Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 28, 2024 | 10:00am
Rev. Jeremy Campbell, Temporary Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: “God created an awesome world. God intentionally loaded the world with amazing things to leave you astounded. The carefully air-conditioned termite mound in Africa, the tart crunchiness of an apple, the explosion of thunder, the beauty of an orchid, the interdependent systems of the human body, the inexhaustible pounding of the ocean waves, and thousands of other created sights, sounds, touches, and tastes - God designed all to be awesome. And he intended you to be daily amazed.” | Paul David Tripp
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude Song of Joy | Boodle
Call to Worship
Votum
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
With our whole hearts, we give God thanks.
Great are the works of the Lord!
We ascribe honor and majesty to God.
God’s righteousness endures forever.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Let us worship God!
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise God of Grace and God of Glory
Call to Confession
Nothing can be hidden from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth,
whose wisdom is endless,
whose mercy is great. Isaiah 40:27–28
Prayer of Confession
You have shown us, O God,
what it means to follow you.
Forgive us when we fail;
open our hearts and minds to your teachings.
You modeled compassion in the person of Jesus Christ,
but we do not extend kindness to strangers or friends.
You challenge systems of injustice
through the movement of your spirit,
but we keep choosing comfort over justice,
the status quo over the kingdom of God.
You create all things good,
and your creation sings your praise,
but we consider no creatures but ourselves
and wound your earth by our sin.
Forgive us, O God.
Pour your compassion on us this day,
and by your forgiveness,
show us how to share it with one another.
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will rise up to fly like eagles,
they will run and not be weary,
they will walk and not grow faith. Isaiah 40:31
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
The Law of God:
*Gloria Patri | #579
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.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Prayer for Illumination
God of shining splendor, your voice makes the earth tremble in wonder. Overshadow us with your Spirit so that we may hear your Word and live as faithful disciples and covenant people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
*Hymn: They’ll Know We are Christians By Our Love
Second Reading: Mark 1:21-28
Sermon: “They were Astounded” | Rev. Campbell
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith (adapted from the poem First Coming by Madeleine L’Engle)
Christians, what do you believe?
God did not wait till the world was ready,
till nations were at peace.
God came when the Heavens were unsteady
and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.
God did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came and God’s Light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh;
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh,
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
For to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Offering
Doxology
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!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with the Lord’s Prayer)
In Jesus’ Name, we pray as you taught us…
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, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
*Hymn: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive
Benediction
Postlude Maestoso | Young
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, January 28 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, February 4 - eggs
Sunday, February 11 - gallon(s) whole milk
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED