February 5, 2023
Introit: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
Thomerson, setting by Behnke
Jill Cathey, oboe
Call to Worship
[Psalm 112]
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are merciful and gracious.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.
Let us worship the LORD!
Guide Us, O Thou Great Redeemer
Williams/Hughes
Guide us, O Thou great Redeemer, pilgrims through this barren land;
We are weak, but Thou art mighty; hold us with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed us till we want no more,
Feed us till we want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead us all our journey through;
Rock of ages, rock of ages, be Thou still our strength and shield,
Be Thou still our strength and shield.
When we tread the verge of Jordan, bid our anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction, land us safe on Canaan’s side;
Songs of praises, songs of praises, we will ever give to Thee,
We will ever give to Thee.
Confession
Loving God, we often do not realize how much you believe in us. You call us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Forgive us for doubting ourselves and for doubting your power to work through us. Forgive us when we follow our own agendas and expect you to bless them, rather than learning and participating in your work. Strengthen us to speak truth, work for reconciliation, and live your covenant of love. Amen.
Silence
Christ, Be Our Light
Farrell
Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.
Refrain:
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for hope, many despair.
Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Call to Stewardship
Judy Stafstrom
Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. -Luke 12:15
You, O Lord, Have Bound Together
Starbuck/Bodinger/HYMN TO JOY
You, O Lord, have bound together old and young, your church today.
You have called us, You are forming Mission-People for your way.
Do your mighty works within us, so disciples we may be,
Sharing all your love, forgiveness, living with integrity.
Lord, you do great works among us, give us eyes to see your way.
Mold our hearts and souls within us more and more through Christ each day.
Like the prophets gone before us, may we bear your Word complete.
In our homes, our work, our neighbors; Cross each sea and cross each street.
Children’s Message
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Doug Hammond
Old Testament: Isaiah 58:1-12
New Testament: Matthew 5:13-20
Homily: Heart of the Law and Self-Agency
Focus: Jesus commands us to the most significant work—his work! Being a Christian is participating in the ongoing work of Jesus Christ.
Communion
Communion Music: If You Will Trust in God to Guide You
Neumark, setting by Pepping
Communion Prayer
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Annual Meeting
You, O Lord, Have Bound Together
Starbuck/Bodinger/HYMN TO JOY
You, O Lord, bring us together, sharing peace through grace and love,
Strive for reconciliation worlds in conflict, shedding blood.
Help redeem the world created by your love and by your power.
Shine on all your Mission-People, transform us each day, each hour.
God, Creator; God, Redeemer; God, Sustainer, Triune God,
God, our hope, you show us vision. Guide us in this world we trod,
Build community with people called, though whom the world may shun.
With Christ-Jesus, living, praying, “Not our will, but yours be done.”
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Cwm Rhondda
Hughes, setting by Manz
“Rhondda Valley” in Wales, named for the Chapel where this tune was first sung.
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