FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
7th Week after Epiphany
February 23, 2025
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-THE PLANT IN THE FRONT has been given by the Bartling family to the church in memory of their father, Bob Bartling, who passed away one year ago on February 24.
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at the Mission Coffee House.
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the center meeting room.
-MISSION/OUTREACH COMMITTEE will be meeting next Sunday, March 2 after worship service.
-ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE will be held March 5 at 5:30 PM
CALL TO WORSHIP
Today we come to learn about God’s love for us.
We gather to sing and pray, to praise and hear the Word of God.
Today we come to live as children of God.
Our hearts are open. Our minds are ready. Our lives hope to be transformed.
So let us learn together as we worship the God of love.
*OPENING HYMN #35 (red) “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”
Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near;
join me in glad adoration!
Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thou desires e’er have been
Granted in what he ordaineth?
Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen sound from his people again;
gladly for aye we adore him.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The apostle James writes: “We all stumble in many ways.” We all make mistakes, we judge, we even harm. No one is perfect, this is a part of being human, but it is not the end of the story. For if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and all unrighteousness. In humility and in faith, let us confess our sins against God and our neighbors.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Great and Almighty God, how often have our words or our silences harmed? For from the same mouth, we utter both blessings and curses. So often we speak and do not listen. Closing ourselves off from the wisdom of our neighbors and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lord walk with us to be better advocates, guide us to be more thoughtful friends, and encourage us to be leaders in our community and church. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Our God who knows us and calls out to us when we falter or misstep, is the same God who embraces us, reminds us of our belovedness, and forgives us our sins. Hear the Good News: in Jesus Christ you are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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
Gracious God, open our ears, our minds, and our hearts to hear your word, to consider your word, and to live your word. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me; do not delay. 10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 I will provide for you there, since there are five more years of famine to come, so that you and your household and all that you have will not come to poverty.
15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them, and after that his brothers talked with him.
’Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-38
27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
This is the word of God for the people of God. Amen
SERMON “Repentance, Forgiveness, and Love Our Enemies Fr. Larry Ort
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- APOSTLES’ CREED (Modern Version)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #12 (red) “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
Thou reignest in glory, thou dwellest in light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Jan B, Judy Se
Our homebound or in care members: Richard and Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING and PRAYER OF DEDICATION
(offering plates are at the exits)
As we present our offerings today, we are reminded of God's great love for us. God's love knows no bounds and is beyond measure. As you consider your giving- in time, talents, and resources- you reflect God's love to others, bringing hope and healing to a world in need. To God, we say, thank you for your love that never fails us. Amen.
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #706 (red) “Commit Your Way to God the Lord”
Commit your way to God the Lord:
your cause will shine as bright as fire;
delight to do God’s holy word
and you shall find what you desire.
Be still before the Lord and wait,
and do not fret when wrong succeeds;
refrain from anger, turn from hate,
for God will punish evil deeds.
Salvation comes from God alone:
the faithful know their help is sure;
to heaven, all our needs are known,
and in God’s strength we are secure.
Commit your way to God the Lord;
to peace and truth and grace aspire;
then mercy shall be your reward;
God's promises, your heart's desire.
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
7th Week after Epiphany
February 23, 2025
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-THE PLANT IN THE FRONT has been given by the Bartling family to the church in memory of their father, Bob Bartling, who passed away one year ago on February 24.
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at the Mission Coffee House.
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the center meeting room.
-MISSION/OUTREACH COMMITTEE will be meeting next Sunday, March 2 after worship service.
-ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE will be held March 5 at 5:30 PM
CALL TO WORSHIP
Today we come to learn about God’s love for us.
We gather to sing and pray, to praise and hear the Word of God.
Today we come to live as children of God.
Our hearts are open. Our minds are ready. Our lives hope to be transformed.
So let us learn together as we worship the God of love.
*OPENING HYMN #35 (red) “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”
Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near;
join me in glad adoration!
Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thou desires e’er have been
Granted in what he ordaineth?
Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen sound from his people again;
gladly for aye we adore him.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The apostle James writes: “We all stumble in many ways.” We all make mistakes, we judge, we even harm. No one is perfect, this is a part of being human, but it is not the end of the story. For if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and all unrighteousness. In humility and in faith, let us confess our sins against God and our neighbors.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Great and Almighty God, how often have our words or our silences harmed? For from the same mouth, we utter both blessings and curses. So often we speak and do not listen. Closing ourselves off from the wisdom of our neighbors and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lord walk with us to be better advocates, guide us to be more thoughtful friends, and encourage us to be leaders in our community and church. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Our God who knows us and calls out to us when we falter or misstep, is the same God who embraces us, reminds us of our belovedness, and forgives us our sins. Hear the Good News: in Jesus Christ you are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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
Gracious God, open our ears, our minds, and our hearts to hear your word, to consider your word, and to live your word. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me; do not delay. 10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 I will provide for you there, since there are five more years of famine to come, so that you and your household and all that you have will not come to poverty.
15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them, and after that his brothers talked with him.
’Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-38
27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
This is the word of God for the people of God. Amen
SERMON “Repentance, Forgiveness, and Love Our Enemies Fr. Larry Ort
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- APOSTLES’ CREED (Modern Version)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #12 (red) “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
Thou reignest in glory, thou dwellest in light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Jan B, Judy Se
Our homebound or in care members: Richard and Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING and PRAYER OF DEDICATION
(offering plates are at the exits)
As we present our offerings today, we are reminded of God's great love for us. God's love knows no bounds and is beyond measure. As you consider your giving- in time, talents, and resources- you reflect God's love to others, bringing hope and healing to a world in need. To God, we say, thank you for your love that never fails us. Amen.
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #706 (red) “Commit Your Way to God the Lord”
Commit your way to God the Lord:
your cause will shine as bright as fire;
delight to do God’s holy word
and you shall find what you desire.
Be still before the Lord and wait,
and do not fret when wrong succeeds;
refrain from anger, turn from hate,
for God will punish evil deeds.
Salvation comes from God alone:
the faithful know their help is sure;
to heaven, all our needs are known,
and in God’s strength we are secure.
Commit your way to God the Lord;
to peace and truth and grace aspire;
then mercy shall be your reward;
God's promises, your heart's desire.
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
POSTLUDE