GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship (based on Psalm 146)
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, there is no help.
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the oLd their God.
God made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, God who keeps faith forever .
The Lord will reign forever, for all generations, praise the Lord!
*Hymn #288 “I Sing the Might Power of God”
I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise;
that spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies
I sing the wisdom that ordained The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, And all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord That filled the earth with food;
God formed the creatures with a word, And then pronounced them good,
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, Where’er I turn my eyes;
If I survey the ground I tread, Or gaze upon the skies!
There’s not a plant or flower below, But makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow, By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God, art present there.
Prayer of Confession: (unison): God, I confess that sometimes I do not want to see your blessings spread afar. At times, I am selfish and think that blessings are like pie and may run out. I think that I must hoard my blessings, or earn them or somehow win them by being a better person. Remind us that this is not how God works, Jesus comes to the ones most in need, first. God calls us to help those the most in need first. Teach us the true nature of blessings, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: Happy are those who put their trust in the God of Jacob, for he sends us the power of the resurrection and the life, hear the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
HEARING THE WORD
Children’s Time : Telling God’s Story
(All children are invited to the front)
Prayer for Illumination
1st Scripture Reading Psalm 146
2nd Scripture Reading Luke 4:14-30
“Blessed to be a Blessing” Pastor Katy Stenta
Reflection Roger Held
Joys & Concerns & The Lord’s Prayer (p. 16 in the blue hymnal)
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Offering
*Doxology (#592 in Blue Hymnal) Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen.
SENDING THE WORD
Prayer of Dedication: God, help us to do the work of Jesus! Let go forth proclaiming the good news to the poor. Help us to release the captives and let the oppressed go free! Let us go forward working to recover the sight of the blind, and to proclaim the year of God’s favor. Anoint us to tell the good news we pray. Amen.
Hymn # 525 “Here I am Lord”
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have hear My people cry,
All who dwell in deepest sin, My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone. Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them. Whom shall I send?
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied,
I will give My life to them. Whom shall I send?
*Charge & Benediction
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you. (Invitation to share Peace)
katyandtheword 