Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ - "Listen to God, Live by Faith, Love all People" - Second Sunday After Christmas/Epiphany Sunday "By The ...

Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ
 “Listen to God, Live by Faith, Love all People”

 Second Sunday After Christmas/Epiphany Sunday
           “By The Light Of The Star”

                  January 2, 2022

Order for Worship
           Second Sunday After Christmas/Epiphany Sunday
                          January 2, 2022

                   -- We Enter Into God’s Presence –
                 (Time of Quiet Reflection and Prayer)
Prelude Watchman, Tell Us of the Night - “Aberystwyth"
                                               arr. James Mansfield

Announcements and Cares and Concerns

*Call to Worship (from Isaiah 60:1-6)
 L1: Arise, shine; for your light has come
 P: And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
 L1: The Lord will arise upon you
 P: And God’s glory will appear over you.
 L1: Lift up your gaze and look around
 P: Then you shall see and be radiant
 L1: Your heart shall thrill and rejoice
 P: You shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

*Hymn “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” (see next page)

 Opening Prayer
 L1: O Lord of all things bright and beautiful, may we begin this day in
 Your name. Light of all light, our dayspring of hope, may we find
 warm reflections of Your countenance in the face of each brother,
 sister, stranger, and friend. As we work for Your world this day, may
 our hunger be for justice and our thirst for peace. Feed us with Your
 presence. Strengthen our hearts and steady our hands for the
 business of loving Your creation. As children of the light, may we walk
 in Your radiance this day.
 P: Amen.

Confession
P: God of All Beginnings, we confess our own despair and
distrust. Our expectations have been tempered, our hopes
subdued. We are afraid of being let down again by the world.
Remind us that our hope is not in the things of this world, in our
leaders or our systems, but our hope is in You, Creator of
Heaven and Earth. Shape our hearts to love more deeply. Open
our minds to accept what we cannot change but allow You to
transform our own lives to Your ways. Mold our lives to live as
You lived, in compassion and loving-kindness, in gratitude and
peace. Lift up our hearts, so we may enter this new year with
Your living hope. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
                        (moment of silence)
Assurance of Pardon
L1: May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard
our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Emmanuel, God is with us,
now and always, and we can never be the same. May we know that
because of Christ, the worst thing in the world is not the last thing that
will happen to us. Goodness, love, and mercy will always prevail. May
we trust these words in our hearts, trust the promises of God, and
know that we are forgiven, loved and restored.
P: Amen. Praise be to God!

* Congregational Response - Gloria Patri
  Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost
  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
  World without end. Amen, Amen.
                     --We Listen for God’s Voice --
 Children’s Sermon

 Responsive Scripture Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
 L2: Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a
 king’s son.
 P: May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor
 with justice.
 L2: May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in
 righteousness.
 P: May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give
 deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
 L2: May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon,
 throughout all generations.
 P: May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers
 that water the earth.
 L2: In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until
 the moon is no more.
 P: May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute,
 may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
 L2: May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
 P: For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those
 who have no helper.
 L2: He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the
 needy.
 P: From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and
 precious is their blood in his sight.

Scripture
Isaiah 60:1-6 - Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of
the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and
thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his
glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings
to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from
far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth
of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover
you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba
shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall
proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Matthew 2:1-12 - In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For
we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him
homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all
Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and
scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to
be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been
written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are
by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall
come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod
secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time
when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem,
saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have
found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him
homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of
them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped
over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had
stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house,
they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and
paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered
him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned
in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by
another road.

 Sermon “By The Light of the Star”                Rev. Nichole Jackson

 Prayers

*Hymn “The First Nowell” (see next page)

              -- We Respond to God’s Call to Service --

Affirmation of Ministry – Installation & Ordination of Consistory

                                Introduction
L1: Affirmation of ministry is the act whereby a local church of the
United Church of Christ recognizes the diverse gifts of its members
and celebrates the particular ministry of each person in the life of the
Church. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit
gives them.
P: There are different ways of serving, but the same God is
served.
L1: There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God
gives ability to each of us for our particular service.
P: The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for
the good of all.
L1: Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.

