Forth Sunday after
the Epiphany
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
and FUNNY STORY
Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS (Matthew 5)
Pastor Bob
What blessings do you need this morning? Where in life are you struggling? God will be there and give you what you need.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Micah 6)
responsive reading Sharon Stewart
What does God require of us?
God wants justice.
What else does God want?
God wants faithful love.
Anything else?
God wants us to walk humbly with God.
HYMN:
Lord, I Want to Be a Christian
UMC Hymnal #402
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Micah 6: 1-8 Sharon Stewart
OPENING PRAYER Sharon Stewart
(Matthew 5) (Unison)
We seek your blessing, O Lord. In our lives. We seek to be reminded of what it means to be blessed by you, As individuals and as a community of faith. Send your Holy Spirit to be with us and among us this day, As we worship you together, In the name of Jesus. Amen.
A READING from the PSALMS
Psalm 15 Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION to PRAYER
I Love You, Lord
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2068
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
UMC Hymnal #348
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 5: 1-12
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Blessed are You When YOU…
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION to the OFFERING
(Micah 6) Pastor Bob
God does not want extravagant gifts. God wants people who value justice and faithful love, people who walk with God. Let us give freely today so that others may experience justice and love. Give so that others may walk beside God.
OFFERTORY Holy Ground
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2272
soloist – Barbara Houser
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal # 94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING (Micah 6)
(Unison) Pastor Bob
Generous God, you give us all we need. You ask only for Faithful living in return. We bring these gifts to you today, that they may support your work of justice.
Through this offering, we commit ourselves to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with you. Amen.
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
HYMN: Blessed Assurance
UMC Hymnal #369
BENEDICTION (Isaiah 9, Matthew 4)
Pastor Bob
Brothers and Sisters, siblings in Christ, may the light of God shine in our lives.
May the love of Christ fill our days.
And may the power of the Holy Spirit guide us always.
DEPART IN PEACE...SHALOM!
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2023.