Worship Service for February 2, 2025

February 2, 2025 – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, February 2, at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. A video recording of the live stream will be available on our YouTube channel from 6:00 PM EDT on Sunday, February 2.

Previous livestreams and other worship and musical content is available on our YouTube channel. You can also check out our entire worship services archive. Our SoundCloud channel has yet more music and worship content.

Introit

Prelude – Bells of Guildwood

“Festival Peal” by American composer Hal Hopson (1933–). Music copyright © Lake State Publications.

Lighting of the Christ Candle

This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.

Call to Worship

One: O Lord, in you we find refuge;
All: Let us never be put to shame.

One: Turn your ear to us, O God, and save us.
All: For you are our rock and our fortress.

One: God has been our hope and our trust from our earliest days.
All: God has been with us since we were born from our mother’s womb.

One: Let us sing out our praise of God’s steadfast love.
All: We will offer God all glory and honour this day and always!

Opening Hymn

“Through all the changing scenes of life” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 18). Words are a paraphrase of Psalm 34, first published in Tate and Brady’s New Version, (1696). Music (1797; tune: “Wiltshire (Smart)”) by English musician George Thomas Smart (1776–1867). Words and music public domain.

Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)

Almighty and everlasting One, your power is incomparable, your majesty infinite, and your love beyond our imagining. You are hidden in mystery, and yet so present. In a hectic world, you are peace and rest. In a harsh world, you are tenderness and mercy. In the cold and dark of winter, you are light and comfort, and so we bring you our worship, for you are the One who created us, the One who redeems us, and the One who gives us life, our one and only God, to whom we offer all love and loyalty, now and always.

God, whose name is love, we confess our faults and failings, knowing you know us through and through. You tell us that love is patient and kind, and you know when our patience and kindness fall short. You tell us love is never rude or selfish, and you see the times we insist on our own way. Forgive us the excuses we make to ourselves when our love falters. Strengthen us by your Spirit so that our love is genuine and reliable.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.

Declaration of Pardon

God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is God’s love; as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our sins. Thanks be to God whose love and forgiveness are steadfast.
All: Thanks be to God.

The Peace

One: May the peace of Christ be with us all.
All: And also with you.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

GCPC Senior Choir Presents

Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Words by American writer and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)and music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873–1954), both 1900. Arrangement (2019) by American choral composer and music educator Rollo Dilworth (1970–). Words and music public domain. Arrangement copyright © 2019 Hal Leonard LLC.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Note from Music Director Brooks Gorst

February marks Black History Month. As such, GCPC’s Music Ministry will be marking this important month with special music every Sunday. It was right at the turn of the last century in which James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) wrote the poem Lift Every Voice and Sing and his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) later set those words to music. James Weldon Johnson was principal of the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida when 500 of his students first recited the poem (in 1900) as part of a commemoration ceremony honoring the late President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Often referred to as the Black National Anthem, this song of social justice has been and continues to be performed in a variety of contexts, including civil rights marches, concerts, community gatherings, church services, commencement ceremonies and celebrations of Black History. While “Lift Every Voice and Sing” remains a prominent song within African American culture, it is widely performed by people of all races and backgrounds. Its universal themes of liberation, perseverance and faith enable us to reflect on our shared history while at the same time encouraging us all to become agents of social justice and social change.

Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)

We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.

Jesus loves me, this I know“ (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions, and music in the public domain.

Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 13: 1–13  <– this links to on-line text of the NRSV bible

Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.

1 Corinthians 13:1–13

13 If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions and if I hand over my body so that I may boast[a] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part, 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.

Sermon

Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.

Hymn

Love divine, all loves excelling” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 371). Words (1747) by English Methodist leader and hymnwriter Charles Wesley (1707–1788). Music (1844; tune: “Hyfrydol”) by Welsh composer Rowland Prichard (1811–1887). Words and music public domain.

Offering

The season of Epiphany begins January 6, the day celebrating the journey of the Magi to greet Christ, the new-born king. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh. Our gifts are not so exotic, but what we offer today and throughout the year honours Jesus as Lord of our lives and Saviour of the world.

Offering – Musical Reflection

We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.

Dedication of our Gifts

Our offering will now be received.

Doxology 306

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100th“ with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.

Prayer of dedication

God of life and love, we are grateful for all you have given us in Christ and in creation, in community and in the Church that bears Jesus’ name. We offer our gifts to you in love, trusting you will bless them and us. May all that we offer become tangible expressions of your love at work in the world for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Bells of Guildwood

“Contemplation” (1991) by American composer Cynthia Dobrinski (1950–2021). Music copyright © 1991 Lake State Publications.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope

O God, your love is patient. We give you thanks for all those who have been patient with us, teaching us and caring for us in so many ways. We pray for the patience to love others as you have loved us. God of love,
Hear our prayer.

O God, your love is kind. Thank you for every unexpected gesture of kindness we have received. Give us the courage to be kind to others, serving those who seem unkind, rude, or difficult to love in these difficult days. Remind us that each one we meet is your child, our sibling made in your image. God of love,
Hear our prayer.

O God, your love is not arrogant, nor does it seek its own interests. Thank you for all who work to serve those who cannot fend for themselves. Strengthen those who have lost hope and confidence in their own value. Give us insight to speak the truth in love and to work for change that creates opportunities for those on the margins and respect for any who face discrimination. God of love,
Hear our prayer.

O God, your love is not quick-tempered. Thank you for every occasion when someone spared us from their anger. We pray for those who are filled with anger and for all around them who face or fear violence. Raise up advocates for children and elders who are abused, and rescue those who are trapped in relationships that injure and harm. God of love,
Hear our prayer.

O God, your love bears all things; it never fails. We thank you for those we have loved in this life and who now dwell in the peace and joy of your presence. Let your comfort settle on those who are bereaved or lonely this day. We remember before you those with heavy burdens, many cares, much stress, and those who find too little comfort and help. Open our eyes to those in need around us and show us how to offer support and companionship, for the sake of Christ, our friend and Saviour.

In your name, we pray. AMEN.

Closing Hymn

“To show by touch and word” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 763). Words (1975) by Anglo-Dutch clergyman Fred Kaan (1929–2009). Music (1974; tune: “Lodwick”) by Canadian composer Ron Klusmeier (1946–). Words copyright © 1975 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music copyright © 1974 Ron Klusmeier, administered by Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

Changing the Light

Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.

Benediction

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.

Blessing

“Celtic Blessing”. Words Irish traditional. Music by former GCPC Music Director Carmen Lappano. Words public domain. Music copyright © Carmen Lappano; used by permission.

Postlude

Copyright © 2025 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church