The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Le Claire is to continue to be a warm and welcoming church that actively shows the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jan 10, 2021
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship
We lift our praise to you, O Lord.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day. Psalm 71
I Lift My Eyes Up CCLI 11259100
1 I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven
Creator of the earth
2 Oh how I need You Lord, You are my only hope
You're my only prayer
So I will wait for You to come and rescue me
To come and give me life
Call to Worship
Marty: When the world is unjust and cruel,
Pastor Melody: we gather in hope
M: In moments when it is easy to see God’s presence,
P: We gather in hope.
M: We gather together as God’s people, doing God’s work in God’s world.
P: We gather in hope!
All Creatures of our God and King vs 1-4 CCLI 11259100
1 All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O sing ye! alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for thy Lord to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
that givest us both warmth and light,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Thou fertile earth, that day by day,
unfoldest blessings on your way,
O sing ye! alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God’s glory also show,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Prayer of Confession
Infinite God, there is no shortage of pain in your world. We are surrounded by unjust systems that separate your creation as though some are more deserving than others. Yet, we go along with others, too afraid of the risks you may call us to take. We see communities that are forgotten and instead of turning our attention to them, we hoard our own resources and pretend not to know what is happening outside our own doors. We know the weight of trauma that rests in the hearts of many. Forgive us when we demand that people “get over it” so that we don’t have to participate in the healing. Stir us from our settled ways. Give us hope and understanding, so that we may continually praise you, by caring for one another. Now, have mercy on us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Our continual hope is met by God’s continual grace, calling us in through the generosity of the Spirit so that we may find in Jesus Christ, a forgiveness that moves us to action. Let us be moved! Let us act! Let us give thanks! Amen.
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, we long to see Jesus. Quiet our thoughts, open our hearts. Let us hear your word read and preached, so that we might see our Lord, Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 71:1-16
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, “God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him.”
Do not be far from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long--
though I know not how to relate them all.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Sermon Hope
I’m not sure if it is the time of year or my state of mind but today’s Old Testament reading of Psalm 71 really caught my attention. In addition to Covid 19 and the promise of the vaccine, the new year also reminds us that, God-willing, we will be another year older. As one of my friends said, “Soon, I will be celebrating my 72nd trip around the sun … and I’m starting to feel my age!” It certainly sounds like the author of this Psalm was an older person, looking to make a statement, both to, him or herself, and to God. The Psalmist starts with a reminder that he is and has been faithful to God. He has looked for and found safety – refuge – a place to hide in God. As he remembers how God has shielded him, he again asks God to be his protector. “Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked.” We aren’t ever told who his enemies are – whether it is another tribe or clan, or an illness, unpaid taxes, a poor harvest or a displeased family member. Perhaps, like us, through his long life, he has had all of these and more as enemies. Doesn’t it just seem like sometimes, there is always someone after us, wanting more and more, pushing, grabbing and demanding that we give and, then, give more. Sometimes it is a person; sometimes it is our own weak bodies, failing or giving in to illness or injury.
Today’s author looks back and remembers God’s goodness and faithfulness in his own life. Of course, he doesn’t remember his own birth, but perhaps his mother told him of a challenging delivery or an unsafe political situation into which he was born. The Psalmist gives thanks that God was there, caring for him at his birth and throughout his youth. God’s continual presence strengthened and empowered the author. And, now he is an example of old age and “success” to others. Living beyond, surviving and thriving because God is present; God is faithful; God is his refuge. But, even as he praises God, he knows his own fragility and weakness. One moment he is praising God. The next line he is asking for help: “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” The Psalmist is aware; he knows even if the old enemies are gone, there are new enemies, new accusers to come after him. People who will doubt and deny God. But the Psalmist knows; he knows that God is ever present; ever faithful. So, full of hope, the author calls to God again, “Come quickly, God, to help me.” And, his prayer inspires more hope, more praise, as he speaks about God’s righteousness. Because the Psalmist has grown up in a family and atmosphere of faith, he is confident of his future, which like his past and present, will be with God.
