5th Sunday After
Epiphany
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FUNNY STORY
CALL TO WORSHIP
Debbie Young-Liturgist
In Isaiah 40: 28, we read this promise:
Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise up and soar, as with the wings of eagles. They will run and not become weary. They will walk and not grow tired.
Are you feeling earth-bound and heavy today? Does it seem like
your wings can’t even open, let alone allow you to soar with effortless freedom through this life?
Do you need God’s strength to strengthen you and God’s power to
give you energy and encouragement you need?
As we turn our attention to worship, as we wait…for the Lord, let’s
imagine that we are like the majestic eagle, and that we can spread our wings, and allow our spirits to soar.
HYMN: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
#139 UMC Hymnal vs. 1-4
OPENING PRAYER (unison)
Debbie Young-Liturgist
Raise us up, O Lord, when we are weary and feel heavy with our earthly concerns. Raise us up, O God, when we feel it’s hard to walk forward, let alone run with joy and with hope. Raise us up, O Lord, so that by your grace and with your help, we can surrender to you and your desire for us…so that we can soar, as with the wings of eagles, and experience the freedom and perspective that you desire us to have. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Isaiah 40: 21-31
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
CALL TO CONFESSION Pastor Bob
PRAYER RESPONSE
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
Generous and compassionate God, sometimes our actions make us feel far away from you. We say things we are not proud of. We do things that we know wouldn’t make you proud. We forget to remember your guidance in our lives and your influence in the choices we make. We wander far from you, attracted to that which does not satisfy. Forgive us, O Lord, we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Pastor Bob
HYMN:
Make me a Channel of Your Peace
#2171 The Faith We Sing Hymnal
GOSPEL LESSON Mark1: 29-39
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Everyone is Searching for You!
OFFERTORY On Eagles Wings
by Michael Crawford
from his On Eagles Wings CD
Sacred Dance Bob & Sharon
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING (unison)
Accept, O God, these gifts and tithes, given freely to further the good news in the lives of people here in this church, this community and around the world. Bless them, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN
Here is Bread, Here is Wine
#2266 The Faith We Sing Hymnal
GREAT THANKSGIVING
LORD’S PRAYER
HOLY COMMUNION
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
BENEDICTION
What is it in your mind or heart or spirit that needs healing? Turn to Jesus and ask for the help and healing that you need. And may the love and mercy of God fill you, this day, and every day. Amen.
DEPART IN PEACE...Shalom!
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Shalom to You UMC Hymnal #666