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First Presbyterian Church
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 24, 2021
8:45 & 11:00 AM Worship
Welcome & Announcements Rev. Jeff Smith
The Prelude I’ve Got Peace Like a River arr. Emma Lou Diemer
Gathering to Worship God
Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 122:1; 4; 6-9 Steve Marks
Leader: I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
People: That is where the tribes go up – the tribes of the LORD – to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.
Leader: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
All: For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity. Let us worship the God of peace!
Song of Praise Forever Reign (Lyrics below) arr. Rueben Morgan
Confessing Our Sin to God
Prayer of Confession Rev. Jeff Smith
Lord, you desire to make us instruments of your peace yet so often we fall into the ways of the world. When wronged, we harbor anger rather than pardon. We remain content in broken relationships unless our demands are met. Lord, forgive our foolish ways. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, let us freely pardon; where there is discord, let us sow your peace. May the fruit of your Spirit lead us to be peaceful towards everyone around us, shining forth your love for the world to see. For we offer our prayer to you in the strong name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Leader: Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel!
All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Response Change My Heart, O God
Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.
Changer my heart, O God; may I be like you.
You are the Potter; I am the clay.
Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.
Passing The Peace Rev. Jeff Smith
You are encouraged to text one another and pass Christ’s peace.
Proclaiming God’s Word
Sharing with our Children Erin Fowler
Choral Anthem Healer of our Every Ill (Lyrics below) #795
Listening to the Word of God
First Reading: John 14:25-27 (Unison) Will Sabillo
Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-7 Steve Marks
Leader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Word of God Proclaimed Rev. Jeff Smith
God’s Promises: “Peace”
Responding to the Word of God
Affirmation of Faith 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.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Will Sabillo
Responding as Faithful Stewards of God’s Good Gifts
Our Tithes and Offerings: As we give to the Lord, we encourage you to give one of two ways:
- You may send a check to the church: 131 Big Valley St. Boone, NC 28607
- You may go to firstpresboone.org and click on the “Giving” button
Offertory Eye of the Storm (Lyrics below) arr. Bryan Fowler
Doxology (To the tune of All Creatures of our God and King)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Prayer of Dedication Steve Marks
Going to Love and Serve the Lord
Going to Serve I’ve Got Peace Like a River (Lyrics below) #623
Being Blessed to Be a Blessing Rev. Jeff Smith
Being Sent Into The World
The Postlude Every Time I Hear the Spirit arr. Emma Lou Diemer
Forever Reign
Verse 1
You are good You are good
When there’s nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin
Verse 2
You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You’re the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost its sting
Chorus
Oh I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign
Verse 3
You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I’m made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I’m letting go
Chorus
My heart will sing no other Name
Jesus
Jesus

Eye Of The Storm
Chorus
In the eye of the storm
You remain in control
In the middle of the war
You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor
When my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me
In the eye of the storm
Verse 1
When the solid ground is falling out
From underneath my feet
Between the black skies and my red eyes
I can barely see
When I realize I’ve been sold out
By my friends and my family
I can feel the rain reminding me
Chorus
Verse 2
When my hopes and dreams are far from me
And I’m runnin’ out of faith
I see the future I picture
Slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache
Are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus’ name
Chorus