January 12 Worship: Bulletin

January 12, 2025
Rooted in Tradition, Reaching for Renewal

Worship link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GI2MMfGOD48

In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones.
The prelude calls us to worship; let us listen quietly in reflection and prayer.

*Indicates please stand if you are able

GATHERING

Prelude...Lorie Courier (she/her) / “Memories of Christmas”

Welcome...Rev. Elizabeth Burg (she/her)

*Call to Worship...Rebecca Glancy (she/her)

Leader: We are called. We are called as individuals, as families, as a faith community.

People: We are called to be the church—a space, a place, a people of shaping, growing, and sending.

Leader: Together we learn.

People: Together, we learn the way of love and live it boldly in the world.

Leader: Like roots that stretch deep into fertile soil, our faith steadies and sustains us.

People: Like branches reaching toward the sun, God’s Spirit calls us to grow and stretch .

Leader: In every season, the tree of faith is alive—rooted in the past and bearing fruit for the future.

All: Let us gather at the table of God’s grace, where tradition and renewal meet .

*Hymn...“Be Thou My Vision” (UMH #451)

LISTENING

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:6-13 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy

When Jesus was at Bethany visiting the house of Simon, who had a skin disease, a woman came to him with a vase made of alabaster containing very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’s head while he was sitting at dinner. Now when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor.”

But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Why do you make trouble for the woman? She’s done a good thing for me. You always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me. By pouring this perfume over my body, she’s prepared me to be buried. I tell you the truth that wherever in the whole world this good news is announced, what she’s done will also be told in memory of her.”

Hymn of Reflection...“Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393)

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Rooted in Tradition, Reaching for Renewal”

RESPONDING

Choral Anthem...“He Is Born, The Divine Christ Child” and “Sing Noel, Alleluia!” arranged by John Leavitt

Community prayer concerns and celebrations
Please wait for the usher to bring you a microphone so that all in the congregation will be able to hear your prayer clearly.

Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer...Rev. Elizabeth

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Creator,† who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

†Please use the language for God that resonates with your soul and helps you connect with the Divine.

Offering...Rev. Elizabeth
Donations to St. Paul’s can be left in the offering plate on the usher’s table at the back of the sanctuary. To set up automatic giving via bill pay, see instructions on the back of the bulletin.

Doxology...“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94)

SENDING

Connecting...Rev. Elizabeth

*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth
Please stand to receive the benediction and then be seated if you wish to enjoy the postlude.

Postlude...Lorie Courier / “How Great Our Joy!”