February 9, 2025
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

* Denotes all are invited to stand. Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.

Music for Gathering:
Brian Jay
Organist

Welcome:
Rev. Aaron J. White, Pastor

Let us sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of our God.
Grace and peace to you from the one who is on high
and yet regards the lowly. Amen.

Minute for Mission:
Kristen Oertell
Topic: Christmas Card Report

Call to Worship:
You call us, O Christ, to live as your disciples,
with new life, by way of new paths, seeking new ways.
In your call toward deep waters,
grant us faith.
In your command not to fear,
grant us courage.
In your invitation to follow,
grant us surrender.
Restore to us the joy of living as your disciples,
that we might travel with you in the way of miracle. Amen.

* Hymn 441 “Hear the Good News of Salvation”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* Confession of Sin:
Sarah Greer, Worship Leader
Merciful God, you call, but we seldom hear. You beckon, yet we turn away. Sin keeps us from responding to you, thwarting even our best efforts. Forgive our lack of attention to things that matter and restore our sense of your priorities. Focus us on your call to worship and serviceas we seek to follow after Jesus Christ.
(Silence for personal confession)

Assurance of Pardon:
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Not even death can separate us from God’s love. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Song of Praise:
“All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord”
(Lyrics)
All praise to our redeeming Lord, Who joins us by his grace
And bids us, each to each restored, Together seek His face.
He bids us build each other up; And gathered into one,
To our high calling’s glorious hope, We hand in hand go on.

* Passing the Peace:
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

Prayer for Illumination:
Sarah Greer, Worship Leader

First Reading:
Luke 5:1–11
1 One day, Jesus was standing by Lake Gennesaret, and the crowd pressed in on him to hear the word of God.
2 He saw two boats moored by the side of the lake; the fishers had disembarked and were washing their nets.
3 Jesus stepped into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to pull out a short distance from the shore; then, remaining seated, he continued to teach the crowds from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Pull out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Rabbi, we’ve been working hard all night long and have caught nothing; but if you say so, I’ll lower the nets.”
6 Upon doing so, they caught such a great number of fish that their nets were at the breaking point.
7 They signaled to their mates in the other boat to come and help them, and together they filled the two boats until they both nearly sank.
8 After Simon saw what happened, he was filled with awe and fell down before Jesus, saying, “Leave me, Rabbi, for I’m a sinner.”
9 For Simon and his shipmates were astonished at the size of the catch they had made,
10 as were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you’ll fish among human-kind.”
11 And when they brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Anthem:
“Only a God Like You”
PCM Chancel Choir
Marilyn Puett – Interim Director

Second Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1 [Siblings], I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand firm.
2 You are being saved by it at this very moment, if you hold fast to it as I preached it to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain.
3 I handed on to you, first of all, what I myself received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures;
4 that he was buried and, in accordance with the scriptures, rose on the third day;
5 that he was seen by Peter, then by the Twelve.
6 After that, he was seen by more than five hundred [siblings] at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep.
7 Next he was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
8 Last of all he was seen by me, as one yanked from the womb.
9 I am the least of the apostles; in fact, because I persecuted the church of God, I do not even deserve the name.
10 But by God’s favor I am what I am. This favor that God has given to me has not proven fruitless. Indeed, I have worked harder than all the others, not on my own but through the grace of God.
11 In any case, whether it be I or they, this is what we preach and this is what you believed.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Time for Children:
Chuck McGavren

Sermon:
Rev. Aaron J. White

* Hymn #170 “You Walk Along Our Shoreline”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

Pastoral Prayer:
Congregation Response:  Bless us with peace.

Invitation to Discipleship:

The Lord’s Prayer:
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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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.

* Hymn #761 “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* News of the Kingdom:

* Charge & Blessing:
The Lord calls, saying: Whom shall I send?
Let each of us respond: Here I am! Send me!
Now may we be filled with the love of God and sing praises with our whole hearts,
giving thanks for the call of Christ in our lives and the community of the Holy Spirit,
the fulfillment of the purpose for which we were created.
Alleluia!
Amen.

* Music for Departing

News Of The Kingdom

Giving Statements
2024 end of the year giving statements are ready and available for pickup in the Commons. Statements are also available for viewing and download in your One Church profile.

February 2, 2025
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

* Denotes all are invited to stand. Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.

Music for Gathering:
Brian Jay
Organist

Welcome:
Rev. Aaron J. White, Pastor

Grace and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen!
The Lord is our light and our salvation!
Thanks be to God!

Minute for Mission:
Cleveland Evans
Topic: More Light Presbyterians

Call to Worship:
In you, O Lord, let us take refuge,
so we might never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, O Lord, let us find deliverance,
so we might experience your saving power.
In your presence, O God, let us place our trust,
so we might find confidence in you alone.
You are our rock and our refuge, our fortress and shield.
We turn to you again this day. Amen.

