As a quick reminder, we will be returning to in-person worship next week, February 7th. Our virtual services will continue a well. Today, in our service we look at a question that troubles many of us. In our world today, there are so many who claim to speak with authority, those who claim to speak in the name of the Lord. How do we know who is speaking the Word of the Lord, and who, isn’t?
Announcements:
What If?*
Greetings of Grace and Peace:
Call to Worship:
Come to worship this day. Bring with you all your joys and sorrows.
Jesus will offer hope.
Come to worship this day believing in the power of God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus will bring us healing.
Come to worship this day feeling the presence of God.
Jesus will teach us new ways to live. AMEN.
Opening Prayer:
Un-stop our ears, O God, that we may hear your Word proclaimed this day. Open our minds and hearts to be changed. Free us from the unclean spirits of worry, fear, destruction, and pride. Teach us, Lord, that we may follow you more faithfully. Amen.
Songs of Praise:
Prayer of Confession:
We think we know so much, O God, and with our meager knowledge we presume to judge others. We arrogantly announce our own righteousness without a compassionate thought. We proclaim your word when it suits us and often only to those with whom we want to associate. We shut others out because of our faulty judgment and our blindness. There have been so many times in which our humble help would have been a blessing to someone, but we have placed our comforts before serving others. In the competing voices of today’s world, we have turned around and around, trying to find the way to live. Help us, merciful God, to again listen to you. Help us to truly open our hearts to you. Remind us again of your great love and presence in our lives. Forgive us our foolishness and our stubbornness. Create in us new spirits, filled with your love, offering peace and hope to all. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.
Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 18: 15-22
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:21-28
Children’s Message:
Call to Offering:
Message: Stuff that Works
Pastoral Prayer:
Special Music
Dismissal with Blessing:
*Video Courtesy of Igniter Media
