MORNING WORSHIP AND COMMUNION

 

The Calvary Baptist Church                             Towson, Maryland

Eleven O’clock                                               January  2, 2005

 

Frederick K. Weimert, Pastor

Glenn L. Wittstadt, Jr., Organist‑Director

 

10:45 SERVICE OF ANOINTING

(for those requesting prayer for healing and special needs)

 

 

 

 

PRELUDE:                “The Savior of The World Is Here”        

                                        setting  by David N. Johnson 

 

INTROIT:                                                       

 

CALL TO WORSHIP :                                   Micah 5: 2-5a

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;

and he shall be the one of peace.

 

*HYMN 86:  "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

 

INVOCATION FOLLOWED BY THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

WELCOME & REGISTRATION                      

 

EXTENDED LIFE OF THE CHURCH

 

ANTHEM:                   “Worship The Lord”    by Tom Fettke

 

HEBREW BIBLE:              Isaiah 60: 1-6                     pg.639       read by:  Liz Shilling

 

QUARTET:  “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child”  14th Century Carol

                Lucy Moore, Judy Weimert, Bob Ross, Doug Thomas

 

CHILDREN’S TIME  

           

*OFFERING:              DOXOLOGY 

           

OFFERTORY:        “Bethlehem”      by Domenico Scarlatti                             

 

THE GOSPEL:               Matthew 2: 1-12                   pg.  836

 

SERMON:                   "Divergent Paths"      The  Rev. Dr. Paul  Gillespie

 

*INVITATION HYMN 2095:  "Star-Child"

 

THE LORD'S SUPPER

 

SHARING THE BREAD                     #101 vs. 1,3

 

Gentle Mary laid her Child Lowly in a manger;

There He lay the undefiled, To the world a stranger:

Such a Babe in such a place, Can He be the Savior?

Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favor.

 

Gentle Mary laid her Child Lowly in a manger;

He is still the undefiled, But no more a stranger:

Son of God, of humble birth, Beautiful the story;

Praise His name in all the earth, Hail the King of glory!

 

 

SHARING THE CUP                          #85   vs. 3,4

 

And by the light of that same star

The wise men came from country far;

To seek for a king was their intent,

And to follow the star where ever it went.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.

 

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

Who hath made heav’n and earth of naught,

And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.

 

*CLOSING HYMN:     "Blest Be the Tie"

 

*BENEDICTION/RESPONSE     

 

POSTLUDE:                “Let All Rejoice”  by Ross Anderson

                  

*Congregation standing.

 

"O Jesus,

            Help me, this New Year's Day, to choose the right King for the rest of the year and my whole life through:

            I confess, I am too much of the world.  My desires run to power and splendor, to cities, those great centers of human creation and the greater kings who control them.

            I love you.  But I do homage to Herod.

            I love you.  But I seek the advantage of another king.

            I love you, Lord Jesus.  But I spend my days, my allegiances and my energies on the laws and the approvals of this visible kingdom.

King Jesus, come! Come as King to me.  Batter my heart."

            (Walter Wangerin jr., Preparing for Jesus, pg. 168)

 

 

 

T H I S     W E E K

 

If you have a special prayer request please fill out a pink card, found in the pews, bring it forward and place it on the communion table either before the service or during the first hymn.

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING:

                 6:15 p.m. Dinner

                 7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer

                 7:15 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal                                          

     8:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

 

 

SUNDAY   January 9th

Coffee Hour following Church Service.

 

 

MONDAY  January 10th

12 Noon – Annie Armstrong Circle meeting.  Everyone

is welcome. Bring a sandwich.

 

 

7:30 p.m. Needles & News will meet.

 

 

Youth Skiing Trip:  We will go and spend the night on Friday February 11th at Skycroft, and on Saturday we will go skiing at White Tail Ski Area.  Attempts will be made to keep the cost around $62 per person.  If you are interested in going as a skier or chaperone speak with Doug Thomas (410-825-1460), or the Church Office (410-825-3360),  sign-up on the back of an attendance card.  Friends are welcome.  If you need financial help in going, talk to the pastor.