Worship January 29nd, 2023
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 29, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning
Ministers: Rev. Susan Lassalle, Rev. Aaron Ochart
Please silence all cell phones.
Please fill out the attendance sheet.
Bold face indicates congregational participation.
* Please stand, in body or spirit
GATHERING
OPENING WORSHIP [GTG 452] “Open the Eyes of My Heart”
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you, I want to see you. (Repeat)
To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory.
Pour out your power and love as we sing “Holy, holy, holy.”
Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy, I want to see you.
WORDS OF WELCOME
ADORATION
CALL TO WORSHIP Matthew 5:3-11
*SONG [GTG 172] “Blest are They”
Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the Kingdom of God!
CONFESSION
CALL TO CONFESSION Matthew 5:17-20
‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Matthew 5:13-16
Let us pray: ‘We are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
‘We are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, we should let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Matthew 7:7-11
‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
*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.
PROCLAMATION
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
INTRODUCTION
FIRST LESSON Matthew 5:21-26
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
REFLECTION the Rev. Susan Lassalle
SECOND LESSON Matthew 5:38-42
‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
REFLECTION the Rev. Aaron Ochart
RESPONSE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21, 24-34
OFFERTORY “He Knows My Name” by Francesca Battistelli -Kelly
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
*SONG [GTG 444] “Forgive our Sins and We Forgive”
“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” you taught us, Lord, to pray,
but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.
PRAYERS Matthew 6:5-18, 22-23
‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
‘Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
*SONG [GTG 444] “Forgive our Sins and We Forgive”
“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” you taught us, Lord, to pray,
but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say
‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
*SONG [GTG 444] “Forgive our Sins and We Forgive”
“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” you taught us, Lord, to pray,
but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.
CLOSING LESSON (Aaron) Matthew 7:1-6, 12-23
‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.
‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.
‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.”
CLOSING SONG “In the Secret” Andy Park
In the secret, in the quiet place. In the stillness you are there.
in the secret, in the quiet hour I wait, only for you,
‘cause I want to know you more.
[Refrain] I want to know you, I want to hear your voice,
I want to know you more.
I want to touch you, I want to see your face,
I want to know you more.
I am reaching for the highest goal. That I might receive the prize.
Pressing onward, pushing every hindrance aside, out of my way,
‘Cause I want to know you more. [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION (Susan)
‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’
*RESPONSE [Music in Pew] “Prepare the way of the Lord ”
Prepare the way of the Lord prepare the way of the Lord
And all peoples will see the salvation of our God.
POSTLUDE I Sing the Mighty Power of God Phillip Keveren
Participating in today’s service are The Rev. Susan Lasalle, the Rev. Aaron Ochart; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett Music Director; Kelly Cuppett, Assistant Music Director, and Molly Guinan, Little Farms Music Girector. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service.
The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
Announcements:
Devotional Spotlight: This week’s devotional is:Tell The Story: 40 Devotions with Reflections on Black History
By: Our Daily Bread. Tell the Story, allows you to hear about visionaries like Opal Lee, Richard Allen, and Benjamin Mays in this 40-day devotional from the Voices Collection of Our Daily Bread Ministries. Each day, inspire your own faith with a different testimony that includes relevant Scripture. Hear how each trailblazer looked to God and, against the odds, maintained dignity, served the community, sought social justice, and grew historic organizations and institutions.
Annual Meeting: our service on February 5th will serve as our annual meeting. This gives us all a chance to celebrate with the session and staff all that was accomplished in 2022, and to look ahead to the coming year. The church budget will be presented, and Aaron’s Terms of Call will be voted on.
Updated Directory: Last Call for updated information for the directory. We need everyone to check all your information and to give us a current picture we can use for the directory. We prefer a digital copy of a picture and can crop a picture as needed. However a hard copy is also okay, just give it to Louise.
All Church Work Day: Would you like to spend some time giving back to the church? Join us for the all church work day on Feb. 4th. We will have sandwiches and snacks. We will have jobs for all skill levels, from painting and weeding to more complicated projects like fixing the leaky sink. Please sign-up in the Narthex or email Louise. Do you have a project around the church you think needs to get done, let us know and we will try to add it to the list.
The Great Key Collection of 2023: If you have a key to the church, fellowship hall or any other building on the grounds that you no longer need please turn it into the office.
2023 Offering Envelopes: Boxes of offering envelopes are available in the Narthex. Grab a box to make your weekly offering a little easier.
worship January 22nd, 2023
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
January 22nd, 2023; Ten Thirty in the morning
Minister: Reverend Aaron Ochart
Liturgist: Beverly Ross
Please fill out the attendance pad.
Bold face indicates congregational participation.
