This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, January 29, 2012
January 2012 Archives
THE FIRST LESSON Mark 1:21-28
Psalm 111
SERMON "Why Praise?"
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Fifth Sunday in Epiphany. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 1 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (February 19), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of the Lenten season. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.
Throughout the Epiphany season, our worship will be based upon the Psalm texts included in the Revised Common Lectionary. The Psalms are among the church's earliest hymns, expressing praise and prayer, lament and thanksgiving. Because these scriptures were envisioned as hymns, we will "sing the Psalms" throughout the Epiphany season. Settings of the Psalms that are sung by the body of Christ assembled are called "the Psalter."
Our worship today builds upon the text of Psalm 111, which expresses a spirit of praise and adoration for God who is great and glorious. This theme of praise is reflected in the hymns and service music through which we worship.
This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Psalms: Psalm 62
THE GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:14-20
SERMON "The Refuge of Silence"
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Fourth Sunday in Epiphany. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 1 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (February 19), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of the Lenten season. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.
Throughout the Epiphany season, our worship will be based upon the Psalm texts included in the Revised Common Lectionary. The Psalms are among the church's earliest hymns, expressing praise and prayer, lament and thanksgiving. Because these scriptures were envisioned as hymns, we will "sing the Psalms" throughout the Epiphany season. Settings of the Psalms that are sung by the body of Christ assembled are called "the Psalter."
Our worship today builds upon the text of Psalm 62, which reflective the contemplative spirit of our souls as they individually "wait upon the Lord." This theme of Psalm 62 is reflected in the hymns and service music through which we worship.
This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, January 15, 2012
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 1:43-51
PSALM 139 The congregation sings the refrain before and after the cantor sings each verse.
SERMON "The Sovereignty of God: Ever Pervasive Grace"
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Third Sunday in Epiphany. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 1 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (February 19), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of the Lenten season. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.
Throughout the Epiphany season, our worship will be based upon the Psalm texts included in the Revised Common Lectionary. The Psalms are among the church's earliest hymns, expressing praise and prayer, lament and thanksgiving. Because these scriptures were envisioned as hymns, we will "sing the Psalms" throughout the Epiphany season. Settings of the Psalms that are sung by the body of Christ assembled are called "the Psalter."
Our worship today builds upon the text of Psalm 139, which proclaims the omnipresence of God and reminds us that God acts in all things. These themes of Psalm 139 are reflected in the hymns and service music through which we worship.
This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, January 8, 2012
THE EPISTLE LESSON Acts 19:1-7
THE GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:4-11
SERMON "Baptism By Spirit"
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Second Sunday in Epiphany, which is also called "Baptism of the Lord Sunday" in the liturgical calendar. Like Westminster, many reformed congregations began to observe a season of Epiphany on January 1 and continue the Epiphany season until Transfiguration Sunday (February 19), which is the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of the Lenten season. The liturgical color for the season of Epiphany is white.
Our worship experience today begins with reflection on the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, transitions to our annual reaffirmation of our own baptismal vows, and concludes with the act of ordination and installation of church officers. This movement reflects God's acts through the Holy Spirit, which calls us all to ministries of grace and unites us in one baptism through God.
The music through which we worship today is chose to reaffirm our baptismal covenants and give voice to God's call upon our lives. As we reaffirm our baptism, you will be invited to come forward down the center aisle, place your hand in the font, and withdraw a stone, which will serve as a visible symbol and reminder of your baptism throughout the coming year.
The acclamation hymn is a selection from the new denominational hymnal of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The new hymnal, which will be called Glory to God, has been in development since 2004 and is expected to be finalized for publication in fall 2013. As part of a program called "Many Voices, One Song," Westminster will use specific hymns from Glory to God in our worship services on selected dates throughout 2012.
This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, January 1, 2012
