ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th Sunday after Epiphany
February 5, 2023
PRELUDE Prelude on “Beach Spring”, Gilbert Martin
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let your light shine!
We are the salt of the earth.
Let your light shine!
We are the light of the world.
Let your light shine!
Praise the Lord for the gifts that God has given us!
Let your light shine!
Opening Hymn: #629 (Red): ‘Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee’
Jesus, the very thought of thee
with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see,
and in thy presence rest.
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
nor can the mind recall
a sweeter sound than thy blest name,
O Savior of us all.
O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah, this
nor tongue nor pen can show;
the love of Jesus, what it is,
none but his loved ones know.
Jesus, our only joy be thou,
as thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be thou our glory now,
and through eternity.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Into this space we bring our weights and burdens—the things we have done or not done, said or not said. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us lay down those burdens before God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Patient God, it is so easy for us to miss the point. We know how to perform righteousness; we go to church, we donate, we volunteer, but we care more about how we are seen than our faithfulness to you. We show off our piousness, instead of actually sharing our food, our homes, our resources with those in the most need. Have mercy on us for the ways we serve ourselves, and teach us your way, the way that leads to justice and peace. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Beloved, hear the good news: When we cry for help, God says, “Here I am!” When we ask for mercy, God grants it freely, longing for a closer walk with us. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Alleluia! Thanks be to God!
*GLORIA PATRI
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 OF 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
Isaiah 58:1–9a
“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,
‘and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?’
“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”--
the things God has prepared for those who love him--
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Matthew 5:13–20
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. Mark 1:27
Sermon - Let Your Light So Shine Elizabeth Fox, CRE
Hymn #800 (Red) ‘Sometimes a Light Surprises’ (new hymn)
Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings:
It is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings.
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
a season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.
In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
“Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.”
It can bring with it nothing but he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe his people, too;
beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed:
and he who feeds the ravens will give his children bread.
Though vine nor fig tree neither their longed-for fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there,
yet God, the same abiding, his praise shall tune my voice;
for while in him confiding I cannot but rejoice.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
In Jesus of Nazareth, true humanity was realized once for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows. He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men and women. But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people. His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death. In giving himself freely for them, he took upon himself the judgment under which everyone stands convicted. God raised him from the dead, vindicating him as Messiah and Lord. The victim of sin became victor, and won the victory over sin and death for all.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.08
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Steve VB
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Jon & Linda G & family Grace & Lottie, Scott & Jennifer H & family Skylar, Saige, & Ramsie
Those who mourn: We pray for Terry and Ann S at the loss of her sister. We pray for Linda B, the Fee, VanderWaal, Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
SPECIAL MUSIC – ‘This is the Time I Must Sing’ – Dick Smith, soloist & Judy Smith, accompanist
*DOXOLOGY
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
COMMUNION SERVICE
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God:
The worship that you desire, the fast you choose, is simply this--
to stop injustice, liberate the oppressed, and share with the hungry;
to shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song
of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND BREAKING OF THE BREAD
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
HYMN #542 (Red) ‘God Be with You Till We Meet Again’
God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd’s care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings, protecting, hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life’s perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
smite death’s threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held on Feb. 12th after worship for the purpose of reviewing annual reports and 2023 budget and to elect at-large members of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will bring forth a proposed slate of officers: Bruce Westergaard, elder, class of 2024 and Carol Glantz, deacon, class of 2025 The incoming elders and deacons will be ordained and/or installed after the Feb. 12th Congregational Meeting. Please pick up your copy of the annual report as you leave today so you can review it before the meeting and bring your questions.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will be meeting a week earlier this month, on Thursday Feb. 9th at 5:30 PM in the church lounge.
PER CAPITA per person for 2023 is $38.00. If you have not done so, we would appreciate your donation.
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE Postlude on “Ellacombe” Monk/Payne
5th Sunday after Epiphany
February 5, 2023
PRELUDE Prelude on “Beach Spring”, Gilbert Martin
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let your light shine!
We are the salt of the earth.
Let your light shine!
We are the light of the world.
Let your light shine!
Praise the Lord for the gifts that God has given us!
Let your light shine!
Opening Hymn: #629 (Red): ‘Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee’
Jesus, the very thought of thee
with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see,
and in thy presence rest.
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
nor can the mind recall
a sweeter sound than thy blest name,
O Savior of us all.
O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah, this
nor tongue nor pen can show;
the love of Jesus, what it is,
none but his loved ones know.
Jesus, our only joy be thou,
as thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be thou our glory now,
and through eternity.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Into this space we bring our weights and burdens—the things we have done or not done, said or not said. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us lay down those burdens before God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Patient God, it is so easy for us to miss the point. We know how to perform righteousness; we go to church, we donate, we volunteer, but we care more about how we are seen than our faithfulness to you. We show off our piousness, instead of actually sharing our food, our homes, our resources with those in the most need. Have mercy on us for the ways we serve ourselves, and teach us your way, the way that leads to justice and peace. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Beloved, hear the good news: When we cry for help, God says, “Here I am!” When we ask for mercy, God grants it freely, longing for a closer walk with us. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Alleluia! Thanks be to God!
*GLORIA PATRI
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 OF 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
Isaiah 58:1–9a
“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,
‘and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?’
“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”--
the things God has prepared for those who love him--
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Matthew 5:13–20
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. Mark 1:27
Sermon - Let Your Light So Shine Elizabeth Fox, CRE
Hymn #800 (Red) ‘Sometimes a Light Surprises’ (new hymn)
Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings:
It is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings.
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
a season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.
In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
“Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.”
It can bring with it nothing but he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe his people, too;
beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed:
and he who feeds the ravens will give his children bread.
Though vine nor fig tree neither their longed-for fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there,
yet God, the same abiding, his praise shall tune my voice;
for while in him confiding I cannot but rejoice.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
In Jesus of Nazareth, true humanity was realized once for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows. He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men and women. But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people. His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death. In giving himself freely for them, he took upon himself the judgment under which everyone stands convicted. God raised him from the dead, vindicating him as Messiah and Lord. The victim of sin became victor, and won the victory over sin and death for all.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.08
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Steve VB
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Jon & Linda G & family Grace & Lottie, Scott & Jennifer H & family Skylar, Saige, & Ramsie
Those who mourn: We pray for Terry and Ann S at the loss of her sister. We pray for Linda B, the Fee, VanderWaal, Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
SPECIAL MUSIC – ‘This is the Time I Must Sing’ – Dick Smith, soloist & Judy Smith, accompanist
*DOXOLOGY
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
COMMUNION SERVICE
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God:
The worship that you desire, the fast you choose, is simply this--
to stop injustice, liberate the oppressed, and share with the hungry;
to shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song
of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND BREAKING OF THE BREAD
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
HYMN #542 (Red) ‘God Be with You Till We Meet Again’
God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd’s care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings, protecting, hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life’s perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
smite death’s threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held on Feb. 12th after worship for the purpose of reviewing annual reports and 2023 budget and to elect at-large members of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will bring forth a proposed slate of officers: Bruce Westergaard, elder, class of 2024 and Carol Glantz, deacon, class of 2025 The incoming elders and deacons will be ordained and/or installed after the Feb. 12th Congregational Meeting. Please pick up your copy of the annual report as you leave today so you can review it before the meeting and bring your questions.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will be meeting a week earlier this month, on Thursday Feb. 9th at 5:30 PM in the church lounge.
PER CAPITA per person for 2023 is $38.00. If you have not done so, we would appreciate your donation.
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE Postlude on “Ellacombe” Monk/Payne