5 Februrary 2021 *INVOCATION  

          Liturgist
Worship Series: God, Creator of all that is, we’ve come together (both in this place and
FOLLOW ME virtually), eager to connect to you and to one another. 
Week 4: SHE BEGAN TO SERVE
FIFTH FRIDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY, YEAR B While it may seem we’re at a dead stop, with little happening, we pray
  you’ll fill us with your Spirit, so we might be like restaurant waiters in a
PRELUDE             Organist “slammed” restaurant…ACTIVELY waiting!

LIGHTING OF ALTAR CANDLES Draw us close to you in this worship hour that we might rejoice, for you
give power to the faint and you strengthen the powerless. Bind us together, so
OPENING OF THE HOLY BIBLE we will go from this place prepared to run and not be weary to walk and not
faint as we live each day as disciples of your Son, Jesus, the Christ, in whose
*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                            Isaiah name we pray.  AMEN
40
One:  We’re waiting!  Actively waiting for the Lord! *Response:  Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, 
Many:  Our strength renewed, no longer weary and faint! How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
One:  For our God does not faint or grow weary, Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
Many:  but gives power and strength to those who wait. How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
One:  Beyond the Zoom, the quarantine, the COVID, the cold,
Many:  we’re gathered to lift our eyes to the everlasting God, READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
All:  Creator of the ends of the earth! Old Testament:  Isaiah 40:21-31
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
HYMN OF PRAISE *Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
What A Friend We Have In Jesus *Response:  O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high,
What a Friend we have in Jesus,  All our sins and griefs to bear! O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky,
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! We praise Thee for the radiance, That from the hallowed page,
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, A lantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age!
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
MESSAGE THROUGH SONG           QUMC Grace Note Choir
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer. GOD’S MESSAGE                                                                                      Pastor 
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer. CALL TO OFFERING
All around us we know of people who seek out mentors, models, and those who
Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? mark the way. Medical students apply for residencies.  Law students want to
Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer; clerk with top justices.  Student teachers hope for placement with excellent
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; educators.
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,  Thou wilt find a solace there.
In Mark’s Gospel, we’re continuing the story of Simon (Peter), Andrew, James
and John.  All four, called by Jesus, see him healing those who were sick, casting
out demons, praying and preparing to proclaim the message of God’s Realm.
What about for us, today?  How are we setting aside our weariness in order to
model our lives on the life of Jesus?  If we are his disciples, what will we offer
back today?  How will you express your gratitude for the place you’ve landed,
with Jesus as your mentor, model, and marker on the Way?
Especially in these days, facing challenges brought to us by the COVID pandemic,
what will you offer?  When we’ve shared this Table, received these gifts,
OFFERTORY
*Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him, above ye, heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER Pastor
God of grace and mercy, you are the source of the true healing that can make us
whole. We remember this morning that Jesus’ ministry was deeply involved in
both healing of people’s bodies and healing of relationships. As we take time
now in worship to offer our gifts to you, we pray that they might be used to
bring healing – of body, of spirit, of broken relationships – to people who are in
desperate need. This we pray this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
*HOLY EUCHARIST
It’s such a simple descriptive story.
Jesus goes with Simon Peter and Andrew to their home, where he heard Simon
Peter’s mother-in-law had a fever and was in bed.  Jesus took her by the hand
and lifted her up.  The fever left.
And she began to serve them.
Today I invite you to join me, stepping directly into this story, as we gather
around this Table. For here is a place Jesus offers his own life.  We may not feel
the warmth of his hand in ours, but we know the sense of being lifted up.
Jesus invites you, and me, to be raised up with him.
He offers his own life to us in these gifts of bread and juice.
With these symbols, we take into our own bodies the gift of Jesus,
which he offers to each at our own point of need.
For some, he offers his presence when we feel staggeringly alone.
For others, Jesus provides deep encouragement
when our life seems shallow.
For yet others, this meal strengthens us to face what seems overwhelming.
been assured of God-with-us,
we, too, are released in order to serve.
So come!  Let us share these emblems, and be raised up to service in Christ’s
name!
*SHARING BREAD AND CUP
HYMN OF DEDICATION & THANKSGIVING
Jesus Is All The World To Me
Jesus is all the world to me: My life, my joy, my all.
He is my strength from day to day; Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go; No other one can cheer me so.
When I am sad, He makes me glad; He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, My Friend in trials sore.
I go to Him for blessings, and He gives them o’er and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain; He sends the harvest’s golden grain:
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain— He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, And true to Him I’ll be.
Oh, how could I this Friend deny When He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right; He watches o’er me day and night.
Following Him by day and night,  He’s my Friend.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION
Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better friend.
I trust Him now; I’ll trust Him when Life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend;Beautiful life that has no end!
Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend.

SENDING FORTH/BENEDICTION:

CHORAL RESPONSE:

POSTLUDE

EXTINGUISHING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES

CLOSING OF THE HOLY BIBLE

RECESSIONAL

CONGREGATION LUNCH & FELLOWSHIP