ORDER OF WORSHIP
JANUARY 26, 2025 10:30 AM
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
PRELUDE Mary Lee Farris, Organ
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 319)
Leader: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
PEOPLE: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
Leader: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
PEOPLE: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
Leader: Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
PEOPLE: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
INVOCATION
O God, we come together to explore the meaning of our membership in the body of Christ. As we examine ourselves, keep us mindful of the example you have sent to us as the head of your church and ours and guide our reflection of the life of Jesus in our own lives. Amen. This we pray in the name of our Savior, Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Red #130
CALL TO CONFESSION
We often need to be reminded that although we are liberated by the truthful example of Jesus’s message of love and grace, we still fail and fall. Let us come together not only in confessing to our shortcomings, but in wishing for a greater understanding of our Lord. Join me in prayer.
PRAYER OF UNDERSTANDING
Most merciful God, we admit that even though the truth of Jesus sets us free, we seldom live as truly free people. Forgive us our arrogance and show us how we are utterly dependent upon your grace, knowing that the goodness we possess comes from you and your infinite love. This we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Friends in faith, we know we can never truly understand the vast dimensions of God’s love but know that God understands us by the grace of Jesus. Amen.
**GLORIA PATRI (Avery & Marsh, back cover of the Red Hymnal)
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- Nicene Creed, adapted
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Spoken through the Prophets, worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sin. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the eternal life to come. Amen.
**HYMN OF PRAISE “How Great Thou Art” Red # 21
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Guide us, O God, by your Word, and Holy Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover peace; through Christ our Lord, Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 61: 1-4 Libby Szymanowicz
GOSPEL READING: Luke 4: 14-21
SERMON MESSAGE: All Eyes Were on Him John Redman, CRE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORDS PRAYER
And Lord we pray for those in our own hearts whose names you already know, for their own healing and comfort, in your name and that of our redeemer Jesus Christ, who taught to pray, saying:
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 and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
TITHES and OFFERINGS:
It is right to share our abundance with those who have less or need more. May what we offer here help to be the answer of the prayers of others in the name of Jesus, Amen.
OFFERTORY “Let the Words of My Mouth”
**DOXOLOGY Traditional
** PRAYER OF THANKS
Gracious God, accept our gifts that they may be used wisely in your service for those who hunger, or thirst, or merely seek a greater understanding of your love. This we gratefully pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
HYMN OF PARTING “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” Red #834
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “God’s Glory Fills the Heavens” Mary Lee Farris, Piano
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954

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