Saturday, 8 February 2014

ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9TH 2014-5TH AFTER EPIPHANY

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

February 9^th 2014-5^th Sunday after Epiphany

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 What Does the Lord Require of You VU 701

Call to Worship An Echo Prayer

One: Dear God, shine your light (a candle is lit)

to guide our feet.

Pour out your love (water is poured in the bowl)

over all we meet. Amen.

Opening Prayer Beginning with guided meditation

One: Light of the world,

All: be our light this day.

One: Creator of life,

All: preserve our life this day.

One: Holy God,

All: pour out your righteousness on us this day.

One: Light of the world,

All: we gather to praise you on this day, with our hearts, song,

and minds. Amen.

* Hymn Let There Be Light VU 679

Prayer of Confession

For all that we have done, God, we pause to reflect—we

remember with fondness the times that we have opened

ourselves to you and found new hope; we remember with

sadness the times that we have hid from you and lived a life of

fear; we remember with disappointment the times that we have

ignored you and been surrounded by uncertainty. We come to

worship in order to dispel that uncertainty, conquer that fear,

and live a life of hope and compassion. Forgive us when we

forget that you are always there with us in our fumbling and

our failings. Be with us now, we pray, even as we offer our

personal prayers of confession. Amen.

Words of Assurance

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 58:1–9a The fast that God chooses.

This is the witness of the Hebrew people. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 112 The source of happiness

Sung Response: O God, help us to overcome our fears and doubts.

One: Happy are they who revere the Holy One,

delighting in God’s commandments.

All: Their descendants shall be powerful in the world.

A truthful generation shall be blessed.

One: Honour and wealth shall be in their homes,

faithful justice enduring forever.

All: Light shines in the darkness for the truthful,

who are gracious, merciful, and faithful. (Sung response.)

One: It is good for everyone to lend generously,

to conduct their affairs justly.

All: Nothing can ever shake them;

just and faithful people will ever be remembered.

One: They need not fear wicked rumour;

All: Their hearts are firm; they trust the Holy One. (Sung response.)

One: Their hearts are resolute and fearless;

in the end they will see the downfall of their foes.

All: They give generously to the needy;

their faithful justice stands forever.

One: They hold up their heads with honour.

The wicked see it and are angry, gnashing their teeth in despair.

All: The ambitions of the wicked come to nothing. (Sung response.)

*Hymn I Heard the Voice of Jesus VU 626

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 5:13–20 You are salt; you are light.

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

* Hymn We Are Marching VU 646

Minute for Mission

Offering Our Gifts to God

*Offering Prayer

Generous and loving God, we thank you for your goodness to us.

We open our hearts and hands to share your blessings with others. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Response: One: In your mercy, All: hear our prayers.

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

* Hymn When We Are Living VU 581

* Commissioning and Benediction

One: You are the salt of the earth!

All: We will go to season our world with justice and love.

One: You are the light of the world!

All: We will shine with the good news of God’s love for all people.

One: The glory of our God will be with you and protect you wherever you may go. Amen

* Choral Amen