A W. here is much information about the church in this bulletin and our website:

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2 T hank you for worshiping with us this morning. We extend a special welcome to our guests and ask that you complete a blue or yellow visitor s card and place it in the offering plate. F or Children: We have trained nursery staff (paid nursery attendant as well as adult volunteers) for children ages 0-3. The nursery is located on the first floor outside of the Community Room. (Accessible by the stairs from the Church Street Entrance or via the elevator). Children age 4 through 2 nd grades are welcome to participate in Children s Church which follows a special Thought for the Day. Children s Church is located in the Alcove area below the Sanctuary. Children are also welcome to remain in the sanctuary with their parents. Children s programs, books, crayons and colored pencils are available in the rear of the sanctuary near the welcome table. I n the pew racks are folders with information about the various aspects of the service. If you are visiting, please feel free to reach out to someone sitting near you and ask them questions about the service. Many of our visitors ask us about the time of offering. This is a time in our service when we respond to God s gifts of love by offering the gifts of our lives. For many of us, this is when we make a financial gift towards the ministries and programs of our church. We also use this time to ask God how we might use the gifts of our hands and hearts in sharing God s love. If you are visiting, there is no obligation to give a financial gift. We are just glad you are worshiping with us. A W ll are invited to join us for refreshments and conversation following the service in the Community Room located on the first floor and accessible via the stairs or the elevator. e ask that you please silence your cell phones during our worship service. We also ask that you refrain from applause after our choirs sing or the bell choirs play and allow the music to resonate in the quiet of the sanctuary and in your hearts. Our musicians are playing and singing for the glory of God. They know you appreciate their efforts and their gift. Rest rooms (equipped with changing stations) are located on the first floor of the church building and outside the Community Room and the Nursery. T here is much information about the church in this bulletin and our website: Donate online by scanning this code: or you may use our new texting donation system. Send a donation amount to You will receive a text back within minutes with a link. Click the secure link and provide your method of payment and a receipt will be sent to you! Or, download the GivePlus Church application and make your donation via the app. Thank you.

3 EVANGELICAL REFORMED CHURCH United Church of Christ - An Open and Affirming Congregation January 6, 2019 Epiphany Sunday 10:30 a.m. *All who are able may stand. Our hymns today are in the New Century Hymnal Chimes Concert at 10:00 a.m. from Trinity Chapel s steeple Greetings and Announcements (We are grateful for your presence as we gather to give praise to God. The prelude music is a time for us to focus on our worship of God. Please use this time to settle your heart and mind as we come together in community to pray, sing, and hear the words of scripture encourage, inspire, and challenge us for the living of these days.) Prelude Sharing of the Star Gifts (This morning you are invited to receive a gift from the offering plates being passed around the congregation. Please help yourself to a star. The wise ones who traveled great distance to offer their gifts to the newborn Christ-child were responding to the gift first given to them. They received God s gift, then offered their gifts to God. As we commemorate the arrival of the wise ones and remember their offerings, we take delight in receiving these stars and words that symbolize God s generosity in our lives. You are invited to ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message. You are encouraged to take your star home and place it where you can see it every day. Allow this word to speak to you throughout the year.) *Call to Worship We gather in the Light that was before, is now, and ever will be. We seek the Light s ancient wisdom. We gather in the Light that is God s continuing gift. We live into the Light s new wisdom. We gather in the Light

4 That is our own, emerging anew each day. We seek to share this wisdom, nurtured in the Light from Bethlehem s cradle. *Opening Prayer (in unison) God of Light and Love, in this very moment the star still beckons. Gather us and let the star call us to new ways of healing and hope, restoration and renewal, as we discover again Christ s call to discipleship. *Opening Hymn Arise, Your Light Is Come - No. 164 *Call to Confession *Prayer of Confession Sometimes we feel lost and even consumed by darkness. We wonder if we are loveable. Our actions dim the value and worth of others, and ourselves. But in Christ, God has given us a new Light, kindling unconditional love for us, and showing us a well lit path to wholeness and forgiveness. Thanks be to God. *Assurance of Pardon Thought For the Day 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 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, for ever. Amen.

