February 9 @ St Paul's: Worship Bulletin

February 9, 2025

The First Step

Link for service on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/Mi0sHDHI43c?si=wYy3Y8sDMGSRmGpg

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...Kyle Dacon (he/him)

Welcome...Amy Abshire (she/her)

*Opening Hymn...“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (UMH #127)

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

Leader: Through choice, through action, through steps of our own, we come to worship.

People: Here we come, preparing our hearts and souls to listen.

Leader: Even in uncertainty, the waters wait before us.

People: The path is unknown, but still, we hear God calling us forward.

Leader: Fear tells us to stay where we are, but faith invites us to move.

People: Still, we trust that God is making a way.

Leader: We do not walk alone—God is with us, and we walk together.

All: Together, with God’s help, we move forward in faith.

Unison Prayer...Rebecca Glancy

God of every relationship, every place where we gather and grow, You know that walking together is not always easy. We do not always see the same way, speak the same way, or know how to move forward. Still, you call us to take one step, not because we have it all figured out, but because choosing to walk together matters. Teach us when to hold on and when to let go, when to speak and when to listen, when to trust the path, even when we cannot see where it leads. May love be the ground beneath our feet, the courage within us, and the step we take today. Amen.

Choral Reflection...“New Year” by John Rutter

LISTENING

Community prayer concerns and celebrations
Please wait for Amy or 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...Amy Abshire

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.

Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:10-16 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy
As Pharaoh drew closer, the Israelites looked back and saw the Egyptians marching toward them. The Israelites were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt that you took us away to die in the desert? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt like this? Didn’t we tell you the same thing in Egypt? ‘Leave us alone! Let us work for the Egyptians!’ It would have been better for us to work for the Egyptians than to die in the desert.”

But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand your ground, and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never ever see again. The Lord will fight for you. You just keep still.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to get moving. As for you, lift your shepherd’s rod, stretch out your hand over the sea, and split it in two so that the Israelites can go into the sea on dry ground.”

For the Word spoken, the Word received, and the Word lived, we say we say...Thanks be to God.

Message...Amy Abshire / “The First Step”

RESPONDING

Hymn of Response...“Take My Life, and Let It Be” (UMH #399)

Offering...Amy Abshire
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.

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

SENDING

Connecting...Amy Abshire

*Closing Hymn...“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” (UMH #133)

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

Postlude...Kyle Dacon

Upcoming Events, News, and Information

The church council meeting has been scheduled for Monday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. If you or a representative from your committee cannot be there, please submit a report to Scott Glancy.