* Hymn 360 “Come, Worship God”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* Confession of Sin:
Michael Osborn, Worship Leader
Generous God, when we set our tables, we imagine who belongs. We are satisfied to welcome those who we call our own. Our boundaries are drawn for our own family, our own congregation, our own neighborhood. We limit the seating to those who make us comfortable, and lay out the welcome mat for those who we choose to welcome. But your kingdom has no boundary. Before our birth you have known, loved, and claimed each and every one. Soften our hearts to those we rage against. Restore us to your vision of who belongs at the table. Renew us with your abundant mercy and love, which know no end.
(Silence for personal confession)

Assurance of Pardon:
Jesus Christ satisfies each of our shortcomings. It is in God we are given the full vision of love, peace, and justice. This good news is for you: God claims you, Christ welcomes you, and the Spirit draws up your seat at the welcome table. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and restored.
Thanks be to our God now and forever.

Song of Praise:
“All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* Passing the Peace:
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

Prayer for Illumination:
Michael Osborn, Worship Leader

First Reading:
Luke 4:21–30
^{21 Then [Jesus] said to them, “Today, in your hearing, this scripture passage is fulfilled.”
22 All who were present [with him in the Nazareth synagogue on that Sabbath day] spoke favorably of
him; they marveled at the eloquence of the words on Jesus’ lips. They said, “Surely this isn’t Mary and
Joseph’s son!”
23 Jesus said to them, “Undoubtedly you’ll quote me the proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself,’ and say, ‘Do
here in your own country the things we heard you did in Capernaum.’
24 But the truth is, prophets never gain acceptance in their hometowns.
25 “The truth is, there were many women who were widowed in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the
heavens remained closed for three and a half years and a great famine spread over the land.
26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but to a woman who had been widowed in Zarephath, near Sidon,
27 Recall, too, that many had leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one was cured except Naaman
the Syrian.”
28 At these words, the whole audience in the synagogue was filled with indignation.
29 They rose up and dragged Jesus out of town, leading him to the brow of the hill on which the city was built, with the intention of hurling him over the edge.
30 But he moved straight through the crowd and walked away.}

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Anthem:
“Come Build A Church”
PCM Chancel Choir
Marilyn Puett – Interim Director

Second Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13
1 Even if I can speak in all the tongues of earth—and those of the angels too—but do not have love, I am just a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy such that I can comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge, or if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 If I give away everything I own to feed those poorer than I, then hand over my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, and it is not snobbish;
5 it is never rude or self-seeking; it is not prone to anger, nor does it brood over injuries.
6 Love doesn’t rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices in the truth.
7 There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.
8 Love never fails. Prophecies will cease; tongues will be silent; knowledge will pass away.
9 Our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect.
10 When the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.
11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. But when I became an adult, I put childish ways aside.
12 Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we will see face to face. My knowledge is imperfect now; then I will know even as I am known.
13 There are, in the end, three things that last: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Time for Children:
Rev. Aaron J. White

Sermon:
Rev. Aaron J. White

* Hymn #440 “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

Pastoral Prayer:
Congregation Response:  Bless us with peace.

Invitation to Discipleship:

The Lord’s Prayer:
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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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.

* Hymn #691 “Lord, When I Came into this Life”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* News of the Kingdom:

* Charge & Blessing:
Friends, let us go wherever the Spirit sends us!
May the love of God help [us] to bear all things.
May the love of Christ enable [us] to believe all things.
May the love of the Holy Spirit inspire [us] to hope all things, so that [we] abide in faith, hope, and love this day and forever.
Alleluia!
Amen.

* Music for Departing

News Of The Kingdom

Confirmation Class
A new confirmation class is starting mid-February for students in grades 7-9. If you know a young person in these grades, even if they haven’t been attending Sunday school, they are welcome to join. Email Aaron.white@pcmomaha.org for more information or to register by Feb. 7th.

Giving Statements
2024 end of the year giving statements are ready and available for pickup in the Commons. Statements are also available for viewing and download in your One Church profile.

January 26, 2025
Third Sunday after Epiphany

* Denotes all are invited to stand. Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.

Music for Gathering
Brian Jay
Organist

Welcome
Rev. Aaron J. White
Pastor

Call to Worship
We praise you, God, for the diversity of your body.
By God’s Spirit, we are one.
From diverse backgrounds and diverse places,
by God’s Spirit, we are one.
From diverse cultures and diverse generations,
by God’s Spirit, we are one.
From diverse questions and diverse dreams,
by God’s Spirit, we are one.
We celebrate our diversity. We celebrate our unity.
By God’s Spirit, we are one. Hallelujah!

