Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 31, 2010—10:30 am
Loving God, creator of our world, we pray to you this day that you would give us eyes to see and ears to hear you. Give us mouths to sing of your love and lips to proclaim your praise. And when we are done here, give us hands to serve you in our world and feet to walk in your path all our days. Bless us, Lord, we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
CARILLON “Rock of Ages”
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please sign the fellowship pad found on the center aisle of the pew.
After signing return the book down your row, matching
names with faces, and be sure to greet one another after worship.
ORGAN PRELUDE “Soul, Adorn Thyself With Gladness” Brahms
PRAYER OF INVOCATION (unison)
God of prophets, is it possible that you, who spoke to Jeremiah and Jesus, will speak to us? We may not be ready to believe it. We may not be ready to receive you. But we have gathered in your name and we pray: come, holy one. Fill us with the story of your people; fill us with your loving Word. Take us as we are, and make us wholly yours. In Jesus’ name; Amen.
SONG #65 “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively) Based on Psalm 46
Leader: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
All: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Leader: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
All: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Leader: though its water roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
All: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Leader: “Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
All: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Amen.
SONG “Awesome God” Worship Supplemental pp. 4-6
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Katie
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: If we say we are completely put together, the truth is not in us.
All: But if we confess our distractions, our errors, and our
anxieties, God will meet us and renew us.
Leader: Before God and God’s people, I confess that I have been reluctant
to speak out clearly, naming the injustice I see and declaring
God’s vision.
All: Before God and one another, we confess our reluctance to
receive our calling as God’s people, made by God and
chosen as witnesses to God’s dream of justice and joy.
Leader: Remind me, God, that you have made me for your service and
recharge me with your Word.
All: Renew us, God. Grant us courage to live out your Way of
peace and grace. We ask it in Jesus’ name; Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Leader: God has promised that whenever we repent, and seek a new union
with God, forgiveness is ours. That promise comes true now.
Sisters and brothers, know that in Christ Jesus, we are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God! Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Presentation of Prayer Request Cards
Joys and Concerns
Call to Prayer
Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s Holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads us into life.
(1x organ, 1x choir, 1x congregation and choir, organ to Silent Prayer)
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
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.
HEBREW SCRIPTURE READING
Jeremiah 1:4-10
(Pew Bible OT p.685)
EPISTLE READING 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
(Pew Bible NT p.171 or p.1047)
ANTHEM “This Little Light of Mine” Mabry
GOSPEL READING Luke 4:21-30
(Pew Bible NT p.60 or p.936)
MESSAGE Pastor Katie
SONG #526 “The Gift of Love”
SERVICE OF HEALING
Blessing of the Oil
We thank you for oil, used by the prophets and apostles as a sign
of your grace and favor. Send your Holy Spirit on us and on this
medicine of mercy that through this anointing your servants may again
know the health that comes from you; through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
Invitation
Those who desire to be anointed for spiritual healing may come forward.
If you wish me come to you, raise your hand. You may come for yourself,
or you may come as a channel of God’s healing power for someone else.
During the prayers we invite all present to make silent prayers on your
own and for each one who is seeking God’s healing.
Act of Anointing
Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison)
We give praise and thank to you, O God! In Jesus Christ, you have given us life; brought ministry, forgiveness, healing and peace; commanded the disciples to heal the sick; and continued the healing ministry among us to this day. Keep us mindful of your love and mercy that we may be faithful throughout all our days, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Invitation to Offering
Offertory
DOXOLOGY (tune #46)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER (unison)
God of the prophets, we return to you a portion of the abundance you have given to us. We dedicate all that we give, to your loving purposes: bringing in those who have been cast out; standing strong on behalf of those who are weak; speaking out with your Word of joy and justice for all people. May your loving realm increase! In Jesus’ name; Amen.
SONG #464 “God of Grace” verses 1, 2 & 3
BENEDICTION
Leader: 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 favor and
grant you wholeness, harmony, hope: shalom, now and always.
Our worship concludes; our service continues.
God’s Word is within you; go in peace.
POSTLUDE “Fugue” Geissler
#508 “For One Who Suffers
I know I cannot enter all you feel
Nor bear with you the burden of your pain
I can but offer what my love does give-
The strength of caring
The warmth of one who seeks to understand
This I do in quiet ways-
That on your lonely path you may not walk alone.
-Howard Thurman, 1953
20th century African American church leader
