The Service for the Lord’s Day
Hope Presbyterian Churches
Tinton Falls & Lakewood
NJ
The Second Sunday After the Epiphany + January 19, 2020
The Third Sunday After the Epiphany + January 26, 2020
The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany + February 2, 2020
The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany + February 9, 2020
The Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany + February 16, 2020
The Transfiguration of the Lord + February 23, 2020
Liturgical Colors:
1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16 - Green
2/23 - White
GATHERING
Gathering Music:
Welcome & Announcements
Entrance Song:
1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (verse 1) 309/108
2/23
“We Are Standing on Holy Ground” —/406
Call to Worship
The time is fulfilled!
The Kingdom of God has come near!
Repent, and believe the good news! Mark 1:15
It is time for the Lord to act. Psalm 119:126
*Opening Prayer
God of grace:
unto whom all hearts are open,
from whom no secrets are hidden,
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name.
Amen.
*Prayer of the Day
1/19
Almighty God:
your Son our Savior Jesus Christ
is the Light of the world.
May your people,
illumined by your Word and Sacraments,
shine with the radiance of his glory,
that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed
to the ends of the earth;
for he lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
1/26
Almighty God:
by grace alone you call us
and accept us in your service.
Strengthen us by your Spirit,
and make us worthy of your call;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
for he lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
2/2
Holy God:
you confound the world’s wisdom
by giving your Kingdom to the lowly
and pure in heart.
Give us such a hunger and thirst face
and perseverance in striving for peace,
that by our words and deeds
the world may see the promise of your Kingdom,
revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
2/9
Faithful God:
you have appointed us as your witnesses,
to be light that shines in the world.
Let us not hide the bright hope you have given us,
but tell everyone your love,
revealed in Jesus Christ the Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
2/16
Almighty God:
you gave the Law to guide our lives.
May we never shrink from your commandments,
but, as we are taught by your Son Jesus,
fulfill the Law in perfect love;
through Christ our Lord and Savior,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
2/23
O God:
in the Transfiguration of your Son
you confirmed the mysteries of the faith
by witness of Moses and Elijah;
and in the Voice from the could
you foreshadowed our adoption as your children.
Make us, the Christ, heirs of your glory,
and bring us to enjoy its fullness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever,
Amen.
Filling the Baptismal Font
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
In baptism God claims us,
calls us by name,
and seals us
to show that we belong,
not to the principalities and powers of this world,
not to different races and nations,
but to God.
God frees us from sin and death,
uniting us with Jesus Christ.
By water and the Holy Spirit
we are gathered into the church, the body of Christ,
and sent out into the world
with the good news of Christ’s love, peace, and justice.
Remember your baptism, and be thankful!
*Hymn:
1/19 “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem” 308/159
1/26 “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” —-/198 Gray
2/2 “I Danced in the Morning” 302/157
2/9 “Fairest Lord Jesus” 306/630
2/16 “Jesus, Our Divine Companion" 305/—-
2/23 “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” 73/190
Prayer for Wholeness
1/19
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
1/26
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
2/2
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
2/9, 2/16
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
2/23
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
Assurance Prayer
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: “Glory Be to the Father” 579/
*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”
TF (Our young disciples continue worship and learning downstairs.)
THE WORD
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.
Hebrew Scriptures
1/19 Isaiah 49:1-7
1/26 Isaiah 9:1-4
2/2 Micah 6:1-8
2/9 Isaiah 58:1-12
2/16 Deuteronomy 30:15-20
2/23 Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm:
1/19
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
1/26
TF “God Is My Strong Salvation” Psalm 27:1, 4-9 179
LW
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
One thing I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
‘Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his face!’
Your face, Lord, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:1, 4-9
2/2
O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest,
and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15
2/9
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
2/16
TF “Blest Are the Uncorrupt in Heart” Psalm 119:1-8 233
LW
Happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways.
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous ordinances.
I will observe your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me. Psalm 119:1-8
2/23
Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2
Gospel
1/19 John 1:29-42
1/26 Matthew 4:12-23
2/2 Matthew 5:1-12
2/9 Matthew 5:13-20
2/16 Matthew 5:21-37
2/23 Matthew 17:1-9
Gospel Talk
(Note: on 2/2 the guest preacher at Lakewood will be Rev. John Nolan.
On 2/16 the guest preachers will be Elder Carl Fritsche in Tinton Falls and Rev. Lynne Manila in Lakewood.)
*Affirmation of Faith
1/19
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I am not my own, but belong—
That I am not my own, but belong—
body and soul, in life and in death—
to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven;
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him. Heidelberg Catechism
1/26
Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,”
meaning “savior”?
Because he saves us from our sins,
Because he saves us from our sins,
and because salvation should not be sought
and cannot be found in anyone else.
Why is he called “Christ,”
meaning “anointed”?
Because he has been ordained by God the Father
Because he has been ordained by God the Father
and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be
our chief prophet and teacher
who fully reveals to us
the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance;
who fully reveals to us
the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance;
our only high priest
who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body,
and who continually pleads our cause with the Father;
and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit,
and who guards us and keeps us
in the freedom he has won for us. Heidelberg Catechism
in the freedom he has won for us. Heidelberg Catechism
2/2
The Apostles’ Creed “Traditional” p. 15/p. 35
2/9
Why is [Jesus] called God’s “only begotten Son” when we also are God’s children?
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God.
We, however, are adopted children of God—
adopted by grace through Christ.
Why do you call him “our Lord”?
Because not with gold or silver,
but with his precious blood—
he has set us free from sin
and from the tyranny of the devil,
and has bought us,
body and soul,
to be his very own. Heidelberg Catechism
2/16
What is true faith?
True faith is not only a sure knowledge
by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture;
it is also a wholehearted trust,
which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel,
which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel,
that God has freely granted,
not only to others but to me also,
forgiveness of sins,
eternal righteousness,
and salvation.
eternal righteousness,
and salvation.
These are gifts of sheer grace,
granted solely by Christ’s merit. Heidelberg Catechism
2/23
The Nicene Creed “Ecumenical” p. 15/p. 34
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” 592/606
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,
making the bread we break
and the cup we bless
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 return.
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 come come to the font.
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:
1/19 “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” 326
1/26 “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” 377
2/2 “What Does the Lord Require” 405
2/9 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” —-/377
2/16 TF “Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace” 374
LW “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” 753
2/23 “Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining” —-/192
SENDING
*Charge
2/2, 2/23
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
1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 1/16
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: “Goodness Is Stronger than Evil” —-/750
*Dismissal
*Postlude:
+ + +
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