* Hymn 395 “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* Confession of Sin
Kathleen Keefer, Worship Leader
Holy God, we confess that we have wandered from your light.We follow paths of self-indulgence,instead of focusing on our need of you. We passively accept the suffering of the world, expecting others to stand up and work for the change we would like to see. Lord, in your strength, renew us and compel us by your invitation that we may work to pursue your justice and mercy for all people, sharing your light in ways great and small.
(Silence for personal confession)

Assurance of Pardon
May the God of mercy, the Lord of strength, forgive you all your sins; and may the Holy Spirit keep you in new life.
Amen.

Song of Praise
“All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* Passing the Peace
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

Prayer for Illumination:
Kathleen Keefer, Worship Leader

First Reading:
Luke 4:14–21
¹⁴ Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and his reputation spread throughout the region. 
¹⁵ He was teaching in the Galilean synagogues, and all were loud in their praise.
¹⁶ Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. Entering the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his habit, Jesus stood up to do the reading.
¹⁷ When the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed him, he unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
¹⁸ “The Spirit of our God is upon me: because the Most High has anointed me to bring Good News to those who are poor. God has sent me to proclaim liberty to those held captive, recovery of sight to those who are blind, and release to those in prison—
¹⁹ to proclaim the year of our God’s favor.”
²⁰ Rolling up the scroll, Jesus gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
²¹ Then he said to them, “Today, in your hearing, this scripture passage is fulfilled.”

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Minute for Mission:
PCM Youth
Topic: Super Bowl of Caring

Anthem:
“Creator Rhythm”
PCM Chancel Choir
Marilyn Puett – Interim Director

Second Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:12–31a
¹² The body is one, even though it has many parts; all the parts — many though they are — comprise a single body. And so it is with Christ.
¹³ It was by one Spirit that all of us, whether we are Jews or Greeks, slaves or citizens, were baptized into one body. All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit.
¹⁴ And that Body is not one part; it is many.
¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” does that make it any less a part of the body?
¹⁶ If the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” would that make it any less a part of the body?
¹⁷ If the body were all eye, what would happen to our hearing? If it were all ear, what would happen to our sense of smell?
¹⁸ Instead of that, God put all the different parts into one body on purpose.
¹⁹ If all the parts were alike, where would the body be?
²⁰ They are, indeed, many different members but one body.
²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” any more than the head can say to the feet, “I do not need you.”
²² And even those members of the body which seem less important are in fact indispensable.
²³ We honor the members we consider less honorable by clothing them with greater care, thus bestowing on the less presentable a propriety
²⁴ which the more presentable do not need. God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to the lowly members,
²⁵ that there may be no dissension in the body, but that all the members may be concerned for one another.
²⁶ If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members share its joy.
²⁷ You, then, are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
²⁸ Furthermore, God has set up in the church, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then miracle workers, healers, assistants, administrators and those who speak in tongues.
²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles
³⁰ or have the gift of healing? Do all speak in tongues, or do all have the gift of interpretation of tongues?
^31a Set your hearts on the greater gifts.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Time for Children:
Rev. Aaron J. White

Sermon:
Rev. Aaron J. White

* Hymn #692 “Spirit, Open My Heart”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

Pastoral Prayer:
Congregation Response:  Bless us with peace.

Invitation to Discipleship

The Lord’s Prayer
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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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.

* Hymn #744  “Arise, Your Light Is Come!”
(Please see screens for lyrics.)

* News of the Kingdom

* Charge & Blessing
The Spirit of the Lord urges us to go, proclaiming the news of God’s favor! [So as] we go from this place on this day holy to God we rejoice in the strength of God, we fix our eyes on the grace of Christ, and we drink deeply of the Spirit, who makes us one. Alleluia!
Amen.

* Music for Departing

News Of The Kingdom

Congregational Meeting
There will be a congregational meeting following the Worship service today. Click here if you would like to open a PDF of the printed 2024 Annual Report.

Art For All
The Art for All monthly gathering to view and discuss art will be held on February 1st at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held at Joslyn Museum and admission is free. For more details, contact either Kathleen Keefer or Chuck McGavren.

Confirmation Class
A new confirmation class is starting mid-February for students in grades 7-9. If you know a young person in these grades, even if they haven’t been attending Sunday school, they are welcome to join. Email Aaron.white@pcmomaha.org for more information or to register by Feb. 7th.

Giving Statements
2024 end of the year giving statements are ready and available for pickup in the Commons. Statements are also available for viewing and download in your One Church profile.

January 19, 2025
Second Sunday after Epiphany

* Denotes all are invited to stand. Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.

Music for Gathering
Brian Jay
Organist

Welcome
Rev. Cindy Harvey
Parish Associate

Call to Worship
We come in these endless days, Precious God, people in need of the constancy of your love:,
may we drink deeply from your fountain of life; may we continue to be guided by your Light.
We gather in these weary days, Water-changing God, people looking for signs of hope and wonder:
may we drink deeply from your fountain of grace; may our weariness be wrapped in your Hope.
We worship in these overwhelming days, Gifting God; May we be people who try to point others to Jesus:
may we drink deeply from your fountain of joy; may our life be strengthened by your Life…

* Hymn 327 “From All That Dwell Below the Skies”
Please see screens for lyrics.