P: It is still one body even though it is made up of different parts.
L1: If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if
one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.
P: All of us are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.
                               Presentation
L1: These people have been called by God, in accordance with the
faith and order of this Church, to serve among us. They have accepted
their call and are before us in witness to their willingness to serve.
                         2022 Consistory
       Elders – Marlene Armato, Kim Sheeler, Ann Wagner
    Deacons – Heather Dickey, Sandy Smoyer, Mary Ellen Yoder
     Trustees – Meredith Dickey, Carolyn Dillon, Gerry Messer
                                 Covenant
L1: Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted with
responsibility for particular service in the ministry of the Church,
whether gathered or scattered.
Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities of your
ministry, are you prepared to serve with the help of God in Christ’s
name and for the glory of God? If so, please respond with, ‘I am.’
Consistory Members: I am.
L1: Do you promise to exercise your ministry diligently and faithfully,
showing forth the love of Christ? If so, please respond with, ‘I do,
relying on God’s grace.’
Consistory Members: I do, relying on God’s grace.
L1: Members of this congregation, you have heard the promises of our
brothers and sisters in Christ who have answered God’s call to
service. Let us affirm our intention to live in covenant with them:
P: We gather in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners
with you in the service of Jesus Christ. We promise to love you,
honor your leadership, and assist you, that together we may be a
faithful Church of Jesus Christ.

Laying on of Hands
L: The laying on of hands is the symbolic act whereby the Church
in every age recognizes God’s call to ministry in the lives of faithful
women and men, and asks the Holy Spirit to confer upon them the
gifts of ministry. We lay hands upon you, Sandy Smoyer and Mary
Ellen Yoder, for the position of Deacon.
   (Sandy and Mary Ellen will kneel, if able, and Pastor Nichole and the rest of 2022
Consistory members and the Congregation will extend hands to her while Pastor Nichole
                                 says the following:)

L: May the Holy Spirit strengthen you for the ministry of Deacon in
Christ’s Church and equip you with everything good to do God’s will.
Receive authority given to you from God to execute this office in the
name of Christ.
P: Amen.
          (Sandy and Mary Ellen may stand and rejoin the rest of Consistory)

                                  Prayer
L: Eternal God, You have called these people to serve You in this
Church and in the world, which You have entrusted to our care and
keeping. Send Your Holy Spirit on them that they may serve among
us with honor and faithfulness. Help them to be diligent in their duties
that Your Church may prosper in the mission You place before it.
May their example prove worthy for all of us to follow, as we are
united in Christ’s ministry, to the glory of Your name.
P: Amen.
                              Declaration
L: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the people of Trinity
Reformed United Church of Christ, I rejoice to announce that you are
installed in your respective positions.

                                         ***

Call to Giving
L2: The giving and receiving of gifts at Christmas time is born of the
ancient Church’s celebration of this very day. At Epiphany, the story
is told again of those who come before the young Christchild, seeking
to give, eager to present the very best to this young king. In the
process, they proclaimed what the religious world could not conceive:
that this one Child, of humble birth and stature, has come to bring
God’s saving love to all. May we consider well how our giving
proclaims God’s love for all as the Table of the Lord is made ready.
Let us now prayerfully offer our gifts to the Lord.

Offertory “Berceuse”                                    Eric H. Thiman

*Prayer of Dedication
 P: Thank You, God of Love, for the promise of this season. We
 are grateful for the generosity aroused in us by Christ’s coming
 into the world. May these gifts represent a new spirit of joyous
 sharing among us, for the sake of all Your children everywhere.
 Amen.
                                   ***
                     Service of Holy Communion
Greeting
L1: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the
communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P: And also with you.

Invitation
L1: Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the
week, Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary
Magdalene, on that same day sat at the table with two disciples,
and was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. This is
the joyful feast of the people of God.

Siblings in Christ, men and women, youth and children, come from
the east and the west, from the north and the south, and gather about
Christ’s table. This table is for all who wish to know the presence of
Christ and to share in the community of God’s people.

