Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 27, 2022 | 10:00am
The Rev. Alexander Arthurs, Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: Even with us something like that happens once in a while. The face of a man walking his child in the park, of a woman picking peas in the garden, of sometimes even the unlikeliest person listening to a concert, say, or standing barefoot in the sand watching the waves roll in, or just watching a Saturday baseball game in July. Every once and so often, something so touching, so incandescent, so alive transfigures the human face that it's almost beyond bearing. | Frederick Buechner
GATHERING
Prelude: Fairest Lord Jesus | arr. Vogt
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.
Come, let us worship God,
singing joyful songs of praise!
For the glory of the Lord shines upon us,
and calls us forth with thanksgiving.
Let us turn to the mountaintop,
and let us give God the glory.
Come, let us worship God!
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Holy Lord,
we confess that we do not always seek the light of your way.
We are satisfied to dwell in darkness,
holding fast to the comforts of material fortune.
We ignore the needs of others,
and selfishly look the other way
when our neighbors are oppressed.
In your mercy,
help us to establish your equity in the world.
Move us to protect creation and ensure equality,
that all the world may have a share of your abundance and peace,
and that the light of your face may shine upon all creation.
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Jesus bore our sins in his body on the cross,
so that, free from sins,
we might live for righteousness;
by his wounds you have been healed.
In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
The Law of God: Philippians 2:1-4
*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: O Nata Lux | Lauridsen
O born of light to light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, mercifully deem worthy and accept the praises and prayers of your supplication. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost ones, grant us to be made members of your holy body.
Prayer for Illumination
Living God, help us to hear your holy Word with open hearts so that we may truly understand; and understanding, that we may believe; and believing, that we may follow in all faithfulness and obedience, seeking your honor and glory in all that we do. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Psalm 99
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Hymn: Shine, Jesus, Shine
Second Reading: Luke 9:28-36
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon: Transfiguratively | 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 Sanctus | Ray
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with Lord’s Prayer)
Joining our hearts and minds in prayer, let us call on the name of the Lord, saying O God of grace, bless us with peace.
We pray for the church . . . Give us the Spirit of freedom in the Lord to proclaim with boldness the gift of faith we have in Christ. O God of grace, bless us with peace.
We pray for the world . . . Let your love for justice and peace be known in all the nations of the world. Establish your holy realm in every place. O God of grace, bless us with peace.
We pray for this community . . . Enable us to see the face of Christ in the faces of our neighbors, honoring your image in all people. O God of grace, bless us with peace.
We pray for loved ones . . . Cast out all the powers of evil that disrupt the lives of those we love; bring them wholeness and healing. (names read) O God of grace, bless us with peace.
Mighty God, strengthen your people so that we may live in the world as those you have chosen and called; through Jesus Christ our 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: We are Marching
Benediction
Postlude: Toccata | Wagner
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, February 27 - eggs
Sunday, March 6 - Gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, March 13 - eggs
We are changing our Online Giving System to a more efficient and church-friendly platform. If you would like to continue giving online or would like to set up online payments, please click the “Give Now” button below to set up your online gifts. If you have any questions or need help setting up payments, please contact the church office. We are so grateful for your flexibility as we make this change. Your generosity drives our mission forward!
• Email: office@peapackreformed.org • phone: (908) 234-2733 •
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