Worship Service - January 25, 2004

MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
The Calvary Baptist Church Towson, Maryland
Eleven O’clock January 25, 2004

Frederick K. Weimert, Pastor
Glenn L. Wittstadt, Jr., Organist?Director

PRELUDE Variations on “Lower Lights” by R. W. Thygerson/P.P. Bliss

INTROIT

*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 19: 1-6
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.

*HYMN 549: "Creator of the Universe"

INVOCATION Followed by the Lord’s Prayer

WELCOME AND REGISTRATION
EXTENDED LIFE OF THE CHURCH

HANDBELL CHOIR: “Simple Gifts” Arr: Douglas Wagner
Director: Dan Moore

PRAYER FROM THE PEOPLE Ann Ray

*OFFERING All things are Thine; no gift have we,
Lord of all gifts, to offer Thee,
And hence, with grateful hearts today,
Thy own before Thy feet we lay.

OFFERTORY: “Siciliano” by J. S. Bach
Flute: Liz Shilling

CHILDREN’S TIME Howard Warner

GOSPEL READING: Luke 4: 14-21 pg. 892
read by Lynn Gill

RESPONSIVE CALL TO PRAYER:
It was a matter of perception and preconceived notions…
It’s the kind of thing that happens when you have read the book, and later, see the movie.

Most often the movie is a disappointment…
It’s the same for me. I usually like the book best.

In our imaginations we have created an image of how it will be and how it will come into being.
And we are frustrated by how reality can pale in comparison.

Jesus stood, scroll in hand…
Word in flesh, and word on page.

I think it sounded prettier when Isaiah wrote it… Good news to the poor… Release to the captives… Sight for the blind… Freedom for the oppressed…
All are lovely ideals, but not always easy to live
with.
UNISON: Lord God, whose words have power to create reality, may we see it and appreciate it… May it happen even in us. Amen.

*HYMN 2120: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness"

HEBREW BIBLE: Nehemiah 8: 1-10 pg. 420

SERMON: “Gathering at the Gate"

*INVITATION HYMN 285: “ Wherever He Leads I'll Go"

Decisions of faith are personal decisions. It is for us to choose if we will believe in God. Decisions of faith are also public and corporate decisions. When we choose to follow Jesus we are choosing to become part of the “Body of Christ”, the Church. If you would like to confirm the decision you have made to begin your life of faith or continue that life as a part of this congregation, come forward as we sing the invitational hymn and speak with the worship leader about your decision.

*BENEDICTION/RESPONSE

POSTLUDE: “Postlude” by Francois Couperin

* Congregation standing

The sanctuary flowers are given by Alta Schuster
in loving memory of the members of the Schuster
and Wilson families.

THIS WEEK

If you have a special prayer request please fill out a pink card, found in the pews, bring it forward and place it on the communion table either before the service or during the first hymn.

WEDNESDAY
6:15 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
7:00 p.m. Bell Choir Practice
8:00 p.m. Choir Practice

CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETING will be immediately following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the reports of the financial officers of the congregation, and to receive nominations for members of our Board of Deacons.

YOUTH: DS 1 will meet next week Sunday, Feb. 1st at 6:00 p.m. to discuss and plan a lock-in retreat.

SPECIAL BIBLE STUDY:
On Sunday February 8th from 3:30-7:30, with dinner from 5:00 -6:00, Dr. Tom McDaniel has agreed to come and teach a special Bible. In the study Tom will respond to the current focus, in national magazines, novels (like The Di Vinci Code), even scholarly writings, on extra biblical religious literature.