February 2011 Archives

GOSPEL READING Matthew 6:24-34

EPISTLE READING 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

SERMON "Called to be Slaves and Stewards"

Worship Notes

Welcome to Worship at Westminster on this the Eighth Sunday after Epiphany. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 2 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (March 6), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (March 9) and the start of the Lenten season. Because Easter is observed later in 2011 (April 24), the Epiphany season is a longer liturgical season than it has been in recent years. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.

In worship today, and throughout the Epiphany season, we will reflect on what it means to be called by God. The scriptural basis for our consideration of God's call on our lives is the text of 1 Corinthians. Today's passage encourages our reflection on what it means to be "stewards of God's mysteries" and aware that it is God, and not we, who judges humanity and its actions.

Included in our worship this morning is part of The Belhar Confession. This confession was written in South Africa during the height of Apartheid -denouncing the inequalities and racism of that system. The Presbyterian Church(USA) is currently voting to include this confession within our Book of Confessions.

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:38-48

Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23

Sermon "Called to Holiness: Belonging to Each Other"

Worship Notes

Welcome to Worship at Westminster on this the Seventh Sunday after Epiphany. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 2 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (March 6), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (March 9) and the start of the Lenten season. Because Easter is observed later in 2011 (April 24), the Epiphany season is a longer liturgical season than it has been in recent years. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.

In worship today, and throughout the Epiphany season, we will reflect on what it means to be called by God. The scriptural basis for our consideration of God's call on our lives is the text of 1 Corinthians. Today's passage evokes the image of Christ as the foundation of the church and challenges us to consider our call to "belong" to one another as we seek to live lives of holiness.

The music through which we worship this morning was chosen to elaborate the theme of Christ as our foundation. Our gathering and sending hymns each reflect our foundation in Jesus Christ. The postlude, by a composer from the southern German school of baroque organ music, builds upon a "pedal point" or single note sustained throughout the opening section of the work. This compositional technique is used often to demonstrate the concept of a divine foundation.

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:21-37

Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Sermon "Called to Plant and Water"

Worship Notes

Welcome to Worship at Westminster on this the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 2 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (March 6), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (March 9) and the start of the Lenten season. Because Easter is observed later in 2011 (April 24), the Epiphany season is a longer liturgical season than it has been in recent years. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.

In worship today, and throughout the Epiphany season, we will reflect on what it means to be called by God. The scriptural basis for our consideration of God's call on our lives is the text of 1 Corinthians. Today's passage evokes the image of being "planted and watered." In this service, we acknowledge God's marvelous acts of creation and nurture and offer praise for the growth that results from God's abundant grace.

The music through which we worship today is chosen to reflect the theme of "planted and watered." Throughout the service, hymns and songs of creation are mixed with affirmations that pray for God's continued work within and among us. Both choral anthems and the postlude are works of the English composer and conductor, John Rutter (b. 1945). Rutter's sacred choral music is well known and "For the Beauty of the Earth" is among his most familiar works.

The text of "All Things Bright and Beautiful" was written by Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander (1818-1895). Also the author of "Once in Royal David's City" and "There Is A Green Hill Far Away," Ms. Alexander's hymn texts have become central points in our hymnody. These hymns were published in a collection called "Hymns for Little Children" and were written as a vehicle for teach the meaning of the text of the Apostle's Creed. For example, "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is meant to further elaborate and affirm the text of the Creed that reads, "I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth."

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, February 6, 2011

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