Centennial New Years Celebration

December 31st, 1998					    11:00 pm

As we begin the year of 1999 we look back. First of all we look back to the wonderful gift of a Savior. Then we look back 100 years ago to the ones who in faith toward that Savior founded our community of faith. We celebrate the rich history of faith found in the three community churches and our mutual faith in one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Founded on that faith in a living Lord we move forward into the new year following our Lord wherever he leads. God bless us in our journey of faith in 1999.

Welcome

Hymn		Great is Thy Faithfulness	   		       WOV 771

Litany For a New Century of Faith
Leader: O Triune God, grant us your gracious, guiding presence as we prepare to cross into this new century of Faith. As we join Christians of every time who have awaited Jesus return, lead us into this new time, confident that your promises will be fulfilled. Hear us, O God.

People:  Your mercy is great.

Leader: Creator God, whose mission is always to save, redeem, restore and renew your creation, come among us. Stir our missionary zeal in this new century of Faiththat we may boldly make Christ known throughout the world. Hear us, O God.

People:  Your mercy is great.

Leader: Spirit of Truth, call us to repentance. Forgive us for past unfaithfulness, silence in the face of injustice and inaction amid suffering. Move us from the desire to hoard wealth toward faithful stewardship. Help us to share your gifts with those who cry out for daily bread. Hear us, O God.

People:  Your mercy is great.

Leader: Prince of Peace, healer and reconciler, heal the divisions in your Church and among the peoples of the world. As you prayed that we should all be one, give us new visions to enable that unity. Be with us on our journey, and with those sisters and brothers who surround us in the great cloud of witnesses. Hear us, O God.

 People:  Your mercy is great.

Leader: God of all ages, release us from fear. Lead us forward, even as you have led your Church forward from an empty cross and tomb through 20 centuries. Be our companion as we walk unexplored paths into an unknown future. Open us to new possibilities. Renew our hope. Grant us faith to move ahead. Be our companion until Jesus comes again. In his name we pray.

People: Amen.

Hymn		Blessed Assurance			       WOV 699

First Reading					                Genesis 1:1-5

Hymn		Amazing Grace			                      LBW 448

Second Reading					                     John 1:1-5

Hymn		At the Lord’s Table			         Handout

Third Reading					                     Psalm 121

Hymn		How Great Thou Art			        LBW 532

Homily

Hymn		O God Our Help in Ages Past		    LBW 320

Prayers of the People

Hymn		When Peace Like a River			    LBW 346

Fourth Reading						  Isaiah 43:1-5

Hymn		Precious Lord Take My Hand    		       WOV 731

Fifth Reading					      Revelation 22:12-17

Hymn		Thanks to You, O God We Give    		         Handout

Benediction

Ringing of the Bells		       Reading of the Names on the Charter