This is the fifth Sunday after Epiphany. One of the scripture readings for this service, Matthew 5: 13-16, finds Jesus addressing his followers as “salt of the earth” and “light of the world,” telling them who they are, defining their vocation and public witness in the world.
Salt had two purposes in the Middle East of the first century. Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat, which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. Believers in Christ are preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men.
We hope you will join us.
If you want to know more about what to expect during Sunday’s worship service, you can download the bulletin or visit the This Sunday link at GPUMC page on our web site every week.
Our in-person worship service in the sanctuary and the livestream begins at 9:30 am Sunday.
You are always welcome at this church!
Order of Worship for Sunday, Feb. 8
Minister: Rev. David Eardley
Liturgist: Joan Richardson
Download this week’s bulletin here
| Chimes Hymn | “All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded” | UMH 132 |
| Welcome | Joan Richardson | |
| Call to Worship | Psalm 121 (UMH 844) | |
| Organ Meditation | “God Will Take Care of You” (UMH 130), arr. Charity Boyles | Douglas Dykstra |
| Greeting & Lord’s Prayer | Rev. David Eardley | |
| Hymn | “Gather Us In” | TFWS 2236 |
| Scripture Reading | i Corinthians 2: 1-5 (NT p. 156) | Joan Richardson |
| Special Music | “Come, Christians Join and Sing” | Handbell Choir Directed by Giustino Carrano |
| Chancel Chat | Emily Bianchi | |
| Offeratory Invitation | ||
| Offeratory | “Let It Shine!” by Lloyd Larson | Chancel Choir Directed by Giustino Carrano |
| Doxology | UMH 95 | |
| Prayer of Dedication | ||
| Hymn | “This Little Light of Mine” | UMH 585 |
| Scripture Reading | Matthew 5: 13-16 (NT. p. 4) | Joan Richardson |
| Message | “Salt and Light” | Rev. David Eardley |
| The Sacrament of Holy Communion | ||
| Hymn | “Pass It On” | UMH 572 |
| Ministry Opportunities | ||
| Benediction | Rev. David Eardley | |
| Organ Voluntary | Trumpet Tune on “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” (UMH 664), arr. David Lasky | Douglas Dykstra |