Communion Prayer
L1: God be with you.
P: And also with you.
L1: Lift up your hearts.
P: We lift them to God.
L1: Let us give thanks to God Most High.
P: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
L1: We give You thanks, God of majesty and mercy, for calling forth
the creation and raising us from dust by the breath of Your being.
We bless You for the beauty and bounty of the Earth and for the
vision of the day when sharing by all will mean scarcity for none.
We remember the covenant You made with Your people Israel, and
we give You thanks for all our ancestors in faith. We rejoice that You
call us to reconciliation with You and all people everywhere and that
You remain faithful to Your covenant even when we are faithless.
We rejoice that You call the entire human family to this table of
sacrifice and victory. We come in remembrance and celebration of
the gift of Jesus Christ, whom You sent, in the fullness of time, to be
the good news. Born of Mary, our sister in faith, Christ lived among
us to reveal the mystery of Your Word, to suffer and die on the cross
for us, to be raised from death on the third day, and then to live in
glory. We bless You, gracious God, for the presence of Your Holy
Spirit in the Church You have gathered. With Your sons and
daughters of faith in all places and times, we praise You with joy:
P: Seraphic Hymn (next page)
L1: We remember that on the night of betrayal and desertion, and on
the eve of death, Jesus gathered the disciples for the feast of
Passover.

Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks to You, broke it, and gave it
to the disciples, saying: “This is my body which is for you. Do this in
remembrance of me.”
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying: “This cup is the
new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in
remembrance of me.” Therefore we proclaim the mystery of our faith.
P: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
L1: Eternal God, we unite in this covenant of faith, recalling Christ’s
suffering and death, rejoicing in Christ’s resurrection, and awaiting
Christ’s return in victory. We spread Your table with these gifts of the
Earth and of our labor. We present to You our very lives, committed
to Your service in behalf of all people.
We ask You to send Your Holy Spirit on this bread and wine, on our
gifts, and on us. Strengthen Your universal Church that it may be the
champion of peace and justice in all the world. Restore the Earth with
Your grace that is able to make all things new.
P: Be present with us as we share this meal, and throughout all
our lives, that we may know You as the Holy One, who with
Christ and the Holy Spirit, lives forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer
P: 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 debts as we
forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory, forever. Amen.

Breaking Bread and Raising the Cup
L1: The bread which we break is the communion of the body of
Christ. The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the
blood of Christ.
The gifts of God for the people of God. Come, for all things are ready.

(Partake of your elements where you are)

 Prayer of Thanksgiving
 P: Almighty God, we give You thanks for the gift of our Savior’s
 presence in the simplicity and splendor of this holy meal.
 Unite us with all who are fed by Christ’s body and blood that we
 may faithfully proclaim the good news of Your love,
 and that Your universal Church may be a rainbow of hope in an
 uncertain world; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

*Closing Hymn “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (see next page)
                     --We Take God’s Word into the World—
*Benediction
 L1: Let us now go forth into the world to serve God with gladness; be
 of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil
 for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the
 afflicted; honor all people; love and serve God, rejoicing in the power
 of the Holy Spirit.
 Go now in peace.
 P: Amen.
 Postlude What Star Is This? - “Puer Nobis”                              arr. Franklin Ritter
                                                ***
 Worship resources for today’s service are adapted from the writings of:
 *Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, accessed on rev-o-lution.org. Used by permission from author.
 *Rev.David Chafin, accessed on Life In Liturgy by Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in WV,
 licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
 License.
 *Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National
 Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights
 reserved worldwide
 *UCC Book of Worship, “Affirmation of Ministry,” adapt., p. 431-438; and “Service of Word and
 Sacrament I", adapt., p. 31-53.
 **Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license
 A-712191.

Serving in Worship Today
Greeters                      Marlene Armato, Julia Jackson
Ushers                        Dennis Wagner, Pat Hagge
Reader                        Heather Dickey
Altar Guild                   Jayne Guest
Live-stream/Media Coord.      Leif and Lynn Hums
Church Lock-up                Gerry Messer
Organist                      Bill Conrad
Pastor                        Rev. Nichole Jackson

                                 This Week at Trinity
Sun. Jan. 2        9:30 AM    Sunday Worship Service – Communion
Mon. Jan. 3        7:30 AM    AA Meeting
Tues. Jan. 4       4:30 AM    Community Meal To-Go – Grace

