SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
1-24-2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather around the words of Christ:
“Come, and follow me.”
We gather around the voice of the Spirit:
“Come, and follow me.”
Let us worship God together
and follow Christ into the world.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Loving God, through your Son you have called us to repent of our sin, to believe the good news, and to celebrate the coming of your kingdom. Like Christ's first apostles, may we hear his call to discipleship, and, forsaking old ways, proclaim the gospel of new life to a broken world; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
OPENING HYMN: “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”
Called as partners in Christ’s service,
Called to ministries of grace.
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing,
Side by side and friend with friend,
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfill God’s chosen end.
Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring,
Christ’s clear call to work and worth.
Let us follow, never faltering,
Reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer, poorer,
All God’s people, young and old.
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold.
Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission,
In a small or global sense,
Help us bear each other’s burdens,
Breaking down each wall or fence.
Words of comfort, words of vision,
Words of challenge, said with care,
Bring new power and strength for action,
Make us colleagues, free and fair.
So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife.
Make us partners in our living,
Our compassion to increase,
Messengers of faith, thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Nothing can be hidden from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, whose wisdom is endless, whose mercy is great.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Holy God, you called the disciples to drop their nets and follow you, yet we are hesitant to drop the tools and comforts of our lives. We distract ourselves from your call with busyness, stress, and worry. We tangle ourselves in webs of racism, sexism, and hatred that disguises itself as fear. Forgive us, O Lord, and by your forgiveness, open our ears to hear your voice saying to us, “Follow me.”
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Those who trust in god will renew their strength. They will run and not be weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
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
Jonah 3:1-5,10
1The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2 “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Psalm 62:5-12 (read responsively)
5 For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath,
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no confidence in extortion,
and set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
according to their work.
Mark 1:14-20
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. (Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31)
REFLECTION: “The Urgent Mission” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING:
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
We offer ourselves: Special Music Bonnie Foster, 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
God of Deliverance, we pause during this time of worship to return to you some of the monetary riches that you have given to us. While we wait in pensive silence, we are reminded to set our hearts and minds on your steadfast love. You alone are our rock, our fortress, and our salvation. We experience comforting solace in your refuge. Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Psalm 62:5-12 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah”
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing streams doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through;
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield,
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee,
I will ever give to Thee.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services will be online via Zoom only during the months of January and February. There will be no in-sanctuary worship during those months per Session decision on December 30th.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume when worship services begin again in the sanctuary.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will not be meeting in the month of January.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
-Carrie VB
-Gene G
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Janet T, Nancy T, Arlyce T
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We pray for Pat F’s family at her brother, Michael’s passing January 13 after a long cancer battle.
We continue to pray for the Kaul/Robinson, Kennedy N., Watson, Boy, Peterson, & Larson families
Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; First Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. 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, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the joy of new life, Lennon Rose born the week of Dec 20th, 2020, great-granddaughter to Jeanne and Darwin L.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for January!
Marlys M, Lisa B, Neal F, Joel F, Daniel M, Vivian L, Katy Y, Julie S, Malia G, Brock P, Art V
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for January!
Darwin & Jeanne L
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
(Thanks to everyone who helped out 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 B Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2020 David S. Bell, Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org; from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 205-206
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.