Author Max Lucado “talks about growing old as a normal part of aging and, the next step in getting closer to our forever home. He reminds us that a flower bud is tightly closed, but opens, spreading it’s petals and fragrance, to become more beautiful. He says we don’t get a girdle or plastic surgery to keep the flower bud tight and firm; no! We celebrate and rejoice at the changing beauty, right before our eyes. Oh, that we could do that as we go one more time around the earth. Let’s celebrate who we are and what we are becoming. A colleague half-jokingly complained that soon she will be 40 years old. I reminded her that she would not be the capable, delightful, unique person she is IF she hadn’t lived those previous 39 years; that each year, every joy and sorrow, every experience taught her about love, compassion, forgiveness, strength and God. That is the gift the author of Psalm 71 has given us – a reminder that God is good and God is great; and God is here for us.
Our New Testament scripture – the baptism of Jesus reminds us that we’ve been doubly blessed. Because God in Jesus came to show us what love and forgiveness really looks like. Now, we have heard. Now we see. Just as God claimed Jesus, as His beloved Son, so too, God claims us as God’s beloved children! Now we have more. As the “father of Presbyterianism”, John Calvin says, “Now we have faith. That is, we have the firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence; (God’s goodness toward us) founded upon the truth of the promise in Christ,
(the promise of love, forgiveness and eternal life)
which is both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our Y hearts through the Holy Spirit.
When I was in Seminary, I spent one summer as a student hospital chaplain intern. This hospital was as big as the University Hospital in Iowa City; and as you can imagine it has a large emergency department. As student chaplains, we spent several weeks in the emergency department, prepared to give emotional and spiritual support to families and patients. One man left an impression on me. I might even say, he could be the author of today’s Old Testament reading. Except, maybe he wasn’t quite old enough. He was both a doctor and a son. He came to the emergency room because his 80-year-old mother was brought in by ambulance. She was in critical condition; she was not responding to treatment. The son was torn because he wanted to be involved in every medical decision and he wanted to be present for his mother. Finally, the emergency room doctor suggested that for that night, he only be “SON”. And, reluctantly, he agreed. After an hour or so, the emergency room doctor came to the waiting room to tell the son that his mother had died. Nothing more could be done. The son and I visited about his mother and her faith. He cried. We prayed. I talked about the HOPE we have in Jesus. The Son said, “I don’t have hope in Jesus. I have sure knowledge that my mother is with Jesus right now. To me, hope sounds tenuous – shaky and unsubstantiated. I have clear and firm faith that because Jesus lives, my mother lives!”
I thought that was what I was saying but it wasn’t quite what he heard. I’m glad he was able to clearly articulate what he believes and what he means. I saw with my own eyes how his belief, his faith, and yes, his hope in Christ gave him the strength to withstand this enemy; the enemy of death and dying that takes so much from us. Each of us and all of us have our own enemies; enemies otherwise called fear, doubt, political unrest at the Capital, loneliness, grief, changing health concerns, financial burdens, depression and other mental health concerns. We have several reasons to feel stressed this day and this winter season. It has been an exceptional gray winter with little sunshine. Christmas was much quieter and with fewer people this year. We still need to wear masks and stay socially distant. We are unsure when we can get the vaccination. I could go on … but you understand what I am saying. It’s a new year and yet, there are many unanswered questions! If ever you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed; perhaps too exhausted to face your enemy, then remember the psalmist, the son and … remember God’s faithfulness. A faithfulness you may have known since birth. A faithfulness that has been with you, showing you the faithful love, mercy and strength of God. Rest in that hope, your experiences, and the clear knowledge that God is Great. God is Good. And, God is for us, now and forever more. For that, we can say, Alleluia, amen!
