Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 14, 2024 | 10:00am
Rev. Jeremy Campbell, Temporary Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: “ We often miss hearing God's voice simply because we aren't paying attention.” | Rick Warren
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude Be Thou My Vision | Page
Call to Worship
Votum
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
The boy Samuel heard God’s voice in the night.
We come listening for God’s voice.
God knew us before we knew ourselves.
We come listening for God’s voice.
Our minds, bodies, and souls belong to God.
We come listening for God’s voice.
We come to this place to listen and follow.
Let us worship God!
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise To God Be the 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
God of abundant mercy,
you embodied love for us in the life of Jesus Christ.
You ate with sinners and shared with outcasts.
You loved with boldness and healed with grace.
Forgive us, O God, when we do not trust your love:
when we doubt whether we are worthy of your care.
Forgive us, O God, when we try to cheapen love:
when we limit it to shallow feelings instead of bold actions.
Help us, O God, when we cannot feel your love,
when we are isolated, afraid, and unable to see your presence.
Forgive us, O God, of the ways we fall short.
Free us to try again,
and let your love lead the way.
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
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.
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-20
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
*Hymn: Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary
Second Reading: John 1:43-51
Sermon: “Come and See!” | 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)
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son,
but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
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: Will You Come and Follow Me?
Benediction
Postlude To God Be the Glory | Wagner/Doane
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 14 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, January 21 - eggs
Sunday, January 28 - 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