Service for the Lord’s Day, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 30, 2005, 10:30 a.m.

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE                                         Processional of Joy                                         H. Hopson

                                                Lord of Glory, Who Hast Bought Us                              P. Manz

                                                         Festive Trumpet Tune                                        D. German

CARILLON, WELCOME, REGISTRATION, ANNOUNCEMENTS

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                            Micah 6: 6-8 (NRSV)

            Leader 1:  With what shall I come before the Lord,

                         and bow myself before God on High?

Leader 2:  Shall I come before God with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

Leader 1: Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

                         with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

Leader 2:  Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

                         the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

People:  God has told you, O mortal, what is good:

      And what does the Lord require of you

                        but to do justice, and to love kindness,

                        and to walk humbly with your God?

*LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN #464                                            Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

*CONFESSION OF WHO WE ARE                                                            on Micah 6:8/wrl

Leader: The Lord requires justice, kindness, and our humble walk.

Unison: Lord, we justify injustice with, “Life isn’t fair,”

                    while you require justice.

Kindness takes time, to listen, inquire, respond, or just accompany;

                     and we don’t take time.

And we Americans admire the swagger and strut,

                     the raised fist of champions;

                     while you require the humble walk.

Forgive us. Speak more insistently to us;

And help us find the outstretched hand of Jesus to lead us.

          (time for silent, personal confession)  Amen.

* RESPONSE # 572                                                                                    Lord, Have Mercy

*ASSURANCE OF WHOSE WE ARE

Leader: Peter declares, “Everyone who believes in Christ

     receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

     Know that your own sins are forgiven,

                             and forgive those who sin against you.

*RESPONSE                                                                                                              Alleluia

*THE PEACE

Leader: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

People: Peace be with you.

(Worshipers exchange words and gestures of the peace of the Lord)

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

LESSON FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT                                       Micah 6: 1-8 (NRSV)

ANTHEM                Hear My Prayer                                             M. Hogan

WORD WITH CHILDREN

LESSON FROM THE GOSPEL                                                   Matthew 5: 1-12 (NRSV)

 SERMON                                                                                                             “Contender”

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

AN OFFERING OF OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES

Call to Respond

Offertory                                 Amazing Grace                                      arr. J. Althouse                               

            *Doxology #592                                     Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Prayer of Dedication

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & INTERCESSION, THE LORD’S PRAYER

DEPART IN GOD’S NAME

*HYMN # 420                                                                          God of Grace and God of Glory

*CHARGE & BENEDICTION

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE # 540                God Be with You Till We Meet Again

*POSTLUDE                                            God of Grace P. Manz

*Congregation stands as able

Next Week’s Script. Readings: Exod. 24: 12-18; Ps. 2 or Ps. 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matt. 17: 1-9