Worship Moment Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ February 7, 2021

Welcome Holy Communion: The Bread of Life Opening Prayer God of mercy and healing, we come to worship today to hear of your love, seeking your touch upon our our hearts with holy balm. Open our hearts and minds and let your merciful Spirit dwell within us that, having heard the good news, we may bring hope to others. Amen.

Song of Spiritual Purpose: Early in the Morning

Scripture: Mark 1.29-39 (New English)

Scripture Refection: Rev. Debbie Rhinesmith, Pastor

Song of Spiritual Devotion: Prayer to the One Holy Communion: The Cup of Blessing God of mercy and love, we are grateful for the stories of Jesus and his compassion. You reveal to us the many ways in which Jesus reached out to others in their time of need. Remind us again that we also need to be people of hope and compassion in this world which at times can seem so dark. You, O God, open the doors of blessings. Continue to teach and inspire our hearts and lift our spirits in the days ahead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Commission Go forth into the world and be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good, render to no person evil for evil, strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the afficted, honor all people. Love and serve God rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Benediction And may the peace of God, which is beyond our understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus who is Lord of all.

Invitations *Bags of Love: Help us spread comfort and care with items that cannot be purchased with food stamps (SNAP benefts). A donation of $10 flls a bag. Donations for this mission will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 12. Please note “Bags of Love” on your check. *Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17: You may receive ashes at the church anytime during the hours of 12:30-1:30 p.m. or 4:30-6:00 p.m. See our email newsletter for more details. *Lent Devotional Book: “Walking in the Wilderness” by Beth A. Richardson. Reserve a copy by contacting Susan, [email protected]. Please be sure to indicate if you will pick up your book at church, or want it mailed to you. Suggested donation $5. Both Bible study groups will be using this text beginning Feb. 23.

Early in the Morning Noel Paul Stookey © Neworld Media Music Publishers Well early in the morning, about the break of day I ask the Lord, "Help me fnd the way! Help me fnd the way to the promised land This lonely body needs a helping hand" I ask the Lord to help me please fnd the way When the new day's a-dawning I bow my head in prayer I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me there? Won't you guide me safely to the Golden Stair? Won't you let this body your burden share?” I pray to the Lord, "Won't you lead me please, lead me there?" Well early in the morning, about the break of day I ask the Lord, "Help me fnd the way!" Help me fnd the way to the promised land This lonely body needs a helping hand I ask the Lord to help me please Find the way to the promised land This lonely body needs a helping hand I ask the Lord to help me please fnd the way

Scripture: Mark 1.29-39 (New English Translation) 29 Now as soon as they left the synagogue, they entered Simon and Andrew’s house, with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down, sick with a fever, so they spoke to Jesus at once about her. 31 He came and raised her up by gently taking her hand. Then the fever left her and she began to serve them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered by the door. 34 So he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35 Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer. 36 Simon and his companions searched for him. 37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He replied, “Let us go elsewhere, into the surrounding villages, so that I can preach there too. For that is what I came out here to do.” 39 So he went into all of Galilee preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Prayer to the One Steve Rhinesmith © 2010

Spirit of creation Your wonders sing of Your presence Your name shines in the stars, In my soul, in my dreams Help us to know You To feel Your fullness within us Let every desire of Your heart Become our command

Nourish our hunger for life’s holiness Quench the thirst of our soul Free us from bearing The weight of our need to control

Lead us into surrender Bring healing to all separation And bless every hope, every fear, Every longing to know

Let this one moment be all that we seek Clearing the way for Your call Growing within us The promises born to us all

Spirit of creation Your wonders sing of Your presence Your name shines in the stars, In my soul, in my dreams In my dreams In my dreams