St Jacob United Church of Christ, Blue Creek 8 amCombined Sunday School 9:30 am

St John United Church of Christ, Penntown 10:30 am

January 31, 2016

Thought for the DayGrace is something you can never get but can only be given. There’s no way to earn it or

deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks or bring about your own birth.

– Frederick Buechner

Welcome (Those who are able, please stand)Announcements*Prelude*Call to Worship

One: We have come to worship God, the living God,All: Who calls prophets and teachers to bear witness.

We extend a warm welcome to each of you!We lift in prayer those who are unable to be here and

all who join us for worship.Pastor Lynne: (812) 623-0354, (319) 830-4048, or

lynneb135@gmail.com

One: We have come to praise God, the almighty God,All: Who answers the forces of hatred and hurt with the power of grace.One: We have come to worship God, all-gracious God,All: Who chooses even you and me,

to receive and carry the Word of life and hope. All glory to God!

*Opening Hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” #68*Prayer of Invocation

God of the prophets, is it possible that you, who spoke to Jeremiah and Jesus, will speak to us? We may not be ready to believe it. We may not be ready to

receive you. But we have gathered in your name and we pray: Come,

Holy One! Fill us with the story of your people; fill us with your loving

Word. Take us as we are, and make us wholly yours. In Jesus’

name: Amen. *Prayer of Confession

One: If we say we are completely put together, the truth is not in us. All: But if we confess our distractions, our errors, and our anxieties,

God will meet us and renew us. One: Before God and God’s people, I confess that I have been reluctant to speak out

clearly, naming the injustice I see and declaring God’s vision.All: Before God and one another, we confess our reluctance

to receive our calling as God’s people, made by God and chosen as witnesses to God’s dream of justice and

joy. One: Remind me, God, that you have made me for your service

and recharge me with your Word.All: Renew us, God. Grant us courage to live out your Way of peace and grace. We ask it in Jesus’ name; Amen.

Assurance of God’s Love

One: God has promised that whenever we repent, and seek a new union with God, forgiveness is ours. That promise comes true now.

Sisters and brothers, know that in Christ Jesus, we are forgiven. All: Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Passing of Peace Response “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #178Em-man-u-el, Em-man-u-el, his name is called Em-man-u-el.God with us, re-vealed in us, his name is called Em-man-u-el.

Scripture Reading Jer 1:4-10 1 Cor 13:1-13 *Luke 4:21-30Meditation A Worthy Sequel Pastor LynneMorning Prayer / Lord’s Prayer (sins/sin)Invitation to Sharing One: God called great prophets, and God calls us.

God is generous, pouring out the gifts of grace and love and the life-giving power of the Word for all people. We respond with our renewed commitment to God’s vision, and by giving our tithes and offerings to the ministries of God’s

church. All: Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude and praise.*Offertory Response Doxology #44*Prayer of Dedication

God of the prophets, we bless this offering as people who have received your gifts of grace and hope. We return to you a portion of the abundance you have given

to us. We dedicate all that we give, to your loving purposes: bringing in those who have been cast out; standing strong on behalf of those who are weak; speaking out with your Word of joy and justice for all

people. May your loving realm increase! In Jesus’ name: Amen.

*Closing Hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” #476 vss 1-2*Benediction

May God bless you and keep you;may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;may God look upon you with favorand grant you wholeness, harmony, hope: shalom, now and

always. Our worship concludes; our service continues. God’s Word is

within you; go in peace.*Choral Response “I Need Thee Every Hour” #476 vss 3-4Postlude

Organist: Shirley Huber Next Week’s Scripture: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

Look for the latest newsletter in your email Inbox, or pick up a copy in church.

Come to Wiedeman’s GRAND OPENING at their NEW LOCATION! Today from 10am-6pm at 7041 E. State Rd 46, Batesville.

NYE Planning Meeting – Today, January 31 - All those attending National Youth Event (and parents) will meet after worship at St. John’s to plan fundraising & logistics.

Youth Group – We will meet the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month Feb 3 to May 4 from 5:30-7pm. We’ll open with Bible Study followed by games, speakers, etc. The 1st Wednesdays will be Pizza Nights so each of you should bring $5, beginning next Wednesday, Feb 3rd. See you then!

Bible Study – Thursdays – Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar 3 – 7pm @the parsonageWho is God? What does salvation mean? What place does Jesus hold in contemporary Christian

faith? Please join us in exploring the answers!

Feb. 5 – St. Jacob’s Fish Dinner, Friday, 4:30-7:30pm Free will offering, carryouts available.

Feb. 7 – Confirmation Class meets after worship. Bring your lunch and have read chapters 4 & 5.

Feb. 12 – Sunman Firemen’s Fish Fry Friday, 4:30-7:30pm @ the Legion, free will offering.

Sunday School & Heifer InternationalWe are learning about the Heifer Project and how various animals help families

in poverty around the world. We’ll be doing a Lenten Offering for needy families to receive flocks of chicks. Won’t you join us in helping to

purchase “Easter Chicks”?

Test your Knowledge…1. We call them Billy & Nanny, but they’re really a buck & a ___.2. The silky hair of the Angora goat produces _____ yarn.

3. Do goats eat tin cans?4. Since goats are ruminants, they chew their _____ like cows.5. Heifer goats are the (a) most or (b) least requested animal.

Brain TeaserIf a Heifer goat produces 4 quarts of milk a day, 250 days a year, how much

milk will a project participant have to supply his or her family, a baby goat, and to sell?

Shirley Huneke would like to thank everyone for the lovely cards, encouraging words, and visits during her recent hospital stay and recovery. She is doing very well and is

staying at Prairie Lakes Assisted Living in Noblesville until spring.

Sonny and I want to thank everyone for the gracious gifts at Christmas. We are continually blessed to be part of two loving

churches. Blessings to all for a happy and healthy new year!~Pastor Lynne

1:doe; 2:mohair; 3:no, but they might nibble on the label out of curiosity; 4:cud; 5:most Brain Teaser: One ton…that’s 250 gallons of milk!!