WE GATHER TOGETHER

EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD – “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” The theme of this day and the Sundays that follow (until Lent begins) is that Jesus is shown to be a Savior of widening powers for a widening circle of people. On this day of Epiphany, he is revealed as a king to strangers from a faraway land, and Paul declares that in Christ all ethnic groups participate in the richness of God’s promised salvation.

Prelude Bring him gold, incense and myrrh, Colin Mawby

We are glad you are here and we pray God will be real to you as you worship. Bethel is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Knowing God loves all creation and holds us all, we welcome you who walk through our doors and you who are outside those doors. We welcome everyone and honor the rich diversity and giftedness that age, sexual orientation, race, belief, emotional and physical health, gender identity, marital status and station in life bring to the Bethel family and our relationships.

Address 5658 North Denver Avenue • Portland, Oregon 97217 • Email bethel@bethelpdx.org • Website www.bethelpdx.org

Restrooms are located in the basement on the east side of the building. A gender neutral restroom located behind the worship space next to the church office. Please ask the Usher or Greeter for assistance. There is also a rocking chair in the rear of the Sanctuary. Please use it as you wish.

EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD January 5, 2020

Welcome to Bethel Lutheran Church

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Carol LBW 56, The First Noel

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Greeting & Prayer of the DayThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.Let us pray. Everlasting God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen.

Praise Carol LBW 71, Angels We Have Heard on High

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WE HEAR GOD’S WORDFirst Reading Isaiah 60:1-6A reading from Isaiah. 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.

P: The Word of the Lord.C: Thanks be to God.

Second Reading Ephesians 3:1-12A reading from Ephesians.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.

P: Word of God, Word of life.C: Thanks be to God.

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Welcome the Gospel LBW 75, Bright and Glorious Is the Sky, verses 3-4 The children join the pastor in the back of the worship room as the people sing.

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Gospel Matthew 2:1-12

P: The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

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.

L: The Gospel of our Lord.C: Praise to you, O Christ!

Time with the Children The pastor continues to speak with the children. At the conclusion, all sing: 5 Guided by the star, they found/ him whose praise the ages sound. We too have a star to guide us, which forever will provide us withthelighttofindourLord,withthelighttofindourLord.

6 And this star, as bright as day, that will never lead astray with its message so appealing, is the word of God, revealing Christ, the way, the truth, the life, Christ, the way the truth, the life.

Sermon , Pastor Joan Beck

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Hymn of the Day Shine, Jesus, Shine

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Prayers of the PeoplePrayers reflect the wideness of God’s mercy for the whole world—for the church universal, its ministry, and the mission of the gospel; the well-being of creation; peace and justice in the world, the nations and those in authority, the community; the poor, oppressed, sick, bereaved, lonely; all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; the congregation, and special concerns.

Each portion of the prayers ends with these words: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Peace We greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace.

P The peace of Christ be with you always.C And also with you.

WE CELEBRATE THE MEALOffertory Carol of the Epiphany Musical Offering What Child Is This, verses 1 and 3

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Offering Prayer Let us pray.

Generous God, you have given us life, this community, and these gifts of the earth that become the meal of your grace. Move in our hearts, that we might use your gifts to bring hope and blessing wherever we go, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you.

And also with you.Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,that we should at all times and in all placesgive thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,through our Savior Jesus Christ.By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations;in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son;and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory.And so, with all the choirs of angels,with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy

The presiding minister continues with the Great Thanksgiving….

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The Lord’s PrayerOur Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be don, 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 and ever. Amen.

Invitation to CommunionThe bread is broken and all are invited to the Lord’s Supper.

Love has come: God’s love for all people. Come and eat, for Christ invites you.

Thanks be to God.

Music during Communion Love Has Come

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The Bells of Christmas

Our welcome extends to the Communion Table. We recognize that this is Christ’s Table and Christ’s invitation. Please come forward as you are invited. If you prefer not to receive Communion at this time, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing – just fold your arms across your chest so that we know you prefer a blessing. Wine is served from the first chalice; grape juice is served from the second. We also offer gluten-free bread and individual cups of wine.

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Blessing & Prayer after CommunionNow may the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ … Amen.Let us pray.