* Please stand, in body or spirit
THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN
PRELUDE This Little Light of Mine setting by John A. Behnke
featuring David Russo, drums
PROCESSIONAL HYMN [Purple 749] “Come! Live in the Light”
- Come, live in the light Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord
We are called to be light for the kingdom
To live in the freedom of the city of God
Chorus: We are called to act with justice We are called to love tenderly
We are called to serve one another To walk humbly with God
2.Come, open your heart Show your mercy to all those in fear
We are called to be hope for the hopeless
So hatred and violence will be no more (chorus)
WORDS OF WELCOME
MINUTE FOR THE CHURCH
CALL TO WORSHIP Luke 4:18, 21
ONE: Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
MANY: May the word of God be fulfilled among us.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
*HYMN OF THE MONTH [Music in Pew] “Let us Build a House”
- Let us build a house Where love can dwell and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.
- Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.
- Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
REPENTANCE
CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from one another. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another. We allow the past to hold us captive.
In your loving-kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Fulfill the promises of our baptism, so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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.
THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 5:1-20
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.
MANY: Thanks be to God
SERMON “Upside Down Kingdom” Rev. Aaron Ochart
THE WORD MADE FLESH
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Confession of Belhar
We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ;
that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witness both by word and by deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells…
that the credibility of this message is seriously affected and its beneficial work obstructed when it is proclaimed in a land which professes to be Christian, but in which the enforced separation of people on a racial basis promotes and perpetuates alienation, hatred and enmity…
Therefore, we reject any doctrine which, in such a situation sanctions in the name of the gospel or of the will of God the forced separation of people on the grounds of race and color and thereby in advance obstructs and weakens the ministry and experience of reconciliation in Christ.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY “Blessed Are They” Natalie Sleeth
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORDS PRAYER
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.
*HYMN [Hymnal #341] Blessed Assurance
1 Blessed assurance,Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
2 Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain)
3 Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with His goodness, lost in His love. (Refrain).
*PARTING PRAYER
Holy God, you sent your Son to be baptized among sinners, to seek and save the lost. May we, who have been baptized in his name, never turn away from the world, but reach out in love to call others like us; by the mercy of Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*RESPONSE [Music in Pew] “Prepare the way of the Lord ”
Prepare the way of the Lord prepare the way of the Lord
And all peoples will see the salvation of our God.
POSTLUDE “This Little Light of Mine” setting by John A. Behnke
featuring David Russo, drums
Flowers were given in Memory of “Mr. Gunner” Peterson (1923-2016), who would have been 100 on January 21st, by Ann Trapani.
Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland, Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. .
The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
Announcements:
Devotional Spotlight: Do you want to grow deeper in faith with a Daily Devotional but don’t know where to start? Each week we will highlight a devotional book you might like to try. This week’s devotional is: Liberating Love Daily Devotional: 365 Love Notes from God When the world is scary and comfort is in short supply, Sandhya Rani Jha’s Liberating Love Daily Devotional provides a daily message of encouragement. In 365 “love notes from God,” dated for each day of the year, hear the voice of our loving God connecting your life with the Bible’s many stories of imperfect people facing real challenges. Drawing from all 66 books of the Bible, each devotion includes scripture, a brief meditation, and a word of hope, encouragement, and challenge that will help you foster a deeper relationship with God and with the great diversity of God’s beloved children. If you’ve never found a devotional for your inclusive values, Liberating Love is for you.
Updated Directory: We would like to Kick off 2023 with an updated picture directory. But we need your help to do this, you can respond via email or in person, but we need a response from everyone. For those that prefer online you will receive an email with a current directory. If you prefer a hard copy there will be one on the table in the narthex. We need everyone to check all your information and to give us a current picture we can use for the directory. We prefer a digital copy of a picture and can crop a picture as needed.
Fifth Sunday Fun: Don’t forget we will have Donuts and games during our Sunday School hour on 1/29. Join us for some bible family fun.
All Church Work Day: Would you like to spend some time giving back to the church? Join us for the all church work day on Feb. 4th. We will have jobs for all skill levels, from painting and weeding to more complicated projects like fixing the leaky sink. Please sign-up in the Narthex or email Louise. Do you have a project around the church you think needs to get done, let us know and we will try to add it to the list.
The Great Key Collection of 2023: If you have a key to the church, fellowship hall or any other building on the grounds that you no longer need please turn it into the office.
2023 Offering Envelopes: Boxes of offering envelopes are available in the Narthex. Grab a box to make your weekly offering a little easier.
Flowers: Flowers were given in Memory of “Mr. Gunner” Peterson (1923-2016), who would have been 100 on January 21st, by Ann Trapani.
Birthdays: Claire Russo 1/23, Sheryl 1/24, Valerie Corcoran 1/24