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. 22
Minister: Rev. David Eardley
Liturgist: Jean Porter
Download this week’s bulletin here
| Chimes Hymn | “Amazing Grace” | UMH 378 |
| Welcome | Jean Porter | |
| Call to Worship | Psalm 32 (UMH 766) | |
| Organ Voluntary | “Grace Greater than Our Sin” (UMH 365), arr. Copes/Leatherman | Douglas Dykstra |
| Greeting & Lord’s Prayer | Rev. David Eardley | |
| Hymn | “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” | UMH 269 |
| Scripture Reading | Genesis 2: 15-17; 3:1-7 (OT.p.2-3) | Jean Porter |
| Chancel Chat | Emily Bianchi | |
| Offertory Invitation | ||
| Offertory | “At His Name” By Joel Raney | Chancel Choir Directed by Giustino Carrano |
| Doxology | “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (vs.4) Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love is so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. | UMH 298 |
| Prayer of Dedication | ||
| Hymn | “Because He Lives” | UMH 364 |
| Scripture Reading | Matthew 4:1-11 (NT.p.3) | Jean Porter |
| Message | “Cutting Corners” | Rev. David Eardley |
| Hymn | “It Is Well with My Soul” | UMH 377 |
| Ministry Opportunities | ||
| Benediction | Rev. David Eardley | |
| Piano Meditation | “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley” (TFWS 2212), arr. C.E.Walz | Douglas Dykstra |