                          **Pastor Nichole away January 4-10**

                                 Next Week at Trinity
Sun. Jan. 9        9:30 AM    Sunday Worship Service
Mon. Jan. 10       7:30 AM    AA Meeting
Tues. Jan. 11      4:30 AM    Community Meal To-Go – Leo Club –OJR HS

                     Staffed Church Office Hours (As of 7/1/2020)
                             Wednesdays 8:30am-12:30pm
                              Thursdays: 8:30am-12:30pm
                               Fridays: 8:30am-12:30pm

                                            ***

                                   Announcements
                             Partnership With Pottstown LIFT
Our Consistory discerned together a call to work with Pottstown LIFT and the “Al’s Heart
Warming Center” during this shelter season, and will be hosting guests who are
participating in this program in Fretz Chapel from 5:00-7:00pm every day during the
month of January. Paid staff will always be present from Pottstown LIFT but we would
like to extend and extra hand of hospitality to our guests. There will be a sign-up list at
the back of the sanctuary, beginning today, if you would like to participate.
         If you would like more information about this organization, you can go to their
website at https://www.pottstownlift.org/als-heart-warming-center.

Note from Our Trustees
The entire basement has recently been condemned due to an infestation of mold. NO
ONE is to go to the basement (dining area, kitchen, storage areas, etc.) until further
notice. Nothing is to be removed from the basement until the mold is abated and all
surfaces have been cleaned. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The
Trustees are working to correct this problem as soon as possible.

                               Redner’s Receipts Reminder
REMINDER: Trinity supports Bethany Children's Home by collecting Redner's Cash
Register Receipts. There is a box for placing your receipts outside the pastor's office.
We will organize and mail them periodically to the Home. Thank you for your continuous
support. Any questions, please see Rosana Nimmerichter.
"Bethany's Mission is to continue a Christian ministry, which began in1863, to serve
children and families within their care. They strive to provide a safe place of nurture,
protection, and supportive care to aid their residents in their self-understanding, growth,
and healing toward a brighter, healthier future." - Info@bethanyhome.org.

                         Church Email List and Prayer Requests
If you would like to be added to our church email list to receive our “Weekly Seeds”
newsletter and other church correspondence, please send your email address to
pastornichole@trinityuccpottstown.org or church@trinityuccpottstown.org. If you would
like to submit a prayer request, please call/e-mail the church office at
church@trinityuccpottstown.org with the information that you would like to be included.

                               Cancelled Postage Stamps
The Cluster is collecting cancelled postage stamps for Occupational Therapy at our
Veterans Center. Just tear off the corner of the envelope with the stamp and place them
in a box near our rear entrance marked “stamps”; we will see that they get to the VA.

Requested Prayers
*Rory Guest (Jayne Guest’s granddaughter) - was diagnosed with COVID-19.
*Jennifer Stack-Risko (friend of Heather Dickey's) – hospitalized for negative side effects
after having surgery to repair a hernia, and is not in a medically induced coma. She has
made major improvements but is still completely sedated.
*John Sabol (Jim Sabol's brother) - started chemotherapy.
*Nancy Rahn – recovering at home from hospitalization for a stroke.
*Family and friends of John Deboer – passed away on December 9th.
*Family and friends of Darius Waller - Darius lost his life on December 12th. Darius and
his family are relatives of Susan and Sophia Carter.
*Family and Friends of Lisa (daughter of a friend of Mary Ellen's) – passed away from
complications related to COVID-19.
*Cathie (Herb and Kathy Scheetz’s daughter-in-law - former members living in
Delaware) - had serious medical issues for 2 1/2 months and in ICU with ventilator (not
COVID). Update: Cathie is now home and slowly recovering.
*Addie and Jim Sabol's nephew in Florida - in the hospital with aggressive leukemia.
*Larue (Addie Sabol's friend who has been on our prayer list) - rang the bell upon
completing her chemo. Praise be to God!
*19-year old Grand-daughter of one of Julia Jackson's patients - had a heart transplant
and is on dialysis, waiting for her kidneys to kick in.
*Alan Bowers (friend of Brian Dougherty's) - needs chemo for a tumor between his
stomach and esophagus.
*Vernon Morris (Husband of a friend of Brian Dougherty's) – recovering from an
Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm repair surgery.
*Bobbie Oxenford (Arline Scharneck's daughter) – recovering from a transplant on
November 12th.
*Chris Griswold – recovering from recent hospitalization for breathing issues.
*Don Guinn (Linda Galloway's brother-in law) – recovering at home after hospitalization
for COVID-19.
*Faye Embody – recovering at home after having surgery on her wrist due to a fall.
*Joyce Haury DeLong (former Trinity member and friend of the Shaner’s) - is terminally
ill from kidney disease.
*Gerry Pennypacker (cousin of Ronnie Bertoti) - in Jefferson Hospital with health issues.
*Jim Galloway – recovering at home from recent hospitalization for concerning heart
issues.
*Dawn Sorg (Nancy's daughter) – recovering at home after being involved in a serious,
incurring several injuries and broken bones.
*Tom Lord (Barbara Lord’s husband) – recovering from surgery for Stage 4 cancer.
*Bob Haws (husband of Kris Schwab's close friend, Kris) - was just diagnosed with a
very rare and aggressive form of cancer. Update: the PET scan did not show any other
cancer other than the original spot in Bob Haw's leg.
*Marie (friend of Addie Sabol’s) - was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer.

