WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION
PRELUDE “He Leadeth Me” arr. David Cherwien
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 27:1, 8; Matthew 4:17, 19
Leader: Jesus said: Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven is near.
People: The Lord is my light and salvation;
whom shall I fear?
Leader: Jesus said: Follow me,
and I will make you fishers of men.
People: My heart says: Go,
and seek the face of God.
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN 32 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of glory, we confess that we have not sought your face. You call us to follow Jesus, but we are afraid to walk in faith. You call us to be one in Christ, but we continue to quarrel and fight. Forgive us; give us grace. As you have sent a Savior to us, send us out as witnesses: to show the wonder of your love in Jesus Christ our Lord…
Silent Prayers of confession
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. (Romans 8:34)
Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” #581
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Isaiah 9:1–4; Matthew 4:12–23
SERMON “Go Fish!” Rev. Barrett Ingram
Text: And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
*HYMN 720 “Jesus Calls Us”
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed Page 35
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.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Follow Me” John Carter
RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY – Hymn 606
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN 722 “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak”
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “God the Almighty” Gary Davidson