Emmanuel, God with us, you grace us with life and breath and give us bread for the journey. Send us out in service to this world that you love, telling the amazing news of your coming to be Savior and Lord of all. Amen.

WE ARE SENT IN JESUS’ LOVE

AnnouncementsBlessingGrace from God’s own heart, peace from the Child in the manger, and strength from the Spirit of life be blessings for you today and forever.

Amen.

Sending Hymn This Little Light of Mine, Harry Dixon Loes

1 This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, X3 Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

2 Every where I go, I’m gonna let it shine...3 All in my house, I’m gonna let it shine...4 Out in the neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine...5 Not gonna make it shine, Just gonna let it shine...6 Out in the dark, I’m gonna let it shine...

SendingChrist is God with us! Go tell it on the mountain and everywhere.

Thanks be to God.

Postlude March of the Kings, trad. French

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Prayer Requested For: Prayer Concern: Prayer Contact:

For the People of Bethel Lutheran May the wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit abide within the people of Bethel during this time of change and transition.

Staff

For the environment and all those working to bring about live-giving change

Grant us wisdom to care for earth and energy to act now for the good of future generations

Staff

Katie Reitel & Family Prayers for peace & assurance of God’s love. The Bentleys

Faith St. John Healing and support as she undergoes treatment for cancer. Staff

Jennifer Nevills, former YDIC director Struggling with heart disease. Karen Anderson

Family and friends of Bob HaggardPrayers of peace after Bob Haggard’s death Tuesday morning. We pray God may wipe all tears from their eyes.

Becky McAllister

Willie Torrey and his family Prayers of thanksgiving for a good turn of events in his life; prayers for his son and for peace in his family.

Willie Torrey

David GylesPeace, assurance of God’s presence and comfort; freedom from pain. Prayers of comfort for his companion Sandy Morris.

Pastor Core

Joan Barber Peace and comfort and freedom from discomfort as she begins palliative care. Pastor Core

Amya Kalki Prayers for family relationships healing. Amya Kalki

Homeless People Put Love of God First. Michael Glover

June and Wayne Hassebroke Prayers healing and comfort as June recovers from surgery. Bethel Care Team

Our prayers continue for many among us: for Timothy Collins, Elizabeth, Rob, Jacob Bard, Miles Bard, Annalu Lingnau, Ben Lingnau III, David Lingnau, Patricia Connor.

Stewardship of Service Today - January 5 Next Week - January 12Ministers: All Baptized Members of Bethel All Baptized Members of Bethel

Pastor: Pr. Joan Beck Pr. Tom Hiller

Music Director Jamie Webster Jamie Webster

Musician

Usher: Rhonda Bard

Reader: Marlo Edman

Communion:

Preparation of the Altar:

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BETHEL NEWS

SERVICE SCHEDULE: • 1/5 | Pastor Joan Beck • 1/12 | Pastor Tom Hiller• 1/19 | Pastor Joan Beck • 1/26 | Pastor John

COMING UP: • Jan 5 | Taking Down Bethel Tree, after worship today• Jan 12 | Council Meeting, following worship• Jan 26 | Annual Congregation Meeting, following worship

SAVE THE DATE: • Sept. 11-13 | Inviting all Bethelites & FOB’s to the 2020 Annual Bethel Camp-out at Milo McIver

State Park. This year we changed sites from Chinook to Steelhead, which is- more open IF the sun comes out. Question! Contact Scott Burris, Tana Bishop or one of the other Campers Extraodanaire.

OTHER NEWS

2020 Council Nominations

Bethel needs new leaders to join council in 2020. Will you join us or do you have someone in mind who would be a great addition to council? In the coming year, members of council will have the chance to lead the congregation through the interim pastor process and pursuing a balanced budget through fundraising. It’s a great opportunity, and we love to have a mix of experienced members and new leaders. If you would like to nominate someone or nominate yourself, please contact PJ Bentley or Cate Milburn.

Food Ministry Sign-up ChangesStarting in January 2020 say goodbye to sign-up geniusThe sign-up for volunteering at the Bethel Breakfast and Lunches will be on paper. We will have the sign-up available in the kitchen. See you there, and thank you!