Prayer of Confession
We come on this holy day to speak of how we live. Politicians, celebrities, and talk
show folks have become our so-called gods. Our choices often cause those around us
to trip over our anger and slip on our pride. The words we speak to others show how
we often want very little to do with You. Forgive us, Holy God, and have mercy on us.
May we silence our fears, so words of hope may be spoken. May we give thanks not
only with our hearts, but with the grace we can share with others. May justice and
peace be the tools we use, as we serve beside Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
January 21, 2024 — Third Sunday after Epiphany Meredith Alspach The Rev. Annamarie Groenenboom The Rev. Chrissy Westbury The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer
Anthem Chariot! Traditional African American spirituals arr. by Phillip Kern
Gonna ride up in the chariot early in the morning,
And I hope I join the band.
O Lord, have mercy on me.Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
I look over Jordan and what do I see
A band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home.
Prayer of Confession
God, when you called each of us into being, you delighted in your works. You
gifted us with differences that illuminate the breadth of beauty, wisdom, and practices of love in your creation. In whatever ways we still struggle to accept and celebrate our own unique offerings, free us from narrow thinking that confines, constrains, or condemns your good work in us. Help us to desire you, Lord. Help
us to yearn for your presence. Pour your baptismal waters over us again. Nourish and heal us so that we may joyfully serve you.
Magnificat Luke 1:46-55 Carl Witt
Cantor 1: For God has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day, all generations will call me blessed:
For God has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
RESPONSE
Cantor 2: God has shown mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
God has shown the strength of his arm; he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
RESPONSE.
Cantor 1: God has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.
God has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
RESPONSE.
Cantor 2: God has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he remembered his promise of
mercy; The promise God made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children, forever.
RESPONSE.
Second Reading Mark 1:1-8 New Testament p. 34
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us,
for the word of God within us,
Thanks be to God.
In This Place Daniel Meyer
There is a welcome for the weary;
There is a rest for it is here we
Find the power of our family’s healing love;
For as Christ has welcomed all by grace,
There is a welcome in this place.
There is healing for the hurting;
There is a balm, for it is certain
That our God is here to heal;
For as God has healed us all by grace,
There is a healing in this place.
There is a comfort for our sorrow;
There is a hope for each tomorrow.
God’s compassion reaches to our needs,
For as Christ brings comfort through God’s grace,
There is a welcome, there is a peace in this place.
The Rev. Chrissy Westbury The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Hakken Candido Christ the King Sunday
11.19.2023 The Rev. Amber Nettleton The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer
Anthem
I Will Be a Child of Peace
Elaine Hagenberg/Shaker melody
O Holy Father, I will be a child of peace and purity.
For well I know thy hand will bless the seeker after righteousness