February 12 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Rupali Hoffman shares with the congregation

Hyeji Park shares the postlude

Fellowship treats provided by Myrle Myers

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

(view the worship service here)

Today’s Meditation Verse: “I, the Lord, probe the heart and discern hidden motives....” — Jeremiah 17:10a

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Hyeji Park

*Call to Worship (Psalm 119:1-2, CEB)... Amy Abshire

Those whose way is blameless—who walk in the LORD’s Instruction—are truly happy!

Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts.

*Hymn... “Christ for the World We Sing” (UMH #568)

Prayer for Valentine’s Day... Amy Abshire

Eternal and Loving God, in Your very being we discover the essence of relational, triune love. You are the Lover, the Beloved, and the Love that Flows Between Them. As one created in Your image, empower me today to be a person of deeper love, encompassing heart, soul, mind, and strength, both for You and for those around me. Teach me to love those dearest to me, those with whom I am most vulnerable and most guarded. Help us to rebuild trust and authenticity with each other. Enable me to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, that I may share in the reconciling work of Jesus. May the impact of hurtful memories wane over time, along with ill will and resentment of others. Grant me deeper friendships with those who can help me be the best version of myself. May they help me be accountable for my actions, offer me godly advice, and speak the truth to me without judgment. Sharpen my awareness of those who feel unloved and unlovable. Strengthen my resolve to be an agent of hospitality to the lonely, of comfort for the frightened, and mercy for the hurting. Open my heart to a greater sense of Your love for me. A love that is tenacious, patient, and unconditional. Remove the barriers that I have erected in my spirit that block the free flow of Your love in my life. Work through my doubt, do not be deceived by my pride, and heal me of my guilt and shame. Loving God, in You I find my truest and best self, as one created in Your triune, relational image. Thank you for your grace and thank you for Your love. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

—The Rev. Magrey deVega, Hyde Park UMC (Tampa, Florida)

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer... Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 5:21-26... Amy Abshire

Choral Anthem... “Praise Ye the Lord,” words and music by Victor C. Johnson

Second Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20...Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “Words to live by”

*Hymn... “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (UMH #557)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

Postlude... Hyeji Park