A STORY-SHAPED GOD: READING GENESIS
JANUARY 26
Pursuit: Jacob and Esau
GENESIS 33:1-11
A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives
WORSHIP LEADERS
Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Senior Pastor
Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen
Associate Pastor of Care
Rev. Sara B. Dorrien-Christians
Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministries
Braden Pretzsch
Liturgist
Sanctuary Choir
Dr. Michelle Louer
Director of Music and Fine Arts
Dr. John Allegar
Organist and Assistant Director of Music and Fine Arts
PROCESSION
Acolytes
Adalena Dykstra
Marco Elia
Element Bearer
Kathy Lee
Ewer Bearer
Carolyn Dederer
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Lindy Carlstrom Crimmins, with children Calvin & Sam
Alexandra Davie
Monica Dick
Bill Grubb
Catherine Johnson & Bryan Scott
Brian Jones
Joseph Julian Meghan & Mark Sibla, with children Max & Mira
All music in this service used by permission: CCLI License #719352; OneLicense #A-715008; or public domain.
WELCOME FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Following today’s Word with Children, children ages 4 through grade 8 may remain with their families or depart for Children’s Choir. If departing, please assure your child is wearing a green nametag. Children’s Choir pickup will be on the first floor in room 112. Childcare is available on the second floor for infants through age 3.
VISUAL AND HEARING ASSISTANCE
Please speak to an usher if you need a large print bulletin, large print hymnal, or an assistive listening device.
Prelude
January 26, 2025
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
We Come Together as God’s People
Intermezzo (from Folk Song Suite) Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) Dr. John Allegar, organ arr. Sarah Palmer
Prelude on an English Folk Song (O WALY WALY) Andrew Unsworth (b. 1970)
Welcome Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Reception of New Members
Choral Call to Worship
Rev. Michael M. Samson
Cry Out and Shout Knut Nystedt Sanctuary Choir; Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor (1915-2014)
Cry out and shout, ye people of God! The Lord is strength and song! Therefore with joy shall ye draw water from the wells of salvation.
Text: Isaiah 12 (adapted by Frank Pooler)
* Call to Worship Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen
One: Gather us into your presence, O Lord.
All: Gather us and speak to us your word.
One: Gather us into your presence, O Lord.
All: Gather us and make us into one people.
One: Gather us into your presence, O Lord.
All: Gather us and make us new.
One: Let us worship God!
* Prayer of Adoration
* Processional Hymn #461
Invitation to Confession
Prayer of Confession
God Is Here!
Almighty God, search our hearts and still our minds at this hour. Remind us once again that we do not belong to ourselves, but have been claimed and called by your grace. Forgive us, O Lord, for our illusions and idolatry. We have convinced ourselves that we have arrived here by our own power. We have tried to maintain control, when you asked us to let go. Mold us with your mercy, and renew us with your love, so that we would become the community of faith that Christ is calling us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. (Silent Prayer)
Assurance of God’s Grace
* Response of Praise Gloria in excelsis Deo
* Passing the Peace of Christ
* Hymn #335 Though I May Speak
We Experience God’s Word
The Word with Children
Prayer for Illumination Braden Pretzsch
First Scripture Lesson Genesis 32:22-30 (p. 29)
Anthem
Ngothando kuphela, Sonqoba konke Izimo zonke, Azinakusigwinya.
Sivul’ iinhliziyo zethu, Singesabi lutho.
Ngothando Mbuso Ndlovu (b. 1982)
Through love, only, We will conquer everything, All situations, Cannot swallow (devour) us.
Let us open our hearts, And let us fear nothing.
Text: Sung in IsiZulu, a language spoken by the Zulu people who primarily inhabit the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
Second Scripture Lesson Genesis 33:1-11 (p. 29)
Sermon
Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Pursuit:
Jacob and Esau
“But Esau said, ‘I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.’” (Genesis 33:9)
Moment of Silent Meditation
We Give Thanks to God
* Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Rev. Sara B. Dorrien-Christians
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Invitation to Discipleship and Generosity
Offertory
Bewilderment
baritone
I ask you this: Which way to go?
I ask you this: Which sin to bear?
I ask you this: Which crown to put upon my hair?
I do not know. Lord God, I do not know.
Text: Langston Hughes (1907-1967)
* Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
* Prayer of Dedication
We
* Closing Hymn #419 How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord REPTON
* Charge and Benediction
* Choral Benediction Go Ye Now in Peace Joyce Elaine Eilers (1941-2009)
Go ye now in peace, and know that the love of God will guide you. Feel His presence here beside you showing you the way. Go ye now in peace. Go ye now in peace.
Postlude Fughetta and Finale on ABBOT’S LEIGH Cyril Taylor (1907-1991) arr. Austin Lovelace (1919-2010)
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Would you like one of our pastors to pray with you today? We invite you to come to Milner Chapel immediately following the 10 AM worship service for a short time of communion and prayer. You may also visit SecondChurch.org/Prayer to fill out a Prayer Request Form.
If you or a loved one is hospitalized, please contact:
Ashley McNamara, Coordinator of Pastoral Care AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org
GIVING
SecondChurch.org/Give
Let’s celebrate! We have reached 100% of our Commitment Campaign goal, thanks to the generosity and faithfulness of our congregation! Thank you! Join us today in McFarland Hall following worship, for cake and to celebrate everyone who helped us reach our Commitment Campaign goal for 2025!
VISITING TODAY?
Thank you for worshiping with Second! Our Hospitality Team would love to connect and welcome you more fully into the life of Second. Scan this QR code and let us know you were here!
TODAY
Second Treasures Winter Collection Day 11 AM – 1 PM • Drive-through Drop-Off
Youth Ministries Dave & Buster’s Night 6 - 8 PM • Dave & Buster’s
NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
A STORY-SHAPED GOD: READING GENESIS
Christopher A. Henry • Dreamer: Joseph and His Brothers
8:15 AM • Chapel Worship • Milner Chapel 9 AM • Sunday School for All Ages 10 AM • Sanctuary Worship
11:15 AM • Service of Wholeness and Communion • Milner Chapel SecondChurch.org/Worship
Watch Sunday worship all week long at SecondChurch.org/Live
UPCOMING EVENTS
SecondChurch.org/Events
Souper Bowl of Caring Today – February 9
Our Song is Missing! A Musical Treasure Hunt Across Latin America Featuring Tonos del Sur February 1 • 10 AM • McFarland Hall
A Service of Ordination and Installation of Tom Markey February 1 • 1 - 2 PM • Sanctuary
Young Adults Brunch February 2 • Meet in Narthex after 10 AM service
Tonos del Sur presents Lamentatio y Alegría (Lamentations and Celebrations), Indigenous Music of the Americas February 2 • 3 PM • Chapel
Middlers February 4 • 7 PM • Blind Owl Brewery
Second Act: Community and Cards February 6 • 12 - 3 PM • Room 356
Annual Congregational Meeting & Brunch
February 9 • Following 10 AM service • McFarland Hall