Worship Guide – January 24, 2021

3rd Sunday after the Epiphany

 

Prelude

Prepare your hearts for worship

 

Song of Praise

Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore  UMH #344

 

Welcome and Opening Prayer

As we worship together at home, let us give thanks for our community and greet each other online if possible, or with a phone call, text message or handwritten note later.

 

Pastoral Prayer 

—written by Thom Shuman

Keeper of every moment in eternity:
we come, not only to hear
those words which can transform us,
but to be filled with your grace and hope.
We have come, not out of habit,
but to respond to your call,
willing to be called away
from the familiar ways of our lives.

Walker of our journeys,
in the midst of our harried lives,
you call us to lay aside all that entangles us,
to follow you into service to others.
You invite us to step into
the waters of life and hope,
reaching out to draw others
to our side so, that together,
we might enter your kingdom
of laughter and joy.

When uncertainty fills every block
in our daily planners,
you come, Grace’s Companion,
to offer that hope which anchors
us in God’s heart;
to place our feet firmly
on that rock called peace;
to bring us safely to that haven
filled with God’s steadfast love.

God in Community, Holy in One,
Rock of every age,

we offer the prayer Jesus has taught us,

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 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.

 

Methodist Minute                                                                               societies/classes

Prayer Requests

visit http://spumc-socorro.org/pray-with-us/

Prayers and Petitions

For those who are sick.
For those with chronic illnesses and underlying health concerns.
For all those who are suffering. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are lonely.
For those who have no one to check on them.
For families that are separated. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are unemployed.
For those suffering financial hardships.
For those who face an uncertain future. We pray to the Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are suffering from physical or emotional abuse.
For those who are disproportionately suffering because of societal structures and unjust policies.
For those who are struggling with physical or mental disabilities.
For those who are overwhelmed by anxiety and stress. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who are dying.
For those who have died while saving the lives of others.
For all who have lost their lives. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have survived.
For those who have lost their spouses.
For children who have been orphaned.
For all those who mourn and those who comfort them. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For public officials, first responders,
For business leaders.
For educators.

For peace in our city and in our world.

For renewed friendships among neighbors.

For solidarity and unity among all peoples.

For a greater appreciation and love of all humanity. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For patience and perseverance.
For calm in the midst of fear.
For the grace to overcome adversity. We pray to the Lord…Lord, hear our prayer.

For generosity of spirit.
For hope in times of despair.
For light in the darkness. We pray to the Lord, hear our prayer.

Gracious and Loving God,
You are our comforter and our hope.
Hear our prayers as we come before you.
Strengthen us in this time of need.
Inspire us to acts of solidarity and generosity
and give us hope of a brighter future.

Amen.

Special Music

God so Loved the World, John Stainer

Kristal Kent, cello

 

Gospel Reading (Susie Welch)

Mark 1:14-20

 

Sermon

“Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore”

 

Benediction

Go into God’s world, aware of God’s call in your life. Follow our Lord Jesus Christ who will lead you in paths of service and hope. Lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to give you courage and strength. May peace, joy and love flow through you to others, in God’s name. AMEN.