* Confession of Sin
Michael Osborn, Worship Leader
Delight of the Ages, we cannot remain silent, but must speak of the ways we misuse your gifts.  In our desire to have more and more, we cause more damage to your good creation.  In our obsession with ourselves, we have desolated the lives of those around us.  When we hoard what you have given us, we cannot be a blessing to other people. Forgive us, Restless God, so we might be restored to life.  May your steadfast love save and strengthen us to share our gifts with others, even as you have shared the Gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence for personal confession

Assurance of Pardon
God delights in you. So much, that God will not rest until you are at peace.
God will not remain silent, but will call you by name: ‘My Delight.’
God’s steadfast love extends to the heavens, and reaches down to
touch our hearts. Thanks be to God who forgives and saves us! Amen.

Song of Praise
“All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord”
Please see screens for lyrics.

* Passing the Peace

Prayer for Illumination:
Michael Osborn, Worship Leader

First Reading:
John 2:1-11

Minute for Mission:
Michael Osborn
Topic: PCM Blood Drive – January 26th
Click Here to sign-up online for donating blood.

Anthem:
“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”
PCM Bell Choir
Kristen Oertell – Director

Second Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Time for Children:
Darla Holycross

Sermon:
Rev. Cindy Harvey

* Hymn #644 “Give Thanks, O Christian People”
Please see screens for lyrics.

Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons

Pastoral Prayer:
Congregation Response:  Bless us with peace.

Invitation to Discipleship

The Lord’s Prayer
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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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.

* Hymn #761  “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”
Please see screens for lyrics.

* News of the Kingdom

* Charge & Blessing
God sends us out to the lonely, the forsaken, all those forgotten in these weary times.
We will go to gather them up into the heart of love, to welcome them as our siblings.
Jesus calls us to throw a party for those who are hungry for hope, who thirst for justice.
We will go to be with those who sit at empty tables, who long to taste the sweet bouquet of grace.
The Spirit sends us forth, transformed from the foolish to the faithful.
We will go to those who walk in the muck of life, who yearn for new days, of joy and wonder. Amen.

* Music for Departing

* Denotes all are invited to stand.
Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.

January 12, 2025
“Baptism of the Lord” Sunday

Music for Gathering:
Brian Jay
Organist

Welcome:
Rev. Aaron J. White
Pastor

Call to Worship:
Holy Triune God, author of community,
come baptize us. Remind us what it means to belong to one another.
God who tears the heavens, come baptize us.
Reveal to us your power that ushers in new realms.
God who calls us beloved, come baptize us.
Declare to us your great delight and hold us in your pleasure.
God of vulnerability, come baptize us.
Welcome us into the paradox of strength that comes from weakness.
Together, let us remember this day.
In the Creator’s love we are held, into Christ’s body we are baptized,
and by the Spirit’s power, we are claimed. All glory to God. Amen.

* Hymn 484 “Out of Deep, Unordered Water”
Please see screens for lyrics.

* Confession of Sin:
Colleen Collins, Worship Leader
In the waters of baptism, O God, you have cleansed us and claimed us.
Forgive us for refusing your grace and rejecting your name. We have followed our own paths, and they have led us far from you. Help us to live into our baptisms, to trust that all we need is in you, for you have marked us as your own, loving us without limit. Wash us with your love again, that with clean hearts we may go in the way of Jesus.
Silence for personal confession

Assurance of Pardon
The love of God flows ceaselessly. The mercy of God never ends. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Song of Praise:
“All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord”
Please see screens for lyrics.

* Passing the Peace

Prayer for Illumination:
Colleen Collins, Worship Leader

First Reading:
Acts 8:14-17

Minute for Mission:
Brenda Norton
Topic: “Living Waters for the World”

Anthem:
“Hallelujah, By and By”
PCM Chancel Choir

Second Scripture:
Luke 3:15-22

Time for Children:
Chuck McGavren

Sermon:
Rev. Aaron J. White

* Hymn #480 “Take Me to the Water”
Please see screens for lyrics.

Pastoral Prayer:
Congregation Response:  Bless us with peace.

Invitation to Discipleship

The Lord’s Supper:
Invitation
Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. 
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. 
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.  
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…Therefore we praise you, joining the song of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
…great is the mystery of faith: 
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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.

The Bread is Broken and the Cup is Filled.
The Communion of the People.
The Prayer After Communion.

* Hymn #482  “Baptized in Water”
Please see screens for lyrics.

* News of the Kingdom

* Charge & Blessing