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Ordinary 5B

call to worship: don’t you know? haven’t you heard?

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based on Isaiah 40:21-31, Common English Bible
submitted by Rev. Andy James, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Whitestone, New York

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
God created all things and summons everyone by name.

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
No one – nothing – can compare to God’s glory.

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth,
and never grows tired or weary.

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength forever and ever.

confession: isn’t there someone else?

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Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, Crystal Lake, IL.

One: God, we look at the world and see so much hurt and need.
All: We wonder: when you will do something about it?
One: We look for you, desperately seeking your help,
All: and sometimes we forget that you have called us.
One: We know you can heal and teach and love,
we know your presence is always with us,
but it is so easy to forget, to make excuses,
to look for someone else to do the work.
All: Remind us that, through you,
we too can heal and teach and love.
Take us by the hand, Lord, and lift us up,
that we may serve you and one another. Amen.

Sunday’s Coming: working toward February 5

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The first Sunday in February–we all know what that means, right? the Souper Bowl, of course! Are you working with the Souper Bowl of Caring in your worship service? Will there be a special moment for that, a litany or prayer specific to that collection, or perhaps some kind of liturgical action that allows people to participate in the offering and in praying for those in your community who are hungry while most of us gorge ourselves on junk food in front of a huge TV?

And of course there’s the lectionary–where Jesus meets those people in need, and the disciples show the first signs of not really “getting it.” There’s the good news in Isaiah that God is there even when we fail, and will lift us up. Paul sets the bar really high by claiming that he can be all things to all people–no pressure, pastors and preachers! The Psalm reminds us that God provides and is to be praised–perfect for a call to worship, don’t you think?

What are you thinking this week? What phrases are turning around in your mind, begging to be turned into liturgy? What hymn ideas do you have? Anyone have an original communion liturgy to share, or a dedication of food pantry donations, or other liturgical seeds we can water and grow together?