ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
THE FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
215 MIDDLE ROAD, HAZLET, NJ 07730
(* indicates to stand if you are able)
Sunday, February 14; Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
VOTUM AND SALUTATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 8)
Pastor: Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God!
People: For it is pleasant; and praise is beautiful!
Pastor: The Lord builds up Jerusalem and gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
People: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Pastor: He counts the number of stars and calls them all by name
People: Great is our Lord, and mighty is his power!
Pastor: The Lord lifts up the humble and casts the wicked down to the ground.
People: He declares his word to Jacob, and declares his judgments to Israel.
Pastor: He has not dealt thus with any nation, and they have not known his judgments.
All: Praise the Lord!
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
All: Holy Lord, you are a God of great deeds and wondrous works. You created the heavens and the earth. You created us in your image; fearfully and wonderfully made. You have shown us many marvelous blessings. And even though you work in infinite strength and your power has no limits, you still show us how to rest. Be with us as we break from our weekly labors to worship together in your name. Help us to find peace in your prayers, find comfort in your presence, and find contentment in your Word. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE “God of Creation, All-Powerful” (verses 1, 4 & 5)
(hummed – not sung)
God of creation, all powerful, all-wise,
Lord of the universe, rich with surprise,
Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all,
We are your children – you hear when we call.
God of your people, your Word still stand fast -
Do for us now as you’ve done in the past!
Yours is the Kingdom – your triumph we claim,
Challenging evil in Jesus’ strong name.
God of our now, all our trust is in you,
Covenant-God, ever faithful and true;
Sovereign, Creator, Redeemer, and Lord,
Now and forever your name be adored!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
(please stand, but remain in place, and greet your nearest neighbors with a wave and a blessing of peace)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God our Creator, hear our confession. We trust in our own power, even when you promise to be our strength. We exploit the poor and the weak, even as you promise them salvation. We close our doors to the refugee, even as you call on us to welcome the stranger. God of grace, have mercy on us. Teach us to rely on you alone. And help us to give freely of ourselves to others. For the sake of your good news, through Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
(Responsive Hymn – to be hummed, not sung) - Hear our prayer O Lord. Hear our prayer O Lord. Incline thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (John 16:22-23)
All: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer as me anything. Very truly, I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
*Gloria Patri: Glory be to The Father Hymn #805 (hummed – not sung)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW (Matthew 5:38-44)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you to take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, ‘Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.’
HYMN FOR ILLUMINATION (seated) “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1 (hummed – not sung)
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON HYMN “Are You Weary, Heavy Laden?”
(Verses 1, 4, 5, 6 & 7) – Hummed, not sung
Are you weary, heavy laden, are you sore distressed?
“Come to me,” says One, “and, coming, be at rest.
If I find him, if I follow, what my portion here?
“Many a sorrow, many a labor, many a tear.”
If I still hold closely to him, what has he at last?
“Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, Jordan passed.”
If I ask him to receive me, will he tell me nay?
“Not till earth and not till heaven pass away.”
Finding, following, keeping, struggling, is he sure to bless?
“Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs answer, ‘Yes.’”
SCRIPTURE READINGS – Mark 1:29-39
THE MORNING MESSAGE - “A Busy Man“
*OFFERTORY PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY
*APOSTLES 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 Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried.
The third day he rose from the dead
He ascended into heaven
And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting. Amen.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Let us break bread together on our knees; Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees; Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees; Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty
to give thanks to you at all times and in all places,
O Lord our Creator,
almighty and everlasting God!
You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty.
You have given us life and being,
and preserve us by your providence.
But you have shown us the fullness of your love
in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ,
the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation.
For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you
we praise and bless you, O God.
With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Most righteous God,
we remember in this Supper
the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ
for the sin of the whole world.
In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again,
we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices.
Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray,
that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless
may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that, being joined together in him,
we may attain to the unity of the faith
and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord.
And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf,
and these grapes from many hills into one cup,
grant, O Lord, that your whole Church
may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
JOYS & CONCERNS – MORNING PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Lord’s Prayer – “sins / those who sin against us”)
CLOSING HYMN “Near to the Heart of God”
(hummed – not sung)
There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
*CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION
*CHORAL POSTLUDE: "Lord, Dismiss Us with your Blessing"
(hummed – not sung)
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace;
O direct us and protect us, traveling through this wilderness.