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less CCLI 11259100
1 My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand
3 His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
4 When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
God, you have emboldened us to find your presence throughout your creation. We hear your voice in others, as voices join to ease pain and provide resources urgently needed. We see your hands in the places where health is restored, pain is relieved, and muscles are strengthened, so that other-abled persons can have fulfilling lives. We recognize your face in our brothers and sisters, those who look like us and those who are beautiful in other ways; in those who are hopeful and those who have no hope. We feel your love and joy wherever and whenever we hear the laughter of children, from one to 99 years old. We give today, so that we may celebrate these gifts of your creation and those who do your work in the world. May this offering be but a small part of the generosity and hope you have stirred in our hearts. Amen.
Holy Communion
The Prayers of the People
Gracious God,
Because we are not strong enough to pray as we should, you provide Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in power. In this confidence we ask you to accept our prayers. Strengthen pastors and Elders and church staff, that they may faithfully tell the Good News of Jesus in word and action. Help us to remember that each of us is empowered to be a vessel of love and hope for the world.
Creator of all, you entrusted the earth to the human race, yet we disrupt its peace with violence and corrupt its purity with our greed. Prevent your people from ravaging creation, so that coming generations may inherit lands brimming with life.
Sovereign God, you hold both the history of nations and the humble life of villages in your care. Preserve the people of every nation from tyrants, heal them of disease, and protect them in time of upheaval and disaster, that all may enter the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
God of mercy, hear our prayer for these the people of our church family: June, Pat and Jim, Kaye, Phyllis, Jessie, Sandy, Tom, Donna, Sue and Steve, Jan and Kirk, Sally, Gary, L.C., Paul, Pryce, Ken, Amy, Anna, Brad, Candy, Amber, Joan, Tom, Kari, Randy, Ahlgren family on the death of Mary Ahlgren and, Mission Starfish in Haiti.
Now hear us as we pray as Jesus taught us…
The Lord’s Prayer
Canto de esperanza / Song of Hope CCLI 11259100
May the God of hope go with us every day,
Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
Praying, let us work for peace,
Singing, share our joy with all,
Working for a world that's new,
Faithful when we hear Christ's call.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
Bringing light and hope to every land and race.
Jan 10, 2021
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship
We lift our praise to you, O Lord.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day. Psalm 71
I Lift My Eyes Up CCLI 11259100
1 I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven
Creator of the earth
2 Oh how I need You Lord, You are my only hope
You're my only prayer
So I will wait for You to come and rescue me
To come and give me life
Call to Worship
Marty: When the world is unjust and cruel,
Pastor Melody: we gather in hope
M: In moments when it is easy to see God’s presence,
P: We gather in hope.
M: We gather together as God’s people, doing God’s work in God’s world.
P: We gather in hope!
All Creatures of our God and King vs 1-4 CCLI 11259100
1 All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O sing ye! alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for thy Lord to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
that givest us both warmth and light,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Thou fertile earth, that day by day,
unfoldest blessings on your way,
O sing ye! alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God’s glory also show,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Prayer of Confession
Infinite God, there is no shortage of pain in your world. We are surrounded by unjust systems that separate your creation as though some are more deserving than others. Yet, we go along with others, too afraid of the risks you may call us to take. We see communities that are forgotten and instead of turning our attention to them, we hoard our own resources and pretend not to know what is happening outside our own doors. We know the weight of trauma that rests in the hearts of many. Forgive us when we demand that people “get over it” so that we don’t have to participate in the healing. Stir us from our settled ways. Give us hope and understanding, so that we may continually praise you, by caring for one another. Now, have mercy on us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Our continual hope is met by God’s continual grace, calling us in through the generosity of the Spirit so that we may find in Jesus Christ, a forgiveness that moves us to action. Let us be moved! Let us act! Let us give thanks! Amen.
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, we long to see Jesus. Quiet our thoughts, open our hearts. Let us hear your word read and preached, so that we might see our Lord, Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 71:1-16
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, “God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him.”
