Covenant Presbyterian Church

Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany

Scout Sunday

February 12, 2023 – 10am

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

PRELUDE                       “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” arr. Forrest

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Candle

CALL TO WORSHIP  

Leader:  Steady our steps, O God, as we travel the journey set before us.

People:  Let us walk in the way of light and pursue the path of peace.

Leader:  Keep us on your course of life as we seek to be faithful

People:  And as we gather to praise you, our faithful Lord and God.

Leader: Join me now in worship.

*HYMN  #410 “God is Calling through the Whisper”   (verses 1-3) Ribbon

1 God is calling through the whisper

of the Spirit’s deepest sighs,

through the thrill of sudden beauties

that can catch us by surprise.

Flash of lightning, crash of thunder;

hush of stillness, rush of wonder:

God is calling—can you hear?

God is calling—can you hear?

2 God is calling through the voices

of our neighbors’ urgent prayers,

through their longing for redemption

and for rescue from despair.

Place of hurt or face of needing;

strident cry or silent pleading:

God is calling—can you hear?

God is calling—can you hear?

3 God is calling through the music

of sublime and human arts,

through the hymns of earth and angels,

and the carols of our hearts.

Lift of joy and gift of singing;

days and nights our praises bringing:

God is calling—and we hear!

God is calling—and we hear!

CALL TO CONFESSION 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Generous God, we are called to live and serve together as your people. We confess that we have sought to live for ourselves, not reaching out to others and honoring the divine image in all your children.

Forgive us, we pray. In your abundant mercy give us the grace to be your people, confessing our faults, offering forgiveness and working for reconciliation. Turn our hearts to your intentions that we may hold fast to one another and draw near to your presence. In Jesus, we ask it. Amen.

[Silence for personal confession]

WORDS OF FORGIVENESS 

HYMN #587 “Alleluia!” Ribbon

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Alleluia! Alleluia!

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 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (NRSVUE) 

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

SPECIAL MUSIC                   “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by Bish, arr. Thompson

THE GOSPEL READING Matthew 5:17-30 (NRSVUE)

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY †

Living One,

in whose freedom 

creation was born as a gift: 

free us from the need 

to possess, define and silence others 

that we might rejoice

in the strangeness of your beauty 

revealed in flesh and blood 

through Jesus Christ, our reconciliation. Amen.

SERMON “Kindom Speech”  

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven… (Hymnal p. 35. We say “debts & debtors.”)

HYMN #443 “Just As I am, without One Plea” (verses 1-3) Ribbon

1 Just as I am, without one plea

but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou biddest me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come; I come!

2 Just as I am, though tossed about

with many a conflict, many a doubt,

fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come; I come!

3 Just as I am, thou wilt receive,

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

because thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come; I come!

MINUTE FOR MISSION     Habitat for Humanity Doug Teske

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

You can give online to Covenant by scanning this QR code

OFFERTORY       “Open Thou Mine Eyes” 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 

*HYMN #745 “Now Go in Joy” Ribbon

Now go in joy

to spread the Word

till all people have heard:

God embraces all!

Follow, then, the disciples’ call:

tend your neighbors with loving care

in daily work and prayer.

God’s own grace empower your spirit.

Amen!

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Reprise of “Now Go in Joy”

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:

Anna Mizer–Liturgist

Jason Guthrie–Vocalist

Nancy Davidson–Campanile Bell Choir Director

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