January 16, 2022, Second Sunday after the Epiphany and Human Relations Day.

ORDER FOR WORSHIP
GATHERING
Prelude: We Shall Overcome, Tom Ajack, guitar.
Introit: Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Thomas A. Dorsey/Arr. Linda R. Lamb, Tower Bells

Welcome and Lighting the Christ Candle: Pastor Greta Hietpas
In this season of Light, we light this candle - the Christ Candle - to remind us of God’s light shining in the darkness. May we share this light of hope, peace and justice in the world today.

Hymn: Red hymn book, #89 - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee verses 1 & 2.

Call to Worship: Pastor Susan Bresser
No matter how far we wander, God’s steadfast love finds us.
No matter how unjust the world seems, God’s steadfast righteousness sustains us.
No matter how vulnerable our lives seem, God’s steadfast presence gives us hope.
No matter how unloved and uncared for we feel, God hears our cries and answers our prayers.

Thanks be to God.
Welcome to worship.

Hymn: Red hymn book, #89 - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee verses 3 & 4.

A Time of Prayer (with Lord’s Prayer) - Pastor Greta Hietpas

Musical Response: Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Thomas A. Dorsey/Arr. Linda R. Lamb, Tower Bells.

THE WORD
Musical Setting for the Scripture - “Thy Word”, John Sheaffer, pipe organ.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to John
(John 2:1-11, NRSV). Read by: Larilyn Carpenter

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So, they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Contemporary Message: Pastor Susan Bresser
“In Light of Persistence.”

Organ Transition: John Sheaffer, pipe organ.

RESPONSE

Ministry Moment - Pastor Greta Hietpas
1.Church Office is closed Monday, January 17 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
2.Living Faith Today - Tuesdays at 6:30 on Zoom.
3.Circle of Sisters: Braiding Sweetgrass, Jan. 24 on Zoom.
4.Overflow Shelter Wish List.
5.Giving.
6.Human Relations Day Offering.

Prayer of Dedication: Pastor Greta Hietpas

Giving God, sometimes we believe the gifts we offer do not matter. But when they are combined with all the other gifts – of healing, of hope, of compassion, of your heart – they can become rivers of grace and justice flowing through the lives of everyone around us. We offer our gifts to you in this hope, as we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn: Green hymn book #3157 - Come, Let Us Dream verses, 1, 3, 4.

Benediction: Pastor Susan Bresser

Postlude: "There is a Balm in Gilead" by Richard Billingham, John Sheaffer, on pipe organ.

Prepare for worship next Sunday by reading Luke 4:14-21.