5 The Scripture Isaiah 60:1-6 OT page 690 Matthew 2:1-12 NT page 2 Reader: All: The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Sermon Morning Prayers Offering of Tithes, Gifts and Lives to Christ s Service Offertory Star in the East *Presentation of Gifts - Southern folk hymn -arr. M. Price Senior Choir *Offertory Response - tune DIX As they offered gifts most rare at the manger rude and bare, So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin s alloy, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee our heavenly King. *Prayer of Dedication Loving God, may these gifts reveal to us and to others the Light that is Jesus. And may this Light lead us on into new and challenging ways of living and serving. *Communion Hymn Jesus, the Joy of Loving Hearts - No. 329 SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION Come, all who journey in faith: bring your lives, fragile and holy. There is a place for you here.

6 We come to this table, ready to see anew. God of grace, from age to age you infuse every particle of the universe with wonder. From age to age you surround every form of life with love. From age to age you call to every corner of creation with promise. Some travellers once journeyed together beneath a fiery star to seek the treasure of their hearts. Kneeling in a stable they found the gift they sought. In this season, we also set out seeking signs of your presence and remembering how this child of Bethlehem broke bonds of oppression to pour out compassion for all. We remember a final meal. Where bread and cup were blessed and shared with new meaning: Here is life. Here is promise. You are my beloved. As we share this bread and cup may we open ourselves to the strength of this love. Amen. Sharing of the Bread and Cup (We will be sharing communion by the method of intinction. There will be four stations or four places around the sanctuary where you can go to receive the bread and then dip it into the cup of grape juice. Before or after you have communed, you are invited to the chancel rail this morning to receive healing prayers.) Prayer of Thanksgiving Spirit of life, of love, of grace, of God, you have ushered us in, fed us, blessed us, and renewed us. Guide us now as we go forth that our lives may bear witness to your gracious, miraculous, and everlasting love. Amen. *Blessing Let us go now by another road the road of trust and faithfulness to God. Let us be watchful for those whose way is fearful; let us be ready to stand beside the outcast; let us be prepared to stay the course with those who suffer. Let us go to the world in the power of the Spirit to fulfill our high calling as disciples of Christ, who shines on us now and forever. Amen. *Closing Hymn Let There Be Light, O God of Hosts - No. 589 *Sevenfold Amen - No. 814

7 *Postlude STAR GIFTS The idea for today s star gifts sharing came from Susan J. Foster, pastor of East Woodstock Congregational Church in East Woodstock, CT. as published in Reformed Worship Magazine. We thank Cindy Duranko for making the stars for this morning s service. The flowers on the altar this morning are given by Cindy Smith, Cindy Duranko and Jenna Duranko in memory of Liz Coffey, whose sweet spirit will forever dance in our memories. The yellow rose bud on the stand is in honor of those who have served or are currently serving in the military and is sponsored by Sandra Trout.. If you are interested in sponsoring the yellow rose, please contact the church office. Attendance Last Sunday: 8:30 17; 10: Every Sunday at 10:30 Want to listen to the sermon again? Visit our Youtube channel: You can get to the link on our homepage at January 13 Baptism of Christ Sunday This is the day in our church calendar when we celebrate Jesus baptism. It is the day we are encouraged to remember the role our baptism has played in our lives. It is a day we are challenged to remember that, along with Jesus, we are beloved by God and empowered to participate in God s healing work in the world. We will read the story of Jesus baptism from Luke 3: 15-17, In Isaiah 43:1 7, the voice of God reminds the people of Israel that they are redeemed, called by name, and accompanied through various forms of turmoil and danger. The reminders to fear not are followed by historical events in the lives of the people. The message resonates with the voice coming from heaven after Jesus baptism: You are my Son the beloved; with you I am well pleased. We are invited to feel gifted by the God who will call us by name. We will welcome Ella Jo Kittle into the life of the church through baptism. Music will be shared by Spirit.

