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February 2, 2025 – Unlocking Faith: Following the Path to God

February 2, 2025

Worship Service Overview

On February 2, 2025, the congregation gathered for a reflective and spiritually enriching worship service centered on trusting in God’s call and unlocking faith. The theme of the month, Love, was introduced, and congregants were invited to participate in an interactive display in the narthex by writing what they love on heart-shaped notes.

The sermon explored the spiritual journey of faith, inspired by Jeremiah’s prophetic calling and Jesus’ message in the synagogue, where he challenged expectations and faced rejection. The message emphasized looking beyond the surface, overcoming doubt, and recognizing Christ within ourselves and others.

A Children’s Moment used keys as a metaphor for faith, illustrating how Jesus is the key that unlocks our relationship with God. The congregation also welcomed Samuel, the new Children’s Ministry leader, who introduced himself and shared his passion for working with youth and helping them grow in faith.

The service included prayers for those in need, updates on church members facing health challenges, and a celebration of Holy Communion, inviting all to partake in Christ’s table.
Led By:

Rev. Dr. Jonathan White

Scripture Readings:

Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-30

Date:

February 2, 2025

Location:

Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC

Watch Service

Summary of Service

Opening & Announcements

Liturgist: Ed Kotarski

  • Correction: Worship Team meeting is on Tuesday at 5 PM, not Sunday.
  • Pastoral Visits: Pastor White announced he would be visiting congregants in hospitals and physical therapy this week but would be available by phone or email.
  • Scout Liaison Needed: The church is seeking a new liaison for the Scout Troops to assist with communication and logistics.

Call to Worship & Opening Prayer

  • Responsive Reading: Psalm 71
  • Opening Hymn: “God Is Our Refuge and Strength” (New Century Hymnal #4)

Prayers & Concerns

  • Prayers for Michelle O., mourning the passing of Dick O.
  • Continued prayers for members facing health challenges, chronic conditions, and recovery from surgery.
  • Joyful update: Alice is moving to Bishop Hills, and Roger H. successfully came through surgery.
  • Prayers for Jan M., recovering from COVID.

Children’s Moment: The Key to Faith

  • Object Lesson: A set of keys symbolizing how Jesus unlocks the way to God.
  • Message: Faith is the key that opens our hearts to God’s love and guides us in our spiritual journey.
  • Prayer: A prayer of gratitude for Jesus as our guide and key to everlasting life.

Special Announcement: Welcome to Our New Children’s Ministry Leader

  • Introduction of Samuel Sanestin, the new Children’s Ministry leader.
  • Background:
    • Experience in evangelism, youth mentorship, and mission work.
    • Studied pastoral evangelism and served as an associate youth pastor.
    • Excited to build and strengthen the children’s ministry program.

Scripture Readings

  • Jeremiah 1:4-10 – God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet, despite his youth and self-doubt.
  • Luke 4:21-30 – Jesus speaks in the synagogue, declaring the prophecy fulfilled, but is met with rejection.

Sermon: Unlocking Faith – Trusting in God’s Call

Key Themes:

  1. Hearing God’s Call:
    • Jeremiah was called before he was born, yet he doubted himself.
    • Like Jeremiah, we often feel unqualified, but God equips those He calls.
  2. Jesus’ Challenge in the Synagogue:
    • Jesus declared that God’s love extends beyond boundaries, which angered those who believed they held exclusive access to God.
    • Faith is not about status or rules, but about a relationship with God and openness to transformation.
  3. The Inner Journey:
    • Inspired by Jacob Needleman’s What Is God?, the sermon explored how true faith requires looking beyond the surface to see Christ within ourselves and others.
  4. Overcoming Judgment & Dualism:
    • Many struggle with an “us vs. them” mindset, but Jesus calls us to move beyond ego, judgment, and exclusion to embrace mercy, compassion, and unity.
  5. Faith as an Ongoing Journey:
    • Like Jeremiah, we are all invited to step into faith—not because we have all the answers, but because God is with us.

Hymn of Reflection

  • “You Are the Light of the World”

Holy Communion: The Table of Christ

  • Invitation to Communion:
    • Everyone is welcome, regardless of background or belief.
    • Christ invites all to the table, just as he invited the disciple who would betray him.
  • Breaking of the Bread & Sharing of the Cup
  • Communion Hymn: “Let Us Break Bread Together”

Offering & Prayer of Thanksgiving

  • A prayer of gratitude for God’s provision and an invitation to give generously in service to others.

Silent Reflection & Pastoral Prayer

  • Guided reflection: “Be still and know that I am God.”
  • Prayers for healing, renewal, and strength for those in need.
  • The congregation joined together in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

Closing Hymn & Benediction

  • Final Hymn: “Go My Children, with My Blessing”
  • Benediction: Encouragement to trust in God’s call, embrace faith as a journey, and see Christ within ourselves and others.

Key Takeaways from the Service:

✔ Faith is not about qualifications—God calls and equips us.
✔ Jesus challenges us to move beyond ego, judgment, and exclusion.
✔ True faith is a journey—one that requires trust, openness, and transformation.
✔ Christ is within us—we are called to recognize his presence in ourselves and others.
✔ We are never alone—God walks with us every step of the way.

Final Thought: Faith is the key that unlocks our relationship with God. May we follow Jesus, trusting that He leads us on the path to everlasting life.

Reflections

Expanding on This Week’s Message

Explore the key themes from this week’s sermon in our latest Reflections blog post, featuring deeper insights, personal applications, and thought-provoking takeaways that extend beyond Sunday’s message.
Browse All Reflections
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May

May 4, 2025 – Third Sunday of Easter: “May These Shores Be With Us”

February

February 16, 2025 – Seeing with Faith: Blessings, Challenges, and the Call to Trust

February

February 9, 2025 – Here I Am, Send Me: Stepping Forward in Faith

February

February 2, 2025 – Unlocking Faith: Following the Path to God

January

January 26, 2025 – Putting Your Whole Self In: Living Faith Fully

Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC