First Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 15, 2023 | 10:00am
Rev. Alexander Arthurs, Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: Thought for Worship: I thank my God every time I remember you. | Philippians 1:3
GATHERING
Prelude: Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above | Larson
Welcome
Call to Worship
Votum
Our Help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
The Lord be with you.
And also with you!
We are the church:
sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.
We are the church:
together with those in every place
who call on the name of Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace to you from God our Creator
and our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise: We Are Marching in the Light of God
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
God of the ages,
We do not always wait with patience.
We do not always sing your praises.
We do not always recognize your work in our lives.
We would rather take the credit for ourselves.
We would rather take the easy way out.
We would rather step on others
if it means more for ourselves.
Forgive us for all the ways we forget you.
Help us to delight to do your will.
Help us to trust in you
and return us to the path of righteousness.
The Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world.
The Lamb of God takes away the sins
of each and every one of us.
Christ has mercy on us, forgiving our sins.
Alleluia!
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
If we confess our sins,
He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins
And purify us from all unrighteousness.
For as far as the east is from the west,
So far will he remove our transgressions from us.
Friends, in Jesus Christ,
You are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
The Law of God: Philippians 4:4-7
*Gloria Patri | #579
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.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Anthem True Light | Hampton
Children’s Message
Prayer for Illumination
Father,
May your word be our rule,
Your Spirit our teacher,
And the glory of Jesus our single concern.
Amen.
First Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Hymn: Thy Word is a Lamp
Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon: “A Grateful Heart” | Pastor Alex
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living 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.
Offering: There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit | Akers
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with Lord’s Prayer)
We approach God in prayer not as strangers, but as beloved children, baptized in Christ Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for the church . . . Strengthen us in our testimony to Christ. As you are ever good and always faithful, keep us faithful in the fellowship of the Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for the earth . . . A burnt offering is not what you desire. Keep us from consuming the earth with greed; redeem and restore your good creation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for all nations . . . Give dignity to those who are despised and honor to those who are rejected. Send your saving grace to the ends of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for this community . . . Make us visible witnesses to Christ in this place, inviting our neighbors to come and see the new thing you are doing in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As children of God, we pray for loved ones . . . Be a rock for those who are sinking in despair. Put a new song on their lips and in their hearts, a song of thanksgiving and praise to you. (names read) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One, as you are well pleased with Christ, help us to live in a way that will be pleasing to you. As you have called us to listen to Christ, help us to always heed his word and seek his will. These things we pray in the name of Jesus, your beloved Child, our Savior and Lord.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
Hymn: Great is Thy Faithfulness
Benediction
Postlude: Festive March | Chesterton
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, January 22 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, January 29 - eggs
Sunday, February 5 - gallon(s) whole milk
UPCOMING EVENTS
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED