Bethel Presbyterian Church
Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 15, 2006
11:00 a.m.
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed;
the night is far gone, the day is near.
PRELUDE Deep River
CHORAL INTROIT Go Tell It on the Mountain Children’s Bell Choir
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen his glory.
To all who received him,
he gave power to become children of God.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN #464 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Hymn to Joy
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from sisters and brothers in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another; we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you make in baptism so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news in Christ is that when we face ourselves and God with the awareness of our need, we are given grace to grow, and courage to continue the journey.
Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Gloria Patri Hymn #578
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 139
ANTHEM
NEW TESTAMENT READING John 1:43-51
SERMON Seeing Greater Things Rev. Bill Shenk
*HYMN #210 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past St. Anne
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold it fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared first to the women, then to Peter, and to the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; he is our Lord and our God. Amen.
SHARING OF PRAYER CONCERNS
MINUTE FOR MISSION Gulf Coast Mission Trip Deborah Hyder
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY MUSIC Send the Light Gabriel
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Hymn #592
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN #339 Be Thou My Vision Slane
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Let There Be Peace on Earth
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me,
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now,
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!
*POSTLUDE I’m Gonna Sing/Ain’t-a That Good News