8 Anticipating a stay in the hospital? Please call the Church Office at If you are admitted unexpectedly, please have a family member or friend notify the office. Hospital and Prayer List Your pastor wants to be available when members of ERUCC are in the hospital. Please let us know so that we can visit with you and your family and provide support. We always ask permission before adding a name to be included in the prayer list or in the verbal announcements on a Sunday morning. There are many for whom we pray and visit whose names are not listed in the bulletin by their request. Prayer List - Please remember the following people in your prayers this week: Sue Pinner, Pam Shepp, Carolyn Turner (mother of Stefan Mach), Mary Ellen Rhoderick, Stephen Pomeroy (brother of Matt Pomeroy), Faith Kline (friend of the Scheaberle family), Susan Matesa (friend of Dan Smith & Austin Byrd), Jennifer Barr, Kelly Hueting, Ed Crutchley (Milt s brother), Jerry Castellucci, Peg Stahler, Vida Penn, Sherry Murray, Starr Schaeberle, Wells Condo, Larry Maples, Andrea Metza (Pastor Daniel's cousin), Beth Riley and Dawn Simmons (friends of Scott Smiley), Mabel Ellam, Yvette Young-DeCosta (friend of Michelle Beadle), Linda Stacy Gross (sister of Brian Stacey), Susan Slade (mother of Arthur Slade), Dustin Chapman (friend of Catie, Alex & Sean), Jane Doll, Betsy Fisher, Emily Perlet, Susan McCauley (niece of Jack Stush), Bob and Carolyn Lambie, Heleen (sister of Karin Mens), Kathy Blue Shores (friend of Jean Fish and Barb Biser), Kirstin Homborg (friend of Katherine Penick), Christopher Furry (friend of Cindy Smith, Jenna & Cindy Duranko),Terry Smiley (uncle of Scott Smiley), Joe Jahoda (Kim Jahoda s dad), Gretchen Manuel (niece of Audrey Rayfield), Marcia Eisenstein (friend of Sue Kreh), and Ann and Cal Theiss (parents of Katharine Alley), Fred Martin (friend of Sandra Trout) Mary Ellen Baker Tom Frazier Peggy Githerman Carolyn Turner 634 Schley Avenue 2207 Banner Hill Road 208 Center Street 115 Redhaven Ct Frederick, MD Frederick, MD Frederick, MD Thurmont,MD Mary Ellen Rhoderick Jerry Castellucci 215 E. Third St Molesworth Dr Frederick, MD Mt. Airy, MD We ask you to remember all of those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Your prayers and cards are welcomed and appreciated by those on our prayer list. Sympathy - We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Ray Hatch, whose mother, Mildred, died on Wednesday, January 2 nd. Cards and letters may be sent to: Ron Terbush & Ray Hatch 100 E. Main Street, Middletown MD Weekly Education Opportunities SUNDAY: FOR THE CHILDREN & YOUTH Christian Education classes are located in Trinity Chapel.

9 Let s Talk 9:30 10:15 a.m. Meets in the North Room of the Parish House January 6 February 24 Exploring the Concept of Gratitude through Diana Butler Bass s book, Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks. Led by Rev. Richard Leslie. This class is also being presented on Tuesday evenings. Tuesday Evening Study January 8 February 26 7 pm North Meeting Room Exploring the Concept of Gratitude through Diana Butler Bass s book, Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks. Led by Rev. Richard Leslie. This class is also being presented on Sunday morning. Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Esther Ziegler 7-8:30 p.m. West Classroom of Trinity Chapel Starts January 16 The Greatest Prayer: The Wednesday Evening Bible study group will be looking at John Dominic Crossan s book on the Lord s Prayer. Happening Today Franklinton Center Planning Meeting Today, Jan. 6, 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room Upcoming Events 275th Anniversary of Frederick Planning Meeting Wednesday, January 9, 4:00 p.m is the 275th Anniversary of Frederick and the date we have chosen for ERUCC. An initial planning meeting for anniversary events is scheduled for Wednesday, January 9th at 4 pm in the church offices. If you are interested in helping to plan for the anniversary year and cannot attend the meeting, contact Pastor Daniel at bkdaniel@erucc.org. Adult Education Planning Meeting -- Sunday, January 13th following worship. Please gather up by the piano in the Community Room. Interested in church membership? ERUCC will be receiving new members on Sunday, January 27. If you are interested in joining, please contact Pastor Daniel at bkdaniel@erucc.org or the church office at erucc@erucc.org or l Thanks to all our visitors and prospective new members for the joy you bring us.

