BUC Worship Service – January 4, 2026

Balzac United Church
January 4, 2026, 10:00am
Guest Minister: Dr. Alex Shawn
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn

Prelude What Child is This BYU Noteworthy

Welcome and Announcements
Service link
Bulletin link
Music and Message link

Blessing Bank

Land Acknowledgement
For millennia, Indigenous peoples have lived, worked, played and
worshipped here. They have stewarded this land. Over time people from
other parts of the world came to this region and made their homes here.
Together, Indigenous people and Settlers share and care for the land, water,
and sky. May we learn together what this land and its people need. We
light this candle in recognition of our desire to live in right relations with
each other.
Laura J. Turnbull, Penticton, B.C.

Lighting of the Christ Candle
The season of Epiphany begins with the Magi from a distant land following
the light of a star to the child, Jesus. They were the first sign that Jesus was
a gift for everyone.
May we continue to seek Christ’s enlightening spirit in the company
of all people.
We gather in the light of Christ.
Karen Boivin, Melville U.C.,Fergus, Ont.

Hymn Arise, Your Light is Come VU 79

Call to Worship
Where shall we go?
We seek the Holy One.
How shall we get there?
We’ll journey together.
How will we find the right path?
By asking those who have gone before.
By listening to the word of God.
By following the star.
And we’ll find the Christ child?
And even more.
But can we do that?
Yes! And we, too, are the Wise Ones,
Living our lives in God’s way,
Living our lives in love’s way.
Living our lives…
And worshipping our God.
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Richard Bott, Grace U.C. Burlington, Ont.

Opening Hymn I Am the Light of the World VU 87 v. 1,2,4
Candles of Joy, Concern and Sorrow
Opening Prayer
Hymn A Light is Gleaming VU 82 v. 1,2,4
Prayer of Illumination
Scripture Matthew 2: 1 – 12
Special Music In the Bleak Midwinter
Reflection The Magi’s Gifts, but what shall I give Him?
Hymn In the Bleak Midwinter VU 55 v. 4
Offering This Is My Father’s World arr. L. Dengler

Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn Will You Come and See the Light VU 96 v.1,2,4,5
Benediction
Postlude God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen arr. L. Dengler