January 21, 2024 ~ THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BLAIRSVILLE

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BLAIRSVILLE
January 21, 2024 ~ 11:00 AM
THE ORDER OF SERVICE
Words of Greeting - Rick Shoemaker, Liturgist
Leader:  The Lord be with you.
People:  And also with you.
Sharing of Opportunities, Joys and Concerns
PREPARATION FOR THE WORD OF GOD
Prelude - “Be Thou My Vision”
Introit - “When Peace Like a River”
When peace like a river attendth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Call to Worship  
Leader: Silence your scattered thoughts and lay down your distractions. God calls us here to worship.
People: We are here to worship.
Leader: Drop your nets and leave your boats. God is with us. Jesus calls us.
People: We are here to worship.
All: Let us worship God together.
Hymn # 136 “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy, we confess that we have settled down in Nineveh. We have gotten comfortable in our categories: haves and have-nots, makers and takers, bigots and bystanders, self-starters and subordinates, law-abiders and illegals, the perpetrators and the innocent. We confess that we are comfortable living under systems of injustice and exploitation. We confess our discomfort in speaking truths that unmask idolatries. Make us ready to follow Jesus, ready to repent, and eager to change our hearts and lives. Call to us again, and show us your mercy. Let us hear your good news again. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Gloria Patri
Sharing of the Peace
DECLARATION OF THE WORD OF GOD
Scripture Lesson - Luke 10:25-37
Anthem - “Here I Am, Lord”-Chancel Choir – Cindy Borbonus, Director
Scripture Lesson - Matthew 25:35-40
Sermon - “Who Is My Neighbor?” - Donna Kanyan
RESPONSE TO THE WORD OF GOD
Affirmation of Faith  (The Declaration of Faith)
In forming his people and sending them into the world Jesus called individuals to be disciples. They were to share the joy of his companionship, to understand and obey his teachings, and to follow him in life and death. We confess that Christians today are called to discipleship. Life shared with Christ and shaped by Christ is God’s undeserved gift to each of us. It is also God’s demand upon every one of us, never perfectly fulfilled by any of us. Forgiven by God and supported by our siblings in Christ, we strive to become more faithful and effective in our daily practice of the Christian life.
Hymn # 422 “Amazing Grace!”
Prayers of the People & the Lord’s Prayer (debt…and debtors…)
Choral Amen
Ministry of Giving in Response to the Word
Presentation of the Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
Hymn # 109 “O, How I Love Jesus”
Benediction
Choral Response
Postlude
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