Z I O N  U N I T E D  C H U R C H  O F   C H R I S T

Third and Jackson Streets

Decatur, Indiana

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(*)Please stand either in body or in spirit

February 9, 2025

“Souper Bowl”

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Theme: God’s Voice Directs Us

 

 

Gathering Music:                  “As The Deer”

The Welcome and Announcements:                                            Liturgist: Maggie Bolinger

(Please sign the Friendship folder)

 

The Prelude:                  “How Great Thou Art”                  Shelly Nussbaum          

The Prelude calls us together.  It is a time of quiet reflection to focus ourselves

in preparation for worshipping God.

     

The Light appears:                                                                                             The Acolytes serve     

The Church Bell rings:

 

*The Call to Praise:                                                                     Liturgist

There is a good word for you if you are weary.

It is the Word of Love, deeper than every despair.

There is a good word if you have ever felt unworthy.

It is the Word of Hope, “Do not be afraid!”

There is a good word that needs to be heard.

It is the Word of Life, that raises up abundant blessings.

 

*Invocation:    (Unison)                                                               Liturgist

 

Loving God, gather us anew into your net of love.  Interrupt whatever overwhelms us with the gift of your renewing grace.  Plumb every depth and reveal Your holy abundance.  Let it

 

 

awaken us to what you make possible when we risk answering your invitation to begin again.  Gift us with the courage to trust the command of Christ to put out into the deep, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense.  Answer our trust with Your promised presence, which reveals an ever-new rising.  Bless us with this of You as we gather in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

 

*Passing the Peace of Christ:

May the Peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

 

 *The Hymn of Praise:              “Ye Servants Of God”                No. 17

 

Prayers of the People:

 

The Morning Prayer: Spoken and Silent

 

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.

 

The Prayer Response:       “Let The Words Of My Mouth”                                                  

Let the words of my mouth

And the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Thy sight,

O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

 

 

The Scripture Reading:                           Psalm 138                      Pew Bible,        pg. 541

 

                                                    

The Special Music:        “Jesus Loves Me! Jesus Loves Me!” 

              “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty”        Heavenly Ringers

                                

The Sermon Scripture:                John 2: 1-11            Pew Bible, pg. 923

 

*The Sermon Hymn:     “ I Have Decided To Follow Jesus”        No.376

 

 Sermon:                               “Hearing Is Believing”              Rev. Kahler

 

The Moment of Offering:                                                            Liturgist

 

Invitation to Generosity:

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication: (Unison)

 

Holy One, may our gifts declare your glory and benefit the    common good. Receive them with our gratitude for your

generosity and the opportunity to participate in your kingdom

   on earth. Amen.

 

            The Moment Of Offering:                                        Ushers Serve

 

            The Offertory:              “There Is A Redeemer”

 

*Doxology:                

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God for all that love has done;

Creator, Christ and Spirit One. Amen.

 

*Hymn of Commitment:              “Footsteps Of Jesus”               No. 470

 

*The Benediction:

*The Moment for Silent Prayers                                                                      Chimes

*The Light is carried forth                                                 Acolytes serve

 

*The Worship Leaders exit

*The Postlude:                     “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer”

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Each of Us                                                                                                       A Minister of Christ

Rev. Allen Kahler                                                                                                               Minister               Barb Engle                                                                                                                   Congregation President  Jan Miller                                                                                                                               Board Secretary

Maggie Bolinger                                                                                                     Office Secretary

Stacey Smith                                                                                                                Church Treasurer Lisa Krueckeberg                                                                                                                                       Financial Secretary

Shelly Nussbaum                                                                          Music Director/Church Organist

Kacie Shaffer                                                                                                                 Custodian

Justin Shaffer                                                                                                                                    Building Manager                           

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Mike & Carol Fuelling, Steve Scott                                                                           Door Greeters

Scott Strickler, Confirmands                                                                                                  Ushers

Carl Stevens                                                                                                             Money Counter

Confirmands                                                                                                                                                                                               Acolytes

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We welcome all members, visitors, and guests to our worship service this morning. Visitors: Please sign our Friendship Folder located in each pew.

 

Our altar flowers are presented by Karen Heller in honor of her son Kevin’s birthday.

 

Altar Flower and Bulletin Charts are now available for 2025 in the West Vestibule. Flowers remain at $30 and bulletins are $10. Flowers are yours to keep.

 

Our Operation Help donations for February will support the Men’s Fellowship annual “Souper Bowl” canned soup drive today. There is a growing need for donations, especially during these cold winter months.

 

Christian Education Committee will meet today following the Official Board meeting to plan the 2025 calendar.

ABCinema continues their Faith & Family Series on Monday evenings through the winter months. Movies will show at 6 and 6:30 pm. Regular ticket price will remain $5. “Time Changer” will be shown tomorrow, February 10th and on the 17th.

 

The Bell Choir will not practice this Wednesday. Chancel Choir will meet at their usual time of 7 p.m.

 

The Bible Study series, “Listen Up! Acts, Part 1” continues on Thursday mornings. Please meet in the lounge at 10 a.m. for an hour of discussion. We will study the book of Acts for the next two weeks. Everyone is invited to participate.

 

Our youth group, S.W.A.G. (Saved With Amazing Grace) will meet next Sunday from 2-4 p.m. for fun and food. This is open to all those in grades 6-12.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Today, February 9: “Souper Bowl” food drive

Official Board Meeting 11:30 a.m.

Christian Education Meeting 12:00 p.m.

 

               Wednesday, February 12: No Handbell Choir Practice

                Chancel Choir Practice, 7 p.m.

 

               Thursday, February 13: Bible Study, Lounge 10 a.m.

 

               Sunday, February 16: Confirmation 11:30 p.m.

                                                   S.W.A.G. 2-4 p.m.

Website:  www.zionuccdecatur.org       e-mail: office: office@zionuccdecatur.org

                                                               pastor: arkinpastor59@gmail.com

Last week's attendance      54           Offering: $ 4669.00 ($455 Roth memorials)

Needed each week: $4085.87