ORDER OF SERVICE SUNDAY JANUARY 21ST 2018-3RD 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: stmarksuc@gmail.com

Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/

Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca

Ministers: The Whole People of God   Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.

Minister of Music: Al Fougere

January 21st 2018—3rd after Epiphany

A thought around which to gather as we worship— The passing of time prompts many questions for us about our existence as human beings and how we spend our mortal lives. But Jesus offers another way, another model in which to measure the matter of our days and another way to pursue the hopes we have for our future. 

So what does Jesus mean when he tells those who follow him, “The time is fulfilled”? What does it mean to be called out of the ordinary but hectic reality of our lives and into the extraordinary way of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be called out of the present moment and into the gifts for which God has called us?

Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Advent • Christmas • Epiphany 2017–2018 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017, p. 130

 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 Behold, Behold, I Make All Things New MV 115

*Call to Worship Based on Psalm 62 

One: Our souls await you in silence, O God. 
All: Our hope is in you, our rock and salvation. 
One: Because of you, we shall not be shaken. 
All: On you, we rest; and in you, we take refuge 
One: Let us trust in you at all times. 
All: Let us pour out our hearts in worship to you, O God.

*Opening Prayer Based on Psalm 62

Silence is the sound of our souls waiting. 
Hope is the air that fills our lungs and energizes our bodies. 
God, you are the rock and foundation on which we stand 
and build our shelters. 
We place our trust in you and pour out our hearts to you. Amen

*Hymn   All the Way My Saviour Leads Me VU 635

Prayer for Wholeness

One: Your voice, God, is calling us into a season of revival. 
All: May we lay down traditions that bind us,
and carry afresh those truths that free us to follow,
as we leave our boats on the shoreline and follow you. 
One: Your voice, God, is calling us into a world of questions.
All: May we let go of those well-worn and easy answers,
and discover a faith of passionate inquiry 
as we leave the ballast on the beach and follow you.
One: Your voice, God, is calling us into a time of renewal.
All: May we leave behind the beliefs and actions
that no longer fit our present faith
as we leave the driftwood at the tide-mark and follow you. 
One: Your voice, God, is calling us into a life of justice.
All: May we turn our backs on a way of living 
that binds others with injustice,
as we leave the debris in the seaweed and follow you.  Amen.

Words of Affirmation

One: The God who calls us speaks into our uncertainties, calls us to follow, even when we aren’t so sure. God continues to call, and to our reluctant hearts says, “It is enough for now. Come follow me. You are ready.” Thanks be.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Jonah 3:1–5, 10 Jonah calls Nineveh to repent.

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

Psalm 62:5–12   Be still, my soul, and wait for God.   VU 779

*Hymn  Seek Ye First the Kingdom VU 356

Opening the Word & Lord’s Prayer

The Gospel Acclamation

Mark 1:14–20   Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John.

One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening the Word 2 

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

*Hymn            I Danced in the Morning VU 352

Minute for Mission and Offering Our Gifts to God 

*Offering Prayer

Loving God, as we offer our gifts, please use them along with those already given through PAR to create a space where you are present. Please help us to be your people, to be a blessing to others and to lead others to know you. We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

WE GO TO SERVE GOD

*Hymn Walk with Me VU 649

* Sending Out

As Jonah moved from whale belly to town crier, from runaway to prophet, 
we will move from where we are, to where you will take us.
As Peter and Andrew moved from shoreline to preaching,
from net-menders to disciples, 
we will move from our routine, into your surprises.
As James and John moved from boat builders to apostles,
from habit to adventure, 
we will move from what is known, into what is unknown. 

*Choral Amen