This liturgy is prepared for the Hope Presbyterian Church Tinton Falls, NJ, and the First Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Non-congregational music is not included. Hymn numbers are from The Presbyterian Hymnal, except where otherwise indicated.
The Service for the Lord’s Day
1/8 The Baptism of the Lord
1/15 The Second Sunday After the Epiphany
1/22 The Third Sunday After the Epiphany
1/29 The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany
2/5 The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
2/12 The Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany
2/19 The Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany
2/26 The Transfiguration of the Lord
GATHERING
Gathering Music:
Welcome & Announcements
Entrance Song:
1/8 “O Morning Star” (verse 1) 69
1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (verse 1) 309
2/26 “We Are Standing on Holy Ground” G2G#406
Call to Worship
The time is fulfilled!
The Kingdom of God has come near!
Repent, and believe the good news! Mark 1:15
Filling the Baptismal Font
1/8
In those days
Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
And just as he was coming up out of the water,
he saw the heavens torn apart
and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
And a voice came from heaven,
“You are my Son, the Beloved;
with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
There is one body and one Spirit,
just as you were called to the one hope of your calling,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,
who is above all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6
And:
Remember your baptism, and be thankful!
*Hymn:
1/8 “Down Galilee’s Slow Roadways” G2G#164
1/15 “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem” 308
1/22 “Down to Earth, as a Dove” 300
1/29 “I Danced in the Morning” 302
2/5 “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” 303
2/12 “Jesus, Our Divine Companion" 305
2/19 “Fairest Lord Jesus” 306
2/26 “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” 73
Prayer for Wholeness
1/8
God of renewal and forgiveness:
by water you renew and nourish the Earth.
Water is life!
The Lord Jesus arose from the water
with the knowledge of his calling.
Water is life!
You call us through the water of our baptism
to follow his Way of peace and love.
Water is life!
Forgive our pollution and defilement
of your gift of water.
Water is life!
Forgive our attempts to own and sell
your gift of water.
Water is life!
Forgive our careless waste
of your gift of water.
Water is Life!
Purify the waters of the Earth;
purify our hearts and bodies;
purify our life together with all our relations
on this beautiful and abundant planet.
Water is life! PfR
Amen.
1/15
O Hidden Light,
energy of the elements,
Sun behind all suns,
life of every living thing:
Shine upon and within us,
banishing the darkness of ignorance and fear,
sustaining the blessings of knowledge and insight,
bearing the truth of your love for us.
As you come into the world in Jesus Christ
whose life is the light for all,
shining in the darkness that cannot extinguish it:
May we also reflect your light
exposing injustices and lies,
purifying our discourse of violence and vulgarity,
illuminating a way for the weak, the humble, the lost, and the broken.
By your divine radiance
burn off all that separates us from you and each other.
Let our light shine before the whole world
bringing equality, joy, peace, and forgiveness to all. PfR
Amen.
1/22
God of goodness and truth:
You show us the Way of Life in Jesus Christ,
and it is humility, simplicity, nonviolence, generosity,
and compassion for all.
Yet we sink into a world of “fake news”
where truth is relative,
facts are not accepted,
and our common discourse
is reduced to entertainment and propaganda.
We find comfort in self-serving lies
telling us what we want to hear.
We tolerate hate-speech, vulgarity, willful ignorance,
equivocation, and “spin.”
Free us from the cynicism and despair
that blinds us to the pain of others.
Keep before us the gentle face of Christ,
who is your Truth.
He offers your healing and wholeness,
your forgiveness and grace,
your reconciliation and justice,
and your peace to all.
May his life be ours. PfR
Amen.
1/29
Creator God:
You bless the poor in Spirit;
empty us of all greed and avarice.
You bless the grieving;
empty us of corrosive nostalgia and denial.
You bless the humble;
empty us of self-righteous, blustering, arrogance.
You bless those who desire justice;
empty us of our falsehood that rationalizes inequality.
