SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

December 31, 2023

Gathering of God’s People

PRELUDE Gayle Schaeffer

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES Faith Harrison

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS WE GREET OUR NEIGHBOR

INTROIT Another Year Is Dawning Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP

The Christmas tree lights have dimmed.

The once-wrapped gifts have been shared.

But the awesome love of God still shines brightly in our hearts.

Our spirits resound with the good news of salvation.

God is with us!

Thanks be to God! Amen.

*HYMN No. 786 “Count Your Blessings”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (inside Hymnal) The Apostles’ Creed

*GLORIA PATRI (inside Hymnal)

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION CONFESSION OF SIN

We confess, O God that we are not ready to come down from the Christmas “high.” Somehow, after Christmas Day, we feel a letdown. We want to feel the “peace on earth” feeling, but we let it go. We complain and blame others for everything that is going wrong. We ignore the blessing of the gift when we refuse to help those in need. Fill us to overflowing with joy.

Let our words, our thoughts, and our actions speak of your

love for us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Cease your fearful fretting! And cease your worrying!

God’s love is always there for us.

God offers forgiveness, healing and hope.

Praise God, for we are resting in His love. Amen.

OFFERTORY, DEDICATION of OURSELVES and OUR GIFTS

*DOXOLOGY

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

FRIENDSHIP REGISTER: JOYS and CONCERNS

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Hear our prayer, O Lord, Hear our prayer, O Lord; Incline Thine ear to us and grant us Thy Peace. Amen.

Proclaiming the Word of God

*THE GOSPEL READING Luke 2:22-40

The Word of Our Lord. Thanks Be to God.

MORNING MESSAGE:

Confirmation That No Matter What the World Says: Hope Still Lives in Our Hearts

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¯ ¯ Hymn Sing ¯¯

Sending Forth God’s People

*CHARGE and BENEDICTION

*CHORAL BENEDICTION

God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide uphold you; with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.

POSTLUDE

* Indicates congregation should stand, if able.

January 7, 2024 Epiphany Sunday Celebration of Communion

Sunday Worship Service 11 AM

Adult Sunday School 9:45 AM in Fellowship Hall

January 17, 2024, Wed, 6:30 pm: Council Meeting Receive Living Water Bulletin & Inspiration Sign up at

BIBLE STUDY: Starting in January Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm

STUDY OF MATTHEW

“Falling in Love with Jesus…Again”

A verse-by-verse Bible study video series of the Book of Matthew with Pastor Bob Russell. It features 5 Volumes of DVD sets.

Come join us in the Bible Study. “Fall in Love with Jesus Again”

through the teachings and reading of God’s Word.

Adult Sunday School 9:45 AM in Fellowship Hall

Promised Land (Begins January 2)

See how God guided his people to the Promised Land to impact the world both in ancient times and today. Join renowned teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan as he guides you through the land of the Bible. In each lesson, Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures.

Filmed on location in the Middle East and elsewhere, the That the World May Know film series will transform your understanding of God

and challenge you to be a true follower of Jesus.

Coffee Hour: Sign-up Sheet Fellowship Hall

Bible Study: Will continue Jan. 2, 2024, Tuesday, 7:00

Time of Prayer: January 5, 12 noon.

Everyone is invited to come

to pray in the Sanctuary every Friday at noon for our Church and Community.

Council Meeting: January 10, Wed. 6:30 p. m.

Letter from Living Water Missions Chair

Here we are at the end of another great year!

I want to thank everyone for all your help with the events you helped sponsor this past year. With your labor and many donations of your unwanted items, you made it possible for people to shop at our yard sale at a price they could afford as they shopped “by donation only.” We had the opportunity to meet & greet the public at our two craft shows. And, our tasty homemade soups, as always, were a great success!

We supported the Front Royal Pregnancy Center with donations of clothing and baby supplies at our annual baby shower, participated in and raised funds for their Walk for Life and are currently filling our manger of hope with baby items,

We were able to feed and provide winter clothing items for approximately 150 people in need at our ‘feed the hungry” event. We have also been able to provide Christmas gifts for four children in need through a local elementary school.

Finally, this year we broke our record for Samaritans purse boxes, making a lot of God’s children happy.

None of this would have been possible without you!

1st. Up this year we ARE starting The Living Water Christian Church cookbook. Gather up your recipes your mother‘s recipes your aunt recipes and your neighbors recipes get everybody involved let’s get this cookbook ready to go to print in June 30, 2024 just in time for Christmas.
It has been voted on and it’s time. I’ll make sure we have a box downstairs to receive the recipes. Please add your name to each recipe so you can get credit in the book.

If possible, please submit your recipes by e-mail to judy.gribble@comcast.net

We could not give back to the community without you!
Judy Gribble
Missions Chair