Rev Ed Sunday-Winters – Service
Hal Parker – Musical Director
Priscilla Bonney-Smith – Flowers
Sunday Service
January 18, 2025
“2nd Sunday After Epiphany”
9:55am
SCRIPTURE: John 1:29-42
SERMON: Finding the Way Ed Sunday-Winters
*HYMN 410 (Songs of Spirit) Just as I Am
*HYMN 230 (Songs of Spirit) Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
*HYMN 481 (Songs of Spirit) Lift Every Voice and Sing
PRELUDE: Solo Piano by Hal Parker
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Hear this, O People of the Dream: It is good and right that you recall the memory of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. and the movement which mobilized him. The journey to the Beloved Community is
sometimes dark and desperate and dangerous, and we need constellating light to orient our hearts and
direct our feet.
Many: God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on
the way; Thou who hast by Thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we
pray.*
One: We confess, oh God, that the dream once unfurled with unmatched eloquence on our nation’s
lawn has been tamed by pious sentiment and framed for commercial interests. The oratory that once sent
shivers through White House and big house and church house alike has been reduced to polite platitude,
“race relations” Sundays and gushy, mushy reverie.
Many: Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee; Lest our hearts, drunk
with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;*
One: Ignite in us again the Word that stirs insurrection against every imperial reign, against every
forecloser’s claim, against every slaver’s chain, until the Faith which death could not contain, the Hope
which doubt could not constrain and the Love which fear could not arraign lifts every voice to sing till
earth and heaven ring!
Many: Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea!*
By Ken Sehested *Lines from “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson
OPENING PRAYER
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Christ and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*HYMN 410 (Songs of Spirit) Just as I Am
CHILDREN’S TIME with Rev. Ed Sunday-Winters
Children may go upstairs after Children’s Time. Parents can join them or remain in the sanctuary.
SCRIPTURE: John 1:29-42
ANTHEM: “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” traditional spiritual
Hal, voice and organ
SERMON: Finding the Way Ed Sunday-Winters
SILENCE
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious God, we offer you our gifts with humble hearts. Each gift seems small on its own, so bless each one and those of your people throughout the Church. Through the work of your Holy Spirit, surprise us with all that our gifts can accomplish, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN 230 (Songs of Spirit) Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
JOYS & CONCERNS
MORNING PRAYER & THE LORDS PRAYEROur God, 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.
*HYMN 481 (Songs of Spirit) Lift Every Voice and Sing
*BENEDICTION
SONG OF SENDING 349 (Songs of Spirit)
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you al-ways.
Cel-e-brate and share the joy! Cel-e-brate new life!
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you al-ways.
POSTLUDE: HYMN 476 (Songs of Spirit) We Shall Overcome Hal, organ