Virtual Worship – Sunday, January 24, 2021

First Presbyterian Church

Delavan, Illinois

Service for the Lord’s Day

January 24, 2021

3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Prelude “Glorify Thy Name” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paWdSkDRqMc&t=23s

Welcome and Announcements

Good morning everyone. We continue to do a new thing in this time of social distancing. We are still a community of faith, even though we are separated for the safety of ourselves, our families, our congregation, and our communities. We will continue to meet like this for the foreseeable future. 

In this bulletin, you will find links to the hymns which also show the lyrics (or are shown below). If you get an ad (and you likely will) you can skip it by clicking the SKIP AD usually found in the lower right corner of the video. There are also links to the Gospel reading and the sermon.

For inclusion in next week’s service, please email or phone the church or Pastor Jean (who can also receive texts) with any prayer requests.

Please note that we have resumed virtual worship services ONLY.

We will be resuming LIMITED in-person worship on February 7, 2021. Please read the guidelines below!

We offer praise and prayer to God

^Call to Worship

The time is fulfilled

and the kingdom of God is at hand;

repent, and believe the good news.

Let us worship God!

^Opening Prayer

Loving God, through your Son you have called us to repent of our sin, to believe the good news, and to celebrate the coming of your kingdom. Like Christ’s first apostles, may we hear his call to discipleship, and, forsaking old ways, proclaim the gospel of new life to a broken world; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

^Hymn     “For The Beauty Of The Earth” # 56  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTcJ_SQruhE

Call to Confession

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.

Confession of Sin

Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from sisters and brothers in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another; we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you make in baptism so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace.

Time of Silent Confession

(Lord, have mercy on us) #300

Assurance of Pardon

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

^Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father) #35

^Passing the Peace

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

We listen to God’s Word

Prayer for Illumination

Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Reading   Jonah 3: 1-5 

(Jonah proclaims God’s message to Nineveh)

¹The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, ²“Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” ³So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. ⁴Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” ⁵And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

¹⁰When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 62:5-12 (Trust only in God) Responsive

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.

Second Reading     1 Corinthians 7:29-31 

(This world is ending)

²⁹I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, ³⁰and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, ³¹and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading   Mark 1:14-20  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_0tncGS7zU

(Immediately they answered the Call)

¹⁴Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, ¹⁵and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” ¹⁶As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. ¹⁷And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” ¹⁸And immediately they left their nets and followed him. ¹⁹As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. ²⁰Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Sermon Taking Action – Responding To God’s Gracious Call https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oynIR8Snj2M

^Affirmation of Faith  Apostle’s Creed 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come again to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

^Hymn     “Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore” #342https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdsab4mm4nI

Prayers of the People

Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you taught us to pray, and to offer our petitions to you in his name. Guide us by your Holy Spirit, that our prayers for others may serve your will and show your steadfast love.

Let us pray for the world. God our creator, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you save us. We pray for the whole creation. Overthrow evil powers, right what is wrong, feed and satisfy those who thirst for justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made, and joyfully sing your praises.

Let us pray for the church. Gracious God, you have called us to be the church of Jesus Christ. Keep us one in faith and service, breaking bread together, and proclaiming the good news to the world, that all may believe you are love, turn to your ways, and live in the light of your truth.

Let us pray for peace. Eternal God, you sent us a Savior, Christ Jesus, to break down the walls of hostility that divide us. Send peace on earth, and put down greed, pride, and anger, which turn nation against nation and race against race. Speed the day when wars will end and the whole world accepts your rule.

Let us pray for enemies. O God, whom we cannot love unless we love our neighbors, remove hate and prejudice from us and from all people, so that your children may be reconciled with those we fear, resent, or threaten; and live together in your peace.

Let us pray for those who govern us. Mighty God, sovereign over the nations, direct those who make, administer, and judge our laws; the President of the United States and others in authority among us; that, guided by your wisdom, they may lead us in the way of righteousness.

Let us pray for world leaders. Eternal Ruler, hope of all the earth, give vision to those who serve the United Nations, and to those who govern all countries; that, with goodwill and justice, they may take down barriers, and draw together one new world in peace.

Let us pray for the sick. Merciful God, you bear the pain of the world. Look with compassion on those who are sick, especially those battling the COVID pandemic; cheer them by your word, and bring healing as a sign of your grace.

Let us pray for those who sorrow. God of comfort, stand with those who sorrow; that they may be sure that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall separate them from your love.

