Bulletin – January 26, 2020

Sunday, January 26, 2020
Third Sunday after Epiphany

Approach

Gathering Song – “Who is a Disciple?”

Welcome, lighting the candle and announcements

Call to Worship

One: The invitation is given to every person by Jesus Christ: “Come to me! Follow me! Be my disciples!”
All: We come to this place, to this time, at the invitation of Jesus Christ.

One: In the name of Christ,
All: we accept the invitation to discipleship.

One: In the name of Christ,
All: as his disciples, we worship and praise God.

One: In the midst of a world where cruelty abounds,
All: we proclaim the God of Compassion.

One:  In the midst of despair that threatens to swallow up whole lives, whole peoples,
All: we proclaim the God of Hope.

One: In the midst of indifference and apathy,
All: we proclaim the God of Love.

One: Come, let us worship together.
All: Let us share our witness of God’s living presence in the world.

Opening Hymn – VU #567 – “Will You Come and Follow Me”

Prayer of Approach and Confession

Light-giving God, we have sought your presence here, listening for your Word: your Word that gives life; your Word that heals the wounded heart; your Word that speaks truth. Teach us your Way, O Lord Jesus. Lead us on a well-lighted path. God, our Light and Salvation, forgive us for those moments when we have walked in darkness, stumbling in the wilderness of quarrels, arguments, and pride. You have called us to follow you but too often we think that our way is the only way to do your will. Forgive us, Lord, for the brokenness that we bring upon ourselves and lead us back to your light. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Passing the Peace

Hymn – MV #171 – “Christ Has No Body Now But Yours”

The Word

Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 9:1-4
Matthew 4:12-23

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Thanks be to God!

Meditation – “Red Frogs”

Anthem – “God Works Through Us”

The Response

Offering / Response: (VU #537)

Your work, O God, needs many hands to help you everywhere,
And some there are who cannot serve unless our gifts we share.
Because we love you and your work, our offering now we make;
Be please to use it as your own, we ask for Jesus’ sake.

Offering Prayer

Caring God, may we offer not only our material gifts, but our whole selves to you, and to all those who need our support. We bring all of our gifts to you this day that you might use them and us, for the coming of your kingdom. Amen.

Prayers of the People

One: We pray to you this day.
All: Lord hear our prayer.

Closing Hymn – VU #575 – “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”

Commissioning / Benediction Response

I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.