January 15 – Second after Epiphany

 

1 Samuel 3:1–10, (11–20)

God calls Samuel.

 

Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 (VU pp. 861–862)

God has searched and known me.

 

1 Corinthians 6:12–20

Your body is a temple of God’s Spirit.

 

John 1:43–51

Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael.

Spark

Invite several people in the congregation to share their stories of God’s call. Try to include folk with different vocations. Or invite the chair of your nominations committee to share information about the various opportunities for “gift sharing” that are before your congregation (i.e., the leadership needs of committees and projects).

Theme Engagement Question

God knows you completely. In what ways is that a comforting thought? In what ways is that a scary thought?

With Children

Invite four people to read the four parts (narrator, Jesus, Nathanael, and Philip) from the gospel story using Ralph Milton’s Lectionary Story Bible (see ad on p. 23).

Sermon Starter

How do you experience call? Is call a one-time-only experience or is it an ongoing reality? How does one’s sense of call impact on daily life? What gets in the way of hearing God’s call? Who among you needs you to be the instrument of God’s call? What if you refuse to accept the call? What if you accept the call? Share stories of call from people around the world.

Hymns

VU 371            “Open my eyes”

VU 418            “Go forth for God”

VU 506            “Take my life and let it be”

VU 509            “I, the Lord of sea and sky”

VU 562            “Jesus calls us”

VU 567            “Will you come and follow me”

VU 572            “Send me, Lord”

VU 589            “Lord, speak to me”

VU 644            “I was there to hear your borning cry”

MV 27             “Creator God you gave us life”

MV 79             “Spirit, open my heart”

MV 97             “Listen, God is calling”

MV 161           “I have called you by your name”

 

Psalm

MV 131           “You, Creator God, have searched me”