You bless the merciful;
empty us of our paranoia and vindictiveness.
You bless the pure in heart;
empty us of our self-importance.
You bless the peacemakers;
empty us of our anger and violence.
You bless the persecuted;
empty us of our willingness to persecute others.
Let us be the light of the world
and salt of the Earth.
Let us shine before others
with good works
and glorify you, O God. PfR
Amen.
2/5
God of goodness and blessing:
Forty days after the birth of her son
Mary came to the Temple for her purification
and her son’s consecration
according to your Law.
Purify us by your divine Light,
banishing all that would separate us from you;
make us a living sacrifice of praise to your Name,
that your Light may shine in and through us,
witnessing to our peace. PfR
Amen.
2/12, 2/19
O God:
Isaiah prophesied that
“Truth stumbles in the public square
and uprightness cannot enter.”
We live in an age the consensus
about facts and truth
has broken down.
Science is often corrupted by money;
we believe what is convenient
and serves our desires.
Blaming scapegoats
is easier than admitting
that we were wrong.
Help us to remember
that you are the truth,
and the way, and the life.
You are the bearer of the consequences
of our selfishness.
May we live upright in Christ your Son,
following his Way of simplicity,
compassion, healing, and forgiveness.
Bind us to your truth, O God;
make us your witnesses. PfR
Amen.
2/26
O Lord, Jesus Christ, Light of the World:
on the mountain God reveals your true nature.
What you are by nature,
we are by your grace:
beings of holy light,
sent into the world as witnesses
to the truth of your love for the world.
Let us build no distracting surrogate institutions
that block or regulate your light.
But let us shine with confidence and joy,
even as we turn now to the cross,
where your life is given for the life of the world.
Your light shines in our darkness
exposing the falsehoods and fantasies of our existence.
Your light shines in our darkness
bringing the blessed shalom of your promised Kingdom,
redeeming us from violence and injustice,
and uniting us in hope. PfR
Amen.
Assurance
1/8
O God:
You sent your Spirit upon Jesus at his baptism,
anointing him to bring good news to the poor.
You sent him into the world to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
and to proclaim the holy remission and restoration of your Jubilee.
As you send him so he sends us,
his disciples, as agents of reconciliation,
witnessing to your love,
proclaiming peace,
and embodying justice.
We offer our own voices in praise and thanksgiving,
as we sing together our praise of you,
the Triune God. PfR
1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
O Holy God:
you come to dwell among us in Jesus Christ,
and within us by your Spirit.
In truth and goodness,
all creation offers perpetual worship and praise to you.
You have brought all things out of nothing into being.
You have fashioned man and woman in your image and likeness,
and adorned them with all the gifts of beauty and grace.
You give Wisdom and understanding to those who ask,
and you save us by changing our hearts and our lives.
You have enabled us to offer to you due worship and praise.
Master, accept our prayers and visit us in your goodness.
Forgive us when voluntarily or involuntarily
we think and act contrary to your truth.
Sanctify our souls and bodies,
and grant that we may love and serve you
in holiness all the days of our lives.
Amen.
*Gloria:
1/8 “Glory Be to the Father” 579 (TF)/807Red (AH)
1/15 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (verse 3) 309
1/22 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (verse 3) 309
1/29 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (verse 3) 309
2/5 “Glory Be to the Father” 579 (TF)/807Red (AH)
2/12 “Glory Be to the Father” 579 (TF)/807Red (AH)
2/19 “Glory Be to the Father” 579 (TF)/807Red (AH)
2/26 “Angels, From the Realms of Glory” (verse 4) 22
*Procession of the Word
TF A child processes into the Sanctuary carrying a Bible, as the people sing or say the Gloria.
*The Peace
Christ is in the midst of us.
He is and ever shall be.
May the grace and peace of Christ our God be with all of you.
And also with you.
The people exchange words and signs of God’s peace.
