A Service of Worship for
February 7, 2021
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Adult Education - TODAY, 9AM
This Sunday, Kelli Soika, a member of the leadership team at CoHousing Houston, will speak about the first significant CoHousing community in Houston. CoHousing Houston is building connection at a time when many people are experiencing greater loneliness and isolation. Zoom link is available on the Online Gatherings page on our website: https://www.covenanthouston.org/covenant-gatherings.html Full worship service video:
COFFEE TIME Gathering on Zoom
Today, 11AM We will begin as a large group to ordain and commission our 2021 deacons before we transition into “rooms" for coffee time. Details are in your worship email and newsletter. Log in details on the Online Gatherings page. |
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Prelude
"The God of Abraham Praise" traditional Hebrew melody, arr. Cindy Berry; Karen Kline, piano. Call to Worship Opening Sentences Our task now is to mend our broken world; if religion cannot do that, it is worthless. And what our world needs now is not belief, not certainty, but compassionate action and practically expressed respect for the sacred value of all human beings, even our enemies. Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 40:21-31
Hymn "The God of Abraham Praise" traditional Hebrew melody by Daniel ben Judah; led by Karen Kline, piano and The Covenant Singers. Time for Children Confession Unison Confession
Holy God, Open our eyes to the presence of your Spirit upon us, within us, among us. For our apathy in the presence of oppression, Forgive us. If we have contributed to the brokenheartedness of anyone, Forgive us. For our participation in systems that enslave, Forgive us. When we are deaf to your good news, Have mercy and open our ears. When our mouths remain too tightly closed, Loosen our lips with songs of praise. Hear our prayer, O God, and forgive our sins. Hold us in your mercy, now and forever. Amen. Music "Laudate domino" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Casey Okabayashi, soprano; Carl McAliley, organ. |
Proclamation
Prayer A Prayer for Black History Month Spirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope, We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us, But so often passed over, Those stories that when told are shared because Of what someone is, not who they are. This month in our nation’s character Is Black History month. Help us to realize that Black history is All our histories. May the day come when these stories Are so widely taught that no month need Be separately divided. We know this day will not come until we as a people Make different choices. We pray now for those new choices. May we come to see a day where the prison system Becomes redemptive, not punitive. A day where the legal system learns to focus more squarely on the facts, And not the colors of our skin. A day where our schools are as well funded, as the needs demand. May our role models be allowed to excel when they thrive, And not be taken down for their rich heritage. We know this will require a shift in power. And this can be scary for some. Give those full of fear – hope. May we come to know grace, So that our hearts will not be hardened to the pain around us. There are so many beautiful stories needing to be told. And we need to get the chance to hear them. Widen our vision so that the history that is shared this month, And every month, Come to be known as our history too. We are most human when we see the humanity in others. Amen. – Author Unknown Invitation
Prayer of Dedication Let us renew our commitment to make our homes, communities, nation, and world safe for the minds, bodies, and spirits of children. Let us commit to work for justice for all children and families, especially those imprisoned by poverty, violence, and racism. Let us commit to provide life-giving, hope-inspiring options for children, as alternatives to the despair, violence, and lack of purpose that engulfs them. Let us commit to support those who speak out on behalf of children in our communities. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to you. Doxology
Affirmation of Faith God is justice and kindness, mercy, and always-- always-- love. So if you want to know where God is in this or in anything, look for love. Benediction Postlude "Andante religious " by George Job Elvey; Carl McAliley, organ. |
Worship Notes
The worship leader is Thelma Jean Goodrich.
The prelude is played by Karen Kline, piano.
The Call to Worship is by Maya Angelou.
The Opening Sentences are from The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness by Karen Armstrong.
The Unison Confession is based on Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, author unknown.
“Laudate Dominum” is by Casey Okabayashi, soprano; Carl McAliley, organ, from March 5, 2017.
The Prayer of Dedication was developed from Resources for a Children's Sabbath by the Children's Defense Fund.
The Affirmation of Faith is from Here if You Need Me: A True Story by Kate Braestrup.
The postlude is played by Carl McAliley, organ.
The worship leader is Thelma Jean Goodrich.
The prelude is played by Karen Kline, piano.
The Call to Worship is by Maya Angelou.
The Opening Sentences are from The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness by Karen Armstrong.
The Unison Confession is based on Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11, author unknown.
“Laudate Dominum” is by Casey Okabayashi, soprano; Carl McAliley, organ, from March 5, 2017.
The Prayer of Dedication was developed from Resources for a Children's Sabbath by the Children's Defense Fund.
The Affirmation of Faith is from Here if You Need Me: A True Story by Kate Braestrup.
The postlude is played by Carl McAliley, organ.
Sunday schedule for today:
9:00 - Adult Education with Zoom
10:00 - Worship via videos on the Worship Page
11:00 - Transition from worship to coffee time with Zoom
9:00 - Adult Education with Zoom
10:00 - Worship via videos on the Worship Page
11:00 - Transition from worship to coffee time with Zoom
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