January 26, 2020
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Worship Series based on the book: I Am a Church Member (Thomas Ranier)
Chapter 2: I Will Be a Unifying Member
GREETING and ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP Triangles, Rectangles, Squiggles, Circles, and Squares
HYMN Holy, Holy, Holy Hymnal, #1
PRAYER OF CONFESSION & COMMITTMENT[i]
Pastor: Lord, because love is patient…
All people: Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen,
hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
remembering your endless patience with me.
Liturgist: Because love is kind…
All people: Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful.
Remind me to smile and to say “Please” and “Thank You”
because those little things still mean so much.
Pastor: Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…
All people: Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others.
May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am,
as well as doing the same for those around me.
Liturgist: Because love is not rude or self-seeking…
All people: Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart.
When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world,
remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.
Pastor: Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…
All people: Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me.
When I want to hold onto a grudge,
gently help me release it
so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.
Liturgist: Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…
All people: Help me stand up for what is right and good.
May I defend the defenseless and help the helpless.
Show me how I can make a difference.
Pastor: Because love always protects and always trusts…
All people: Help me to be a refuge for those around me.
When the world outside is harsh and cold,
may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.
Liturgist: Finally, because love always perseveres…
All people: Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others.
Thank you for showing us what the word love really means.
Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Pastor: Family of God, hear and believe the good news!
“This is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!”[i]
Congregation: Jesus, the Son, our Savior, also said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you. As I have loved you so must you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”[ii]
All people: God is loving and merciful!
I am forgiven. I am loved.
I will love others as Jesus commanded.
This is how others will know I am a member of Jesus’ body:
the Church!
HYMN OF PRAISE Gloria Patri Hymnal, #493
A SPECIAL TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN
HYMN They Will Know We are Christians by our Love Bulletin Insert
FIRST READING 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12-31
SECOND READING Colossians 3:11-15
GOSPEL READING Matthew 6:9-15
MESSAGE I am a Unifying Church Member
COVENANT SIGNING
ANTHEM Peace Like a River (Martin)
OFFERING INVITATION
Liturgist: There are many signs we claim for our faith but ultimately it is our active love that reveals who we worship. As the plate comes around
commit to give of your whole selves. Give of your talents and material possessions to the Church with the expectation that they be used to further God’s loving mission for our world. Our tithes and offerings will now be gathered.
OFFERTORY The Lord is in His Holy Temple (Jones)
DOXOLOGY Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow ALL SING
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
OFFERING PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER
All people: Lord, on my own, what I have to give may not always seem to amount to much in the light of all you have given to me, and in the face of so much need. Yet, put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless our gifts and with the addition of your blessing, we believe there will be enough for all. We pray in the name of Jesus who taught his disciples to pray, saying: 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 us 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.
INSTALLATION OF COMMITTEE & COUNCIL MEMBERS
Pastor: Dear friends, you have been called by God and chosen by the people of God for leadership in the church. This ministry is a blessing and a serious responsibility. It recognizes your special gifts and calls you to work among us and to set an example among us. In love we thank you for accepting your call. We challenge you to offer your best in service to the Lord, to this people, and to our ministry in the world.
Live a life in Christ and make him known in your witness and your work.
Pastor: Today we install these sisters and brothers in Christ to their respective leadership roles.
Pastor: I ask: Do you acknowledge yourself a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ?
Elected: I do.
Pastor: Will you devote yourself to the service of God in the world?
Elected: I will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: Will you so live in a manner that you enable this church to be a people of love and peace?
Elected: I will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: Will you do all in your power to be responsible to the role and responsibilities for which you have been called and elected?
Elected: I will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: Let us pray. Almighty God, pour out your blessings upon these your servants who have been given particular ministries in your church. Grant them grace to give themselves wholeheartedly in your service. Keep before them the example of our Lord who did not think first of himself but gave himself for us all. Let them share his ministry, love, peace, and justice that they may enter into his joy. Guide them in their work. Reward their faithfulness with the knowledge that through them your purposes are accomplished; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastor: Will all who are able to safely and comfortably do so, please stand and give witness to your role as sisters and brothers to those who have answered a call to leadership and stand before us this day? I ask: Will you do all you can to support and encourage your sisters and brothers in their role and responsibilities to which they have been called, giving them your cooperation, your counsel, and your prayers?
All people: We will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: I now extend to each of you the hand of Christian love and pronounce you officially installed in your respective roles as servant leaders. May you know yourselves to be blessed and serve as a blessing to others. Go in love and peace. Amen.
