Order of Worship

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

BOLD indicates congregational SPEAKING participation

GATHERING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

Prelude

We, Thy People, Praise Thee

UMH #67

 (in-person only) 

Welcome and Sharing of Announcements

A Time to Make Connections

Introit

“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”

Adult Choir 

by Helen H. Lemmel

Call to Worship

Liturgist: We come seeking God,

People: the one who guides us and protects us.

Liturgist: People of God, there is nothing to fear,.

People: for God dwells in our hearts.

Liturgist: Let us shout with joy, for God is here!

People: Let us sing praises to the Holy One!. AMEN.

Opening Prayer

God of light, we come tired and weary, carrying many burdens. We come wondering if you are even here. We come seeking your face, seeking your love. In this moment, Holy one, open our hearts to the mystery of your love. Remind us that you are always with us and that you never leave us. AMEN.

Opening Hymn

 “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”  

TFWS #2146

Message in Music

“If You Search With All Your Heart”

Adult Choir

by Craig Courtney

(based on Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Children's Time

Courtney Till

(In- person only)

Joys and Concerns

(In- person only)

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Prayer Response

“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”

UMH #500 (verses 1 & 3)

ATTENTION TO THE WORD OF GOD

  Scripture Readings:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

12 But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; 13 esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. 15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets, 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.

Job 23:3, 8-9

3 “Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling!  

8 “If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; 9 on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.   

Liturgist: The word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.  

Message

 “Attention is the Beginning of Devotion”

 Mark Beatty

We Respond

Offering

 “Be Thou My Vision” 

UMH #451

Doxology

 UMH #95

Offertory Prayer

Loving God, light of the world, we thank you for these gifts. May they share your joy and your hope, bringing reconciliation and help to those seeking to walk in your ways. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“In the Garden”

UMH #314

The Blessing and Sending Forth

Brothers and Sisters, siblings in Christ, may the light of God shine in our lives. May the love of Christ fill our days. And may the power of the Holy Spirit guide us always. Go in peace. Amen.

Postlude

Allegro

Franz Joseph Haydn

(Worship material comes from

The Abingdon Worship Annual 2023 (pp. 7-8)