*Mikaela Oquendo (family of Linda and Jim Galloway) - After a Cesarean delivery of
their first child, a Son, she was diagnosed with Hellp Syndrome.
*Lisa Vanni (Pottstown community friend) – recovering at home from recent
hospitalization.
*Mary Ellen Yoder – recovering from surgery for fractures to her C12 & 3.
*Andrea (Lynn's friend) - had a meningioma removed surgically 2 years ago. She has 2
smaller ones that the doctor now wants to treat with radiation. She has also asked for
prayers for her brother, who is dealing with mental health issues.
*Carol (family member of Lynn Hum’s co-worker) - has been in the hospital for heart and
kidney failure after a bad reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine.
*Jessie (Addie Sabol's friend) - is going through chemotherapy treatment for liver cancer.
*Ashley Cook (family friend of Brian Dougherty’s) - a young girl who has a brain cyst.
*Janice Cunningham (friend of Chris Griswold’s) - having surgery for a broken hip.
*Grandson of Dolly Davis - struggling with mental health issues.
*Barry Geisler (son of Richard & Patricia Geisler) – dealing with serious health concerns.
*Kyle Beyler (friend of Jayne Guest, age 38) – is recovering from three surgeries for a
ruptured brain aneurysm.
*Jerry Stamm (Jayne Guest's nephew, Chris Griswold's grandson) – continues to
receive treatment for Leukemia.
*Mary Ann Laubmeier - recovering at home from hospitalization for an infection.
*Ethel and David Sterling (friends of Chris Griswold) - struggling with health issues.
*Gail (Elaine Siever’s loved one) - struggling with mental health issues.
*Dottie Gottshall (Tom Hoffman's 96 year-old aunt in Roanoke, VA) - in rehab recovering
from a broken hip and has now developed pneumonia.
*Michael Satterwhite (Denise Satterwhite's husband, Nancy Rahn's son-in-law) - was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
*John T. Galloway - has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer.
*Matt (co-worker of Chiffon Jackson) – has Stage 4 Prostate Cancer.
*Dr. Peacock and family (friend of Julia Jackson) - going through a painful time.
*John Cione – diagnosed with cancer.
*Suzanne Whitman – prayers for continued care.
*Cliff Bealer (cousin of Kate Hoffman) - diagnosed with stage-four Sinus Cancer.
*David Allebach (family friend of Chiffon Jackson) – recovering from a stroke.
*Ilona Kaufman – dealing with ongoing heart issues.
*Jane Guhl – friend of Bert Rutter, diagnosed with breast cancer.
*Mike Strauch (Nancy Rahn’s son-in-law) - dealing with MS.
*Please remember to keep our service men and women in your prayers as they serve
around the world.
*Please keep our homebound members in your thoughts and prayers: Kathryn Faust,
Mary Glaser, Hazel Horosky, Roy Kinckiner, Walter Mensch, Dora Schwab, Gloria
Schwab, Kristin Shaner, and Betty Weikel.