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Sunday Worship Service
Second Sunday After Epiphany
January 17th, 2021
ORDER OF WORSHIP
God Gathers Us Together
Welcome
Song: “Great Things”
Pastoral Greeting
We Listen for God’s Word
Song: “Come Thou Fount”
Song: “Reckless Love”
Prayer and Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
“He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
and again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are futile.”
So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Sermon – “Develop”
We Respond to God’s Word
Song: “Ever Be”
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
We Feast at God’s Table
Invitation, Confession, Pardon and Peace
All: Gracious God, we admit that we have not always followed the path that You have set for us. We have failed to see Your light reflected in our neighbors, in ourselves, and in the world You have created. Forgive us, restore us, and strengthen us through our Lord Jesus Christ that we may live in Your love and serve only Your will. Amen.
L: Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
All: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God! Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
L: The Lord be with you.
All: And Also with you.
L: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
L: Let us give our thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
L: …And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
L: …And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
All: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
L: Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever.
All: Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tithes and Offerings
Communion
Song: “Ever Be”
We are Sent Out to Love and Serve
Announcements
Benediction
SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY
Would you like to make a financial contribution to support the ministry here at Bluff Park United Methodist Church? We have a secure online contribution platform available to make your donation electronically. Just use the form below to start the process.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Will Wells, Jackie Teaford, Becky Blankenship, Wayne and Peggy Williams, The family of Jean Brown, Debra McCallum, Will McCallum and Beth Byrnside, Sara Perry, Gene Smith, Lois Truss, Jennie Alley, Myra Gray, David Williamson and family, the family of Bill Best, Ray Williams, Rosalie Rasco, Pam McIntosh, Bill Fields, Ann Gilliland, Gary White, Jack and Sue Pearson, Matt and Pat Reeder, Joan Cook, Harry Hill, Derilda Joiner, Maya Wright, Buck Sullivan, Jerry Thorn, Linda Small, Barbara Erwin, Frank and Marilyn Williams, Carolin Platt, Carolyn Arthur, Roxie Langham, Medical staff and essential workers, Shirley Andrews, Mike and Marcia Patrick, Dot Watterson, Bob Moore, Wayne Freeman, Jackie Causey, Mary McCullough, Vee Russell, Peggy Best, Joe Thomas, Bob Rogers, Lisa Avant, Sue Crunk, Alex Hendon, Mary Marlow, Charlotte Word, Margaret Loper, Connie Steele.
PRAYERS FOR OUR WORLD
Pray for all UMC missionaries who continue in their service in faraway places despite the threat of Covid-19. Pray that recruitment for the 2021 class of missionaries will not be hindered by the pandemic.
24-Hour Pastoral Care is available if needed. Call (205) 533-9902 and leave a message. A pastor will reply promptly. Or, email us at care@bpumc.org.
TOP ANNOUNCEMENTS
2021 Operating Ministry Budget Pledge Campaign
The Operating Ministry Budget supports the core functions of our church’s ministry and mission—light, heat, air conditioning, supplies, food, and staff. It is part of our promise as members to support all of the ministries and missions of the church. We are holding this campaign in the New Year instead of in October and November like in previous years. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge for this current year!
Preserving Beauty; Preserving Ministry Capital Campaign
Capital campaigns are always for major expenses over and above the Operating Ministry Budget. Our church family has pledged to move forward with a special one-year capital campaign to support four important areas of need during these unprecedented times. This campaign seeks to restore and preserve every stained glass window at our church, to purchase a new chiller for our Sanctuary, to ensure that our Operating Ministry Budget does not have to take over the debt service for the Elevator Tower and to invest in a technology upgrade for 21st-century ministry. A generous family is willing to match pledges in order to help us reach our goals more swiftly which means that your pledge’s impact will be automatically doubled! Contact the office to make a pledge.
Weekly Puzzle Challenge
Feeling bored? Try our puzzle challenge. In each week’s BPUMC Emailed Update, there is a new puzzle that will help you learn more about BPUMC, the United Methodist Church and other fun information! Download at http://BluffParkUMC.org/puzzle23.
Answers to Last Week’s Puzzle Challenge (Week 22) – New Year’s Resolutions
Across
- Who were the first people to make New Year’s Resolutions? Babylonians
- What service did John Wesley create in 1740 to encourage people to think about one’s past mistakes and resolve to do and be better in the future? Covenant Renewal
- How many years ago did the first people begin to make New Year’s resolutions? Four thousand
Down
- In what month was New Year’s originally celebrated? March
- What emperor moved the New Year’s celebration to January? Julius Caesar
- What was the alternate name of the service created by John Wesley in 1740? Watch Night