Bethel Presbyterian Church
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 2006
11:00 a.m.
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to God with my whole heart.
Great are the works of God!
The Lord has sent redemption to God’s people.
Holy and awesome is God’s name. The Lord’s name be praised!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN #269 O God of Bethel, by Whose Hand Dundee
*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
God of mercy and love, you have made us to belong to you alone. You call us to serve you with all our strength. We confess our waywardness from your gracious path.
Forgive us, God.
You shower your grace into our lives, but we fail to deal graciously with others. We nurse grudges, judge harshly, and act with pettiness. We have failed to love others with Christ’s love.
Forgive us, God.
We let our fear and insecurities rule us instead of trusting you, loving God. Forgive our self-centeredness, our shortsightedness, and our small heartedness.
Forgive us, God. Free us from our sin by the saving power of your love in Jesus Christ. Fill us with your love, and show us how to serve, that our lives may glorify you in every way. Amen.
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 Deuteronomy 18:15-20
ANTHEM His Name Was Jesus Chancel Choir
NEW TESTAMENT READING I Corinthians 8:1-13
SERMON Food Offered to Idols Rev. Marc Sherrod, ThD
*HYMN #343 Called as Partners in Christ’s Service Beecher
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God created human beings with a need for community and with freedom to enter into it by responding to their maker with grateful obedience and to one another with love and helpfulness. We believe that we have been created to relate to God and each other in freedom and responsibility. We may misuse our freedom and deny our responsibility by trying to live without God and other people or against God and other people. Yet we are still bound to them for our life and well-being, and intended for free and responsible fellowship with them. Since every human being is made for communion with God and others, we must treat no one with contempt. We are to respect and love all other people and ourselves as well. Amen.
SHARING OF PRAYER CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY MUSIC
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 #438 Blest Be the Tie That Binds Dennis
*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
