Order of Worship January 15, 2023

UJCC Sunday Worship Service

January 15, 2023 * 2nd Sunday After Epiphany

“A company of praying people is a company of people equally dependent on God. But we also come to prayer with equally good help. The most eloquent giant and the most timid new believer can pray boldly together because Jesus prays for them both.”

― Megan Hill, from Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer in Our Homes, Communities, and Churches

We Gather Together

You are invited to the spiritual practice of returning thanks to God. You can try our online giving option HERE. Thank you and peace be with you!

Prelude

We recognize that some of you may have had a crazy week and need some space or quiet time. So, 5-10 minutes prior to the service, we will play some music that you can listen to while you meditate

Words of Welcome

During this time, our worship leader will offer a greeting, introduce special guests, or provide important information for the service. Ultimately, we want to show how much we appreciate you joining us today despite your busy schedule.​

Passing The Peace

Passing of the peace may merely seem like a time to greet one another. However, it also serves as a reminder of the peace that we have with God and the peace that we have with each other due to Jesus’ sacrifice. Please take this time to greet one another!

Songs of Centering - Sweet Hour of Prayer

In the same way that we get ready for a date, it is important for us to get ready to hear God’s Word. So, during the songs of centering, we intentionally try to lay aside our busy lives, worries, and distractions in order to focus on God. For if we have too much noise in our minds, this can leave little room for God. Please feel free to sit quietly in meditation, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, sing along, or use your body as you are able.

Call To Worship

We believe that God always answers prayer and answers our calls. Yet we also recognize that we must respond to God in turn. So, during this time, we invite God to join us and we encourage one another to respond to God accordingly. Feel free to read along with the response below:

Leader: I lift my eyes up to the mountains, from where does my help come?

All: My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Leader: We look not to the mountains or valleys, even heaven or earth,

All: For God is found among us.

Leader: Wherever two or three are gathered in Christ’s name,

All: God is here among us.

Leader: Come, let us worship the God of Creation, the God of People, the God of Community.

All: Let us follow Jesus, for Jesus is The Way. Let us worship together in faith.

Sermon - Those Who Pray Together…Stay Together

We believe God still speaks to us today through the Bible, people, and many other sources as well. As a result, we will listen to Rev. Akiko and try to discern what God is trying to tell us through her message. Feel free to listen, take notes, or meditate on something that stuck out to you. Here is the passage we will be reading from today:

Matthew 18:19-20

Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’

Song of Reflection - Spirit of the Living God

It is our responsibility to respond to God's message. So, the song after the sermon gives us a little more time to digest God's message and think about how we can respond appropriately. Feel free to meditate on the message, pray, or simply enjoy the music during this time.

Joys and Concerns

We believe God hears and answers our prayers. Not only that, but we believe in praying together so that we can encourage and support those going through difficult times, or celebrate our many blessings. For we are all God’s family. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice. You are not alone. If you have any prayer requests, feel free to raise your hand until you are called upon. After each prayer request, we will say “O God of mercy” and everyone responds, “This is our prayer.” Finally, once all the prayer requests have been heard, we will close with a final prayer followed by the Lord’s prayer. If you do not know the Lord’s prayer, it will be up on the slideshow for you.

Doxology

We will first sing the doxology in English and then in Japanese.

Announcements

The announcements provide opportunities for us to put our faith into action throughout the week. Please try to see if anything interests you or challenge yourself to try something new. Volunteering is a great way to bless others, but we are often blessed ourselves in the process. You can check all the current announcements at www.ujcclife.com/events

Song of Sending Forth - Have Thine Own Way, Lord

The song of sending forth prepares our hearts to go back out into the world. You can use this song as a final opportunity to decide how to respond to the message, pray for God’s guidance, sing along, or simply enjoy the music.

Benediction

Benediction is another word for blessing. It is a short prayer said in order to bless everyone as we get ready to go back out into the world. Feel free to close your eyes and receive the blessing so that you may be strengthened and encouraged!

Postlude - This Is A Day Of New Beginnings

This is the final ending song for the worship service. Once the song is finished, feel free to talk to someone new, attend our small group, or make your way safely back home.