Summary of Service
Opening & Announcements
Liturgist: Kathy Earl
- Birthdays Celebrated:
- Mildred P. (90th Birthday)
- Ann V.
- Upcoming Events:
- GriefShare – February 10 at 2 PM
- Kids’ Food Basket Service Opportunity – February 17
- Council Meeting – February 19 at 6 PM (not 5 PM as originally announced)
- February’s Monthly Theme: Love – A table was set up for congregants to take heart-shaped notes.
Welcome & Opening Prayer
- Affirmation that all are welcome, no matter where they are on their faith journey.
- A reminder to hold in prayer those in need, including church members facing illness, chronic conditions, and recent losses.
Call to Worship & Opening Hymn
- Responsive Reading: Psalm 138
- Opening Hymn: “Sing Praise to God Our Highest Good” (New Century Hymnal #6)
Prayers & Concerns
- Special prayers were lifted for those in recovery, facing chronic illness, and grieving loved ones.
- An update was shared on Al, a member who recently moved to Bishop Hills and is adjusting well.
Children’s Moment: Trusting in the Unseen
- Story: Liam and the Invisible Bridge – A tale about a boy who learns to trust in an unseen bridge, symbolizing faith in God.
- Lesson: Faith is like a pair of glasses—helping us see what’s truly there, even when it’s difficult.
Scripture Readings
- Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne and his response to the call: “Here I am, send me.”
- Luke 5:1-11 – Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to leave their nets and become “fishers of people.”
Sermon: The Hero’s Journey of Faith
Key Themes:
- The Call to Faith:
- Like Isaiah and Peter, we are all invited to step forward into faith, even when we feel unworthy.
- Going Beyond the Surface:
- Faith isn’t about ego, judgment, or dualism—it’s about mercy, compassion, and love.
- The Spiritual Journey:
- Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and Jacob Needleman’s What is God?, the sermon explored how faith is a lifelong journey toward self-discovery, service, and trust in God.
- Stepping Forward, Even in Uncertainty:
- Just as Peter and Isaiah answered the call, we are challenged to take the next step in faith, knowing that God is always with us.
Hymn of Reflection
- “What Wondrous Love is This”
Offering & Prayer of Thanksgiving
- A prayer of gratitude for God’s gifts and the congregation’s generosity.
Silent Reflection & Pastoral Prayer
- A meditative prayer based on Psalm 46:10:
- “Be still and know that I am God.” (Repeating and shortening phrases with each repetition.)
- Prayers for healing, renewal, and guidance.
- The Lord’s Prayer was recited together.
Closing Hymn & Benediction
- Final Hymn: “God Be with You Till We Meet Again”
- Benediction: Encouragement to walk in faith, trusting in God’s presence, even when the path is unclear.
Key Takeaways from the Service:
✔ Faith is a journey, not just a belief—it requires stepping forward, even in uncertainty.
✔ Like Isaiah and Peter, we are called to listen, trust, and respond to God’s invitation.
✔ Love, mercy, and compassion are at the heart of faith, beyond judgment or division.
✔ God is always near, guiding us as we take each step in our spiritual journey.
Final Thought: “Here I am, send me.” May we each embrace the call to faith, trusting that God walks with us—now and always.
