4TH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

January 31, 2021

MEDITATION

“Praying” - Mary Oliver

It doesn’t have to be

the blue iris, it could be

weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

small stones; just

pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try

to make them elaborate, this isn’t

a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which

another voice may speak.

CHORAL PRELUDE

Set Me as a Seal Upon Your Heart René Clausen

(b. 1953)

Recorded by The Sanctuary Choir of First & Franklin Presbyterian Church

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death.

Many waters cannot quench love; neither can the floods drown it.

Song of Songs 8:6a; 8:7a

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Martha Armenti, liturgist

One: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

All: And also with you.

CALL TO WORSHIP GOD (from Psalm 11:1-2) Martha Armenti, liturgist Praise the Lord!

We will give thanks to our God with our whole hearts.

Praise the Lord!

Great are the works of our God, known by all who delight in them.

Praise the Lord!

Let us worship God.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy God, You speak to us directly and through prophets all around us. Fill all creation with your

Word, that it might fill us with hope, joy, discomfort, and resolve - until justice rolls down, peace

permeates the streets, and we are united with you and each other as one. Amen.

Hymn singing is vital to our community life. Although distanced from one another, we can be united through song.

Join in singing the hymns with the recorded voices of our Choir and organ.

HYMN OF PRAISE 218

New Songs of Celebration Render RENDEZ À DIEU

CONFESSION

God, you show us who and where you are

and call us to join your work in the world.

Even as we rejoice in finding you here,

we know the sting of suffering,

the breadth of estrangement,

the fragility of life.

Have mercy on us, Lord.

You show us who and where you are

and call us to join your work in the world.

Even as we work for justice with our neighbors,

we feel the divisions caused by sin,

the destruction wrought by our desire for power,

our own suspicions of those you call us to follow and love.

Have mercy on us, God.

Bear with us, forgive us, and renew us.

In Christ’s name, we pray.

Amen.

REFLECTION ON OUR CONFESSION Taizé Community

sung twice in contemplation

O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer.

When I call, answer me.

O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer.

Come and listen to me.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

People of God, hear the good news. God lived, died, and rose again so that the world might have

life. In Jesus Christ, we are set free and made whole. Alleluia! Amen.

RESPONSE TO OUR FORGIVENESS Taizé Community sung twice with joy

The Lord is my song; the Lord is my praise:

All my hope comes from God.

The Lord is my song; the Lord is my praise:

God, the well-spring of life.

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION God, open us up to your Word this morning, that we might soak it in, and be sent out to bear it

into the world. Amen.

FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 111 Martha Armenti, liturgist

Praise the LORD!

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,

in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Great are the works of the LORD,

studied by all who delight in them.

Full of honor and majesty is his work,

and his righteousness endures forever.

He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;

the LORD is gracious and merciful.

He provides food for those who fear him;

he is ever mindful of his covenant.

He has shown his people the power of his works,

in giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy.

They are established forever and ever,

to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

He sent redemption to his people;

he has commanded his covenant forever.

Holy and awesome is his name.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

all those who practice it[a] have a good understanding.

His praise endures forever.

ANTHEM

Wade in the Water Traditional Spiritual

arr. Bob Burroughs

Sung and recorded by the Sanctuary Choir of First & Franklin Presbyterian Church

Savannah McElhaney, soprano

Wade in the water.

Wade in the water, children.

Wade in the water.

God’s a-gonna trouble the water!

See that host all dressed in white.

It looks like the children of the Israelites!

Jesus said that you must be redeemed.

Then follow me down to the Jordan stream.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20111&version=NRSV#fen-NRSV-15804a

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Mark 1:21-28

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They

were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the

scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What

have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the

Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the

unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed,

and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority!

He[a] commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread

throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

SERMON The Most Unlikely Guides McKenna Lewellen, preacher

HYMN OF RESPONSE 339

Be Thou My Vision SLANE

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art;

Thou my best thought, by day or by night;

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor vain empty praise;

Thou mine inheritance, now and always;

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart;

Great God of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Heart of my own heart, whatever be fall;

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A21-28&version=NRSV#fen-NRSV-24240a

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Please use the chat forum to enter your prayers and we will share those as a part of our communal worship.

O God, in your mercy.

Hear our prayers.

