January 4th, 2026
Epiphany Sunday
Find this service at www.graceunitedthornbury.ca/live
Leading us today in Worship:
Minister: Rev. Dr. Brian Goodings
Director of Music: Dr. Christopher Burton
Lay Reader: Carol Clarke
Leader: regular font ~ All: bold font ~ Sung words: bold italics.
Asterisk * Indicates when the congregation may stand if able.
Scripture for meditation …wise men from the East came asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising…” Matthew 2:1b-2a
We Gather
PRELUDE: “Once Again My Heart Rejoices” - J. Ferguson
A Stewardship Second
On this good day, at the celebration of a new year, let us resolve to be generous.
WELCOME
LIGHTING the CHRIST CANDLE
With grateful hearts we light this Christ candle,
so that, with our hearts full of love and light
we might enter into the spirit of worship with joy.
May it be so!
SONG: MV #135 “Called by Earth and Sky” (chorus only)
Called by earth and sky,
promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust,
treasure of life sanctified
called by earth and sky.
OUR COMMITMENT to SAFER SPACE & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of the LAND
We believe all people are made in the image of God and are entitled to dignity and respect. At Grace United Church we try to offer a safer, inclusive and generous space for all who are seeking a faith community. We offer full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, all races, ages and abilities in the life and work of the ministry.
Grace United Church is situated on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. We acknowledge that they are the first stewards of this land and we respect their histories and past and present cultures. We will work to recognize and remove barriers to reconciliation.
CALL to WORSHIP
(Adapted from P. Andrews)
There is dignity here; we will exalt it.
There is courage here; we will support it.
There is community here; we will enjoy it.
There is a movement of light, a promise of hope; we sing the songs of God’s birth.
Behold, there are tidings of great joy to be cherished and shared; the incarnation is here.
*The Magi (Story from Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-12)
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
following yonder star
Refrain:
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to rein
Refrain:
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray'r and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high (Refrain)
Refrain:
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
Refrain:
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies
Refrain:
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light
PRAYER of APPROACH
We gather wondering 'Where will we find the Christmas Babe born in Bethlehem?
'We will find the Child where the needy are gifted with hope, where the oppressed are set free.
We gather wondering, 'Where will we find the Christ given to live in and for us?”
'We will find the Saviour; where fear is dispelled by grace;
where hatred is washed away by love; where all of Creation is overwhelmed by joy.
*HYMN: VU #82 “A Light is Gleaming”
Refrain:
A light is gleaming, spreading its arms
throughout the night, living in the light.
Come share its gladness, God’s radiant love
is burning bright, living in the light.
1. When light comes pouring into the darkest place,
it hurts our eyes to see the glow.
Sometimes a word of hope reminds us of our fears,
our memories and tears.
Refrain:
A light is gleaming, spreading its arms
throughout the night, living in the light.
Come share its gladness, God’s radiant love
is burning bright, living in the light.
2. When night is round us and every shadow grows,
a star is there to light our way.
It tells a story of Jesus who came near to say:
‘God’s light will ever stay.’
Refrain:
A light is gleaming, spreading its arms
throughout the night, living in the light.
Come share its gladness, God’s radiant love
is burning bright, living in the light.
3. And Jesus showed us a brighter path to walk.
He showed us things we hadn’t seen.
Now we, like Jesus, can help creation shine,
and this will be a sign:
Refrain:
A light is gleaming, spreading its arms
throughout the night, living in the light.
Come share its gladness, God’s radiant love
is burning bright, living in the light.
4. So let us live in the brightness God has giv’n,
and let us rise to see the dawn.
We trust that God is here asparkle and ablaze
warming all our days.
Refrain:
A light is gleaming, spreading its arms
throughout the night, living in the light.
Come share its gladness, God’s radiant love
is burning bright, living in the light.
Lighting the Children’s Lantern
Theme Conversation: Mystical East
We Listen
SCRIPTURE READINGS
In Scripture God calls us by name…
Older Testament: 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 in 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.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east 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 magi 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 in the east, 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.
RESPONSE: *HYMN: VU: #78 “Sing till Sundown”
1. Sing till sundown, hum your joy,
dress in starlight, girl and boy.
Man and woman climb the hill,
warmed beyond December’s chill,
reeling, clapping, touch the air:
is that fragrant music there?
Come the glory, gone the gloom:
in a wondrous huddled room.
