February 5 – Fifth after Epiphany

Worship materials for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany through Transfiguration Sunday were contributed by Hazel-Jane Morris, Doaktown P.C., Doaktown, N.B.

 

Isaiah 40:21–31

Those who wait upon God shall renew their strength.

 

Psalm 147:1–11, 20c (VU pp. 868–869 Part One)

God heals the broken-hearted.

 

1 Corinthians 9:16–23

I have become all things to all people for the gospel’s sake.

 

Mark 1:29–39

Simon’s mother-in-law and many others healed.

Spark

Based on references to stars in the Hebrew scripture reading and the psalm.

 

Ahead of time, cut out poster board stars. As people enter the church invite them to write their first name on a star and attach the star to their clothing with a safety pin. Make sure to include all ages. Write names of people from the Bible on stars and attach them to the walls of the sanctuary. If your sanctuary can be darkened, you could use plastic “glow in the dark” stars. At the beginning of the service have people greet one another by name. Use Isaiah 40:26 and Psalm 147:4 as the Call to Worship.

Theme Engagement Question

What is a relationship or a situation that is difficult for you right now? If you saw it through God’s eyes, how might the situation change?

With Children

Bring a book listing the meanings of names. Encourage the children to talk about their own names: Were they named after someone in their family? Were they named after someone in the Bible? Or were they given this name because their parent/s liked it? If some children do not know how they got their names, you might suggest that they ask their parents later. Ask if anyone wants to know the meaning behind their name. (If it is not in your name book, tell them you will look into it later when you have more resources.) Look up the name “Jesus” in the book. According to my book the meaning of Jesus is “God is my salvation.” You might want to explain this in terms of “God is my helper” or mention how Jesus described himself:

“I am the light of the world.” Invite the children to think of what Jesus’ name means every time they say it.

Sermon Starter

In the Corinthians reading, Paul talks about striving to understand the ways of others in order to “win them.” It is so important to try to understand where others are coming from, not necessarily to win them, but to have a meaningful conversation and relationship. Misunderstandings in any relationship (within the church, within our family, or with colleagues and friends) occur because we do not put ourselves in others’ shoes. Share some examples of experiences of miscommunication. What if we also tried to see those people as God sees them? Paul talks about being all things to all people. None of us can do this; it leads to burnout. Even Jesus, who healed Simon’s mother-in-law in today’s gospel, searched out space and time to be alone in order to care for himself and his relationship with God. How does caring for ourselves and our relationship with God allow us to understand others and be a better help to them?

Hymns

Hebrew Scripture

VU 293            “We praise you, Creator”

VU p. 808        “On Eagle’s Wings”

VU p. 888        “Earth and all stars”

 

Psalm

VU 535            “For the music of creation”

VU 624            “Give to us laughter”

 

Epistle

VU 649            “Walk with me”

 

Gospel

VU 79              “Arise, your light is come”

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

MV 37             “Each blade of grass”

MV 94             “Love knocks and waits”

MV 171           “Christ has no body now”

MV 175           “May we but wait”