Worship Service for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany- February 6 , 2022
“The one who finds Joy in the Word of God and thinks on it daily is like a tree planted by water, yielding much fruit in its time....” Psalm 1

We open ourselves to the Word of God,  or “ ground" our selves

Piano Prelude:   "Jesus loves me" Played by Deirdre Morell-Ormerod

Welcome, Lighting of a candle,
Lighting a candle helps with maintaining focus and setting this time apart as sacred time
​and Opening Prayer  
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The hymn "Here I am" is based several biblical stories which are always God calling ordinary people to bring truth and healing.

We listen for the Word of God among the words... or “Root" our selves:

The reader is Brian Power-Grimm.
The first reading describes the call of the prophet Isaiah, which can be dated to the year 742 BCE. The call comes with a "watershed moment"- the death of a king- Uzziah. His 40 year reign had marked a period of prosperity for Israel and Judah.  Previously the super power Assyria had been weak, as had been Egypt and Babylon. This had created a vacuum of power which had allowed the smaller countries to prosper . Around 740 Assyria began its rise to power which would eventually destroy Israel and seriously harm Judah. The time of peace and prosperity was coming to an end.   1st Reading: Isaiah 6: 1-8  
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The second reading describes the apostle Paul's sense of call. Like Isaiah he knows that he is a broken and sinful soul, yet he (and others) have met the grace of God in Christ and answered the call.
2nd Reading: 1st Corinthians 15:1-11  

The gospel for today is from Luke 5:1-11
​The gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.
Reader and Message:                  Rev. Elisabeth

We put Word into Action, or “Bring fruit”:

Gifts of service: This week, ponder the work  you are gifted to do. Ask yourself:  How am I setting limits on  what I think God is able to do through me? ponder what you might do if you had a bit more trust in your gifts and a bit more courage...? 
Financial Gifts: Your gift to Mission and Service of the United Church of Canada enables fantastic Mission projects , such as organic demonstration farms which empower the locals to battle hunger.

Closing Prayer:   This prayer was written by John Van der Laar and found on his website, https://sacredise.com
​Recorded by Janice Potter
Would you join in the bolded parts?
Though it may seem to us that evil spreads like a virus,
though it may feel naïve to resist it,
we choose to believe that your spirit’s fruit
can satisfy a world that hungers for healing.
 And so:
Wherever hatred and suspicion divide people and fragment communities,
we will pass on love.
Wherever sorrow and cynicism leave the dark stain of despair,
we will pass on joy.
Wherever violence and abuse shatter lives and destroy the earth,
we will pass on peace.
Wherever expediency and the quest for quick fixes create confusion and need,
we will pass on patience.
Wherever heartlessness and selfishness cause loneliness and exclusion,
we will pass on kindness.
Wherever evil and darkness steal away hope and integrity,
we will pass on goodness.
Wherever aggression and coercion remove freedom and playfulness,
we will pass on gentleness.
Wherever self-interest and shallowness undermine relationships and stability,
we will pass on faithfulness.
Wherever lawlessness and carelessness generate chaos and fear,
we will pass on self-control.
 Though it may take our best energy
and our most enduring commitment,
We pray for the courage and the faith
to answer your call,
to resist whatever devils we may face,
and to pass on your abundant life
in Jesus name, with whom we pray: "Our Father...."

Blessing

Piano Postlude: "You are my all and all" -
​played by Deirdre Morrell-Ormerod