Christ the Word we’ve longed to know
calls us dancing through the snow.
2. Gladness deepens into grace,
weaves its light on every face.
Let us wake the sleeping earth,
celebrate the sweetest birth,
pierce the night with festive cry,
bloom in colours of the sky.
Bring the flute, the tambourine,
wave the branch of evergreen.
Lost we were a grief ago,
now we’re dancing through the snow.
ANTHEM: “Love Is the Touch” -
Words: A.M. Robertson, Music: John L. Bell
SERMON: “Look up…waaaay up” Rev. Brian Goodings
*HYMN: VU#91 “The First Nowell”
1. The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay akeeping their sheep
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
2. They looked up and saw a star,
shining in the east, beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
3. And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
4. This star drew nigh to the northwest;
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
5. Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
6. Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
We Respond
INVITATION to the OFFERING
As one year ends and another begins, it is a time for setting goals and plans; it is a time of hope for what could be. The offerings that you are about to make are more than just money to pay bills. This is an offering of hope; an offering of new beginnings. Please be generous.
PRAYER of DEDICATION of OUR OFFERINGS
O God, we pray that the ministries and programs that this offering makes possible will give hope to many, including us. We pray your blessing on them, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dedication: MV #191 “What Can I” Do (2x)
What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer,
I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.
Donate online: www.graceunitedthornbury.ca, select “Donate”
or contact the office by email: accounting@graceunitedthornbury.ca
or phone: 519-599-2438 to arrange a cheque pick-up, or an e-transfer.
Mail: Grace UC, 140 Bruce St. S. PO Box 219, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
or Offering Plate at the back of the sanctuary.
Tap your debit card at the door of the church, or Donate to Grace United Church Thornbury through CanadaHelps.org. Our account is set up with them now and it is easy to register. Tax receipts are given automatically at the time of giving. Care, Prayer, Share
Memories & Blessings Tree
PASTORAL PRAYER &The LORD’S PRAYER (VU 910)
What’s up at Grace?
We Go Out
*CLOSING HYMN: VU #96 “Will You Come and See the Light”
1. Will you come and see the light from the stable door?
It is shining newly bright, though it shone before.
It will be your guiding star,
it will show you who you are;
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
2. Will you step into the light that can free the slave?
It will stand for what is right, it will heal and save.
By the pyramids of greed
there’s a longing to be freed;
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
3. Will you tell about the light in the prison cell?
Though it’s shackled out of sight, it is shining well.
When the truth is cut and bruised,
and the innocent abused,
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
4. Will you join the hope, alight in the young girl’s eyes,
of the mighty put to flight by a baby’s cries?
When the lowest and the least
are the foremost at the feast,
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
5. Will you travel by the light of the babe new born?
In the candle lit at night there’s a gleam of dawn,
and the darkness all about
is too dim to put it out:
will you hide, or decide to meet the light?
*COMMISSIONING
Our service now continues as we go forth into the world which God loves.
Let us do so remembering that life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us.
So be swift to love and make haste to be kind and just.
Now may the blessing of God: Creator, Christ, and ever-present Spirit be with us all this day and forevermore. Amen.
*BENEDICTION: “Go Now in Peace”
Go now in peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day,
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true,
Know God will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there, *within, around, above.
Go now in peace, in faith and in love.
Amen, amen, amen.
*alternate words: watching from above
POSTLUDE
“O, How Beautiful the Sky” - Paul Manz
*****
SOURCES: The following are used with permission:
Stewardship Second & Invitation to the Offering & Prayer of Dedication of our Offerings from: © 2024 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ca. Any copy must include this notice.
Call to Worship: Adapted from P. Andrews.
Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Brian Goodings.
HYMNS and SUNG VERSES:
- “Called by Earth and Sky:” Words and music: Pat Mayberry, 2005; French translation: David Fines, 2006. Arr. Margaret Stubington, 2005. Words and music copyright © 2005 Pat Mayberry. www.patmayberry.com. Arrangement copyright © 2005 by Margaret Stubington. One License #608577
-“We Three Kings of Orient:” Written by American clergyman and composer John HenryHopkins, Jr.
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Words: English traditional carol. Music: English traditional melody. Refrain. Harmony, Descant: © 1926 Oxford University Press, Inc. Words, Music: Public Domain. Refrain Harmony, Descant: Oxford University Press. Public Domain.
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