January 21, 2023

Dear Beloved St. Paul’s UMC and Wesley Foundation Family,

Greetings, church, and grace and peace to you. As I write these words on a gray January day, I am reminded that we are in the season of Epiphany, a season of light and discovery. This weekend we will join together (in-person and online) in the discovery that the call to repentance isn’t merely what has so often been demonstrated to us. Rather than solely a call to turn away from sin and avoid punishment, the call to repent (or literally: to turn) is a call to turn from our many different paths, to the path of following where Jesus is leading in the way of love for God and others. Join us this weekend as we explore this idea; as we hear the saxophone and organ usher us into a Spirit of worship; and as we remember the call to follow Jesus into being fishers of people.

Here is our schedule for tomorrow, January 22nd:

9:00 AM

In-person Service of Word and Table in the sanctuary

9:00 AM

In-person Sunday School for children, youth, and adults

Our children’s classes are in the Ed. Center across from the Church building

10:30 AM

Hybrid worship service, in-person and livestreamed here

Please remember that since this service is filmed and live-streamed,

you or your family members may be on our worship recording,

which is streamed and archived on our YouTube channel.  

11:30 AM

Discussion Group, in-person and on Zoom

Join by clicking here, or use Meeting ID 875 9147 8033 and Passcode stpauls.

Important Note: Masks are optional in our building, however please remember that if you are feeling uncomfortable, or are experiencing any symptoms, you can worship with us via our livestream at 10:30 (see link above).

Grace | Peace,

Pastor Greg

Prelude: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (Mark Albrecht)

Mary Bahnfleth and Adam Henderson

Greeting

Rev. Greg Milinovich

Call to Worship (inspired by Isaiah 9:2 and Psalm 27:1)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light:

All: Let us praise the Lord, the artist of all creation!

One: A light has shone on those who have been in darkness:

All: Let us praise the Lord, whose love is redeeming all things!

One: The Lord is our light and our salvation, we need not fear!

All: Let us praise the Lord; let us adore God’s name!

Opening Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (UMH 139)

Responsive Reading: Isaiah 9:2-4

Pastor Jessica Davis

One: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.

Many: On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.

One: You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy.

Many: They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice.

One: As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them,

Many: you have broken the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their  oppressor.

Passing the Peace 

Children’s Message

Peggy Hoover

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:12-23 (NRSV)

Lou Geschwindner

Anthem: “A Covenant Prayer” (Allen Pote)

Chancel Choir

Message: “Choose a Better Way”

Rev. Greg Milinovich

Prayer Song: “I Have Decided,” verse 1 (FWS 2129)

Pastoral Prayer

Prayer Song: “I Have Decided,” verse 1, using “we” instead of “I” (FWS 2129)

The Lord’s Prayer

Offering

Closing Hymn: “The Summons” (FWS 2130)

Announcements

Benediction

Postlude: “Sonata I for Saxophone and Organ” (Denis Bédard)

Mary Bahnfleth and Adam Henderson

Discussion Questions:

• What do you typically think of when you hear the word “repent?” How does it feel to hear this word in the mouth of John the Baptist, or, as in our text today, in the mouth of Jesus?

• Pastor Greg mentioned that our text today has always been a challenging one, since it seems such a sudden and drastic movement for the first disciples. How does it feel different when held in context with our story from last week in John 1:29-42? How might it be true that Jesus is always calling us to new steps on new paths?

• Today’s message urged us to think about repentance not as a way to avoid punishment or feel bad about our sin, but as a call to turn to something better; more specifically to turn toward relationships with God and people. How does this shift your understanding of what it means to repent?