January 4, 2026

JANUARY 4, 2026 EPIPHANY SUNDAY REV. KENDRA BALLIET ORGANIST JIM ROSS Prelude Welcome & Announcements *Call to Worship PASTOR: Just as our theme carol asks, “what child is this?” we, too, have come with our questions this day. We go into the world with answers of Good News, being the Body of Christ through our words and deeds. PEOPLE: What child IS this? PASTOR: This is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. PEOPLE: What child IS this? PASTOR: This is the one whose love is the measure of true companionship. PEOPLE: What child IS this? PASTOR: This, this is the “King of Kings” whose grace is the measure of real leadership. * Opening Hymn – “The First Noel” #245 Lighting of the Advent Wreath Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Reader 1: The poet of our theme carol, “What Child is This,” penned the phrase “the silent Word is pleading.” Our vision of the child in the manger may be the soothing lullaby and the silent night, but the reality of babies, and of that time in history, is that of a “crying out.” Reader 2: Even in the return home, the child of Mary and Joseph would know the heartache of oppression that would shape his ministry—a ministry of proclaiming that God continues to be with us, that we are called to be with one another, even and especially in the midst of hard times. Reader 1: We light these candles for those who need it most. [light each candle with each line, including the white Christ Candle] Reader 2: For all who need more Hope. Reader 1: For all who yearn for Peace. Reader 2: For all whose Joy lays dormant. Reader 1: For all who need the salve of Love. Reader 2: For all of who need this Child of Possibility. Reader 1: Our question for today at the scene of the nativity is this: “How do the messages of this child reverberate into our time, our lives, our world?’” Reader 2: What child IS this? This, this, is Christ the King who reigns with hope, peace, joy, and love forever. What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? Opening Prayer Here, at the nativity of your birth, give us the courage to face this moment with the desire for justice. Open us to new understandings of the unfolding story of your presence among us. Show us the true gifts we must bring to our moment, as we seek a better kin-dom on this earth. We pray in the name of the Child, the One Who Reigns in our hearts and lives. Amen. Children’s Chat Scripture- Matthew 2:1-12 Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God Series: “What Child IS This: Beyond the Lullaby” Message: “This, This” Tithes and Offering Offertory *Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 Prayer Hymn – “We Three Kings of Orient” #207 Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer Communion *Closing Hymn – “There’s a Song in the Air” #249 Action Steps and Benediction Postlude Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [email protected]