January 26, 2025 Third Sunday after Epiphany (Green)
Prayer Focus: Our Nation During a Time of Transition
Welcome to worship at Central!
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to worship at Central where it is our mission to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors. Our clergy, Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Dr. Ann Kovan, and Rev. Meg Jiunnies, are grateful you’ve chosen to make Central a part of your day! If it is your first time worshiping with us, please fill out a Connect Card and bring it to the Welcome Center where you will receive a gift from the church. Once again, welcome!
Sermon Series: Where You Are
This season between Epiphany and Lent is a way of walking with Jesus as we are making and being made into disciples. This series invites you to look at where you are. We begin with the familiar and the over-familiar, peering at what we’ve seen so much that we don’t see it anymore. But we need to look; we need to see because this is where we are.
Sermon Note
Sometimes everyday things can give us new insight into God’s activity. Jesus stood up to read the scroll–a typical activity at a regular worship service. Yet, in the midst of this customary activity, Jesus speaks of himself as the Messiah.
New Members
This Sunday in The Well, we will receive David and Michael Flegler as new members. Please join us in welcoming them and their sons, Adam and Evan, to Central!
GATHERING
PARISH CONCERNS
Order of Worship
The People Come Together in the Lord’s Name
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY ..............................................................................................
Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower
Jacob B. Weber
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: God calls us to build communities of faith:
People: to build bridges of understanding and seek justice.
Leader: God calls us to advance God’s reign by fulfilling the promises of Scripture: People: to preach the good news of God’s love.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 157 .......................................................................................
DUKE STREET
Jesus Shall Reign
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 881 ..................................................................................... Apostles’ Creed
*GLORIA PATRI 71 ........................................................................................................... GREATOREX
Glory Be to the Father
COLLECT AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Holy One, we thank you for the gift of the Bible, for its psalms and poems, its stories, histories, teachings, and prophecies. May the Holy Spirit who called out those ancient writings continue to call us out today, that our lives may reflect the first sermon of Jesus, who brings good news to the poor and lets the oppressed go free. Through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON .......................................................................
Nehemiah
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM .............................................................................................................................
How Beautiful Upon the Mountains
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that publisheth salvation. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings, that publisheth peace, that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth.
EPISTLE LESSON
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 750 (R1) .........................................................................................................
CHILDREN’S TIME
(Children are invited to the chancel. Following Children’s Time, children in 3K-1st grade will go with a leader to Children’s Church and may be picked up in room #145 or #147 after the service.)
*HYMN 194 ..........................................................................................................................
