Called Up to the Show

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Loving God, your light reveals the needs of our world and your

salvation offers hope to the lost. Therefore, we pray for our world and

our community.

For your holy church, that all the baptized may live in harmony

with one another, and pastors and teachers may be wise and

gracious ministers of the gospel;

God of light, hear our prayer.

For the world and for all who suffer the rod of oppression: break

the yoke of violence, and free all people from the burden of war

and domestic strife;

God of light, hear our prayer.

For the leaders of the nations, that they may be just and faithful

in their duty and serve the good of all creation;

God of light, hear our prayer.

For those who suffer disease of body and mind, that they may

know the power of your healing grace;

God of light, hear our prayer.

For those who have died and for those who will die this day, that

they may find eternal rest; and for those who care for the dying

that they may find peace and comfort.

God of light, hear our prayer.

For other concerns we offer in silence...

God of light, hear our prayer.

Hear, O Lord, the cries of your people. Be gracious to us and answer

us, for you are our salvation; through Christ, in the power of the Holy

Spirit. Amen.

God, illumine our minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed our eyes may see your kingdom, our ears may hear the call of Jesus, and our hearts may know the joy of your salvation. Amen.

Isaiah 9:1-4 ¹ But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. ² The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. ³ You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. Matthew 4:12-23 12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. ¹³ He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴ so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ¹⁵“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ¹⁶ the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” ¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” ¹⁸ As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” ²⁰ lmmediately they left their nets and followed him. ²¹ As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Questions for Reflection: Rev. Johan Dodge

What does Jesus mean when he calls his follower to be “fishers of

people”? What must I leave behind to be a faithful disciple of Jesus?

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING — Phyllis Spencer

God, our light and our salvation, Jesus announced the nearness of

your kingdom and called his disciples to be fishers of people. Give us

courage to follow in the way of Jesus, that in joyful response to all

good things, God has given us; we now offer our gifts, the fruit of our

labors, and the dedication of our hearts for loving service in the name

of Christ.

God of our salvation, receive these gifts we offer and bless them for the work of your kingdom, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Christ calls us to be fishers of people for the sake of his beloved kingdom. May the grace of Christ who calls us go with you. May the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers us sustain you. May the salvation of God who loves us encourage you to invite others to come and see. Blessed Be the Tie that Binds Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Amen.