Celebration of Worship on the Lord’s Day Wholehearted worship is our goal for everyone in the congregation. To make this possible for parents, we provide child care for young children from 8:45 am - 12:15 pm. We welcome children and encourage their participation in worship. Most young children opt to stay in worship through “Time with the Children” and then depart for child care downstairs in this building. Nursery - 3 yr. olds (Rm 120), 4 yr. olds - First Grade (Rm 101 - Media Center). Parents with children second grade and older who may have difficulty sitting through the entire service may choose to sit in the balcony on the Mt. Vernon Hwy. side, allowing more freedom of movement. Adult supervision is required at all times. 4th Sunday after Epiphany Youth Sunday February 1, 2015 Blessed to be a Blessing In response to God’s grace, our mission is to deepen our relationship with God, share our faith in Jesus Christ, and serve others as inspired by the Holy Spirit. GATHERING AROUND THE WORD See insert for important announcements! Sentences of Scripture 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Leah Reid “Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” “Rise Up O Youth of God” *Prelude Bradbury The Acolytes today are Akpene Dente and Selorm Dente Youth Welcome and Call to Worship Ministers All the members of the church Garrett Hahn Leader: Bless this morning as we gather to worship you, O God. People: Help us to put aside all the worries and cares we brought into this room, and hear what you want us to hear today. Leader: Give us insight and wisdom through the music that is sung, the words that are spoken, and the prayers that are offered. People: All: Help us to open our minds and hearts to you, O God. Let us worship God together. Staff Dr. Joe B. Martin, IV, Pastor Elizabeth Small, Dir. of Youth Ministry Rev. Jodi Martin, Dir. of Children’s Ministry TJ Shirley, Ministry Associate Jim Wingate, Minister of Music Don Paul, Business Administrator 471 Mt. Vernon Hwy., NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (404) 255-2211 www.mvpchurch.org Steve Ray, Membership Coordinator Jill Thompson, Administrative Assistant Sherry Jones, Administrative Assistant Yvonne White, Financial Secretary Dr. Brett Jacobsen, Head of School MVPC Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm † Hymn No. 485 “To God Be the Glory” Prayer of Confession (unison) Alice Ann Lever God, we come to you with hearts full of sorrow for the many ways we fail you every day. We don’t always treat people with kindness and respect, and we don’t always walk humbly with you. Forgive us for seeking our own ways and for not looking at the other people in our lives the way you would—with love and grace. Help us to start anew today to be the people you want us to be. And thank you that we will not do this alone. Amen. Ella Ponsell Assurance of Pardon Leader: Friends, believe the Good News. People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. † *Response "Seek Ye First" Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness, And all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia! Offering Offertory Kiki Hale Will Anderson “Going to California” song by Jimmy Page/Robert Plant People: And also with you. Please exchange greetings of peace and welcome with your neighbor. Dr. Joe B. Martin Parish Life Please take this time to pass the attendance notebooks located at the end of the pew row. If you are a visitor, we invite you to visit our information center located in the Narthex and to pick up a small gift after the service. Dr. Martin Reception of New Members Confirmation Class Minute for Ministry Youth Group “Witness What?” Spencer Ponsell and Mary Kate Swanson Recognition of Youth Volunteers You are encouraged to write why you are here on the little cards and pin them to the sign in the narthex (hymn no. 333) † Passing of the Peace Leader: The peace of Christ be with you. Time with the Children “We are Here”* Middle School Girls song by Alicia Keys Melinda Carden, Kate Christian, Maddie Hahn, Hannah Hagenau, Erin Jackson, Caroline Kilgore, Emma Plumley, Ella Ponsell, Lindsay Southard, Katie Sprung, Elizabeth Swanson, Melissa Teja James McGuire, Charley Plumley The Doxology (hymn no. 591) † Response Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Robin Bull Our Father 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. Amen. † Prayer of Thanksgiving and The Lord’s Prayer † Hymn No. 341 “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!” Congregational Meeting Elizabeth Small † Benediction † Postlude on Hymn Tune “Assurance” __ Chris Sprung Prayer Micah 6:6-8 Scripture Reading Kelton Southard † Those who are able, please stand * Sitting is permitted *“We are Here” piece conceived and directed by Carrie Southard. Sermon Our Stories Will Anderson, Paige Earhart The YOUTH wish to thank TJ Shirley, Carrie Southard, Brad Hahn, Becky and Mike Hague, Martha Baitcher and our Brunch providers, the First Cup Band, Jim Wingate, and Joe B. Martin for their help with this service.