The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
January 26th, 2014-3rd Sunday after Epiphany
A thought around which to gather as
we worship:
The
third Sunday after the Epiphany is about call and the decision points
that follow, which challenge us and gift us with clarity. Jesus’
call to the disciples provokes us to see both this challenge and this
gift. On the one hand, we worry: how can we take on one more “to
do”? On the other hand, we rejoice feeling that God shines a light
on the path ahead.
As we
continue our Epiphany exploration, consider how you might reframe or
re-imagine the way you hear Jesus’ call to follow. When you respond
to Jesus’ call, are you reluctant or joyous? Do you feel as if you
are going or coming? Do you see yourself being sidetracked from the
future you planned or do you see yourself stepping into a great
light?
Copyright
© Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2013 Seasons
of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION
Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2013–2014, p. 135
Announcements The Work of
Church and Community
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Greeting
One: The peace of Christ be
with you. All: And with your spirit.
* Introit Teach
Me, God, to Wonder VU
299 v.1
Teach
me, God, to wonder, teach me, God, to see;
let
your world of beauty capture me.
Praise
to you be given, love for you be lived,
life
be celebrated, joy you give.
*Call
to Worship Inspired
by Isaiah 9:1-4
We
are called together in a spirit of gladness
for
the presence of God within and among us
lifts
the shadows of gloom.
The
light of Christ shines on.
The
lights of Christmas flicker and fade
but
the gift of God's love will never grow dim
for
a Great Light has drawn near.
The
light of Christ shines on.
The
love of God grows every time we give it away
and
our joy increases;
we
are like happy people at a feast.
The
light of Christ shines on.
Come
let us draw near to the light and worship.
* Hymn I Am the Light of
the World VU 87
Opening Prayer
Inviting God, you
call us to follow in many ways.
You call some of
us to witness with public deeds of justice,
and you call some
of us to do the quiet work of companionship.
You call some of
us to proclaim your truth in stirring speeches,
and some to sing
your love in gentle lullabies.
Invite us to
follow you by respecting
the many
different ways of witness,
and rejoicing
that we have
so many
chances to answer your call. Amen.
* Hymn Jesus Calls Us VU 562
Prayer for Wholeness
One: Spirit of God, you wander along
the shores of our life
All: and you see the many things we
cling to…
(make tight fists with hands)
One: Release us, O Spirit, (release
fists and lay hands on laps palms down.)
All: so we can follow Christ more faithfully.
Words of Affirmation
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Isaiah 9:1–4 The people have
seen a great light.
This
is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks
be to God.
Psalm 27:1, 4–9 God is my
light and my salvation. VU 754
Opening the Word & Lord’s
Prayer
Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 4:12–23 Jesus begins
his ministry.
This
is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore VU 563
Minute for Mission
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Prayer
Radiant God, we
present these gifts of light. May they pierce the world's darkness;
may they help to increase joy; may they break oppression and bring
release to those in captivity. Through them, may your light shine
into the deep recesses of our lives and into every corner of the
world. Amen.
Prayers of
Thanksgiving and Intercession
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
*
Hymn I Danced in the Morning
(Lord of the Dance) VU 352
* Commissioning
One: We have
received the light of God
All: in the
words of scripture,
in the
faithful witness of our sisters and brothers,
in the
companionship of this shared time,
in the music
of our voices.
One: Go now to
share this light in words of peace
in a witness of
love
in the sharing of
wealth
in the joy of
good news.
* Choral Amen
