Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
2nd Sunday after Epiphany Sunday
10:00 AM January 16, 2011
The time of centering: Holy God, in this season that commemorates the life and ministry of Jesus, remind us that His ministry is always and ever actively reaching out toward us. And in this hour of worship, help us to be open to the challenges of his words, the power of his healing, and the opportunity to labor alongside him as both Savior and friend. Amen.
PRELUDE - As the music begins, our worship service begins.
ENTRANCE OF THE LIGHT
INVOCATION
We can feel it within ourselves, each of us, our creativity awaiting life. Its voice whispers to us, forming that vision which is so intimately our own, yet asks to be shared. The words require a page, the forms of color begging a canvas, the motion that needs to be danced, or the pattern of sounds which may breathe only through a flute. Dear God, help us recognize these voices in ourselves; challenge us to realize them to life, in the beauty of our unfolding story; and help us to feel your presence in their whispers. Amen.
WELCOME
*SONGS OF PRAISE "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High"
"Shout to the Lord"
CALL US TOGETHER
LEADER: God our Creator, you have given us life, one gift we are not able to create by our own skills.
PEOPLE: That life is a story not yet finished. You have given us the opportunity to fill that life with what you would have us do.
LEADER: Grant us wisdom, O God, to discern between your work and our own. Let your work be ours.
PEOPLE: Help us to be aware of our limitations and capabilities. When we merge our lives with others, we know you will be there.
LEADER: Create in us your Spirit that we may choose to learn to minister in your name.
PEOPLE: O God, we can go far, but no further, without your guidance. We know you will be our light through all darkness.
ALL: We worship you, O God, for your goodness. We praise you with our songs. We seek you in our prayers. We offer ourselves to you because you are our God.
SPECIAL MUSIC Debbie Shoaf
CHILDREN’S SERMON – Children are invited to come forward
TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering
*Doxology
*Pray of Dedication
*HYMN OF PREPARATION "In the Garden" No. 314
SCRIPTURE LESSONS John 1:29-42
MORNING MESSAGE “God Revealed through Stories”
UNISON PRAYER
Faithful God, we thank you that when we walk close to you in this earthly pilgrimage, the valley of the weeper becomes a place of springs. We thank you for all those who walked in faith before us, acting in courage and seeking your ways. Grant us wisdom and courage for the living of these days; through the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.
*HYMN FOR GOING FORTH "Blessed Assurance" No. 369
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
Friends, continue you journey walking in love. Care for one another, care for the earth. Seek justice, and make peace. God goes before you. Live boldly, celebrate, sing, create your story. Amen.
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
