Gathering

Silent Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God:  by grace alone you call us, and accept us in your service.  Strengthen us by your Spirit, and equip us to follow your Son, proclaiming good news in word and in deed; in whose gracious name we pray.  Amen.    

Chimes

Organ Prelude                                                                              Yvonne Barnes, Organist

* Gathering Song     Blue Hymnal #438          “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”           dennis

Blest be the tie that binds  Our hearts in Chris-tian love:

The fel-low-ship of kin-dred minds  Is like to that a-bove. 

* Greeting One Another, Welcome and Concerns of the Church

   Choral Introit                                                                                                Chancel Choir

   Call to Worship     [Matthew 3:23-25, sel.]

Jesus went through Galilee ? teaching and proclaiming good news.

His fame spread throughout; ? and great crowds followed after him.

Let us worship Him. ? The Lord’s name be praised!

* Hymn     Blue Hymnal #150          “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”                      madrid

* Our Vision     (Unison)

We are followers of Jesus Christ ? Sharing God's Word

Showing God's Love ? Serving God's creation

Striving to glorify God ? Always!

Call to Confession and Confession of Sin

Gracious God:  you have called us to follow your Son by proclaiming good news in word and in deed.  Forgive us when our words and actions do not live up to our calling.  By your Spirit, help us change how we talk and act; that we may truly be a part of your solution for this world, and not part of the problem.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.   

Declaration of God's Pardon

* Response       Blue Hymnal #579                “Glory Be to the Father”              gloria patri

 

The Word

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading                                       Isaiah 9:1-4                                 Pew Bible, p. 555

The Word of the Lord. ? Thanks be to God!

Gospel                                               Matthew 4:12-23                             Pew Bible, p. 785

The Gospel of the Lord. ? Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Choral Anthem             “Come Unto Me” arr. by Mary Kay Beall              Chancel Choir                                                                                               

 

 

Children’s Moment                                   Dr. Reford Nash, Pastor                                             

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world:  red and yellow, black and white,

they are precious in his sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Sermon                                              “Good News People”           Dr. Reford Nash, Pastor

* Hymn  Blue Hymnal #434    “Today We All are Called to Be Disciples”        kingsfold

* Affirmation of Faith    Blue Hymnal, p. 15 – “Nicene Creed”                     traditional

Prayers of the People  After each petition: “Hear us, O God, ? For your mercy is great.”

Lord’s Prayer  Blue Hymnal, p. 16                                                               traditional

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory                                                                                Yvonne Barnes, Organist

*Response Blue Hymnal #592                                                                           doxology

*Prayer of Dedication

 

Sending

* Hymn  Blue Hymnal #391  [vv. 1,5,6]         “Take My Life”                                hendon

* Pastoral Blessing

Organ Postlude                                                                            Yvonne Barnes, Organist

 

Today’s Liturgical Color

Today’s liturgical color is green – reminding us of the green of life in nature,
and the new life the Spirit brings in Jesus Christ.

 

Liturgist

Judy Protacio

 

HAVE YOU HEARD God's CALL?

We warmly welcome new members!  If God is calling you to consider membership in this church, please do one of the following, and your journey into membership will begin:  (1) check the appropriate box on the register of friendship; (2) tell the pastor at the door; or (3) call the church office – you can leave a message 24/7. 

Christ needs you as an active, committed member of his church.