PURPLE RIBBON LIST

01/23/2021 Alissa Traylor 16 Female Unknown

01/22/2021 Melvin Johnson 25 Male Unknown

01/20/2021 Ricky Dixon 40 Male Unknown

01/20/2021 Tavaughn Anderson 46 Male Unknown

01/19/2021 Rickey Martin 62 Male Unknown

01/19/2021 Breonna Rogers 30 Female Unknown

Each ribbon represents a life lost to homicide in Baltimore City. We name them each week and hang a purple ribbon on

the outside of Park Ave. to remind us to pray for the perpetrators of these acts of violence, and to remind us of our

calling to challenge the systemic injustices of our time.

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.

OFFERTORY

See invitation to give in the Chat Box on Zoom and Facebook Live.

If you wish to give via Paypal, you will need to open a new tab on your browser.

If you need assistance please request help from either of our E-Ushers:

Allie Pyan alexandra.pyan@gmail.com or Sabrina Schlosser Schumann ssschuma@gmail.com

If you would like to give your offering by mail, please send to the church office at First & Franklin Presbyterian

Church, 210 West Madison Street, Baltimore MD 21201. Offerings will be processed weekly.

AT THE OFFERTORY

All People That on Earth Do Dwell OLD HUNDREDTH

arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

1872-1958)

Marianne Shick, soprano

Sandra Smith, alto

Don Juedes, tenor

Nick Dogas, baritone

1. All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.

God serve with fear, God's praise forth tell,

Come ye before God and rejoice.

2. Know that the Lord is God indeed;

Without our aid God did us make;

We are God's folk, God doth us feed,

And for God's sheep God doth us take.

3. O enter then God's gates with praise,

Approach with joy God's courts unto

Praise, laud, and bless God's name always

For it is seemly so to do.

4 For why? the Lord our God is good;

God's mercy is forever sure;

God's truth at all times firmly stood,

And shall from age to age endure.

DOXOLOGY 591 OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all creatures here below;

Praise Holy Spirit evermore;

Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION Phil Adams

God of all creation and light of the world, we are grateful for your loving attention to the design of

our minds and bodies, for we realize we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are comforted by

your intimate care hemming us in both behind and before, and the knowledge that we move with

your hand upon us. Help us to recognize your presence in others as we do in ourselves, to hear your

voice when you call, and to respond enthusiastically. We bring these offerings humbly, ready to

serve in what it is you would have us do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

SENDING HYMN 262

God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand NATIONAL HYMN

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE

Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty Johann Gottfried Walther (1684-1748)

ONLINE FELLOWSHIP

We invite you to join us in our small breakout groups to visit after the service. Just stay on the

Zoom call and you will be added to a group. This is a great way to welcome and meet new people,

reconnect with friends and chat about whatever is on your mind!