HYMN Blessed Be the Tie That Binds Back of Bulletin
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
[1] Written by Holley Gerth. Posted on Taking it one step at a time. http://onestep87.blogspot.ca/
[1] Based on John 3:16-17 The Holy Bible: The Passion Translation
[1] Based on John 13:34-35 The Holy Bible: The New International Version
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP Triangles, Rectangles, Squiggles, Circles, and Squares
HYMN Holy, Holy, Holy Hymnal, #1
PRAYER OF CONFESSION & COMMITTMENT[i]
Pastor: Lord, because love is patient…
All people: Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen,
hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
remembering your endless patience with me.
Liturgist: Because love is kind…
All people: Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful.
Remind me to smile and to say “Please” and “Thank You”
because those little things still mean so much.
Pastor: Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…
All people: Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others.
May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am,
as well as doing the same for those around me.
Liturgist: Because love is not rude or self-seeking…
All people: Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart.
When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world,
remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.
Pastor: Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…
All people: Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me.
When I want to hold onto a grudge,
gently help me release it
so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.
Liturgist: Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…
All people: Help me stand up for what is right and good.
May I defend the defenseless and help the helpless.
Show me how I can make a difference.
Pastor: Because love always protects and always trusts…
All people: Help me to be a refuge for those around me.
When the world outside is harsh and cold,
may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.
Liturgist: Finally, because love always perseveres…
All people: Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others.
Thank you for showing us what the word love really means.
Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Pastor: Family of God, hear and believe the good news!
“This is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. “God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!”[i]
Congregation: Jesus, the Son, our Savior, also said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you. As I have loved you so must you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”[ii]
All people: God is loving and merciful!
I am forgiven. I am loved.
I will love others as Jesus commanded.
This is how others will know I am a member of Jesus’ body:
the Church!
HYMN OF PRAISE Gloria Patri Hymnal, #493
A SPECIAL TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN
HYMN They Will Know We are Christians by our Love Bulletin Insert
FIRST READING 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12-31
SECOND READING Colossians 3:11-15
GOSPEL READING Matthew 6:9-15
MESSAGE I am a Unifying Church Member
COVENANT SIGNING
ANTHEM Peace Like a River (Martin)
OFFERING INVITATION
Liturgist: There are many signs we claim for our faith but ultimately it is our active love that reveals who we worship. As the plate comes around
commit to give of your whole selves. Give of your talents and material possessions to the Church with the expectation that they be used to further God’s loving mission for our world. Our tithes and offerings will now be gathered.
OFFERTORY The Lord is in His Holy Temple (Jones)
DOXOLOGY Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow ALL SING
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
OFFERING PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER
All people: Lord, on my own, what I have to give may not always seem to amount to much in the light of all you have given to me, and in the face of so much need. Yet, put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless our gifts and with the addition of your blessing, we believe there will be enough for all. We pray in the name of Jesus who taught his disciples to pray, saying: 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 us 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.
INSTALLATION OF COMMITTEE & COUNCIL MEMBERS
Pastor: Dear friends, you have been called by God and chosen by the people of God for leadership in the church. This ministry is a blessing and a serious responsibility. It recognizes your special gifts and calls you to work among us and to set an example among us. In love we thank you for accepting your call. We challenge you to offer your best in service to the Lord, to this people, and to our ministry in the world.
Live a life in Christ and make him known in your witness and your work.
Pastor: Today we install these sisters and brothers in Christ to their respective leadership roles.
Pastor: I ask: Do you acknowledge yourself a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ?
Elected: I do.
Pastor: Will you devote yourself to the service of God in the world?
Elected: I will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: Will you so live in a manner that you enable this church to be a people of love and peace?
Elected: I will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: Will you do all in your power to be responsible to the role and responsibilities for which you have been called and elected?
Elected: I will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: Let us pray. Almighty God, pour out your blessings upon these your servants who have been given particular ministries in your church. Grant them grace to give themselves wholeheartedly in your service. Keep before them the example of our Lord who did not think first of himself but gave himself for us all. Let them share his ministry, love, peace, and justice that they may enter into his joy. Guide them in their work. Reward their faithfulness with the knowledge that through them your purposes are accomplished; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastor: Will all who are able to safely and comfortably do so, please stand and give witness to your role as sisters and brothers to those who have answered a call to leadership and stand before us this day? I ask: Will you do all you can to support and encourage your sisters and brothers in their role and responsibilities to which they have been called, giving them your cooperation, your counsel, and your prayers?
All people: We will, by the grace of God.
Pastor: I now extend to each of you the hand of Christian love and pronounce you officially installed in your respective roles as servant leaders. May you know yourselves to be blessed and serve as a blessing to others. Go in love and peace. Amen.
HYMN Blessed Be the Tie That Binds Back of Bulletin
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
[1] Written by Holley Gerth. Posted on Taking it one step at a time. http://onestep87.blogspot.ca/
[1] Based on John 3:16-17 The Holy Bible: The Passion Translation
[1] Based on John 13:34-35 The Holy Bible: The New International Version
