3rd Sunday after the Epiphany January 23, 2022
Eduourd Léon Edy-Legrand, Jesus Healing the Blind Man. circa 1950. Illustration from La Bible, ed. Maurice Robert.
The Church Gathers Pre-Service Music
“Impromptu”
Tailleferre
Words of Welcome The Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.
Call to Worship Take heart! For we are gathered in God's presence to proclaim the wonders of the Lord. Get up! For we are called by the Risen Son to respond to grace undeserved. God is calling us! For we are united by the Spirit to follow Jesus on the way. {adapted from Stephen Fearing}
Hymn
“Come, Christians Join to Sing”
UMH #158
Come, Christians, join to sing: Alleluia! Amen! loud praise to Christ our King: Alleluia! Amen! Let all, with heart and voice, before his throne rejoice; praise is his gracious choice. Alleluia! Amen! Come, lift your hearts on high: Alleluia! Amen! Let praises fill the sky: Alleluia! Amen! He is our guide and friend; to us he'll condescend; his love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen! Praise yet the Lord again: Alleluia! Amen! Life shall not end the strain: Alleluia! Amen! On heaven's blissful shore his goodness we'll adore, singing forevermore: Alleluia! Amen! Prayer of Confession When we cannot do it, God can! Anything and everything - our messes, the hurts we inflict on others, the way we stand around when we could be helping - God can renew, reshape, restore us. That is how much God loves us, this is why God calls to us. Join me as we pray, saying, Gracious God, we admit that it's easier to stay put than to go where we are called, even when going can bring healing to us and others. We can't always see what you want to show us - who we were created to be and how you invite us to love and serve. We can't always find the courage to take uncertain steps into the world's greatest needs and our deep gladness. Forgive us God, do not give up on us. Help us to take heart. Help us to hear your call. Help us to move toward you in faith and trust. {Silence for prayer}
Words of Assurance Take heart: God hears our hearts. Get up: God has healed your brokenness. Listen: God calls you with hope, with forgiveness, with life. Now our eyes are opened and we can see; now our ears are opened and we can hear; now, we can follow Christ into the kin-dom. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Amen. {adapted from Thom Shuman}
To Hear the Word and Reflect Special Music Children’s Time
“I Believe“
Miller
This, this is where children belong Welcomed as part of the worshiping throng Water, God's Word, bread and cup, prayer and song. This is where children belong.
Scripture
Sermon
TFWS #2233
“Mark 8:22-24; 10:46-52” This is the Word of Life. Thanks be to God. “What Do You See?”
Rev. Jenny Smith Walz
To Respond in Faith Hymn
“Open Our Eyes”
TFWS #2086
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch him, and say that we love him. Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen. Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus. Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Sign-in and Connect! Card Let us know you are here, and connect with ways to Feed and Be Fed through PUMC: • Use the Connect! card, text “PUMC” to 609-542-2192, or scan the QR code.
Invitation to Offering We provide lots of options to give electronically: • Give on our church website, scan the QR code, text 844-908-2593, or give via PayPal. Offertory
“La Veillée de L'ange Garden from Album Pour Mes Petits Amis”
Pieré
Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Prayer of Thanksgiving
And Scatter To Be in the World Hymn
“Open My Eyes, That I May See”
UMH #454
Open my eyes, that I may see. Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; Place in my hands the wonderful key. That shall unclasp and set me free; Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my ears, that I may hear. Voices of truth Thou sendest clear; And while the wavenotes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my mouth, and let me bear. Gladly the warm truth everywhere; Open my heart, and let me prepare. Love with Thy children, thus to share: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! Benediction Postlude
“Vif from Suite for Piano”
Poulenc
Sharing in Our Worship Today Worship Leader: Lay Reader: Liturgists: Acolyte:
Rev. Jenny Smith Walz Isabella Dougan Steve Wong, Emma Worrall Anna Griffiths
Designated Singers: Hyosang Park, Lori Pantaleo, Tom Shelton Musicians: Julia Hanna, Leanne Griffiths Sound & Video: Ian Macdonald, Bill Gardner
As we explore the Powerful Purposes that God calls us to, we invite you to create a Rule of Life. Over the next several weeks, we will give you suggestions and guidance to do so. What is a Rule of Life? Have you ever set out to learn something new, like learn to play guitar or write a book or run a marathon? If you went into it with intentionality, a plan, a regimen, a coach, you probably met your goal or came close. If not, it likely remained a wish. William Paulsell says, “Athletes, musicians, writers, scientists, and others progress in their fields because they are welldisciplined people. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to think that in matters of faith we should pray, meditate, and engage in other spiritual disciplines only when we feel like it.” “Rule” comes from the Latin regula, where we get the word “regular”. A Rule of Life is a way of “ordering our lives to catch the wind of grace,” says Marjorie Thompson. It’s a set of choices, practices, habits, and rhythms that center us around God and God’s grace. The First Step: A Faith-Illumined Inventory Our current lives are real and full. What are your current circumstances and commitments? • Note your primary relationships and the commitments and responsibilities you have to them. Note what choices you have made or are called to make about how you wish to live out your primary relationships and tasks: family, partner, children, parents, close friends, etc. • Note your work, school, or other primary commitments you currently have. What choices have you made or do you wish to make about how you relate to these tasks and the people you connect with because of them?
