Worship Service
February 7, 2021
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
The actual service begins about 15 minutes into the recordings
A TRIBUTE TO DON AND SYLVIA VONADA
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
Dear Lord, we begin today by giving you thanks. Your love endures forever, it never fails. Though there are many ways in which we have failed, we have not exceeded the supply of your mercy and grace. We thank you for revealing yourself to us through your word.
As we prepare to worship today, we pray that we will hear your voice. We ask that your Holy Spirit will be at work, opening our ears to hear and our hearts to receive your word. May we be transformed into your likeness, and spread your love through acts of kindness and good deeds. May we, on this day, and every day, be messengers of your peace.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
SONG – “Gather Us In” – #2236 The Faith We Sing
CHILDREN’S TIME
SONG – “A Place at the Table” – #3149 Worship and Song
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of Jesus Christ
1 CORINTHIANS 9:16-23 (NASB)
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a commission nonetheless. 18 What, then, is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the Law, I became as one under the Law, though not being under the Law myself, so that I might gain those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without the Law, I became as one without the Law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might gain those who are without the Law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. 23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
GOOD NEWS – All Things to All People?
SONG – “Come to the Table of Grace” – #3168 Worship and Song
THE HOLY COMMUNION
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
Leader: Let us in our many places receive the gift of God, the bread of heaven.
Unison: We are one in Christ in the bread we share.
Leader: Let us with our many needs and many blessings, receive the gift of God, the cup of blessing.
Unison: We are one in Christ in the cup we share.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Spirit of Christ, we give thanks for this grace, from our deep heritage of sanctuary Eucharists and community meals, and from our personal memories of many generous plates and your Holy Supper. Wrap your hopeful presence around all whose bodies, spirits and hearts need healing or hope, and let us become your compassionate spoon, your safe refuge. May we be lifted up to serve you and all your children in the world. Amen
PRAYER FOR THE FOOD MINISTRY OFFERING
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE (OFFERING)
Pastor: God wants our love more than God wants our offerings; God cares about our hearts not the amounts of our offerings. (Hosea 6:6).
All: As we count all the blessings God has already given to us, we cheerfully give our offerings to God, the Provider, with grateful hearts. Amen! (2 Corinthians 9:7).
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We are SENT in the Power of the Holy Spirit
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING AND SENDING
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you, my friends.
Go and share the love of God, love that never ends.
CLOSING SONG – Pass It On (Piano only)