On January 6th-7th, 2024, we experienced a nor’easter here in Connecticut. As a result, many of our churches moved worship services online. Here’s the simple service I shared with my congregation, Colchester Federated Church. Sharing here in case it’s ever useful to someone else!

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Lauren Ostrout

January 7, 2024 Home Worship (Epiphany Sunday)


Call to Worship
One: We are here to worship you, O God.
All: We know that you are here among us.
One: Whether in the stately comfort of our church’s sanctuary or the quiet safety of our homes.
All: We give you thanks and praise no matter where we are, and we pray for the safety of our congregation and our community in the midst of the storm. Amen. 

Hymn: “We Three Kings of Orient Are” (verses 1 & 5)
We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

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! sound through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (Coming of the magi)

Reflecting on the Coming of the magi

  • What do you find most interesting about the story?
  • Put yourself in the shoes of one of the characters (the magi, Herod, the chief priests and legal experts, Mary, Jesus) and how does the story’s meaning change depending on whose perspective you take?
  • What do you think about the magi?  How do you picture them and understand this story for yourself?
  • One theme that comes up in Matthew 2:1-12 is going on a faith journey.  How would you describe your own faith journey?  What are you looking forward to as a new year has begun?

A Time of Prayer

  • Pray for the needs of loved ones, our community, the Church, and the world and end by saying “The Lord’s Prayer”

Benediction
May God bless you and keep you,
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
May God look upon you with kindness, and give you peace. Amen.

Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash.