February 8- A Light in the Darkness

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. 
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE   Spirit of the Living God, Fall Fresh on Me          

*CALL TO WORSHIP          Jim French                                                                                     
One:  Jesus taught:  Blessed are the poor in spirit.  The realm of God is theirs.
All:  Those who mourn are blessed.  They will be comforted.
One:  The meek will inherit the earth.  The merciful will obtain mercy.
All:  All who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed; they will be filled.
One:  Blessed are the pure in heart and the peacemakers.  They will see God.
All:  Those persecuted or falsely accused will be blessed.  Even in the face of evil, we will rejoice.

*HYMN    O How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit   Hymn No.229                                                  

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION         Jim French             
We come into this moment carrying the weight of our lives.  We feel the strain in our bodies and on our spirits.  Draw near to us now.  Kindle in us courage to carry out acts of mercy and the work of lifting burdens.  Let your Spirit move among us and remake us to share in life at its fullest and best as disciples of Jesus.  Amen.

Passing of the Peace        Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
(May the peace of Christ be with you.  Response:  And also with you.)

*RESPONSE    Peace Like a River  Hymn No.360

OLD TESTAMENT READING    Micah 6:1-   Jim French                                                                

SPECIAL MUSIC      Lord, I want to be a Christian in my Heart

GOSPEL READING       Matthew 5:1-16    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON    “The Salt”          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE        Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

INVITATION TO GENEROSITY    Jim French
One: Friends of God, when we give, we join the work of lifting burdens and repairing the places we call home.  Let our offerings be given with open hands, willing hearts, and a commitment to our shared life.  Will the ushers come forward with our gifts?

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn No.623

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All:  Bless what we have brought to you.  Let it move where relief is needed, where repair can begin, and where dignity can rise.  Carry us forward in your work with gratitude and joy.  Amen. 

*HYMN   The Master Has Come  Hymn No.502                                                                          

*BENEDICTION          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE          Rondo in C     Gordon Young