Worship for Jan. 24, 2021

The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St., Coshocton, OH 43812

Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Pastor Karen Crawford

Alice Hoover, organist

Jim and Pam Arganbright, liturgists

Prelude: Immortal, Invisible, setting, Gerald Peterson….Alice Hoover, organ

Greeting/Announcements

Opening Sentences

We gather around the words of Christ:

“Come, and follow me.”

We gather around the voice of the Spirit:

“Come, and follow me.”

Let us worship God together

and follow Christ into the world.

Gathering Prayer

Hymn: # 761          Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace,
we respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend,
equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.

Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, Christ’s clear call to work and worth,
let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer, poorer, all God’s people, young and old,
blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

O Holy God, you called the disciples to drop their nets and follow you, yet we are hesitant to drop the tools and comforts of our lives. We distract ourselves from your call with busyness, stress, and worry. We tangle ourselves in webs of racism, sexism, and hatred that disguises itself as fear. Forgive us, O Lord, and by your forgiveness, open our ears to hear your voice saying to us, “Follow me.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Time with Children and Youth

Prayer for Illumination: Liturgist

First Reading: Jonah 3: 1-5 and 10.

Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God!

Second Reading: Mark 1: 14-20

This is the gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ!

Message: How to Fish for People

Hymn # 721 Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore

Lord, you have come to the lakeshore
looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones;
you only asked me to follow humbly.

Refrain: O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,
and while smiling have spoken my name;
now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me.
by your side I will seek other seas.

You need my hands, full of caring,
through my labors to give others rest
and constant love that keeps on loving.

Refrain: O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,
and while smiling have spoken my name;
now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me.
by your side I will seek other seas.

Invitation to Offering

Prayer of Thanksgiving/Lord’s Prayer

We praise and thank you, Lord God, for the majesty of your work, the wisdom of your word, and the generosity of your grace. Let the gifts of our lives bear witness to your goodness and mercy, your faithfulness and justice, and your steadfast love for all. And we continue our prayer as Jesus taught us… Our Father who art in heaven…

Charge and Benediction

Postlude: Voluntary in a minor… Maurice Greene (1695-1755)…Alice Hoover, organ