January 26, 2021 $ 3,575.00

January 20, 2021 $ 2,370.00

January PayPal $ 2,284.00

LEADING WORSHIP TODAY

McKenna Lewellen, preacher

Martha Armenti, liturgist

Jason Kissel, organist

Quartet

Marianne Shick, soprano ~ Sandra Smith, alto

Don Juedes, tenor ~ Nick Dogas, alto

~~~ STAFF

Jason Kissel, DMA, Minister of Music & Organist

Taylor Brooks, tech support

George Meagher, Sexton

Wanda Morgan, Office Administrator/Wedding Coordinator

The church office is open 8am-4pm Monday-Friday

Office: 410-728-5545 Fax: 410-728-0722

information@firstfranklin.org

firstfranklin.org

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Because of the recent upsurge in COVID cases, and in order to provide a consistent schedule,

Session has decided to suspend worship in the sanctuary for the end of February. Virtual worship

will continue using the Zoom and Facebook platforms. While we regret this step back from in-

person worship, we believe it is necessary to protect the health of our guest preachers, others

facilitating worship, and worshippers. Session will review this decision by the end of February.

McKENNA LEWELLEN, GUEST PREACHER

McKenna Lewellen serves as the Assistant Director of The Center, and is a candidate for ordination under

care of the Baltimore Presbytery. Before moving to Baltimore, she preached and taught in congregations in

Memphis and Boston. She holds degrees from Rhodes College and Boston University of Theology.

SESSION UPDATE

Session continues to meet every two weeks to manage the business of the church. At its last meeting, a

decision was made to continue with virtual-only worship through the month of February.

The church’s financial situation is substantially unchanged. A robust stock market and reduced spending

has left the value of our endowment relatively unchanged over the past few months. However, our

financial advisors believe the market will weaken, and spending will rise with an interim pastor in place, so

it is important that congregational giving remain strong. Please give as you are able.

Session is also finishing up plans for a revised committee structure. Details should be available after the

next meeting on February 2nd.

An Interim Pastor search committee has been formed, the position has been advertised, and one interview

has already been scheduled. The committee hopes to conduct several other interviews and have a

recommendation ready for Session’s consideration by mid-February. Depending upon the commitments of

the selected candidate, we hope to have an interim in place by the end of March.

FIVE FINGER PRAYER

How many of you learned the Five Finger Prayer guide as a kid? Did you know you can submit Prayer

Requests to us from our website 24/7? Click this link to go right to the page. These prayers will be added

to our weekly prayer list. We welcome your submissions. Contact Form/Prayer Requests - First &

Franklin

IN NEED OF PASTORAL ASSISTANCE?

With our current Pastor vacancy, if you need pastoral assistance, please call the church office (410) 728-

5545 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm) and we will direct your concern to an Associate Pastor for follow up.

https://www.firstfranklin.org/about-us/contact-form-prayer-requests/https://www.firstfranklin.org/about-us/contact-form-prayer-requests/

LITURGISTS NEEDED!

We will be transitioning back to the use of lay liturgists for Sunday Worship. Liturgists can serve virtually

via Zoom as long as they have a stable internet connection.

Open Dates: April 11, 18, 25.

Please contact the church office if you are willing to serve. Thank you for considering it.

THEOLOGY ON TAP | NEXT DATE: to be announced

Join us for a study through Peter Enn's book, "How the Bible Actually Works".

"Controversial evangelical Bible scholar, popular blogger and podcast host of The Bible for Normal

People, and author of The Bible Tells Me So and The Sin of Certainty explains that the Bible is not an

instruction manual or rule book but a powerful learning tool that nurtures our spiritual growth by refusing

to provide us with easy answers but instead forces us to acquire wisdom."

If you are interested in joining this study, please email Sarah Lloyd (saramcgawlloyd17@gmail.com) and let

her know that you're interested. The book is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your

local bookstores. If affording the book will be a hurdle, please let us know so we can arrange to help you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS

As we all recognize real concerns for our friends who will experience hardships through this disruption in

regular routines, so too, we need to be mindful that your weekly contributions are critical to helping us

maintain the financial obligations of the church. Payroll, mortgages, electricity and the rest are needs we

must continue to cover, and your continued support of your pledges will be even more important while we

are tele-worshiping. In addition to accepting your pledges by mail to the church office, we have recently

added a PayPal link to the top of our new website which will allow us to process donations with this link:

GIVE. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

FOOD PANTRY AT FIRST & FRANKLIN Another 22 bags were handed out last week. We want to make sure people understand that they do not

have to give large amounts. Buying an extra box of pasta or donating $10 if that is what works for you is

impactful and welcome.

If you have the resources to do so, please consider donating non-perishables (see list below) or

financial contributions. Please also consider joining us on Saturdays from about 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We continue to staff a food pantry in Reid Chapel every Saturday from 12:00- 2:00 p.m. There is a growing

flow of neighbors with whom we are building relationships. We have built connections with residents at

Westminster House for whom we drop off additional bags of food for those who cannot make the walk to

Reid Chapel.

In each grocery bag we pack food for breakfast, jelly and peanut butter (a good source of protein) for lunch,

