First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport
February 16, 2025
Rev. Brian Copeland
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist
PRELUDE
OPENING SENTENCES (Responsive) Liturgist
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose confidence is in God.
They will be like a tree planted by the water,
sending out roots by the stream.
This tree does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are green, its fruit endures.
So come, let us place our trust in God!
Let us live in blessed faith together!
HYMN #281 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
CONFESSION AND PARDON (Responsive) Liturgist
We wander and stray,
but God continues to reach out to us
with mercy and love.
Let us make our confession
and receive God’s welcome.
Sustaining God,
you would have us be deeply rooted in you,
finding strength in your word
and nourishment in your grace.
More often, though, we live as chaff,
blown here and there
by the winds of circumstance.
Forgive our lack of permanency
and our failures to hold fast
to our commitments.
Grow in us faith
that we might be firmly planted
in your promises,
released from sin,
and open to the life you have shown us
in Jesus Christ.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION MAY BE OFFERED
The waters of grace refresh our lives
and bring forth a new creation.
This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
SPECIAL MUSIC
CHILDREN’S TIME (Children may leave to go to Sunday School after the Children’s time.)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison)
Saving God, source of our calling,
your Word is full of power and glory.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
so that we may receive your grace
and live as your beloved children;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Liturgist
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 6:17-26 Rev. Brian Copeland
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON Rev. Brian Copeland
HYMN #316 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.15
God’s sovereign love is a mystery
beyond the reach of the human mind.
Human thought ascribes to God
superlatives of power, wisdom, and goodness.
But God reveals divine love in Jesus Christ
by showing power in the form of a servant,
wisdom in the folly of the cross,
and goodness in receiving
sinful men and women.
The power of God’s love in Christ
to transform the world
discloses that the Redeemer
is the Lord and Creator
who made all things
to serve the purpose of God’s love.
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Joining our hearts and minds in prayer,
let us call on the name of the Lord,
saying: O God of grace, bless us with peace.
INVITATION TO OFFERING (Offering plates are not passed. Offering plates are on the front and back tables.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison)
We praise and thank you, Lord God,
for the majesty of your work,
the wisdom of your word,
and the generosity of your grace.
Let the gifts of our lives bear witness
to your goodness and mercy,
your faithfulness and justice,
and your steadfast love for all. Amen.
HYMN #368 I’ve Got Peace Like a River
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE
Reminders:
Feb. 18 – Doug’s to benefit United Way
Feb. 24 – WFPC’s night to volunteer at the food pantry
March 9 – Ash Sunday
March 30 – Joint worship with Marcellus First Presbyterian Church at WFPC