Do not be far from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long--
though I know not how to relate them all.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Sermon Hope
I’m not sure if it is the time of year or my state of mind but today’s Old Testament reading of Psalm 71 really caught my attention. In addition to Covid 19 and the promise of the vaccine, the new year also reminds us that, God-willing, we will be another year older. As one of my friends said, “Soon, I will be celebrating my 72nd trip around the sun … and I’m starting to feel my age!” It certainly sounds like the author of this Psalm was an older person, looking to make a statement, both to, him or herself, and to God. The Psalmist starts with a reminder that he is and has been faithful to God. He has looked for and found safety – refuge – a place to hide in God. As he remembers how God has shielded him, he again asks God to be his protector. “Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked.” We aren’t ever told who his enemies are – whether it is another tribe or clan, or an illness, unpaid taxes, a poor harvest or a displeased family member. Perhaps, like us, through his long life, he has had all of these and more as enemies. Doesn’t it just seem like sometimes, there is always someone after us, wanting more and more, pushing, grabbing and demanding that we give and, then, give more. Sometimes it is a person; sometimes it is our own weak bodies, failing or giving in to illness or injury.
Today’s author looks back and remembers God’s goodness and faithfulness in his own life. Of course, he doesn’t remember his own birth, but perhaps his mother told him of a challenging delivery or an unsafe political situation into which he was born. The Psalmist gives thanks that God was there, caring for him at his birth and throughout his youth. God’s continual presence strengthened and empowered the author. And, now he is an example of old age and “success” to others. Living beyond, surviving and thriving because God is present; God is faithful; God is his refuge. But, even as he praises God, he knows his own fragility and weakness. One moment he is praising God. The next line he is asking for help: “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” The Psalmist is aware; he knows even if the old enemies are gone, there are new enemies, new accusers to come after him. People who will doubt and deny God. But the Psalmist knows; he knows that God is ever present; ever faithful. So, full of hope, the author calls to God again, “Come quickly, God, to help me.” And, his prayer inspires more hope, more praise, as he speaks about God’s righteousness. Because the Psalmist has grown up in a family and atmosphere of faith, he is confident of his future, which like his past and present, will be with God.
Author Max Lucado “talks about growing old as a normal part of aging and, the next step in getting closer to our forever home. He reminds us that a flower bud is tightly closed, but opens, spreading it’s petals and fragrance, to become more beautiful. He says we don’t get a girdle or plastic surgery to keep the flower bud tight and firm; no! We celebrate and rejoice at the changing beauty, right before our eyes. Oh, that we could do that as we go one more time around the earth. Let’s celebrate who we are and what we are becoming. A colleague half-jokingly complained that soon she will be 40 years old. I reminded her that she would not be the capable, delightful, unique person she is IF she hadn’t lived those previous 39 years; that each year, every joy and sorrow, every experience taught her about love, compassion, forgiveness, strength and God. That is the gift the author of Psalm 71 has given us – a reminder that God is good and God is great; and God is here for us.
Our New Testament scripture – the baptism of Jesus reminds us that we’ve been doubly blessed. Because God in Jesus came to show us what love and forgiveness really looks like. Now, we have heard. Now we see. Just as God claimed Jesus, as His beloved Son, so too, God claims us as God’s beloved children! Now we have more. As the “father of Presbyterianism”, John Calvin says, “Now we have faith. That is, we have the firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence; (God’s goodness toward us) founded upon the truth of the promise in Christ,
(the promise of love, forgiveness and eternal life)
which is both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our Y hearts through the Holy Spirit.
