MORNING WORSHIP & COMMUNION

The Calvary Baptist Church, Towson, Maryland

 

Eleven O’clock                                             January 07, 2007

http://www.calvarybaptist-towson.org

Frederick K. Weimert, Pastor

Glenn L. Wittstadt, Jr., Organist‑Director

 

 

 

PRELUDE:                  “Carols of the Star” 

                                  Based on Familiar Carols

                       

CHORAL INTROIT: 

           

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                    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.

 

*HYMN 83:       “Arise, Your Light is Come”

 

INVOCATION  Followed by the Lord’s Prayer

 

WELCOME & REGISTRATION      

 

EXTENDED LIFE OF THE CHURCH

 

SOLO:         “The Virgin’s Slumber Song”     By  Max Reger                                     Soprano:  Emily Romano

 

THE GOSPEL:               Matthew 2: 1-12           pg. 835        Read by:  Rev. Robert Ross

 

RESPONSIVE CALL TO PRAYER:

A star had arisen, in the heavens, which some believed to be a signal that a star would arise on the earth.

            “The heavens declare the glory of God...”

Some who saw the sign setout to find this earthly star.

They went to look in the most likely place, the king’s

palace.

But nothing was known of this one who might rule, except for a citation from some ancient text…

Herod, susceptible to superstition, was interested, but too busy to follow every star gazer.

Undeterred by the disinterest of people,  the people who held power, the star gazers continued their search.

God, whose presence can be found in this world, we know that not everyone will look for You, but we ask that You sustain those of us, who are looking high and low for Your presence.  May we who seek You find a door ever open by Your grace.  Amen. 

 

HYMN 2094:               “Carol of the Epiphany”

 

*OFFERING               DOXOLOGY

 

OFFERTORY:   “And There Was A Star”      by D. Paxton                   

 

CHILDREN’S TIME

 

ANTHEM:      “Worship the Lord”       by Tom Fetke

 

THE LETTERS:          Ephesians 3: 1-12       pg. 1018

 

SERMON:             “Making God’s Wisdom Known”

 

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.

 

GREET EACHOTHER WITH THE PEACE OF CHRIST

 

*CLOSING HYMN:     "Blest Be the Tie"

 

*BENEDICTION       

 

POSTLUDE:       “The Rock of Salvation”      by Franklin Ritter

 

*    Congregation standing

 

 

 

 

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

 

TODAY:   Choir practice.

Please pick-up your Church Offering Envelopes from the back vestibule.

Monday  January 8th  12 Noon  Annie Armstrong Circle

meeting at the Shepherds’ Clinic on Kirk Ave.  Call Leah Holland for information and transportation.  410-823-2042.

 

7:30 p.m. Needles and News meeting in the home of Wendy Wallace, 368 Old Trail Rd.,  410-321-0043. We will meet at the church at 7:15 and go to her house as a group.( Parking several cars could be a problem.) 

 

WEDNESDAY

            6:15 p.m. Dinner

            7:00 p.m. Prayer and Bible Study

            7:00 p.m. Hand Bell Choir Practice

 

Sunday January 14th:   Coffee hour following Worship Service.

            Choir practice.

 

Youth Skiing Trip:  We will go and spend the night on Friday February 3rd 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.