19 Jan Worship Bulletin: 1/22/23
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, January 22, 2023 @ 10:15 a.m.
Gathering Music
Video Welcome
Centering Music | “City of God” | by Dan Schutte
Worship Band
[1] Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep! A new day is dawning for all those who weep.
The people in darkness have seen a great light. The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.
[Chorus]
Let us build the city of God. May our tears be turned into dancing!
For the Lord, our light and our love, has turned the night into day!
[2] We are sons of the morning; we are daughters of day. The One who has loved us has brightened our way.
The Lord of all kindness has called us to be; a light for his people to set their hearts free. [Chorus]
[3] God is light; in him there is no darkness. Let us walk in his light, his children, one and all.
O comfort My people; make gentle your words. Proclaim to My city the day of her birth. [Chorus]
[4] O City of gladness; now lift up your voice! Proclaim the good tidings that all may rejoice! [Chorus]
Sharing Time: Joys & Concerns | LaMonte Rothrock
Opening Words | Rev. Bob Gibson for the London Conference of the United Church of Canada (adapted)
(inspired by Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11)
You call us – wanderer of seashores – inviting us to sail out of our safe harbors and follow You
into the uncharted waters of faith.
You call us – rambler of sidewalks – inviting us to wander off from our predictable routes – and follow You
into the uncomfortable neighborhoods we usually avoid
You call us – explorer of winding paths – inviting us to leave the comfort of known trails – and follow You
into the unpredictable footsteps of belief put into action.
May we be among those – who respond to your call!
Opening Song | “Tú has Venido a la Orilla” | #229
(Lord, you have come to the Lakeshore)
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Musical Offering | “Light of the World” (Sing Hallelujah) | by We the Kingdom
Worship Band
Light of the world, treasure of Heaven – Brilliant like the stars, in the wintery sky
Joy of the Father, reach through the darkness – Shine across the earth, send the shadows to flight
Light of the world, from the beginning – The tragedies of time, were no match for Your love
From great heights of glory, You saw my story – and God, You entered in, and became one of us
CHORUS
Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah – Sing hallelujah for the things He has done
Come and adore Him, bow down before Him – Sing hallelujah to the light of the world
Light of the world, crown in a manger – Born for the Cross, to suffer, to save
High King of Heaven, death is the poorer – We are the richer, by the price that He paid (Chorus)
Light of the world, soon will be coming – With fire in His eyes, He will ransom His own
Through clouds He will lead us, straight into glory – And there He shall reign, forevermore (Chorus)
Scripture Focus | Matthew 4: 12-23
Jesus Begins to Preach
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went
and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – 14 to fulfill what was said
through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the
Gentiles – 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of
the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother
Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son
of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus
called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus Heals the Sick
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom,
and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Scripture Song | “Strong, Righteous Man of Galilee” | #540
Message | “Follow the Light” | Jerry Bowen
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message.
Sending Song | “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
Sending Words
Sending Music | “Send the Light” | arr. Humphrey Turner
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming