Sunday January 15, 2018
Year B, Second Sunday after Epiphany
Second Sunday after Epiphany :: Green ::
1 Samuel 3:1–10, (11–20) :: Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 :: 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 :: John 1:43–51
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Adapted from Psalm 139 (See also Psalter 765 – Chalice Hymnal)
L: O God, you have searched me and known me;
P: You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
L: Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely.
P: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; I cannot attain it.
L: We praise you, O God;
P: Wonderful are your works.
Invocation: (From I Samuel)
Almighty and Everlasting God, even in times when it seems you are silent and visions are rare, you call us by name. How sad it is to know how often we do not answer, or misunderstand the source of the call. Draw nearer to us, O LORD, during this time of worship. Attune our hearts to your voice and allow us the privilege of responding, “Here I am, LORD.
Stewardship Moment:
First Corinthians 6:20 says “for you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies.” Paul is preaching against prostitution, and for living life in a God pleasing manner. One of the ways we please God is when we return our offerings before God. You were bought with a price. How will you respond?
Offertory Prayer:
Everlasting God, we bring these gifts before you with hope and thanksgiving for the ministries they will empower. Guide their use and bless those who have brought them, that your world will become a place of peace and wholeness, even for the “least of these”. We offer these gifts and this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Communion Meditation:
In John’s Gospel, we receive the story of Philip sharing the news of having encountered Jesus, the Messiah, to his friend Nathaniel, and Jesus calling of Nathaniel. In this encounter, Philip utters the famous quote “Come and See” with regard to Jesus. It is such a simple invitation. Not unlike the invitation our Lord offered for the repentance of sin. “Come, take, eat and drink.” As we invite you to receive the gifts of the Lord, I invite you today to reflect upon who in your life needs to “come and see”.
All material copyright 2017-2018 The Jubilee Fund, Inc. Permission granted to reproduce and use any of the above for Churches and Congregations to the glory of God without requirement of compensation or notification.
Scripture Quotations from the New Revised Standard Version. Online Scripture links a service of the Jean and Alexander Heard Divinity Library, of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Check out all of the awesome resources there at http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu