Covenant Presbyterian Church

Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany

February 5, 2023 – 10am

  Covenant is an accepting, welcoming community sharing the glory of God’s love with all.

PRELUDE                       “This Little Light of Mine” arr. Hayes

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Candle

CALL TO WORSHIP  

Leader:  We are called to spread God’s love in this world.

People:  We can do this work, as we are, because of the Holy Spirit.

Leader:  By God’s grace, we are salt.

People:  We purify, we cleanse, we bind, we bring out the best in people.

Leader: By God’s grace, we are light.

People:  We allow things to be seen as they are. We point to holiness.

Leader:  We love the Lord our God and our neighbors as ourselves.

People:  By God’s grace, we are salt. We are light. God transforms us and uses us.

Leader:  Let us worship our God, so full of transformative grace.

*HYMN  #17 “Sing Praise to God, You Heavens!”   (verses 1-4) Ribbon

1 Sing praise to God, you heavens!

Sing praise, each shining light!

Sing, planets in your orbits;

sing, stars all burning bright!

Sing praise, you winds and tempests,

you driving rain and snow!

Sing, clouds that race and billow

and shadow earth below!

2 Sing praise, O earth, sing praises!

Sing praises, hill and plain,

you mountains thrusting skyward,

you valleys ripe with grain!

Sing praise, each fragrant flower;

your fairest hues display.

Sing praise, you trees of autumn

in glowing, glad array!

3 Sing praises, all you creatures

in whom God takes delight:

you whales that roam the oceans,

you eagles in your flight!

Sing praise, you sheep on hillsides,

you cattle in the stall!

Though wordless, sing your praises

to God who made you all!

4 Sing praises now, God’s people;

your gift of speech employ

to praise the Lord, your Maker,

with thankfulness and joy!

Sing with the whole creation;

a cosmic chorus raise:

“To God alone be glory

and everlasting praise!”

CALL TO CONFESSION 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Almighty God, you have called us to bring out the best in the world around us, to be bold in our faith, to share your love with those around us. We have failed your command. We choose conflict. We choose laziness. We choose excuses. Forgive us for rejecting the identity that you offer us freely, for rejecting the work of your Holy Spirit in our hearts.

[Silent prayer for personal confession].

WORDS OF FORGIVENESS 

HYMN #447 “We Are Forgiven” Ribbon

We are forgiven. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God.

We are forgiven. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God.

PASSING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord, be with you all. And also with you.

HYMN #188 “Jesus Loves Me” 

TALK WITH CHILDREN

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Cross

THE FIRST READING Psalm 112:1-9 (NRSVUE) 

The voice of the Lord, powerful and full of majesty. Thanks be to God.

THE GOSPEL READING Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSVUE)

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, O Christ.

PRAYER OF THE DAY †

Israel’s jealous God,

giver of love’s law,

in whom there is no blandness,

no dullness of oppression;

liberate us

from all that numbs compassion

to find in your commands

light undimmed

and flavor unrestrained;

through Jesus Christ, fulfiller of the law.

Amen. 

SERMON “Kindom…Identity”  

HYMN #377 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”  (verses 1-2) Ribbon

1 I want to walk as a child of the light.

I want to follow Jesus.

God set the stars to give light to the world.

The star of my life is Jesus.

Refrain:

In him there is no darkness at all.

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2 I want to see the brightness of God.

I want to look at Jesus.

Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path,

and show me the way to the Father. (Refrain)

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

You can give online to Covenant by scanning this QR code

OFFERTORY   “A Gaelic Blessing” by John Rutter

*DOXOLOGY #606      Ribbon 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

praise God, all creatures here below;

praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.                                            

*Prayer of Dedication Cross 

THE LORD’S SUPPER–See the back page of the hymnal

At Covenant, we believe the Lord’s Supper is for everyone. From newborns to our most mature, all are welcome at this table. The Presbyterian Church teaches, “The opportunity to eat and drink with Christ is not a right bestowed upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. All who come to the table are offered the bread and cup, regardless of their age or understanding” (Book of Order, W-3.049).

MUSIC DURING DISTRIBUTION               “We Are One, Lord” by Pethel

*HYMN #853 “We Are Marching in the Light of God”   (verses 1-4) Ribbon

1 We are marching in the light of God; 3 We are praying in the light of God;...

we are marching in the light of God.

We are marching in the light of God; 4 We are singing in the light of God;...

we are marching in the light of God.

We are marching, marching, we are marching,

oo, we are marching in the light of God;

we are marching, marching, we are marching,

oo, we are marching in the light of God.

2 We are dancing in the light of God;...

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE     Reprise of “We Are Marching in the Light of God”

Unless otherwise noted, prayers in this service are reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2012.

† From Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare. New York: Church Publishing, 2009

Assisting in Worship Today:

Beth Askue–Liturgist

Brian Gray–Vocalist

Cherie Brooks – Director of Music & Technology 

Katie Wynkoop–Organist/Pianist & Assistant Director of Music 

Erin Wise – Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries

Brian Biller – Media Production Specialist

Rev. Joel A. Esala–Pastor