February 4 – Source of Strength

Today we break bread together, celebrating open communion as is the tradition of the United Church of Christ. Take a moment to gather the elements so we may gather at Christ’s table as one. All are welcome.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Amazing Grace

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Sue Wilson
One: Let your light shine, people of God!
All: Let us give glory to God!
One: You and I are blessed!
All: We are called to be God’s light in the world!
One: We can be the salt of the earth.
All: God is within each one of us, inviting us to live with flair and flavor!
One: No eye has seen,
All: No ear has heard,
One: No human imagination has envisioned,
All: What God has prepared for those who love God.

*HYMN – We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer – #27

We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
We lay it before Thee, We kneel and adore Thee,
We bless Thy holy name: glad praises we sing.

We worship Thee, God of our fathers, we bless Thee,
Thru life’s storm and tempest our Guide hast Thou been;
When perils o’er take us, escape Thou wilt make us,
And with Thy help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united our praises we offer,
To Thee, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise;
Thy strong arm will guide us, our God is beside us,
To Thee, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Sue Wilson
Living God, you are our joy and our salvation. Through your supreme power, you bring all creation to life. God of astonishing love; we are grateful to you for teaching us your truth. Draw us away from the ways of the world. Empty us of all that would injure or harm. Help us to realize that you are alive within all creation. Lead us to treasure your closeness.
We depend on you, God. You are our Savior; no one else besides you. Your Living Water cleanses; and your Living Word gives life. Come, Holy Spirit; wash over us. Come as light in our darkness. Come as new life to the weary. Come as strength to our weakness. Take us – soul, body and mind. Come, Holy Spirit; we need you now. Guide us to live with grace and compassion. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 40:21-31 – Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Well with My Soul

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:29-39

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Take Time to Be Holy – #171

Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, With Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive Beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Believing the Table of Jesus Christ is open to all, the United Church of Christ celebrates Open Communion. All who desire to share in the Sacrament are welcome to receive the bread and the cup. The cups in the outer circle on the communion tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – The Solid Rock – #315

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

Refrain:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on HIs unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my sould gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in HIm be found;
Dressed in HIs righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit