Gloria in Excelsis. Hymn #593. Prayer of the Day P: The LORD be with you. C: And also with you. C: And also with you.

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1 ST. PAUL S LUTHERAN BLUE CHURCH 5900 Applebutter Hill Rd. Coopersburg, Pa bluechch@ptd.net Website: stpaulscoopersburg.com Interim Pastor: Rev. James Hammond ; jjtrev1@verizon.net Third Sunday after Epiphany January 22, 2017 Prelude I Love to Tell the Story Lucy Ann Warriner Gloria in Excelsis Announcements Confession and Forgiveness P: Blessed be the Holy Trinity, one God, who stretches out the heavens, who sends light to the nations, who gives breath to us all. C: Amen. P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence for reflection and self-examination P: Loving God, we confess that we have turned from your way to follow our own ways. Forgive us for the times we have spoken or acted too quickly; we have not spoken or acted at all; we have hurt those closest to us; we have hurt those we have yet to know; we have thought more about ourselves than others; we have thought less of ourselves than we ought. Turn us around, and give us a fresh start, so that we can live again as your children. Amen. P: Even when we have done wrong, God makes us right. Even when we have messed up, God puts us together. God s love never runs out. God never tires of calling us beloved children. Hear God say to you now: Your sins are forgiven, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. C: Amen. Hymn #593 Drawn to the Light Greeting P: The boundless grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God, and the light of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Prayer of the Day P: The LORD be with you.

2 P: Let us pray LORD God, your lovingkindness always goes before us and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and LORD. Amen. First Lesson Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 Sung responsively ELW tone #6 P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 4 th Chapter. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 4 One thing I ask of the LORD; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek God in the temple. 5 For in the day of trouble God will give me shelter, hide me in the hidden places of the sanctuary, and raise me high up- on a rock. 6 Even now my head is lifted up above my enemies who surround me. Therefore I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary, sacrifices of rejoicing; I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7 Hear my voice, O LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. 8 My heart speaks your message "Seek my face." Your face, O LORD, I will seek. 9 Hide not your face from me, turn not away from your ser- vant in anger. Cast me not away you have been my helper; forsake me not, O God of my salvation. Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Verse Holy Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23 P: The Gospel of the LORD. Sermon Hymn #818 O Master, Let Me Walk with You Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our LORD. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3 The Prayers Response: Your mercy is great Sharing of the Peace P: The peace of the LORD be with you always. Offering Yours to Use Kyle Hill Offertory Response #884 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (1 st Verse) Offertory Prayer A: Let us pray Merciful God, C: receive the gifts we bring, our selves, our time, and our possessions. Through this meal unite us as your body, shining with the light of your justice and mercy; for the sake of him who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer The pastor offers the prayer. The congregation joins in praying the LORD s Prayer. 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen Invitation to Holy Communion P: We who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Come. Be filled with light and life. Lamb of God P: It is indeed right and salutary we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

