#219 “What Child Is This” 1. What child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. 2. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. 3. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him;

the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. *Benediction *Choral Benediction UMH# 237 “Sing We Now of Christmas (v1&4)” 1 Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear. Refrain: Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel! 4 From the eastern country came the kings afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem, guided by a star. Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel! Postlude “Noel Toccata” French Christmas Carol arranged by Gordon Young

* Invites the congregation to stand if able. Pastor: Lori Robinson Email: [email protected] Phone: (570)762-4918 ****ANNOUNCEMENTS**** General Information: • Children are welcome during worship, there are Busy Bags in the coat room, and the Nursery is open for childcare after Children’s Chat for children up to age 6 • Restrooms can be found down the hall across the Narthex from the Sanctuary. • For more information, please go to our website, www.moscowumc.com Schedule This Week: Tuesday 6:15 p.m. Christian Connections Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Crew Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Vision Team Meeting Office Hours This Week: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 3rd 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 4th 10:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5th

Church Secretary Needed – We are still searching for a new Church Secretary. Please spread the word so we can fill this vital position as soon as possible. A full job description and application form are available by contacting Donna Mela, SPRC chair, at ([email protected]) or by calling the church office at 570-842-7251. We are hoping to get a Confirmation Class together for 2023. Anyone who is interested in participating in the 2023 Confirmation Class, please contact Pastor Lori by January 20th. Participants need to be in 7th Grade and above. We are in need of Get Well, Sympathy and Thinking of you cards for our prayer card ministry. If you have excess, unused cards your donations are appreciated and can be dropped off in the basket on the table by the mailboxes in the coat room. Applications for the Clements Scholarship are due on January 12, 2023. Scholarship candidates will apply online at www.csascholars.org/clements. More information on this scholarship are available in the narthex.

Reminder - Construction continues in our courtyard area. For safety, please avoid this area. We will be updating our Prayer List every month, if you would like someone to remain on our prayer list after one month, please let us know so we do not remove them. Please don’t forget to invite your friends to follow our social media pages so we can spread the word of our upcoming events far and wide. Vision Team: The Vision Team will be holding a gathering on January 15th to discuss the wider vision with the leaders and members of the church. This gathering will also be a time to discuss the decisions that are being made for the future of our UMC denomination as we move forward. We will have a covered dish luncheon after worship and engage in discussions. All members are encouraged to attend. Ministries and Missions / Community Collections: *** MUMC DONATION STATION *** The MUMC Donation Station is located in the narthex of the church building: For the month of January we will be trying something new. There is

much yarn available for use in the Coat Room. We are asking for those who are able to make prayer shawls and prayer lap blankets. On these cold winter days and nights if you know how to knit or crochet, it would be greatly appreciated if you could make shawls and/or lap blankets. They make such a difference to those who receive them. Let us take January to make as many as possible and warm the hearts of those in need of help and healing, knowing they are being prayed for. If we get low on yarn, we will let everyone know to replenish the yarn supply. Infant Hat Collection: Thank you to those who continue to donate hats. If you are unable to knit or crochet but would like to contribute, you can donate yarn for others to make the hats. Information on which yarns are best can be found with the hat patterns. Food Pantry & Dry Goods Pantry – Most Needed Items of the Month: Food Pantry – pancake syrup and canned pasta Dry Goods Pantry – paper products We are collecting plastic bags and other stretchy plastic, which will be turned into an outdoor bench when we reach 500lbs. So far we have reached our goal for our first bench.

We continue to collect aluminum tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Scranton. MUMC Power of Prayer Network – If anyone is in need of prayer, please contact Cis Lyon, so your requests can be given to the Power of Prayer Network. The MUMC Learning Tree Preschool - If you or someone you know would like to enroll their child, applications as well as other information can be found on our website under the “Ministries” section. Spiritual Enrichment Opportunities: Sunday School: There are classes from ages 2 through adult. Each week there are discussions based on stories from the bible, as well as games, crafts, and cooking lessons. If anyone would like to join the fun, please contact Barbara Havenstrite at [email protected] for more information. Adult Sunday School meets in Pastor Lori’s office. The class is studying curriculum on the Ten Commandments authored by Adam Hamilton. Christian Connections virtual Bible study is scheduled to meet in January on the following dates: 3rd, 10th, 24th, 31st.

The new Men’s Fellowship Group at MUMC is scheduled to meet the first Thursday evening of every month in the narthex at 7:00(this week January 5th). For more information, please contact Nate Bifano, 570- 842-3237. Upcoming Activity and Event Information: Sounds of the Season – a free concert sponsored by the North Pocono Cultural Society, Monday evening, January 9, 2023 at 7:00, here at MUMC. All are invited to this event featuring The Crystal Band of Scranton. CPR/AED Class: If anyone would like to sign up for a future class, please contact the church office, or add your name to the list on the table in the Narthex.