Worship December 29, 2024

December 29, 2024
First Sunday after Christmas

Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life

Worship link: https://youtu.be/SLP6ibQbDyM

In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones.

*Indicates please stand if you are able

Today’s Meditation Verse

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from heaven! Praise God on
the heights!” —Psalm 148:1 (CEB)

Welcome...Claudia Mills

Prelude...Louise Cook and Suzanne Polacek / “Christmas
Time is Here,” arranged by Eugenie Rocherolle

*Call to Worship...Ben Glancy (they/them)

Leader: Let the love that shaped earth and heaven dwell
within us this Christmas.

People: Let the love that created humanity dwell
within us this Christmas.

Leader: Let the love that overcomes suffering and hatred
dwell within us this Christmas.

People: Let the love that causes us to rejoice with
loved ones dwell within us this Christmas.

Leader: Let the love that forgives and renews dwell within
us this Christmas.

People: Let the love that brings reconciliation after
separation dwell within us this Christmas.

Leader: Let the love that brings the blessing of peace dwell
within us this Christmas.

People: And may we share that peace with all people
near and far. Amen

—Prayers for Christmas, posted on www.christianaid.org.uk

*Hymn...“Joy to the World” (UMH #246)

Unison Prayer...Ben Glancy (they/them)

God of New Beginnings, we thank You this Christmas for the
new life You offer through Christ. As we celebrate His birth,
we’re grateful for the fresh start, the clean slate, the new
creation You make possible. For those needing a fresh start
in relationships, work, or personal growth, we ask for Your
grace and strength. Let the hope born at Christmas inspire
us to embrace new opportunities, to let go of past regrets,
and to step boldly into Your purposes. As we stand at the threshold
of a new year, may the light of Christmas guide us into new
adventures of faith and service. Thank You for the promise that
Your mercies are new every morning, and that in Christ, we can
always begin anew. Amen.

—Daniel Naranjan, Christmas Prayers and Blessings

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 9, 11-16...Ben Glancy (they/them)

Special Music...Tim Cook and Louise Cook / “Grace Has a Face
(Hope Has Hands)” by Phil Cross

Community prayer concerns and celebrations
Please wait for the usher to bring you a microphone so that all in the
congregation will be able to hear your prayer clearly.

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Claudia Mills

Second Lesson: Philippians 4, 4-8...Ben Glancy (they/them)
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Claudia Mills / “The Luck of the Christian”

*Hymn...“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” (UMH #140)

*Words for the Journey...Claudia Mills

Postlude...Louise Cook and Suzanne Polacek / “Deck the Hall Duet
Fantasy,” arranged by Robert D. Vandal

Upcoming Events, News, and Information

Our new pastor, Rev. Elizabeth Burg, will
officially start on January 2 and will lead worship next
Sunday, January 5. Her email address is
revelizabeth@saintpaulsboulder.org.

Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet Thursday, January 2, at
11:45 a.m., at Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar (1132 W.
Dillon Road in Louisville). Please RSVP by Tuesday,
December 31, to Kathy Lloyd.

Breakfast Fellowship will meet on Saturday, January
11, at 8:00 a.m. at Home Cookin’ Café (328 S. McCaslin
Blvd., Louisville). All are welcome!

Sew What resumes on Friday, January 17, from 10:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Suzanne Polacek’s home. Sew What is
for those who love to sew, knit, crochet, embroider, and/or
enjoy visiting with one another. Please RSVP to Suzanne Polacek by
January 14.
Suzanne plans to provide soup for lunch, but folks are
welcome to bring a sandwich or drink of their choice.