Sunday January 21, 2024 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE — Christ, Mighty Savior — Anne Krentz Organ
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
“God, I want to give You every minute of this new year.  I shall try to keep You in mind every moment of my waking hours…. I shall try to let You be the speaker and direct every word.  I shall try to let You direct my acts.  I shall try to learn Your language.” —  Frank C. Laubach

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                        
People of God, worship the living God today!
       Remember that out of nothing God created the heavens and earth.
Remember that God raised Jesus from the powerlessness of death to the power of his right hand.
       Remember that not even the gates of hell can stand against God’s purposes. Behold our God, who reigns now and forever!  Let us exalt God’s name together!

PRAISE AND ADORATION

*HYMN OF PRAISE  757 — “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples” — KINGSFOLD
(*Please stand if you are able)         

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                                                 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Most gracious and most merciful God, we confess to you and to one another that time after time we have entered your presence with countless prayers, but with hearts that have been closed to your grace.  We have lifted our hands to you in praise, but our feet have still walked in the ways of evil.  We have rehearsed your commandments, but have refused to see your face in the needs of our neighbor.  We pray, Lord, that you forgive our lack of faith and pardon our acts of injustice.  Grant us the healing that comes from your presence and the cleansing of your all-powerful Word, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION

KYRIE ELEISON (#434) — Restore in Us, O God — BAYLOR

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                 

*GLORIA PATRI (#447) — We Are Forgiven — WE ARE FORGIVEN                                                                                                                                          

WELCOME               
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for a time with Dr. Zieman

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES

THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON — Jonah 3: 1-5, 10 — page 753 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

JOYS AND CONCERNS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord’s 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.

ANTHEM — Largo from Sonata in E minor — Antonio Vivaldi  

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

THE GOSPEL LESSON— Mark 1: 14-20 — page 812 of the pew Bible  
The Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

SERMON — “The Journey of Your Life” — Dr. Zieman

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — from The Declaration of Faith
In forming his people and sending them into the world Jesus called individuals to be disciples. They were to share the joy of his companionship, to understand and obey his teachings, and to follow him in life and death. We confess that Christians today are called to discipleship. Life shared with Christ and shaped by Christ is God’s undeserved gift to each of us. It is also God’s demand upon every one of us, never perfectly fulfilled by any of us. Forgiven by God and supported by our siblings in Christ, we strive to become more faithful and effective in our daily practice of the Christian life.

*SANCTUS (#572) — Holy, Holy, Holy — SANCTUS (Pavlechko)

RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY — Allegro from Sonata in E minor — Antonio Vivaldi  

*DOXOLOGY (#607) — Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore.  Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of all things.  Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts.  With them we offer ourselves to your service and dedicate our lives to the care and redemption of all that you have made, for the sake of him who gave himself for us—Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

*HYMN OF DEDICATION #726 — Will You Come and Follow Me — KELVINGROVE

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE — Go Now in Peace — Don Besig

POSTLUDE — Recessional Toccata