Estes Park United Methodist Church

January 24, 2021

Order of Worship

Prelude – Softly and Tenderly

                                                                                                                                   

Greeting/Welcome

 

Call to Worship

Leader:    Let us start this service well, by reminding ourselves: That it is not we who chose Christ,

People:   but Christ who chose us,

Leader:    That we are not here because of our goodness

People:   but because of Christ’s grace,

Leader:    That we are not here to enlighten ourselves,

People:   but to allow Christ to enlighten us,

Leader:    That we have not come to be entertained

People:   but to worship God with heart, soul, mind and strength.

 

Opening Prayer (Unison)

Holy One, God of all Creation, you call us to be your people, to carry your vision in this time and place, to go where you send us to help welcome your amazing good news. As we gather in the presence of the risen Christ to spread the news that your realm is near, fill us with your Holy Spirit, O God of all Creation.  Fill us with your glorious Spirit, that we may share your good news with a world in need. Amen.

 

Opening Hymn – God of Grace and God of Glory                                                                            

 

Prayer of Confession

Leader: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just. He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.

All: Loving Jesus, compassionate friend and gentle guide, you call us in all the seasons of life. In darkness and in light, in joy and in sorrow, you beckon us to follow you. Yet we hold back. We question how we know your voice, we make excuses of things we have to do or skills we lack. We look for the grand task, and you give us the common work of loving and caring for those near at hand. We look for recognition, and you want others to see you more. Loving Jesus, gentle friend and compassionate teacher, take us by the hand and lead us into your future, assured of your presence and encouragement. Amen.

 

Silent Prayer

 

Assurance of Pardon

Leader: May the God of all mercies cleanse us from our sins, and restore us in his image, to the praise and glory of his name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People: Thanks be to God!  Amen!

 

Offering

            Prayer of Blessing

            Offertory                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                   

Pastoral Prayer

            Lord’s Prayer

           

Scripture Lesson – Mark 1:14-20

 

Sermon – The Time is Now

      

Closing Hymn – Softly and Tenderly           

 

Benediction

 

Postlude  – Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

 

Service Participants:

Pastor: Rev. Ann Steiner Lantz

Liturgist: Cay Lacey

Director of Music: Jim Flanigan

Pianist: Nancy Gunter

Videographer: Jim Ecklund