For a full listing of calendar events, visit our website: https://princetonumc.org/calendar/
Sunday, January 23 8:45 am Contemporary Issues via Zoom 10:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Confirmation Class 11:30 am Compassion Camp & Grow 11:30 am Newcomers Group 3:00 pm Divorce Support Group 3:00 pm High School Youth Group 4:00 pm Youth Choir via Zoom 4:45 pm Middle School Youth Group 6:00 pm Ministerio Internacional in the Fellowship Hall Monday, January 24 10:00 am Monday Morning Group 12:15 pm AA in Room 203 7:00 pm Nominations & Lay Leadership 7:00 pm NJGMC Weekly Rehearsal in the Fellowship Hall Tuesday, January 25 12:15 pm AA in Room 203 2:00 pm Cristina Altamura Music Lessons in Room 103 7:45 pm Wesley Foundation College Ministry via Zoom 8:00 pm Godfulness Meditation Small Group Wednesday, January 26 9:00 am Love Lives On 2:00 pm Cristina Altamura Music Lessons in Room 103 4:30 pm Children's Choir via Zoom 5:00 pm Cornerstone Community Meal 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Thursday, January 27 12:15 pm AA in Room 203 7:30 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee 8:00 pm Ministerio Internacional in Rooms 204 & 205 Sunday, January 30 8:45 am Contemporary Issues via Zoom 10:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Confirmation Class 11:30 am Compassion Camp & Grow 11:30 am Newcomers Group 12:15 pm Adult Formation Ministry Team 3:00 pm High School Youth Group 4:00 pm Youth Choir via Zoom 4:45 pm Middle School Youth Group
Newcomers Class
Begins Today | 11:30 am
This 5-week class offers an opportunity to learn more about Princeton UMC and consider how you might get more plugged into the many ministries happening in the life of our church. At the end of the five weeks, participants will be invited to join into membership at PUMC. Email Pastor Jenny if you want to participate. Have someone in mind who you think should join? Extend them a special invitation! This class will begin with online-only sessions for at least the first two weeks. There will be an asynchronous version of this class offered, as well.
French Music-Themed Concert
February 13 | 3:00 pm
The St. John Chamber Players present a French-themed concert on Sunday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m., in the PUMC Sanctuary. The musicians include Barbara Jaffe and Andreia Torain (violin), Louise Jaffe (viola), Linda Meltzer (cello), Rahel Inneger (piano), and Scott Collins (clarinet). The program includes, "Premier Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Piano," by Claude Debussy (1862-1918), "String Quartet in F Major," by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), and "Suite for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano, Opus 157b," by Darius Milhaud (18921974). Suggested donation, $20 for adults, 16 years and younger free, to benefit ministries of the PUMC Outreach Team. Click here to pre-order tickets, call 609-924-2613, or pay at the event.
Seeking Small Group Leaders If you are interested in leading a small group, or simply have a great idea for a small group you would like offered please reach out to Pastora Ashley. If you have never led a small group before, the adult formation team will provide you with resources to equip you in your leadership! We hope to hear from you soon.
Flower Donations It’s that time of year when we ask for your help with altar flower donations. If you had a “special” Sunday that you had last year, please email Pam Nugent (poodluvs@aol.com) or call her at 609-771-0189 to reserve that date.
Wesley Foundation at Princeton Are you looking for a progressive Christian college ministry? We'd love to have you! Email Pastor Skitch (skitch@princetonumc.org) or Grecia Hernandez (ghperez@princeton.edu) for more details about our Tuesday night Bible study!
Terracycle Program As more of us are coming to in-person worship, we want to invite you to contribute to our Terracycle donation bins, now located downstairs, just outside of the Fellowship Hall. Click here to get the current information about which items can be donated (or find the website at princetonumc.org under ’Community.’) Proceeds go to support the Appalachian Service Project.
Today’s flowers are dedicated:
Have Prayer Concerns?
Glory be to God for Pam Nugent’s successful surgery and continued recovery
For our Prayer Chain, call Mary Lib Stewart at 609-632-1973 or contact Yvonne Macdonald at yvonnee.mac@verizon.net, 609-497-0337. Please notify Pastor Jae Hong at jae@princetonumc.org when you or a family member is in the hospital or in need of a pastoral call.
Prayer Concerns The Apperson Family, upon the loss of their daughter and sister Angela Michele’s sister, Jacqueline & her family
Stanley Nadbielny upon the passing of his mother Emily Iona Harding & Family Marrow Family All Those Suffering from COVID Jeanette
Karen’s nephew, Joe Vicki Santos Gonzales, upon the passing of his wife Susan’s brother-in-law, Steve