First Presbyterian Church Easton, PA   Welcome Worship __Bulletin Pastor's Pen Announcements Calendar Events Event Pictures Per Capita Location Music Ministry Education Youth Page Mission Newsletter Staff History Links   First Presbyterian Church of Easton A Service for the Worship of God Third Sunday after Epiphany January 22, 2012 10:30 a.m. WE GATHER TOGETHER TO WORSHIP GOD THE PRELUDE Meditation from Thais Massenet (During the Prelude, you are invited to indicate your joys and concerns on the prayer cards in the pew racks. You may hand these cards to the ushers at the time of the Offering so that your joys and concerns may be included in the Prayers of the People.) THE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS * PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST * THE CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: We come to worship the God who came to us as light and life in Jesus Christ. People: We come remembering that Jesus said: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Leader: We come to be filled with the light of Christ so that we can reflect that light. People: May our light shine before others, to the glory of God. * A HYMN, No. 411 - Arise Your Light Is Come! WE CONFESS OUR SIN AND RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS THE CALL TO CONFESSION (seated) THE UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of light and life, your Son called us to show forth our light for your glory. We confess that we find this difficult – we would rather get the credit ourselves when we do something good or courageous. We crave the approval of others to feel that we are worthwhile. And yet, we recognize that our true worth comes not from impressing others, but as a gift from you. You have claimed us as your own and called us beyond ourselves to live in communion with you. So help us to recognize the ways in which you have gifted us, and how we can use our gifts to bless the world as disciples of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn No. 322) Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. THE ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS THE GLORIA PATRI – Glory Be to the Father WE HEAR GOD’S WORD THE WORD FOR CHILDREN After The Word for Children, children age 4 through Grade 6 may leave for Church School on the second floor of the Church House. Parents may meet their children in their classrooms after worship. THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION THE FIRST LESSON - Excerpts from Joshua 1-12, and 24 THE SECOND LESSON - Matthew 5:13-16 THE SERMON - Conflagration or Campfire? WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD * A HYMN No. 447 - Lead On, O King Eternal * THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - adapted from Romans 12:2 We believe we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. God calls us not to be conformed to the ways of the world around us, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect. THE OFFERING OF THE PEOPLE Please sign the Friendship Register located closest to the center aisle, pass it along to your neighbors, and return it to the center aisle, noting names as it passes. The Offertory - In Times Like These by Beall/Carter In times like these the love of God sustains me. In times like these my faith remains secure. I place my fears, my faults, my pain and sorrow in his strong hands where doubt cannot endure. My life is more than trial and tribulation. My life is more because he makes it so. I hear God’s voice in every song and silence. I see his love in all that’s good and true. And though my heart may tremble for a moment, there is no wrong his power cannot subdue. In times like these I lean upon his promise and seek the peace of his abiding love. His kingdom comes in every act of kindness His kingdom comes in bread and wine and grace. And though the world may set its course without him, God will reward the one who seeks his face. In times like these, when heart and soul are tender, We find our home in God’s divine embrace. * The Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow * The Unison Prayer of Dedication Creator God, accept these gifts and help us to use them creatively to shine our light before the world for the glory of your kingdom. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER * A HYMN, No. 371 - Lift High the Cross * THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION * THE BENEDICTION RESPONSE - Hymn No. 538, stanza 1 Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace. Let us each, Thy love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace. O refresh us, O refresh us, traveling through this wilderness. THE POSTLUDE Psalm XIX Marcello * Those who are able, please stand.

First Presbyterian Church, Easton, PA

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