Let us pray for friends and families. God of compassion, bless us and those we love, our friends and families; that, drawing close to you, we may be drawn closer to each other.

God of all generations, we praise you for all your servants who, having been faithful to you on earth, now live with you in heaven. Keep us in fellowship with them, until we meet with all your children in the joy of your eternal kingdom. Mighty God, whose Word we trust, whose Spirit enables us to pray: Accept our requests and further those which will bring about your purpose for the earth; through Jesus Christ, who rules over all things. Amen.

Offering Invitation

It might seem a bit strange to see an invitation to offering in this time of social distancing and virtual worship. Some of you may be financially affected as well. I would like to remind you that offering of ourselves is always a three-part process – our time, our talent, and our treasure. So I invite you to offer yourself in whatever way(s) are most appropriate to our heavenly Father.

Offertory    “Be Thou My Vision”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVBaLqWvPS8&t=7s  

^Doxology (Praise God from Whom all blessings flow)     #46

^Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to The LORD our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

God of heaven and earth, you call us to come in humility before you, bringing the offering of our very selves. As you revealed Jesus to be your Son in his baptism at the hand of John, so you claimed our lives in baptism, that we might die to sin and be raised with him to new life. By your Spirit, confirm in our hearts the witness that Christ is Savior of the world and our Lord. Accept all we have and are, O God, in the service of Jesus Christ, and strengthen us with your Spirit’s power, now and forever. Amen.

^Lord’s Prayer

We depart to serve Christ in the world

^Hymn      “How Firm A Foundation” # 618   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HadyYErFL0Y

^Charge

God has shown you what is good. What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Benediction (A word of blessing)

The God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, make you complete in everything good so that you may do God’s will, working among us that which is pleasing in God’s sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever!

Alleluia! Amen.

Postlude

Please remember in your prayers: 

Marian Allen, Marge Donley, Helen Hopkins (shoulder surgery), Barb Day, Verbie Hoffman (surgery for broken ankle), Susan (Sinn) Funke, Glenn and Loretta (broken shoulder) Holmes, Diane Schlosser, Joyce Culbertson, Mardelle Neumann (Apostolic Christian Skylines), Donna Diekhoff, Dick Temple, Myrna and Don (blood clots) Brose, Margaret Altine, Fran (Alzheimer’s), Val (cancer diagnosis), Blake Renner (Diane Allen Renner’s son), Joy Heaton, Lyndee Lewis’ niece, Jeremy Warner, Rose Goeken, Richard Hopkins (cancer), Dick Watts, Kyle Diekhoff (second spinal surgery), Rick Woodrow (Crohn’s)

The family and friends of Dick Dutton and Dick Place

All affected by the Covid-19 virus, those caring for them in any way, and those working to find a cure

WORSHIP RESUMES  FEBRUARY 7 – I’m sure many of you are overjoyed to see these words but they come with some precautions. Please wear a mask to protect others, as it is astonishing to see the number of people who are ill but asymptomatic. (Masks will be available if you don’t have your own.) When you enter please use the provided hand sanitizer then pick up a bulletin We will practice social distancing inside the sanctuary, asking that those who live in the same household sit together and to space yourselves out if you do not. Please keep your mask on throughout the service, especially when singing. We will not move around during the Passing of the Peace, instead wave, bow, or give air hugs. The offering plates will not be passed. Instead, they will be located at the rear of the sanctuary so you may make your offering as you enter or leave. Some may feel these restrictions are too much, others may feel they are not enough. Your Session has considered all the available information before resuming in-person worship. If you are uncomfortable in attending worship, please know we are continuing the virtual services. PLEASE, IF YOU FEEL AT ALL ILL, STAY AT HOME and use the virtual option.

Calendar:

Sun., 1/24: Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching; Annual Reports to Connie

Tues., 1/26: Compass deadline

Sat., 1/30: Prayer group available, 9:00 a.m. Recommend pray at home

Sun., 1/31: Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching

Sun., 2/7:  Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 5th Sunday after Epiphany, Holy Communion, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching, 10:30 a.m.

Sun., 2/14:  Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 6th Sunday after Epiphany,  Pastor Jean Sparks preaching, 10:30 a.m.; Installation of Elders; Congregational Meeting after Worship

First Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 602, 201 W. Fourth Street, Delavan, IL 61734

(309) 244-7105

E-mail: firstpresdelavan@gmail.com

www.firstpresdelavan.org

Rev. Jean Sparks, Pastor

Linda Clauser, Organist