2SAINT PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Fleetwood, PennsylvaniaFourth Sunday in Epiphany

February 2, 2020Holy Communion

GATHERINGAlmighty God, you have called the church into being and gathered us into one family. By the power of your Holy Spirit help us to live in unity of peace with all your children. May our actions this day be fruit of our faith in your kingdom. In the name of Christ. Amen.

INTROIT

OPENING HYMN “We Would See Jesus” See pg. 8

PASSING THE PEACE Pastor: The peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Let us share signs of Christ’s peace with one another.

JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH

PRELUDE (8:55) “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”.   Lowell Mason (10:25) Wind Hymn.              Jill Haley

CENTERINGPastor: O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?People: Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from

their heart;Pastor: who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a

reproach against their neighbors; Come, children of God, and be welcomed here as you are.

People: We gather in this place to worship God and God alone.Pastor: Come, children of God, and be fed at the Lord’s Table.People: We come to receive what we need for the journey ahead.Pastor: Come, children of God, and let us find the fuel for our faith.People: We come to the Table to receive God’s blessing and share it with others.Pastor: Come, let us worship God.

All (singing prayerfully) “Breath on me Breath of God” (Verse 1)

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PENITENCE Pastor: Let us confess our sins before God and one another.

All (singing prayerfully} “Breath on me Breath of God” (Verse 2)

Pastor: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.People: Forgive us when we are uncaring toward those who suffer.Pastor: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.People: Forgive us when we take advantage of the weak.Pastor: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.People: Forgive us when we are reluctant to share our faith with others.Pastor: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.People: Forgive us when we do not forgive.Pastor: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.People: Forgive us when our lives do not reflect your image.Pastor: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.People: Forgive us when we choose confrontation over reconciliation.Pastor: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the

kingdom of heaven.People: Forgive us when we do not trust in you.Pastor: Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil

against you falsely on my account.People: Forgive us when our behavior distracts us from leading others to you.

Silent Confession

4All (singing prayerfully) “Breath on me Breath of God” (Verse 3)

Pastor: For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, I announce to you that our sins are forgiven.

All (singing prayerfully) “Breath on me Breath of God” (Verse 3)

WORDSPECIAL MUSIC (8:55) Wind Hymn.              Jill Haley

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SERMON TEXT Matthew 5: 1-12

Choral Response:

SERMON “Blessed”

HYMN “Let Us Break Bread Together” No. 330

EUCHURISTOFFERING INVITATION

OFFERTORY “We are so Blessed”  Gaither, Nelson

(Congregation Stands)THE DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;Praise God, all creatures here below;Praise God above, you heavenly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

(Congregation Standing)

5Pastor: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.Pastor: Lift up your hearts!All: We lift them to the Lord!Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God : O God, who has called us from darkness into

light, we remember your eternal promise to lead your people from the shadows of bondage to freedom’s new dawning. We recall how in the fullness of time you gave us yourself in Christ Jesus, the light of the world. We thank you that by the power of your Holy Spirit we are born again in baptism as children of light. We recall that on the eve of darkness, on the night he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body, broken for you.” And, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood.Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”We rejoice that on the day of resurrection, when he was at the table with two of the disciples, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. At the institution, and upon the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate this joyous feast and join with the holy church throughout all the world in praising you.

All (singing prayerfully) “Breath on me Breath of God” (Verse 4)

Pastor: By the presence of your Holy Spirit may these gifts we offer be transformed from ordinary to holy things, so that as we eat and drink of them at this table, we may be fed and nourished with the body and blood of Christ, and so be united with him until we shall feast face to face at the glorious banquet table of heaven.

ANTHEM (10:25) “This Cup of Grace.”          PattersonThis cup of grace, poured out for you, is filled with love beyond all measure.

So drink this day and be renewed; this cup of grace, the love of Christ poured out for you.

This cup of grace, is freely given from God above,through Christ our Lord, that all who come

may be renewed,this cup of grace, the love of Christ poured out for you.

Come all who seek forgiveness; God’s mercy has no end.Come all who thirst for righteousness;

Come let the festivities begin.Come eat this bread, come drink this wine,

Come share the love of Jesus Christ.

This cup of grace, poured out for you,

Is filled with love beyond all measure.So drink this day and be renewed; 

this cup of grace, the love of Christ poured out for you.6

Pastor: breaking the bread The bread which we break is a means of sharing in the body of Christ.pouring the cup The cup of blessing we bless is a means of sharing in the blood of Christ.

All: For every time we eat this bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

All: (singing) 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 delivery us from evil for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever Amen

Pastor: This is the body of Christ which is broken for you.Pastor: This cup is the new covenant in the blood of Christ shed for you.

THE SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS (We offer wine or grape juice as the symbol of the Blood of Christ. (Grape juice is the light, wine is the dark. We also offer gluten free wafers.)

BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN(Children who did not receive communion and infants are welcomed to come forward and receive a blessing at this time).

(Congregation Standing)

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

SENDING

THE RECESSIONAL HYMN

THE BENEDICTION

CHORAL SENDING

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CHIMES

THE POSTLUDE  “Blessed Assurance”    P. Knapp

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9MISSION STATEMENT

As Followers of Jesus Christ we commit ourselves to:

Enthusiastically proclaim and teach God’s love through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Share God’s love with neighbors near and far. Live as a Christian community of hope, acceptance, and encouragement in a rapidly

changing world.WELCOME TO ST. PAUL’S

If you are visiting and would like to know more about St. Paul’s please fill out the visitor’s card located in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. One of our pastors will contact you.

There are assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired available at the sound board in the rear of the church.

Adult Sunday school is held at 9 a.m. - Generations Class in the Lounge off the Narthex. Also, Adult Bible Study is held Wednesday mornings. See Announcement sheets in the bulletin for details.

Children are always welcome in our worship space (as are the joyful noises that they sometimes add). For those moments when it might be needed, we do have a nursery room in the rear of the church that anyone with younger children is welcome to use. The room is equipped with a speaker that will allow you to continue enjoying the service. Please ask an usher if you need any assistance. 

Activity bags for children can be found on a rack in the Narthex.ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Altar Flowers are sponsored by Karen Smith and Lorraine Bell in memory of loved ones. The Bulletins are sponsored by Jean Weidner.The Upper Room Publication for this month is sponsored by Lynda Shenk in memory and celebration of loved ones. Coffee Time Sponsor: Sunday School TeachersReaders: 8:55 a.m. – Nancy Boyer 10:25 a.m. – Jim GoldmanAcolytes: 8:55 a.m. – Corbin Teeters, Katelin Mileshosky 10:25 a.m. – Emilee Scheffler, Liz SaylorUshers: 8:55 a.m. – Ramona Wolf, Jenn Hoffman, Clark Frederick, David Herrold, David Batz, Hali Hoch, Randy Hoffman, Tristin Farr 10:25 a.m. – Jim Goldman, Bill Thomas, Sue Creswell, Jason CrockettAttendance: January 26, 2020 8:55 a.m. – 95 10:25 a.m. – 112

December Income Expense Difference General Acct $ 75,355.72 $ 48,541.75 $ 26,813.97 Other Accts $ 3,859.53 $ 6,459.24 -$ 2,599.71 Year to date General Acct $439,362.49 $452,996.80 -$13,634.31