Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 4, 2018

GATHERING

Announcements and Greeting

Prelude: “In the Garden” C. Austin Miles

Invocation

Call To Worship

Leader:Lord, do not forget your people.

People:For we grow weak and weary.

Leader:Lord, heal your people as you know best.

People: Mend our broken hearts.

Leader: Lord, do not leave us alone.

People: Take us by the hand; lift us up.

*Hymn:#744“Arise, Your Light Is Come”

Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Everlasting God, you are our Creator. You are the Creator of all, and you never forget any of your creatures. Yet when times are tough we can forget that your love is steadfast, that you are with us. Then we turn to ways that cannot lead to life. Then we despair. Help us, Lord. Grant us the strength we need. Touch us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

*Response: In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; In the Lord I will rejoice! Look to God: do not be afraid. Lift up your voices; the Lord is near. Lift up your voices; the Lord is near. (p.654)

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

Anthem:“And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” Charles Wesley

Children’s Sermon

(Following Children’s Sermon, children leave for Sunday School)

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

First Scripture Reading:Isaiah 40:21-31(p.628)

*Hymn:#796“We Cannot Measure How You Heal”

Second Scripture Reading:Mark 1:29-39 (p.33)

Sermon:The Way of Healing

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*Affirmation of Faith - Apostles Creed (p. 17)

The Peace of Christ

Offering of Tithes and Gifts

Please sign and pass the Friendship Book

Offertory “Be Thou My Vision” Irish Folk Tune

Doxology (page 606)

*Hymn:“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

*Benediction

Choral Response: “Go with us, Lord, and guide the way through this and every

coming day, that in your Spirit strong and true our lives may be our gift to you.”

(p.748)

Silent Prayer (be seated)

Postlude “There is Power in the Blood” Lewis E. Jones

The End of Worship

The Beginning of Service

*Those who wish may stand

As you leave worship, greet all with the Peace of Christ

Rev. Robert W. Birch, Minister

Mrs. Dianne Yuninger, Organist/Choir Director

The Sanctuary Flowers are in Loving Memory of Raymond & Aleta Herr

Given by the Glen Herrfamily

VISITORS AND MEMBERS: WELCOME! During the offertory the Friendship Book will be passed from the end of the pew. Please sign it and indicate other information as appropriate. Pass the book back down the pew and notice the names of the other worshippers. Greet one another warmly after the service.

WORSHIP HOUR INFORMATION:

It is an ancient Scottish custom for the pulpit Bible to be brought into the sanctuary and placed by a layperson before the service begins.

IN THE NURSERY (babies through 4 yrs.): NURSERY PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. Please see an usher if you would like to take your children to the nursery.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER & HELPER

Today: Loretta McClarigan & Lea Lichty

Next Sunday, February 11: Jennifer McElhaney & Shirley Smith

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION:

PRAYER PERSON THIS WEEK: Lori Ann Leitch

Today we welcome Renee Mendenhall to our worship and thank her for her gift of music. A graduate of Pequea Valley High School and Penn State University, Renee is currently training for a career in alternative medicine. She also has earned her Master’s Degree from Northwestern University.

TODAY:

9:30 a.m. Service of Worship

10:45 a.m.Adult Sunday School

MONDAY

9:30a.m.Prayer Shawl Ministry

7:00 p.m.Worship Committee Meeting

This evening’s CCL Meeting is postponed until next Monday,Feb. 12

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Sunday will be Communion Sunday.

2017 Giving Statements are on the table in the SundaySchool roomwiththe 2018 Offering Envelopes. You can pick up both if you haven'tgot either one so far. If you see a neighbor’s box or statement, take it to them and say Hi!

FEBRUARY is also Trustee Building and Funds Offeringmonth. The Offering will be for the Bell Tower. The tower needs somerepair and painting. This was brought to our attentionby a window that was missing in the tower and was discovered when the trees were trimmed on the west sideof the church. The window was replaced but some woodbelow the window was in bad shape. This is what the Trustees will be looking at as soon as the weather breaks.The Trustees thank you all for your support.

Dave Berkhimer