January 5, 2025
Shaped By Grace
Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life
Worship link: https://youtu.be/9Bk8v5qhfKk
We greet each other in Christ’s name as we enter into worship together.
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
Welcome...Rev. Elizabeth Burg (she/her)
Prelude...Kyle Dacon (he/him)
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: God’s mercy calls us from what is familiar and leads us toward transformation.
People: We come, bringing our whole selves, ready to be changed by grace.
Leader: God’s grace meets us in the offering of our lives and fills us with purpose.
People: We come, open to the renewing of our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls so we may live what is good and holy.
All: Let us worship the God who forms us, loves us, and sends us to serve!
*Hymn...“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (UMH #400)
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-2 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy
So, siblings in Christ, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.Hymn of Reflection...“Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393)
Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Shaped By Grace”
Prayer Song...“Take My Life and Let It Be” (UMH #399)
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...Rev. Elizabeth
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Creator,* who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on 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 by cash or check can be left in the offering plate on the usher’s table at the back of the sanctuary. To set up automatic online giving, see Martha Batch, Financial Secretary.
Doxology...“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94)
Holy Communion
During Holy Communion, we take a special offering to benefit the PATH Fund, a fund used to help fill the gaps for our underserved neighbors. If you would like to make a contribution, please place your gift in the basket marked “PATH Fund” on the table at the back of the sanctuary or at the altar rail.
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy, we confess that we have not always lived as your people. We have chosen malice over mercy, judgment over justice, and apathy over action. We have conformed tothe patterns of this world. We cling to what is easy instead of embracing the discomfort of transformation. Forgive us. Renew our minds and shape us into vessels of your grace. Amen.
Hear the good news: God’s grace is enough. In Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and set free.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to give thanks to you...And when the time was right, you came to us in Jesus Christ, who showed us what it means to live fully and boldly.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of grace and glory, Heaven and earth are full of your wonder. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the One who comes to bring peace and hope. Hosanna in the highest!
Holy are you, and blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ...And so, we remember. We remember his life of compassion and justice, his death that reveals the depth of love, and his resurrection that calls us into new life.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
God of transformation, pour out your Spirit on us...May this meal be for us a reminder of your unending love and a call to discipleship in this new year.
Amen.
*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)
*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth
Postlude...Kyle Dacon
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