FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 4, 2018 Dorchester United Church
Wherever you are, whoever you are, Join us in our Journey!
WE GATHER TO PRAISE GOD
TO PONDER
: Isaiah says that God created the whole earth. If we are part of the
created order, how can we stand idly by and not help to renew the scarred
creation?
MUSICAL PRELUDE
HYMN:
"God, whose almighty word" V.U. 313
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
God cares for each of us.
The breath of God sustains our very lives.
God is not moved by the power plays of our leaders.
God listens to the cries of the helpless.
God will come to the aid of all who trust in God's mercy.
We gather to celebrate a love that surpasses our understanding.
OPENING PRAYER
Gracious God, You are beyond our farthest reach, yet You remain
intimately connected to every one of us. Release within us the power of
Your boundless compassion, that with fresh vision we may behold the
splendour of Your creation and commit ourselves with new energy to Your
work of healing in the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
It was a bright day in the city when Jesus came.
His presence outshone the sun.
His power to heal the people was the sign that God's reign had truly
arrived,
The light of the Christ candle keeps every hope alive.
A PRAYER FOR THE DAY
We are a lost people, O God.
Show us the way.
We are a needy people, O God.
Be our comfort and strength.
We are a restless people, O God.
Be our purpose and peace.
We are a hungry people, O God.
Be our food and drink.
RESPONSE: V.U. 400
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.
PASTORAL PRAYER
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERTORY RESPONSE:
For food in a world where many walk in hunger, for friends in a world where
many walk alone, for faith in a world where many walk in fear, we give you
thanks, O God. V.U. 552
OFFERTORY PRAYER: O God, we find it easier to speak of giving our lives
to You, but harder to trust You with the concrete stuff of our days.
May our trust lead to obedience and our obedience lead to giving. May
these gifts become hope and light for the world. We pray for Your
blessing in the name of Jesus. AMEN