SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
January 23, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us gather for worship,
for this day is holy to the Lord.
The joy of the Lord is our strength and salvation,
and we gather to offer our praise.
In singing and in silence, in Word and in prayer,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Let us come and worship God.
*HYMN #411 (Blue) ‘Arise, Your Light Is Come!’
Arise, your light is come’
The Spirit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God,
Which shines on you today.
Arise, your light is come!
Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captives’ liberty,
Good tidings to the poor.
Arise, your light is come!
All you in sorrow born,
Bind up the broken-hearted ones
And comfort those who mourn.
Arise, your light is come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing;
God’s power will make us strong.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you sent Jesus to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with your Spirit, that we too may bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Turning to God and following the light of Christ, let us in faith confess our sin and the sins of the world.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, we confess that we have wandered from your light. We follow paths of self-indulgence, instead of focusing on our need of you. We passively accept the suffering of the world, expecting others to stand up and work for the change we would like to see. Lord, in your strength, renew us and compel us by your invitation that we may work to pursue your justice and mercy for all people, sharing your light in ways great and small. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
May the God of mercy, the Lord of strength, forgive you all your sins;
and may the Holy Spirit keep you in new life.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Saving God, source of our calling, your Word is full of power and glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may receive your grace and live as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening. 1 Samuel 3:9–10
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
1 All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. 2 Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Luke 4:14-21
14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. Mark 1:27
REFLECTION: ‘Light the Way’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #332 (Blue) ‘Live into Hope’
Live into hope of captives freed,
Of sight regained, the end of greed.
The oppressed shall be the first to see
The year of God’s own jubilee!
Live into hope the blind shall see
With insight and with clarity,
Removing shades of pride and fear--
A vision of our God brought near.
Live into hope of liberty,
The right to speak, the right to be,
The right to have one’s daily bread,
To hear God’s word and thus be fed.
Live into hope of captives freed
From chains of fear or want or greed.
God now proclaims our full release
To faith and hope and joy and peace.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God’s sovereign love is a mystery beyond the reach of the human mind. Human thought ascribes to God superlatives of power, wisdom, and goodness. But God reveals divine love in Jesus Christ by showing power in the form of a servant, wisdom in the folly of the cross, and goodness in receiving sinful men and women. The power of God’s love in Christ to transform the world discloses that the Redeemer is the Lord and Creator who made all things to serve the purpose of God’s love. Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.15
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God, from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 8:4–6
SPECIAL MUSIC Gayle F, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
Glorious God, the beauty in your creation is awesome. We are often speechless by the majesty of your mountains, oceans, forests and rivers. Yet, you enthrall us with something even as small as a fragile snowflake or a grain of sand. Your genius and power is manifest in the natural world. We share these gifts as stewards of your resplendent creation. We affirm our responsibility to use natural resources in God-honoring ways. Amen.
Psalm 19 David S. Bell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Marlys K (recovery)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
For continued recovery
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
Our homebound or in care members: Gene G, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Maxine D, Ann & Bill D, Mary E
Those who mourn:
We pray for the McCann, Webster, Salonen, Borstad, & Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters. For those who lost homes in Boulder, CO due to the fires. For those whom this holiday season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*HYMN #429 (Blue) ‘Lord, You Give the Great Commission’
Lord, you give the great commission: “Heal the sick and preach the word.”
Lest the church neglect its mission, and the gospel go unheard,
Help us witness to your purpose with renewed integrity;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you call us to your service: “In my name, baptize and teach.”
That the world may trust your promise, life abundant meant for each,
Give us all new fervor, draw us closer in community;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you make the common holy: “This my body, this my blood.”
Let us all, for earth’s true glory, daily lift life heavenward,
Asking that the world around us share your children’s liberty;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you show us love’s true measure: “Father, what they do, forgive.”
Yet we hoard as private treasure all that you so freely give.
May your care and mercy lead us to a just society;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you bless with words assuring: “I am with you to the end.”
Faith and hope and love restoring, may we serve as you intend
And, amid the cares that claim us, hold in mind eternity;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held next Sunday, Jan. 30 after worship service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
Evening comes when You call,
and all nature listens to You
because You hold it all,
And now You hold me.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God,
King of the universal
At Your word night falls.
In Your wisdom You open heaven's gates.
You set the stars in the vault of heaven.
You created night and day.
Blessed are You, O Lord,
at whose word night falls.
All nature listens to You,
because you hold it all.