*Spiritual: “Halle-, Halle-, Hallelujah”
THE WORD
Psalm:
1/8 “The God of Heaven” Psalm 29 180
1/15
I waited patiently upon the LORD; *
who stooped to me and heard my cry.
God lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
and set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
God put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God; *
Many shall see, and stand in awe,
and put their trust in the LORD.
Happy are they who trust in the LORD! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God!
how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
there is none who can be compared with you.
Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.
In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
you have given me ears to hear you;
Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, "Behold, I come.
In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
'I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.'"
I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O LORD, you know.
Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the
great congregation. Psalm 40:1-11
1/22 “God Is My Strong Salvation” Psalm 27:1, 4-9 179
1/29 “Lord, Who May Dwell Within Your House Psalm 15 PFAS#15C
2/5
Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!
Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.
Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.
For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.
They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.
Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.
They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.
The wicked will see it and be angry;
they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *
the desires of the wicked will perish. Psalm 112:1-10
2/12 “Blest Are the Uncorrupt in Heart” Psalm 119:1-8 233
2/19
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, *
and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; *
I shall keep it with all my heart.
Make me go in the path of your commandments, *
for that is my desire.
Incline my heart to your decrees *
and not to unjust gain.
Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; *
give me life in your ways.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, *
which you make to those who fear you.
Turn away the reproach which I dread, *
because your judgments are good.
Behold, I long for your commandments; *
in your righteousness preserve my life. Psalm 119:33-40
2/26 “Why Are Nations Raging” Psalm 2 PFAS#2D
TF (Our young disciples continue worship and learning downstairs.)
Prayer for Understanding
Enlighten our hearts and minds by your Word, O God.
Open our eyes to the truth of your saving love,
revealed in Scripture,
Move our legs to walk in your way of peace.
Open our hands to do your work,
and our arms welcome others in your name.
For you are the enlightening of our souls and bodies,
O Christ our God,
and to you we give glory, now and forever.
Amen.
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Scriptures
1/8 Isaiah 42:1-9
1/15 Isaiah 49:1-7
1/22 Isaiah 9:1-4
1/29 Micah 6:1-8
2/5 Isaiah 58:1-12
2/12 Deuteronomy 30:15-20
2/19 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
2/26 Isaiah 49:8-16a
Gospel
1/8 Matthew 3:13-17
1/15 John 1:29-42
1/22 Matthew 4:12-23
1/29 Matthew 5:1-12
2/5 Matthew 5:13-20
2/12 Matthew 5:21-37
2/19 Matthew 5:38-48
2/26 Matthew 17:1-9
Sermon
Prayers of God’s Creation and People
O Great Healer:
let your Spirit swing
around us and through us,
over us, under us, and among us,
with healing in her wings,
making us whole
and restoring us to our created goodness.
O Deep Mystery:
Bless all of us here today,
as we offer our worship and praise to you,
and for all those baptized into your Name of every time and place
who have sought to trust and follow you.
We pray especially for disciples chosen for leadership in your church….
And as we gather we also represent our whole community, especially:
travelers…
workers…
the aged and infirm…
the grieving and abandoned…
the sick and the addicted…
the poor and the oppressed…
the unemployed and the destitute…
prisoners…
the undocumented, migrants, and refugees…
indigenous peoples…
victims of war and violence…
victims of natural disasters…
victims of domestic abuse…
and all who remember and care for the needy among us….
As you commanded, O Lord,
we pray for our enemies and those who wish us harm.
And we gather the voices of your entire creation
giving words to the manifold sounds of birds,
animals, insects, and creatures of the waters,
whom you made to praise and glorify you….
We gather as well with all those who have died in the hope of resurrection,
and are now at rest….
….Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
In the communion of all the saints,
we commend ourselves, one another,
and our whole life to you, O Christ our God.
And to you we render glory
now and forever.
Amen.
THANKSGIVING
Offering
The Earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof,
the world and all that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
Offertory Music: “”
*Doxology: “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow” 592
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
This is the meal of paradise!
