Below we have the outline of an Epiphany service including the prayers, songs, and litanies that were repeated in the bulletin each week during the Epiphany season. The liturgy, prepared by Leonard Vander Zee, pastor of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been used by that congregation for the past two years. The song was composed by a member of the Church of the Servant (CRC), Grand Rapids, Michigan, for use in their Epiphany liturgy. After two years of use at Eastern Avenue, most of the congregation, including the children, now know the song by heart.
We Gather for Worship
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Sentences
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
The light has shined on the nations
who live in the shadow of death.
The true light that enlightens every person
is coming into the world.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
full of grace and truth,
and we beheld his glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father.
The Lord is our light and our salvation.
We shall not be afraid.
Song: "Arise, Be Clothed in the Light" Probes
The peace of Christ be with you all.
Amen.
Mutual Greetings
Hymn
We Bow in Penitence
Call to Confession (from Psalm 139)
Prayer of Confession
Almighty and merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
and one another in both our actions
and our inactions.
We recognize that in Jesus our light
has come,
yet often we choose to walk in the shadows
and ignore the light.
Gracious God, forgive our sins
and remove from us the veil of darkness
which shrouds our lives.
Illumine us by your Word
so we may shine with the radiance
of Christ's glory.
Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Hymn
"Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord" Unknown (from Psalm 36, sung to WINCHESTER OLD)
We Hear the Word of God
Children's Message
Prayer for Illumination
Let us pray for the presence of the Spirit.
Our Lord and our God,
now as we hear your Word,
fill us with your spirit.
Soften our hearts that we may
discern your ways.
Fill us with your light.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Old Testament Reading
Hymn
New Testament Reading
Sermon
We Respond with Prayer and Dedication
Hymn of Response
Congregational Prayer
Offering
Doxology
"What Star Is This?" Coffin (Doxological stanza, to the tune PUER NOBIS)
To God the Father, God the Son,
and Holy Spirit, Three in one,
may every tongue and nation raise
an endless song of thankful praise.
—Charles Coffin, 1736; trans. John Chandler, 1837 alt. Public Domain
Benediction
Postlude
