A Service for the Lord’s Day
February 7, 2021
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Welcome & Announcements
Call to Worship — Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Prayer of Confession
God of grace, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. You teach us to love our neighbors, but we walk away, wrapped in our own concerns, condoning evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. Help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness anew; through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Friend. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.
New Officer Ordination & Installation
Congregational questions:
Do we, the members of First Presbyterian Church, accept these deacons and this elder, chosen by God through the voice of this congregation, to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ? (“We do”)
Do we agree to pray for them, encourage them, respect their decisions, and follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church? (“We do”)
Children’s Message
Due to rising cases of COVID-19, in-person worship services are suspended. We will instead be live-streaming the service with a small worship team. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Leader: The Lord be with you!
Response: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
Response: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Response: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Words of Institution, Communion of the People, and Prayer after Communion
Tithes and Offerings
With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!)
Benediction
May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.