FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
FEBRUARY 8, 2026
PRELUDE Here I Am, Lord; arr. John Carter
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-CE/FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE meets today Sunday, Feb. 8 following worship service
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House
-FINANCE COMMITTEE meets on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 PM via Zoom
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
-WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets Sunday, Feb. 15 following worship service
-SESSION meets Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
-ASH WEDNESDAY: Wednesday Feb. 18, Soup supper (supplied by CE/
Fellowship Committee) followed by Worship service starting at 5:30 PM
-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-on Wednesday Feb. 25 at 10:30 AM, FPC and LDS churches will be serving at the Lenten Luncheon at First Lutheran Church. Helpers would be appreciated!
-FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: Judy S, Carol G, Betty G, Pam L, Elizabeth F, Jolena G, Terry S
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are salt for the earth.
We are a light for the world.
Just as no one hides a lamp away,
we will offer the world what only we can give.
In shining our lights, we will remember:
We are not the only ones with vital wisdom.
Grateful for mutual enlightenment,
we will not drown out another’s beam with ours.
*OPENING HYMN #309 (red) “Come, Great God of All the Ages”
Come, great God of all the ages, make your earthly mission known;
speak through every deed and person, let your way and will be shown.
Guide the church to true commitment; give direction now, we ask;
fit us for the work of building; dedicate us to the task.
Come, Christ Jesus, flesh and spirit, sure foundation, cornerstone;
help us form the church eternal; may your vision be our own.
Send a message to each follower; lead all people to your way;
urge us to strong faith and action as we build the church today.
Come, great Spirit, in and with us, tune our ears to hear your call;
through the moving of your presence, let redeeming love recall
ministry in dedication, love embodied in our deeds;
challenge us to do your bidding, see your purpose, fill all needs.
Come, O come, in celebration, household of the one true God;
in commitment and rejoicing let us go where Christ has trod;
as we act in faith and reverence, let us, Lord, the future see;
place us in the church triumphant, now and for eternity.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
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.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Light of the World” Choir
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 112:1-9 (responsive)
1 Praise the Lord.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
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.
SERMON Value of Salt Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.08
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.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #291 (red) “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”
Refrain:
Spirit, spirit of gentleness,
blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
wind, wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters; you called to the deep;
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing,
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” [Refrain]
You swept through the desert; you stung with the sand;
and you goaded your people with a law and a land.
When they were confounded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. [Refrain]
You sang in a stable; you cried from a hill;
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city, you called once again
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. [Refrain]
You call from tomorrow; you break ancient schemes;
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams.
Our women see visions; our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Dee, Kelly & Tami W, Duane & Kris, Bob O, Jessica (Dorothy W’s granddaughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: MK H, Roger & Marvis J, Jan J
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the families and friends of LaVonne Broksieck who passed away Jan. 14 and Charles Emmett Foster (Bob Foster’s brother) who passed away Jan 11
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
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
*CLOSING HYMN #757 (red) “Today We All Are Called”
Today we all are called to be disciples of the Lord,
to help to set the captive free, make plowshare out of sword,
to feed the hungry, quench the thirst, make love and peace our fast,
to serve the poor and homeless first, our ease and comfort last.
God made the world and at its birth ordained our human race
to live as stewards of the earth, responding to God’s grace.
But we are vain and sadly proud; we sow not peace but strife.
Our discord spreads a deadly cloud that threatens all of life.
Pray justice may come rolling down as in a mighty stream,
with righteousness in field and town to cleanse us and redeem.
For God is longing to restore an earth where conflicts cease,
a world that was created for a harmony of peace.
May we in service to our God act out the living word,
and walk the road the saints have trod till all have seen and heard.
As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord
to God who calls us all to be disciples of the Lord.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Go Out With Joy; Mary McDonald
ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
FEBRUARY 8, 2026
PRELUDE Here I Am, Lord; arr. John Carter
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-CE/FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE meets today Sunday, Feb. 8 following worship service
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House
-FINANCE COMMITTEE meets on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 PM via Zoom
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
-WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets Sunday, Feb. 15 following worship service
-SESSION meets Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
-ASH WEDNESDAY: Wednesday Feb. 18, Soup supper (supplied by CE/
Fellowship Committee) followed by Worship service starting at 5:30 PM
-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-on Wednesday Feb. 25 at 10:30 AM, FPC and LDS churches will be serving at the Lenten Luncheon at First Lutheran Church. Helpers would be appreciated!
-FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: Judy S, Carol G, Betty G, Pam L, Elizabeth F, Jolena G, Terry S
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are salt for the earth.
We are a light for the world.
Just as no one hides a lamp away,
we will offer the world what only we can give.
In shining our lights, we will remember:
We are not the only ones with vital wisdom.
Grateful for mutual enlightenment,
we will not drown out another’s beam with ours.
*OPENING HYMN #309 (red) “Come, Great God of All the Ages”
Come, great God of all the ages, make your earthly mission known;
speak through every deed and person, let your way and will be shown.
Guide the church to true commitment; give direction now, we ask;
fit us for the work of building; dedicate us to the task.
Come, Christ Jesus, flesh and spirit, sure foundation, cornerstone;
help us form the church eternal; may your vision be our own.
Send a message to each follower; lead all people to your way;
urge us to strong faith and action as we build the church today.
Come, great Spirit, in and with us, tune our ears to hear your call;
through the moving of your presence, let redeeming love recall
ministry in dedication, love embodied in our deeds;
challenge us to do your bidding, see your purpose, fill all needs.
Come, O come, in celebration, household of the one true God;
in commitment and rejoicing let us go where Christ has trod;
as we act in faith and reverence, let us, Lord, the future see;
place us in the church triumphant, now and for eternity.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
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.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Light of the World” Choir
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 112:1-9 (responsive)
1 Praise the Lord.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
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.
SERMON Value of Salt Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.08
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.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #291 (red) “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”
Refrain:
Spirit, spirit of gentleness,
blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness,
wind, wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters; you called to the deep;
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing,
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” [Refrain]
You swept through the desert; you stung with the sand;
and you goaded your people with a law and a land.
When they were confounded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. [Refrain]
You sang in a stable; you cried from a hill;
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city, you called once again
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. [Refrain]
You call from tomorrow; you break ancient schemes;
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams.
Our women see visions; our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Dee, Kelly & Tami W, Duane & Kris, Bob O, Jessica (Dorothy W’s granddaughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: MK H, Roger & Marvis J, Jan J
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the families and friends of LaVonne Broksieck who passed away Jan. 14 and Charles Emmett Foster (Bob Foster’s brother) who passed away Jan 11
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
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
*CLOSING HYMN #757 (red) “Today We All Are Called”
Today we all are called to be disciples of the Lord,
to help to set the captive free, make plowshare out of sword,
to feed the hungry, quench the thirst, make love and peace our fast,
to serve the poor and homeless first, our ease and comfort last.
God made the world and at its birth ordained our human race
to live as stewards of the earth, responding to God’s grace.
But we are vain and sadly proud; we sow not peace but strife.
Our discord spreads a deadly cloud that threatens all of life.
Pray justice may come rolling down as in a mighty stream,
with righteousness in field and town to cleanse us and redeem.
For God is longing to restore an earth where conflicts cease,
a world that was created for a harmony of peace.
May we in service to our God act out the living word,
and walk the road the saints have trod till all have seen and heard.
As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord
to God who calls us all to be disciples of the Lord.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Go Out With Joy; Mary McDonald