When I was in Seminary, I spent one summer as a student hospital chaplain intern. This hospital was as big as the University Hospital in Iowa City; and as you can imagine it has a large emergency department. As student chaplains, we spent several weeks in the emergency department, prepared to give emotional and spiritual support to families and patients. One man left an impression on me. I might even say, he could be the author of today’s Old Testament reading. Except, maybe he wasn’t quite old enough. He was both a doctor and a son. He came to the emergency room because his 80-year-old mother was brought in by ambulance. She was in critical condition; she was not responding to treatment. The son was torn because he wanted to be involved in every medical decision and he wanted to be present for his mother. Finally, the emergency room doctor suggested that for that night, he only be “SON”. And, reluctantly, he agreed. After an hour or so, the emergency room doctor came to the waiting room to tell the son that his mother had died. Nothing more could be done. The son and I visited about his mother and her faith. He cried. We prayed. I talked about the HOPE we have in Jesus. The Son said, “I don’t have hope in Jesus. I have sure knowledge that my mother is with Jesus right now. To me, hope sounds tenuous – shaky and unsubstantiated. I have clear and firm faith that because Jesus lives, my mother lives!”
I thought that was what I was saying but it wasn’t quite what he heard. I’m glad he was able to clearly articulate what he believes and what he means. I saw with my own eyes how his belief, his faith, and yes, his hope in Christ gave him the strength to withstand this enemy; the enemy of death and dying that takes so much from us. Each of us and all of us have our own enemies; enemies otherwise called fear, doubt, political unrest at the Capital, loneliness, grief, changing health concerns, financial burdens, depression and other mental health concerns. We have several reasons to feel stressed this day and this winter season. It has been an exceptional gray winter with little sunshine. Christmas was much quieter and with fewer people this year. We still need to wear masks and stay socially distant. We are unsure when we can get the vaccination. I could go on … but you understand what I am saying. It’s a new year and yet, there are many unanswered questions! If ever you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed; perhaps too exhausted to face your enemy, then remember the psalmist, the son and … remember God’s faithfulness. A faithfulness you may have known since birth. A faithfulness that has been with you, showing you the faithful love, mercy and strength of God. Rest in that hope, your experiences, and the clear knowledge that God is Great. God is Good. And, God is for us, now and forever more. For that, we can say, Alleluia, amen!
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less CCLI 11259100
1 My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand
3 His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
4 When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
God, you have emboldened us to find your presence throughout your creation. We hear your voice in others, as voices join to ease pain and provide resources urgently needed. We see your hands in the places where health is restored, pain is relieved, and muscles are strengthened, so that other-abled persons can have fulfilling lives. We recognize your face in our brothers and sisters, those who look like us and those who are beautiful in other ways; in those who are hopeful and those who have no hope. We feel your love and joy wherever and whenever we hear the laughter of children, from one to 99 years old. We give today, so that we may celebrate these gifts of your creation and those who do your work in the world. May this offering be but a small part of the generosity and hope you have stirred in our hearts. Amen.
Holy Communion
The Prayers of the People
Gracious God,
Because we are not strong enough to pray as we should, you provide Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in power. In this confidence we ask you to accept our prayers. Strengthen pastors and Elders and church staff, that they may faithfully tell the Good News of Jesus in word and action. Help us to remember that each of us is empowered to be a vessel of love and hope for the world.
Creator of all, you entrusted the earth to the human race, yet we disrupt its peace with violence and corrupt its purity with our greed. Prevent your people from ravaging creation, so that coming generations may inherit lands brimming with life.
Sovereign God, you hold both the history of nations and the humble life of villages in your care. Preserve the people of every nation from tyrants, heal them of disease, and protect them in time of upheaval and disaster, that all may enter the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
God of mercy, hear our prayer for these the people of our church family: June, Pat and Jim, Kaye, Phyllis, Jessie, Sandy, Tom, Donna, Sue and Steve, Jan and Kirk, Sally, Gary, L.C., Paul, Pryce, Ken, Amy, Anna, Brad, Candy, Amber, Joan, Tom, Kari, Randy, Ahlgren family on the death of Mary Ahlgren and, Mission Starfish in Haiti.
Now hear us as we pray as Jesus taught us…
The Lord’s Prayer
Canto de esperanza / Song of Hope CCLI 11259100
May the God of hope go with us every day,
Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
Praying, let us work for peace,
Singing, share our joy with all,
Working for a world that's new,
Faithful when we hear Christ's call.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
Bringing light and hope to every land and race.