THE FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
215 MIDDLE ROAD, HAZLET, NJ 07730
(* indicates to stand if you are able)
Sunday, February 14; Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
VOTUM AND SALUTATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 8)
Pastor: Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God!
People: For it is pleasant; and praise is beautiful!
Pastor: The Lord builds up Jerusalem and gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
People: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Pastor: He counts the number of stars and calls them all by name
People: Great is our Lord, and mighty is his power!
Pastor: The Lord lifts up the humble and casts the wicked down to the ground.
People: He declares his word to Jacob, and declares his judgments to Israel.
Pastor: He has not dealt thus with any nation, and they have not known his judgments.
All: Praise the Lord!
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
All: Holy Lord, you are a God of great deeds and wondrous works. You created the heavens and the earth. You created us in your image; fearfully and wonderfully made. You have shown us many marvelous blessings. And even though you work in infinite strength and your power has no limits, you still show us how to rest. Be with us as we break from our weekly labors to worship together in your name. Help us to find peace in your prayers, find comfort in your presence, and find contentment in your Word. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE “God of Creation, All-Powerful” (verses 1, 4 & 5)
(hummed – not sung)
God of creation, all powerful, all-wise,
Lord of the universe, rich with surprise,
Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all,
We are your children – you hear when we call.
God of your people, your Word still stand fast -
Do for us now as you’ve done in the past!
Yours is the Kingdom – your triumph we claim,
Challenging evil in Jesus’ strong name.
God of our now, all our trust is in you,
Covenant-God, ever faithful and true;
Sovereign, Creator, Redeemer, and Lord,
Now and forever your name be adored!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
(please stand, but remain in place, and greet your nearest neighbors with a wave and a blessing of peace)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God our Creator, hear our confession. We trust in our own power, even when you promise to be our strength. We exploit the poor and the weak, even as you promise them salvation. We close our doors to the refugee, even as you call on us to welcome the stranger. God of grace, have mercy on us. Teach us to rely on you alone. And help us to give freely of ourselves to others. For the sake of your good news, through Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
(Responsive Hymn – to be hummed, not sung) - Hear our prayer O Lord. Hear our prayer O Lord. Incline thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (John 16:22-23)
All: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer as me anything. Very truly, I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
*Gloria Patri: Glory be to The Father Hymn #805 (hummed – not sung)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW (Matthew 5:38-44)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you to take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, ‘Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.’
HYMN FOR ILLUMINATION (seated) “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1 (hummed – not sung)
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON HYMN “Are You Weary, Heavy Laden?”
(Verses 1, 4, 5, 6 & 7) – Hummed, not sung
Are you weary, heavy laden, are you sore distressed?
“Come to me,” says One, “and, coming, be at rest.
If I find him, if I follow, what my portion here?
“Many a sorrow, many a labor, many a tear.”
If I still hold closely to him, what has he at last?
“Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, Jordan passed.”
If I ask him to receive me, will he tell me nay?
“Not till earth and not till heaven pass away.”
Finding, following, keeping, struggling, is he sure to bless?
“Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs answer, ‘Yes.’”
SCRIPTURE READINGS – Mark 1:29-39
THE MORNING MESSAGE - “A Busy Man“
*OFFERTORY PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY
*APOSTLES 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 Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried.
The third day he rose from the dead
He ascended into heaven
And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting. Amen.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
- INVITATION
- COMMUNION HYMN – “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Let us break bread together on our knees; Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees; Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees; Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
- COMMUNION PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty
to give thanks to you at all times and in all places,
O Lord our Creator,
almighty and everlasting God!
You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty.
You have given us life and being,
and preserve us by your providence.
But you have shown us the fullness of your love
in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ,
the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation.
For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you
we praise and bless you, O God.
With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Most righteous God,
we remember in this Supper
the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ
for the sin of the whole world.
In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again,
we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices.
Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray,
that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless
may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that, being joined together in him,
we may attain to the unity of the faith
and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord.
And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf,
and these grapes from many hills into one cup,
grant, O Lord, that your whole Church
may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
- WORDS OF INSTITUTION
- CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION
- PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
JOYS & CONCERNS – MORNING PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Lord’s Prayer – “sins / those who sin against us”)
CLOSING HYMN “Near to the Heart of God”
(hummed – not sung)
There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
*CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION
*CHORAL POSTLUDE: "Lord, Dismiss Us with your Blessing"
(hummed – not sung)
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace;
O direct us and protect us, traveling through this wilderness.