Please feel free to scroll down the page to each section, watching and listening to the videos, pausing as you need to, and joining in the prayers and liturgy aloud or silently.
Prelude
The Star
It is sung by Andrea LaBlanc (on the piano) and a friend, on Andrea’s Youtube channel.
Welcome and Call to Worship
Pastor Karla
Blessing of the Magi
by Jan Richardson in
“Circle of Grace:
Book of Blessings for
the Seasons”
Hymn
From a Distant Home – arr. Hal Hopson
in the UM Hymnal #243
Sing along, using the Hymnal or
the words that are below!
is a traditional Puerto Rican carol; trans by George K. Evans;
This arrangement is by Hal Hopson
Soloist: Virgil Simon (last verse)
Recorded at Snowmass Chapel (their YouTube channel)
Videographer: Brian Harris
From a distant home, the Savior we come seeking,
using as our guide the star, so brightly beaming,
lovely Eastern star, that tells us of God’s morning,
heaven’s wondrous light, O never cease thy shining.
Glory in the highest to the Son of Heaven,
and upon the earth be peace and love to all.
Glowing gold I bring to the newborn Babe so holy,
token of his power to reign above in glory.
Bitter myrrh I bring to give the infant Jesus,
token of the pain that he will bear to save us.
Glory in the highest to the Son of Heaven,
and upon the earth be peace and love to all.
Frankincense I bring the child of God’s own choosing,
token of our prayers to heaven ever ris-ing;
lovely Eastern star, that tells us of God’s morning,
heaven’s wondrous light, O never cease thy shining.
Glory in the highest to the Son of Heaven,
and upon the earth be peace and love to all.
Bitter myrhh have I to give the infant Jesus
Token of the pain that he will bear to save us.
lovely Eastern star, that tells us of God’s morning,
heaven’s wondrous light, O never cease thy shining.
Glory in the highest to the Son of Heaven,
and upon the earth be peace and love to all.
Children’s Message
“The Light, the Truth and the Way”
By Marin Miller
Scripture Lessons
Read by Abby Fredericksen
Isaiah 60:1-6
Response:
The word of God
for the People of God
Thanks be to God!
Matthew 2:1-12
Response:
The gospel of Christ.
Praise be to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Sermon
“…by a different road”
Rev. Karla Fredericksen
Prayers of the People
Prayers of Concern
Prayers of Gratitude & Thanks
The Lord’s Prayer
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 trespasses
as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
And lead us not
into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.
Offering:
Take note of the ways to give: Our time, our gifts and talents, our worship and praise, our service in church and community, and our monetary gifts. During this pandemic, please remember the church still pays minimal staff and building expenses, so keep the church in mind for your giving.
For monetary offerings:
- checks sent to CUMC, P.O. Box 417, Chehalis, WA 98532.
- Cash, of course, would have to be brought to the church office (in an envelope, please) during office hours (Tues 10AM to 4PM; Wed-Thur, 10-1:00)
- On the DONATE page of this website find a link to our giving site, using a debit or credit card, or your own PayPal account.
- Bill-payer: Some prefer to use their own bank’s bill-payerand set an automatic monthly amount. (We like this one!)
HERE IS SOME OFFERTORY MUSIC!
What a Wonderful World – Thiele and Weiss
The Musical Mountaineers
played by The Musical Mountaineers, their arrangement
Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, 1967
First made famous by Louis Armstrong.
Dedication Prayer for Offering
(The video contains
This prayer and announcements
and Benediction that follow)
Previewing Announcements
Benediction
Postlude
I Am the Light of the World
Jim and Jean Strathdee
Words: Jim Strathdee, 1967; Howard Thurman
Music: Jim Strathdee © Desert Flower Music
CCLI #1396720
Refrain:
I am the light of the world,
you people come and follow me
If you follow and love,
you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were
meant to do and be.
When the song of the angel’s is still, when the star in the sky in gone,When the kings and the shepherds have gone, the work of Christmas is begun.
To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love.
To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food,
to feel the earth below the sky above.
To free the prisoner from all chains, to make the powerful care.
To rebuild the nations with strength and goodwill
To see God’s children everywhere.
To bring hope to every task you do. To dance at a baby’s new birth,
To make music in an old person’s heart.
And sing to the colors of the earth.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!
May God’s Grace and Peace
follow you throughout the year!
Now, go with God’s blessings
to be the church!
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Announcements / “Soundbites”
This week:
- TONIGHT!! – 7-7:30 PM – Vespers with Communion
Remember to think about “the best gift you’ve ever received.” - Tuesday – 10:00 AM – Coffee hour – via zoom from home
- Tuesday – 11 AM – 4 PM – Pastor Karla will have usual office hours this week
- Tuesday – 6:30 PM – Personnel Committee
- Wednesday (No Bible Study this week – Returning NEXT week: “The Way”)
- Next Sunday – early on Sunday morning – Worship is available again!
“It’s the water, and a lot more” (Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
Tonight! – EVENING VESPERS
A short communion service
January 3, 7 – 7:30 p.m.

One thing that we miss when our worship is not live is communion. Join Pastor Karla on the first Sunday of each month, TONIGHT (January 3) Epiphany Sunday, at 7:00 PM for a LIVE communion service on zoom.
One thing you need to note! You’ll need to plan ahead enough to bring your own bread and beverage! Also, for TONIGHT, think ahead a little to briefly share with the group, the best gift you’ve ever received!
“Coffee Hour” – Tuesday 10:00 AM

This is an opportunity to see and hear other church people, share your joys and concerns, and pray together! To join the chatter follow the link at 10:00 AM Tuesday THIS WEEK.
OH! and Hint: Bring your own coffee and/or snack!
Join Zoom Meeting –
https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/92866976522
For alternative ways to join click the next link and read! Everyone can come, EVEN BY REGULAR LANDLINE PHONE!
More info and more links: “COFFEE HOUR” POST
Will you be vaccinated?
The following article has really good info. about the statistical risks associated with covid infection vs the vaccine. If you are trying to decide, it might be helpful to read this article in fairly easy to understand terms. (Link offered to us by Dr. Mark Fredericksen.)
“The Way” – A Bible Study
by Adam Hamilton
Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 PM
starting January 13
NEXT WEDNESDAY, January 13, we begin a new study “The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus” in which we will begin each lesson with a video set in an appropriate place in the Holy Land, and follow Jesus to these places. The focus is on the life and teachings of Jesus, drawing on history, archaeology, and the geography of the Holy Land.
Preparing for each week:
January 13 – Read the Prologue: John the Baptist and Jesus, AND
Chapter 1 – Baptism and Temptation (Jordan River and the Wilderness)
January 20 – Chapter 2 – The Healing Ministry (Capernaum)
January 27 – Chapter 3 – Proclaiming the Kingdom (The Mountains)
February 3 – Chapter 4 – Calming the Storm (The Sea of Galilee)
February 10 – Chapter 5 – Sinners, Outcast and the Poor (Samaria)
Beginning on February 17 we will start our Lenten Study: “The Last Week” by Marcus Borg and John Crossan.