And now You hold me.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
January 23, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us gather for worship,
for this day is holy to the Lord.
The joy of the Lord is our strength and salvation,
and we gather to offer our praise.
In singing and in silence, in Word and in prayer,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Let us come and worship God.
*HYMN #411 (Blue) ‘Arise, Your Light Is Come!’
Arise, your light is come’
The Spirit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God,
Which shines on you today.
Arise, your light is come!
Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captives’ liberty,
Good tidings to the poor.
Arise, your light is come!
All you in sorrow born,
Bind up the broken-hearted ones
And comfort those who mourn.
Arise, your light is come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing;
God’s power will make us strong.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you sent Jesus to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with your Spirit, that we too may bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Turning to God and following the light of Christ, let us in faith confess our sin and the sins of the world.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, we confess that we have wandered from your light. We follow paths of self-indulgence, instead of focusing on our need of you. We passively accept the suffering of the world, expecting others to stand up and work for the change we would like to see. Lord, in your strength, renew us and compel us by your invitation that we may work to pursue your justice and mercy for all people, sharing your light in ways great and small. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
May the God of mercy, the Lord of strength, forgive you all your sins;
and may the Holy Spirit keep you in new life.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Saving God, source of our calling, your Word is full of power and glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may receive your grace and live as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening. 1 Samuel 3:9–10
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
1 All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. 2 Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Luke 4:14-21
14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. Mark 1:27
REFLECTION: ‘Light the Way’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #332 (Blue) ‘Live into Hope’
Live into hope of captives freed,
Of sight regained, the end of greed.
The oppressed shall be the first to see
The year of God’s own jubilee!
Live into hope the blind shall see
With insight and with clarity,
Removing shades of pride and fear--
A vision of our God brought near.
Live into hope of liberty,
The right to speak, the right to be,
The right to have one’s daily bread,
To hear God’s word and thus be fed.
Live into hope of captives freed
From chains of fear or want or greed.
God now proclaims our full release
To faith and hope and joy and peace.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God’s sovereign love is a mystery beyond the reach of the human mind. Human thought ascribes to God superlatives of power, wisdom, and goodness. But God reveals divine love in Jesus Christ by showing power in the form of a servant, wisdom in the folly of the cross, and goodness in receiving sinful men and women. The power of God’s love in Christ to transform the world discloses that the Redeemer is the Lord and Creator who made all things to serve the purpose of God’s love. Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.15
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God, from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 8:4–6
SPECIAL MUSIC Gayle F, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
Glorious God, the beauty in your creation is awesome. We are often speechless by the majesty of your mountains, oceans, forests and rivers. Yet, you enthrall us with something even as small as a fragile snowflake or a grain of sand. Your genius and power is manifest in the natural world. We share these gifts as stewards of your resplendent creation. We affirm our responsibility to use natural resources in God-honoring ways. Amen.
Psalm 19 David S. Bell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Marlys K (recovery)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
For continued recovery
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
Our homebound or in care members: Gene G, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Maxine D, Ann & Bill D, Mary E
Those who mourn:
We pray for the McCann, Webster, Salonen, Borstad, & Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters. For those who lost homes in Boulder, CO due to the fires. For those whom this holiday season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*HYMN #429 (Blue) ‘Lord, You Give the Great Commission’
Lord, you give the great commission: “Heal the sick and preach the word.”
Lest the church neglect its mission, and the gospel go unheard,
Help us witness to your purpose with renewed integrity;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you call us to your service: “In my name, baptize and teach.”
That the world may trust your promise, life abundant meant for each,
Give us all new fervor, draw us closer in community;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you make the common holy: “This my body, this my blood.”
Let us all, for earth’s true glory, daily lift life heavenward,
Asking that the world around us share your children’s liberty;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you show us love’s true measure: “Father, what they do, forgive.”
Yet we hoard as private treasure all that you so freely give.
May your care and mercy lead us to a just society;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
Lord, you bless with words assuring: “I am with you to the end.”
Faith and hope and love restoring, may we serve as you intend
And, amid the cares that claim us, hold in mind eternity;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held next Sunday, Jan. 30 after worship service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
Evening comes when You call,
and all nature listens to You
because You hold it all,
And now You hold me.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God,
King of the universal
At Your word night falls.
In Your wisdom You open heaven's gates.
You set the stars in the vault of heaven.
You created night and day.
Blessed are You, O Lord,
at whose word night falls.
All nature listens to You,
because you hold it all.
And now You hold me.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993