4 Worship Year A copyright 2008 Augsburg Fortress. Copying of any music in this bulletin prohibited without written permission. WELCOME TO ALL IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! We especially welcome those who are visiting. We invite you to sign our guest register in the narthex. Blank envelopes in the pews are for visitors. God s purpose for St. Paul s Lutheran Blue Church is to spread the Good News of Christ s love for all people in the Southern Lehigh community and beyond. Blue Church Mission Statement, adopted 2012 Holy COMMUNION - #798 WILL YOU COME AND FOLLOW ME BLESSING P: The Body and Blood of our LORD Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. Prayer A: Let us pray O Morning Star, fair and bright, you have refreshed us again with heavenly food. You are our dearest treasure. Go with us now today, tomorrow, every day that we tell the story of your never-ending love and sing your praise both now and forever. Amen. Benediction P: The God of glory dwell in you richly, name you beloved, and shine brightly on your path; and the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. Hymn #661 I Love t Tell the Story Dismissal A: Go in peace. Be the light of Christ. C: Thanks be to God. THE DAY IN THE CHURCH YEAR: EPIPHANY 3 Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be caught in the net of God s grace and mercy. ABOUT THE SCRIPTURE READINGS.. Isaiah 9:1-4: The northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali experienced the gloom of defeat by Assyrian military forces, but they are assured that their condition will be reversed when God makes a light-filled appearance. The joy they will experience will resemble celebrations of great harvests, because God will deliver them from everything that diminishes or oppresses them. 1 Corinthians 1:10-18: Paul calls on the Corinthians to end their dissensions and share the unified outlook of the gospel. Discord arises when we forget that we belong not to human leaders or institutions but to Christ. Indeed, the unifying word of the cross is the center of the gospel and the power of God s salvation. Matthew 4:12-23: Jesus begins his public ministry shortly after John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. He proclaims the nearness of God s reign and calls four fishermen to be his first disciples. PRAYER FOR THE DAY: The Lord is my light and my salvation. (Psalm 27:1) PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: God our Savior, as you called the first disciples, be with us now when we invite others to walk on the path to your kingdom. Amen. BLUE CHURCH PRAYS FOR..Sick/Recovering: Anthony Abate, Marie Berghold, Joyce Christman, Jim Homlish, Monica Hottenstine, Rowan Milne, Dominic Mongilvtz, Brendan Mulloy, Erika Olsen, Ann Schmoyer, Shannon Silliman, Debra Trump, Postlude Glory to His Name Franklin Ritter Liturgical music reprinted from Lutheran Book of Worship, Used by permission of Augsburg-Fortress, license #15175-L. All rights reserved. Psalm 27 is reprinted from Psalter for CELEBRANT ORGANIST GREETER LEADING OUR WORSHIP The Rev. James Hammond Dr. Jennifer Dodd Irene Frederick

5 ASSISTING MINISTER LECTOR USHERS CHURCH COUNCIL REP Amy Ortwein Loraine Kline Roger & Edie Knappenberger Pete Link WEEKLY GIFTS, PRESENTED TO THE GLORY OF GOD: SANCTUARY LAMP by Bill & Kathy Exner in honor of family Birthdays. COMMUNION WINE AND BREAD by Joyce Fulford in memory of Loved Ones. CONGREGATIONAL BULLETIN BOARD TODAY: 9 AM Choir Rehearsal. 10:30 AM Worship. Annual Congregational Meeting following Worship. MON.: 4:45 7:45 PM Girl Scouts 7 PM 1 st Holy Communion Classes at Blue Church. WED.: 9 AM Quilting at Blue Church. THURS: 9 AM Altar Guild Meeting. SAT.: NEXT SUN.: 8:30 AM Blue Church staffs Betty Lou s Food Bank. 9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal. 10:30 AM Worship C OMING EVENTS mark your calendar! Mon. Jan PM First Holy Communion classes. Sat. Feb. 4 th 10 AM Valentine Card Addressing Party at Blue Church. Sun. Feb. 5 th 9:30 AM Thrivent Meeting before Worship. Light refreshments served. THERE ARE A LOT OF OPEN DATES THAT ARE STILL AVAILABLE. THE CHART FOR LECTOR SIGN-UP FOR 2017 IS IN THE BINDER ON THE WINDOW SILL IN THE NARTHEX. Please check the chart and sign up for a Sunday that is convenient for you. New people are very welcome. SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 5 TH. Please help by donating non-perishable food items (you can put them in the box located in the narthex), or by donating cash which will be collected after worship on that day. THE ANNUAL COAT DRIVE IS NOW UNDER WAY. Blue Church is collecting gently used coats for the winter season to help those who can use them. The collection will continue through the winter season. You can bring in coats and blankets and drop them in the bin in the narthex. They are greatly appreciated. THE BLUE CHURCH COOKBOOKS ARE ON SALE AT $10.00 A BOOK. The cookbooks are on a table in the narthex. Simply take one, sign your name and drop your money in the cookpot. There are many wonderful recipes to try and they make great gifts. First Holy Communion Classes will begin on Monday, January 23 at 7 PM. Contact Pastor Jim for more information. Valentine Day card party to benefit guests of Valley Manor Nursing Home in Coopersburg will be held on Saturday February 4, at 10 a.m. Please bring a potluck snack to share with others. Rain date/snow date is Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. Contact Sherry Farrell at if you have any questions THE CHARTS FOR SPONSORING ALTAR FLOWERS, BULLETINS, SANCTUARY LAMP CANDLE AND WINE & COMMUNION BREAD FOR 2017 ARE ON THE BULLETIN BOARDS IN THE NARTHEX. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SIGN THE APPROPRIATE CHART.