10 FRANKLINTON CENTER WORK TRIP: January 19 21, 2019 Franklinton Center, Bricks, North Carolina - Housing Hospitality Houses #1 and #2 Open to Adults and Youth (6 th through 12 th grades) - $75 per person (includes housing and meals) (This trip is being subsidized by budgeted funds for mission trips.) The Franklinton Center at Bricks is a conference, retreat, and educational facility in eastern North Carolina with a focus on justice advocacy and leadership development. Franklinton Center is an historic center of transformation where issues affecting the marginalized, the oppressed, and the poor are addressed. A former plantation, Franklinton Center traces its beginnings to the founding of Franklinton Christian College in 1871 and the Congregationalist Bricks School in A merger of those two schools in the 1950 s formed Franklinton Center at Bricks. The Center is related to the United Church of Christ and is managed by the UCC s Justice and Witness Ministries. As with all church buildings, the more work a volunteer group can provide to maintain facilities, the more funds are available for programs and meeting the direct needs of people. SCHEDULE: Today, Sunday, January 6 1:00 p.m. Planning Meeting Saturday, January 19-6:30 a.m. Leave ERUCC Noon Arrive Franklinton Lunch Work Projects 6:00 p.m. Dinner Evening Reflections Sunday, January 20-7:30 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayers 9:00 Noon Work projects Noon 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 4:00 p.m. Work Projects 4:00 5:30 p.m. Free time 5:30 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:00 8:00 p.m. Evening Reflections Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast at the Center Finish Up Work Projects/ Leave for Home by 11:00

11 CALENDAR January 6 January 13 SUNDAY 1/6 8:30 a.m. Worship in Trinity Chapel 9:30 a.m. Education for All Ages 10:00 a.m. Chimes Concert 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11:45 a.m. Fellowship 1:00 p.m. Franklinton Center Prep Mtg (CR) MONDAY -1/7 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. Cambridge Handbells (BCL) TUESDAY 1/8 7:00 p.m. Book Discussion (NC) WEDNESDAY 1/9 4:00 p.m. 275th Anniversary Planning Mtg. THURSDAY 1/10 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY 1/13 8:30 a.m. Worship in Trinity Chapel 9:30 a.m. Education for All Ages 10:00 a.m. Chimes Concert 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11:45 a.m. Fellowship 12:00 noon Adult Education Planning Meeting (CR) NC- North Classroom (Parish House Basement) CR- Community Room LCR- Liz Coffey Room BCL- Bell Choir Loft TC Trinity Chapel Serving you on 1/6/2019 Deacons: Tyler Schaeberle & Eric Weakly Greeters: Pat Condo, Holly Davis, Emma Davis Elder : Betsy Fisher Scripture Reader: JoAnn Fritz Acolyte: TBD Sound System: Jeff Schaeberle Amanda Spencer Nursery: Beth Bowen Chimers: TBD - Sat. TBD - Sun Welcome Table: Ave Barr and Jeanellen Kallevang Fellowship: Cliff and Ave Barr Serving you on 1/13/2019 Deacons: Joe Adkins and Catherine Zier Greeters: Patti Patterson and Tom Ford Rachel Ford Elder : Cathie Duncan Scripture Reader: Cathy Zier Acolyte: Lucy Adkins Sound System: Jeff Baker/Ethan Kline Nursery: TBD Chimers: TBD - Sat. TBD - Sun Welcome Table: Patricia Condo and Holly Davis Fellowship: TBD Ministers - All the People of Evangelical Reformed Church Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor (bkdaniel@erucc.org) Rev. Fred Wenner, Pastor Emeritus (faw500@msn.com) Joseph Michael, Pastoral Intern (jmichael@erucc.org) Kim Sexton, Associate for Children s Ministry (ksexton@erucc.org) Alison E. Shafer, Music Director Tricia Coffey, Head Chimer & Children & Youth Choir Director Kelly Esslinger, Bell Choir Director Sherry Murray, Nursery Mike McGreevy, Facilities Mgr. Amy Aguilar, Office Administrator (erucc@erucc.org) Jenna Duranko, Social Media Coordinator 15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD (ph)

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