Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 January 27, 2008 10:30 a.m.Third Sunday after Epiphany God is Still Speaking, |
No matter who, no matter what,
no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
A Time for Gathering
* Opening Hymn #112 (Brown) Pass It On
* Call to Worship
One: Come, all who have known gloom and anguish.
Come, all who have walked amid terrors of the night.
Many: Sometimes we have felt oppressed and forsaken.
Our losses seem greater than we can bear.
One: God is our light and our salvation.
God is our stronghold; we need not fear.
Many: Enemies lose their power when we look up to God.
We come now, seeking God's face.
One: Come, behold the beauty of our God.
Come to find shelter in a day of trouble.
Many: We will sing and make melody to God.
We will dare to lift up shouts of joy.
* Prayer: Shine on us today, gracious God, for we need the light and salvation you offer. Come to each one gathered here, and to all who are a part of this community of faith. Come to our city, our nation, our world, to still the quarrels and dissolve the enmity among us. Come with good news of health and wholeness for everyone. Amen.
*Call to Confession: Jesus came to Galilee with a message to common everyday folks: Repent and follow me. We, too, are called to repent and to follow.
*Prayer of Confession: Turn our lives around, God. Help us to identify in ourselves those parts of us that need to change if we are to experience your joy. Sometimes we shun the light, afraid of what might be exposed. Sometimes we avoid people with whom we have a quarrel, refusing to build bridges across our differences. Save us from ourselves that we may enjoy your realm here on earth. Amen
* Assurance of Forgiveness: God is gracious and reaches out to welcome us. We are free to accept the invitation to follow Jesus. There is good news of forgiveness and healing to be shared.
* Gloria Patri (Brown hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: One way to send the message of the cross to many is through the sharing of resources God has given us -- our time, talent, and treasure. Let us give with joy.
Offering of Music: Voices raised in Song
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: Let these gifts follow Christ's lead into the lives of people who live in poverty or despair. O God, use them to heal divisions among your children. Show us how to be instruments of peace. Ready us to follow Jesus, to make an offering of ourselves, not just our money. To those purposes we dedicate this offering and our lives. Amen
Mission Moment: Steve Johnson - LEAF
(Livingston Emergency Assistance Fund)
Chatting with our Children
(Children are excused for enrichment: singing with Steve)
Scripture Readings:
Hebrew Scriptures: Isaiah 9:1-4
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
Hymn # 173 (Black) Tú has venido a la orilla
Sermon: An inclusive community
Hymn # 173 (Black) Tú has venido a la orilla (Refrain only)
A Time for Prayer
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
*Hymn #164 (Black) Arise, Your Light Is Come
One: People of unity, seek to overcome divisions.
People of commitment, dare to follow Jesus.
Many: Christ is our example and our leader.
We will care enough to fish for people.
Amen. Amen
A Time to Depart
* Fellowship Circle Let There Be Peace on Earth
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates unison.