Sixth Sunday after
the Epiphany
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
and FUNNY STORY
Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS
(Deuteronomy 30, Matthew 5)
Pastor Bob
Surely God yearns, as any loving parent would, that we choose wisely. In this and every moment, let us bring joy to God’s heart by choosing compassion for ourselves, our neighbors, and all of God’s creation.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(Psalm 119, Deuteronomy 30, Matthew 5)
responsive reading Sharon Stewart
Come, walk in the way that leads to life.
It is better to be reconciled with another than to be proven right.
Come, choose to live a genuine life.
Life is too short for petty resentments.
Come, walk in the way Christ invites us to travel.
We give thanks for Christ’s way, and for the freedom to follow!
HYMN:
Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
vs. 1, 4, & 5 UMC Hymnal #500
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 Sharon Stewart
OPENING PRAYER (Psalm 119) (Unison)
Fix our eyes on you, Holy One, and your vision for our lives, as individuals and as a community. Help us to be steadfast and to walk in the ways you desire. May this time of worship be an opportunity for our hearts to seek you, Our minds to be opened to you, and our spirits to be strengthened by you. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
A READING from the PSALMS
Psalm 119: 1-8 Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION to PRAYER
Spirit of the Living God Sacred Dance
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: Freely, Freely
UMC Hymnal #389
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 5: 21-37
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
We Can Choose To Reconcile
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION to the OFFERING
Pastor Bob
In Matthew 5: 24, Jesus invites us to leave our gift at the altar, if we need to reconcile with someone with whom we have a difference. As we give our tithes and offerings this morning, I encourage you to consider who it is that God might be inviting you to reconcile with, perhaps even today, or this week. Let us give our tithes and offerings to God. Give as you are called and as you are able.
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal # 94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING (Psalm 112)
(Unison) Pastor Bob
Bless all that has been given, O Lord, to do your good work in our world. Bless the desires of our hearts, O Lord, and encourage us to forgive, to be reconciled, and to live together in peace. In the name of Christ, Amen.
HYMN:
Kum Ba Yah (Come By Here)
UMC Hymnal #494
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
BENEDICTION
(Psalm 119, Deuteronomy 30, Matthew 5)
Pastor Bob
Bear witness to the way of Christ.
Go with the compassion of God, the joy of Christ,
and the wisdom of the Spirit.
Go with God, and Christ will lead you in the way that leads to life.
Amen.
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
DEPART IN PEACE...SHALOM!
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2023.