January 14, 2024
Prelude: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
Virginia Harmony/Wood
Welcome & Call to Worship
God created all the races and nations of the world and willed that we live together in peace and harmony.
We were made to be family.
There is strife in the human family; injustice abounds as racism, classism, sexism, cultural imperialism and other isms. We are a divided people.
We have been called to let justice roll down like waters.
We must work passionately to bridge the gulf between us, overcome the injustices that oppress us, and restore community among us.
We must be determined enough to change what we can. We must have the courage to accept what we cannot change. Above all, we must be wise enough to know the difference.
Let us worship the LORD!
God, You Spin the Whirling Planets (Hymn 285)
Huber/Haydn
God, you spring the whirling planets, fill the seas and spread the plain,
Mold the mountains, fashion blossoms, call forth sunshine, wind, and rain.
We, created in your image, would a true reflection be
Of your justice, grace, and mercy and the truth that makes us free.
You have called us to be faithful in our life and ministry.
We respond in grateful worship joined in one community.
When we blur your gracious image, focus us and make us whole.
Healed and strengthened as your people, we move onward toward your goal.
God, your word is still creating, calling us to life made new.
Now reveal to us fresh vistas where there’s work to dare and do.
Keep us clear of all distortion. Polish us with loving care.
Thus, new creatures in your image, we’ll proclaim Christ everywhere.
Confession
God our Savior, we bring to you, as honestly as we can, our mixed record as people of faith on this MLK weekend. We can each feel ashamed of particular sins that have marred the quality of life for others and for ourselves. We know we have fallen short of the high quality of love shown by Jesus. We pray for your transformation, strength for the challenge, and a renewed enthusiasm for the gospel and its works of light and love in the world around us. Give us eyes to see those we have missed. Help us have your eyes of compassion towards others as well as ourselves. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Silence
How Deep the Father’s Love
Townend
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss. The Father turns His face away
as wounds which mar the chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ: His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
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.
Children’s Message
Lift Every Voice and Sing (Hymn 563)
Johnson
Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies;
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past taught us;
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on, till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet, with a steady beat, have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our parents sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered;
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who hast by Thy might led us into the light;
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee;
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand may we forever stand,
True to our God, true to our native land.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Kevin Grieves
Old Testament: 2 Corinthians 5:14-19
New Testament: Isaiah 40:4-5
Sermon: A New Orientation
Rev. Pamela Starbuck
Focus: Being a Christian means we are lifelong learners to love God and all our neighbors.
Response: Amazing Grace (Hymn 280)
Virginia Harmony/Newton
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Ann Hall
Sponsored by the Missional Outreach Ministry Unit
All flesh shall see the salvation of God. -Luke 3:6
Offering: My Inmost Heart Now Raises
J.C. Bach
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Pachelbel
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