Second Sunday after
Epiphany
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME AND FUNNY STORY
James Claggett
CENTERING WORDS James Claggett
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacrament, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 40)
responsive reading Jean Kelly
I waited patiently for GOD; who turned to me and heard my cry, who lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; and set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
We sing a new song! Our mouths are full of the praise of God.
Blessed are we when we make the Lord our trust; when we do not turn aside to false gods.
We sing of all your many wonders, O God, too many to declare them all.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but our ears you have pierced and a body you have prepared for us.
We sing, "Here I am, I have come—I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is in my heart."
OPENING PRAYER Jean Kelly
You call our name, most Holy God. You call to each one of us. Grant us the desire to listen for you with an open ear, Eager to do your will.
When you call, O God, may each of us respond, in our own way, “Here I am.” Ready and willing to follow. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
HYMN:
“Immortal Invisible, God Only Wise”
UMC Hymnal #103
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Psalm 40: 1 - 12 Jean Kelly
CHILDREN'S TIME with James Claggett
PREPARATION FOR PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: “I Love to Tell the Story”
UMC Hymnal #156
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
1 Corinthians 1: 1 - 9
MEDITATION James Claggett
“Who is Calling, Who is Responding”
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION TO OFFERING
James Claggett
Father God we thank you for the opportunity to give to place gifts both for the church and the operations but also for special giving. Father God allow us as you give us the ability to give with joyful hearts. Lord let us not give in a manner that is deceptive, but instead in a manner that is joyful. This Lord we pray in Jesus holy name, Amen.
OFFERTORY "Give Thanks"
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2036
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal # 94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(1 Corinthians 1: 1-9) James Claggett
Good and generous God, we bring our gifts to you this day and pray you might dedicate them to your work. We confess that we have too often missed being the church you wanted and needed, and we have placed the blame on “not having enough” money, members, talent, time, or power. We need to be reminded by the apostle Paul that we have all that we need, whatever our circumstances, renew us, loving God, and give us a new day and another chance. In Christ’s holy name, we pray. Amen.
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
HYMN: “Spirit Song”
UMC Hymnal #347
BENEDICTION
Let us go from here today secure in the knowledge that we are not lacking in any spiritual gift. We go into our world surrounded by the blessing of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the equipping of the Spirit, to live and work as disciples who make disciples for the transforming of the world. Amen.
BENEDICTION HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
DEPART IN PEACE – SHALOM