the makings for a balanced dinner such as beans and rice, pasta and sauce, canned meat, soup, vegetables,

mailto:saramcgawlloyd17@gmail.comhttps://www.firstfranklin.org/get-involved/giving-stewardship/

and fruit, and a paper goods. We like to add a little fun food, such as popcorn or cookies, for everyone enjoys

a treat.

Contributions of shelf stable foods can be brought to Reid Chapel every Saturday between 12 noon and 2:00

p.m. If shopping is difficult for you, monetary donations earmarked food pantry may be sent to the church

and we will shop for you.

We are currently low on: canned milk, spaghetti, canned meats and dry & canned beans

Here is the list of foods we try to provide:

Apple sauce, canned fruit and dried fruit

Rice and beans

Peanut butter and jelly

Cereal or oatmeal and canned or powdered milk

Tuna fish and other canned meats

Spaghetti or pasta and tomato sauce

Soup

Canned vegetables

Popcorn and cookies

Paper towels

Toilet paper

How else can you help? We need volunteers to help collect and distribute food every Saturday. Sabrina

Schumann is coordinating the volunteers. You may reach her by email at ssschuma@gmail.com or phone

240-481-6929. You can also help by spreading the word to those you know who are facing food insecurity.

Thank you,

The Peacemaking Committee

THE SPIRE SERIES

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT -- The Spire Series Committee is pleased to share the

YouTube link to the 2020 Virtual Candlelight Christmas Concert. This final version includes details that

were unavailable during our initial broadcast, including subtitles, enhanced imagery and closing credits.

We hope that having access to the beautiful music and scenery of the Christmas season at First & Franklin

will brighten your days ahead. Please share this link with friends & family, too.

https://youtu.be/nwbooAwK9Ug

MORNING PRAYER | 7:00am

Please join us online: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Zoom Event Click: MORNING PRAYER

mailto:ssschuma@gmail.comhttps://youtu.be/nwbooAwK9Ughttps://www.firstfranklin.org/morning-prayer/

DID YOU MISS A SUNDAY?

Or did you want to re-visit a particular sermon from our congregational life?

Please visit: Sermons

Prayers from January 24, 2021

Prayers of peace to the entire Mereness/Schroll family on the death of Betty’s Mom, Gini.

Prayers for Phil Adams who is in the hospital with dengue fever and broken toes he sustained in a fall. He is

undergoing surgery on 1/28.

Prayers of love, joy and thanksgiving on the birth of our first grandchild, Isobel Wynne Wallace, on Tuesday, January

19th in Boston. [Chris & David]

Prayers of support for my friend, Arlene and her family as she faces a recent terminal cancer diagnosis. And for my

longtime friend Jackie who recently underwent surgery. May she have a complete recovery. [Scot]

Lord, as we listen to the Call, may we envision hope and love for all on the path ahead; help us to know how to use

“tough love” with grace and understanding. [Audrey]

There is much to be thankful for today: the promise of a vaccine to bring our world back to normalcy; for those who

helped develop it and for those who are administering it. [Rev. Kate]

We give thanks for the rescue of the Chinese miners after they were stuck for 2 weeks underground. [Rev. Kate]

We give thanks for the hope of the first woman and person of color to hold national office in the Vice Presidency

[Rev. Kate]

We give thanks for the possibility for the people of the Muslim faith to travel to the United States. [Rev. Kate]

We pray about the conflict in Ethiopia and in the Sudan, and for those taking part in the uprisings in Russia.

Prayers for Paula Crews’ brother, for his daughter and her two daughters under the age of 4 who have Covid.

Prayers for the grandparents of Erika Cabrera, who both have Covid. [Sarah]

Thanksgiving for the life of Hank Aaron, for his baseball skills and his steadfastness in life a life of grit and grace.

[Jack]

Prayers for the work of Safe Streets and the recent loss of Dante Barksdale. [Allie]

Gratitude that my Mom has had her first vaccine and remain hopeful that others may get theirs as quickly as possible.

[Beth]

Prayers for everyone struggling with loneliness and isolation, especially my cousin Sam. [Charley]

Grateful for a wonderful sermon by Rev. Kate.

https://www.firstfranklin.org/category/sermons/

Prayers for the Mt. Vernon Community and those working the food pantry where we gave away 22 bags on Saturday

to those in need. [Randy]

For all in our church community who are unable to join us each week – may we all reach out to those we do not see

each week. [Beth]

Prayers of thanks for our entire staff – Wanda, George, Taylor, Jason, Deborah and all our volunteers who help to

keep the church moving forward. [Beth]

Prayers from 1/17/2021

Grateful for a wonderful sermon by Rev. Lisa. [David]

Prayers for Betty’s Mom, Gini, who is hospitalized with Covid and is on hospice care.

Prayers for our nations peace. [John]

For Kat C. in NC waiting for Covid results. [Sabrina]

Gratitude that my sister’s medical tests came back less serious that feared. [Mike]

Prayers of thanks for the lives and witness of Rev. Fred Rogers, who died in 2003 and his wife Joanna who died last

week at the age of 92. [Jack]

For Kat who recently learned of her partner’s addiction. [Sabrina]

For our brothers and sisters in Cuba. [Betty]

Prayers for my friend Lawrence Waudby who lost his mother to Covid. [Craig]

Prayers for my son, John, who broke his leg. [Nusrat]

Prayers for my daughter who is separating from her husband. [Marla]

Prayers for the Mt. Vernon Community and those working the food pantry where we gave away 25 bags on

Saturday to those in need. [Randy]

For all in our church community who are unable to join us each week – may we all reach out to those we do not see

each week. [Beth]

Prayers of thanks for our entire staff – Wanda, George, Taylor, Jason, Deborah and all our volunteers who help to

keep the church moving forward. [Beth]