Scripture Reading
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Matthew 2:13-23 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 13
Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son." 16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 14
Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. The hope of FPC Dallas is to seek the transformation of our city as ministers of reconciliation, peace, and justice. We follow the way of Jesus where the healing is generous and everyone is welcome. Our church is not the finish line, it's a starting place on a journey to discover the light and love of God. When we say “everyone is welcome here," we mean it. We are an open and affirming congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination. This is a place reserved for skeptics to ask hard questions without judgment, for people following Jesus to be challenged in how they live out their faith, and for friendships to flourish as we labor together to care for others. You, along with your unique perspective and experiences, are needed and welcome.
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"A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more." 19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20"Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23 There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean." 18
1 SAY HELLO.
Leading Worship Today Rev. Meagan Findeiss Care + Belonging Sam Allen Worship Music Director Sunny Yu
Associate Pastor for Wood Street Associate Director of
Next Steps
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2 TAKE A SEAT. New to FPC Dallas or interested in membership? Try us out at Table for Ten and get to know us and other newcomers. Next Table for Ten: 1.10.23 Sign up to save your seat at fpcdallas.org/table-for-ten.
Worshipping on the Lord's Day 1.1.23
GATHERING
God, call us out. Give us a new way forward, and lead us home to you. time for silent reflection.
RINGING OF THE BELLS
PROMISE OF GRACE
PRELUDE Gabriel's Oboe
Arr. Robert Longfield
WELCOME
Meagan Findeiss
CALL TO WORSHIP • John 1
COMMUNION
*PASSING THE PEACE
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
SENDING
Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell: born is the King of Israel!
TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM
THE FIRST NOWELL
WORD
*HYMN #146
SCRIPTURE + SERMON
• Matthew 2:13-23
Meagan Findeiss
RESPONSE SONG OF RESPONSE Refugee King Away from the manger they ran for their lives The crying boy Jesus, a son they must hide A dream came to Joseph, they fled in the night And they ran and they ran and they ran
Angels sang about his birth; wise men sought and found him; heaven’s star shone brightly forth, glory all around him. Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, heard the angels singing; all the plains were lit that night; all the hills were ringing.
No stars in the sky but the Spirit of God Led down into Egypt from Herod to hide No place for his parents no country or tribe And they ran and they ran and they ran Stay near me Lord Jesus when danger is nigh And keep us from Herods and all of their lies I love thee Lord Jesus, the Refugee King And we sing and we sing and we sing Hallelujah
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!
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
*RESPONSE TO GRACE
The angel has announced it: Jesus, our Savior, is born! Like the shepherds, let us share the good news: Jesus, our Savior, is born! Like the angels, let us praise God, saying: Jesus, our Savior, is born! Glory to God in heaven and on earth peace among those whom God favors! Gentle Mary Laid Her Child 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.
...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, forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
We confess: Even in the light of a new year, our world looks like yesterday. Change is slow to come, and we have made it even slower by objecting to that which scares us, thwarting attempts at new life, and staying in our comfortable echo chambers distant from the weeping and lamentation of our neighbors.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE GREAT THANKSGIVING + THE LORD’S PRAYER 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...
Liz Vice
*HYMN #138 What Would Think That What Was Needed Who would think that what was needed to transform and save the earth might not be a plan or army, proud in purpose, proved in worth? Who would think, despite derision, that a child should lead the way? God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.
WHITE ROSETTES
Shepherds watch and wise men wonder; monarchs scorn and angels sing; such a place as none would reckon hosts a holy helpless thing. Stable beasts and by-passed strangers watch a baby laid in hay; God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day. Centuries of skill and science span the past from which we move, yet experience questions whether, with such progress, we improve. While the human lot we ponder, lest our hopes and humor fray, God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.
*CHARGE + BLESSING
POSTLUDE Great Is the Lord
Arr. Lloyd Larson
+++ *Please rise in body or spirit.
Offerings are collected in the boxes at the rear of the Sanctuary and Chapel.