Webster United Church of Christ
January 26, 2025
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
ORDER OF SERVICE
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Welcome
WE INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE INTO OUR HEARTS
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music
Centering Music “Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.
Moment of Silence
*Call to Worship
One: We have laid aside our nets.
All: We have followed Jesus to this place.
One: We will be nourished on word and sacrament,
All: and go forth to fish for people through our words and our actions.
*Opening Hymn #175, African American Hymnal, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” vs. 1 & 3
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
Gracious God, help us to follow Jesus’ way of love, which inspires and liberates. Empower us to confront injustices and bring about positive change in our communities. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Children’s Time
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus -- strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
Shared Prayer: Prayer of Jesus (sins)
Unison Singing (while youth depart) “This Little Light of Mine” #524
WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Encouragement
Children of light, God will always find us where we wander, and carry us safely home. Receive now the entire forgiveness of all your sins, for the sake of Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial selflessness has redeemed you and all of creation.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Psalm 146; *Luke 4:14-30
Message
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WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
God, you equip us with all we need to love and serve you and one another. We offer these gifts out of your own generosity to us, and ask your blessing upon them, that they might be used according to your will.
Gathering of Gifts
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
*Prayer of Commitment (unison)
God, so often we define ourselves by our work. But you call us into the work that matters. It makes no difference if we fish or farm, if we run vast companies or provide humble service. You can use our gifts and our time for the good of all creation. Let us follow in the way of Jesus. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #396, African American Hymnal, “I Surrender All,”
vs. 1 & 3
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music