Our Eternal Purpose

Our Eternal Purpose

Mill Plain UMC, Our Eternal Purpose January 2,2022

Live stream with Pastor Sue
Accompanied by a worship assistant
Accompanist Andrea Llafet

Mill Plain UMC 10 a.m.,
Sunday, January 2,2022

Songs
This Is a Day of New Beginnings
Sing We Now of Christmas #237
The First Noel

To Make an Offering: https://millplainumc.org/giving/

Prelude

Welcome Announcements  

Greeting

Worship Assistant:  Arise, shine, for your light has come!

People:  and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Worship Assistant:  Arise, shine, for your light has come!

People:  For darkness shall cover the earth but the Lord will arise upon you.

Opening Prayer Holy One, you have formed us into your body, the church, and revealed to us your mystery, planted deep within us since the beginning of time, that your love extends to all the earth and includes all people formed in your image.  

We confess that we are prone to lose sight of your image in others, especially those who seem different from us or who do not share our backgrounds or ideas.  Grant us the grace to recognize your presence in the least of these, in the stranger, in the unexpected guest.  Broaden our vision to understand the mystery of your love.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Young Disciples Moment

Song  This Is a Day of New Beginnings

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Lord’s prayer

Offering

Doxology

Scripture

Ephesians 3:1-13

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.

Song: Sing We Now of Christmas #237, verses 1,4,5

Message  Our Eternal Purpose

Prayer Christ you are the Head of the Body, your Church.  By your Holy Spirit you have granted your people with varieties of gifts for the manifestation of your purpose.  As members of your church, we promise to support it with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.  Today we thank you for the prayers, presence, gifts, and service of your faithful servants who have led Mill Plain Church in this last year and beyond.  They have guided us through moments of uncertainty and times of confusion.  Bless them as they leave those positions to serve you in other ways.

We lift up before you now a new team of leaders in this new year.  Thank you for their willingness to serve and for the gifts you have given to them.  Bless their ministry among us and grant them wisdom to lead us into your tomorrow.  Grant each person connected with Mill Plain the grace to support these new leaders and the strength to offer our gifts in various ways that together this congregation of your people may fulfill your eternal purpose for your Church.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving

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.
Pastor Sue prays ………….
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY LORD, GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT, HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY.
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.
BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.


Prayer After Communion

 Gracious God, You come to us in bread and cup.  Grant that we may carry your love into the world.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Song  The First Noel, #245, verses 1,4,5

Benediction

The grace of Christ attend you.
The love of God surround you.
The Holy Spirit keep you.
Abound in hope and grow in love both now and forever.
Amen