The foretaste of the blessings coming to us,
a sign of abundance and generosity,
forgiveness and deliverance. PfR
This is the Lord’s table.
Our Savior invites those who trust in him
to share in the feast which he has prepared.
Communion Preface
We give you thanks, O God,
lifting up our hearts to you in gratitude,
for your love and justice,
your beauty and joy,
revealed and given to us in Jesus Christ.
Give us the vision
of the commonwealth of peace he establishes.
Let his resurrection life permeate all we are and do,
as you gather us in holy community.
In Christ we see who we truly are in your eyes:
blessed, holy, good, and precious,
made to be a blessing to
your whole creation. PfR
Sanctus
And so we lift up our hearts, O God,
joining with all your people
of every time and place
in the angels’ song of grateful praise.
Holy, holy, holy…. (St. Anne Sanctus)
Eucharistic Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer:
You loved the world you made so much
that you gave your only Son
so that whoever trusts in him
should not perish, but have eternal life.
You do not send him into the world for condemnation
but that the world might be saved in him.
For that purpose he sends your gift of the Holy Spirit,
who is everywhere and fills all things
with your life.
Gracious God,
pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon these your gifts of bread and the cup,
that the bread we break
and the cup we bless
may be the communion
in the body and blood of Christ. From 1 Corinthians 10:16
We are his Body.
We bear his Life.
His Light shines in us.
As he emptied himself to dwell among us,
may we empty ourselves of all
that would separate us from you,
and let your life,
given for the life of the world,
pour through us in love.
O God,
like a mother who will not forget her nursing child,
you love us forever.
And so we are bold to pray in the words Jesus taught us,
saying: Our Father….
The Breaking of Bread
On the night when he was betrayed
[by his friends and arrested by the authorities],
the Lord Jesus
[celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples.
After supper he]
took the bread.
He blessed it,
he broke it,
and gave it to them, saying:
“Take and eat; this is my body, broken for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
The celebrant breaks the bread.
In the same way he took the cup.
And he said:
“This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,
shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it,
do this in remembrance of me.”
The celebrant fills the cup.
Every time we eat this bread
and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s triumph
over the power of death,
until his life is fulfilled.
With hearts trusting in an awesome God,
come to the Table.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Receive the Body of Christ:
taste the fountain of immortality.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
The Holy Communion of the People of God
The people come to the Table to share in Christ’s body and blood by intinction:
taking a piece of bread, dipping it into the cup, and eating it.
TF Those who wish to pray with the pastor before or after communion
may meet with him to the side.
May the Body and Blood of Christ our God bring you to everlasting life.
Communion Music:
Closing Prayer
Gracious God,
we give you thanks
that in Jesus Christ,
who is your Word,
you have emptied yourself,
becoming flesh to dwell among us
full of grace and truth.
He brings good news to the poor,
proclaims release to the captives,
gives sight to the blind,
liberates the oppressed,
makes the lame walk,
welcomes sinners,
and even raises the dead.
In giving his life for the life of the world
he sets us free from sin and death.
And he gives us your Holy Spirit
by whom he is present with us even now,
gathering us into one beloved community.
and sending us into the world
with the good news of your love. PfR
Amen.
*Hymn:
1/8 “Out of the Flowing River” CH#335
1/15 “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” 326
1/22 “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” 377
1/29 “What Does the Lord Require” 405
2/5 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” G2G#377
2/12 “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” 347
2/19 “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” G2G#753
2/26 “Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining” G2G#192
SENDING
*Charge
1/8, 2/5
God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol....
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet... anything that belongs to your neighbor. From Exodus 20:1-17
1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/12, 1/19, 2/26
Go out into the world in peace;
have courage;
hold on to what is good;
return no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people;
have courage;
hold on to what is good;
return no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:13–22; 1 Peter 2:17
*Benediction
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:13
*Choral Benediction: AH “My Peace”
*Dismissal
*Postlude:
+ + +
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