OPENING TO GOD K. Hawkerself and weeping!



Quote for Reflection: Blessed are we when we let go of possessions
 ‘Woe betide you when everyone speaks well of you: that’s what
Faith is possible because love works for the kingdom of God unfolds in open places.
 their ancestors did to the false prophets.’
beyond our deserving.   Woe to us when we gather into barns
 ‘But this is my word’, Jesus continued, ‘for those of you who
We can begin to walk feebly in the way of love for soon this life will be over. are listening: love your enemies! Do good to people who hate
because The Way has come to us. Blessed are we who know the ache of hunger
 you! Bless people who curse you! Pray for people who treat you
for the empty places in body and soul are the
 badly!
~ Daniel Day Williams
fertile soil for new growth.
 ‘If someone hits you on the cheek – offer them the other one! If
Woe to us who fill our lives to capacity
 someone takes away your coat – don’t stop them taking your
-We Gather as God’s People- for we fail to recognize what is missing. shirt! Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask for things
back when people have taken them.
Blessed are we who know sorrow

HYMN Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven UMH 66 for the ache of love lost is witness to the seed planted.
 ‘Whatever you want people to do to you, do that to them. If you
Woe to us who have yet to know the pain of grief, love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Think about
CALL TO WORSHIP for the fullness of love is woven with sorrow. it: even sinners love people who love them. Or again, if you do
Christ, O Crucified One, Blessed are we who know scorn
 good only to people who do good to you, what credit is that to
be our light. for it keeps us mindful of that beyond.
 you? Sinners do that too. If you lend only to people you expect
The radiance of your gentleness to get things back from, what credit is that to you? Even sinners
Woe to us who depend on the approval of others,
light our way. lend to sinners to get paid back. No: love your enemies, do
for to dance with the Spirit appears foolish. good and lend without expecting any return. Your reward will
The light of your self-giving Blessed are we who live in the harmony of life in the Spirit,
 be great! You will be children of the Highest! God is generous,
show us our path. For we will recognize abundance. Amen. you see, to the stingy and wicked. You must be merciful, just as
Your nonviolence be our way Abba is merciful.
through the sea of this world's terror.
Your tender love be the law -We Listen for God’s Word- ‘Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and
you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you’ll be
by which you shape our living. forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: a good helping,
Your healing touch be the prophetic Word GOSPEL LESSON Luke 6 squashed down, shaken in, and overflowing – that’s what will
you blaze in us. He went down with [the disciples], and took up a position on a land in your lap. Yes: the ration you give to others is the ration
The light of your compassion level plain where there was a large crowd of his followers, with you’ll get back for yourself.’
guide our way in doing justice. a huge company of people from all Judaea, from Jerusalem, and
Your dying and rising from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. They came to hear
show us the way. him, and to be cured from their diseases. Those who were -We Respond to God’s Word-
Your radiant presence troubled by unclean spirits were healed, and the whole crowd
tried to touch him, because power was going out from him and REFLECTION A Level Plain
be the light by which we see.
Your gentle mercy healing everybody.
HYMN Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life UMH 164
be our path. He lifted up his eyes and looked at his disciples, and said:
Christ, O Loving One, ‘Blessings on the poor: God’s kingdom belongs to you!
 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
be our light. ‘Blessings on those who are hungry today: you’ll have a feast!

‘Blessings on those who weep today: you’ll be laughing!
 SHARING OF GIFTS & DOXOLOGY
HYMN Marching to Zion UMH 733 ‘Blessings on you, when people hate you, and shut you out,
when they slander you and reject your name as if it was evil, THE LORD’S SUPPER
PASSING THE PEACE because of the Son of Man. Celebrate on that day! Jump for joy!
Don’t you see: in heaven there is a great reward for you! That’s
YOUNG PEOPLE’S MESSAGE
what their ancestors did to the prophets. -We Are Sent Into God’s World-
‘But woe betide you rich: you’ve had your comfort!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
HYMN Through It All UMH 507 ‘Woe betide you if you’re full today: you’ll go hungry!

‘Woe betide you if you’re laughing today: you’ll be mourning
BENEDICTION
 We take prayer seriously at Essex United Methodist Church.

j
We don’t pray because we think God is absent and needs cajoling.
We don’t pray because we think God is a celestial Santa Claus.
We pray because that is how humans begin to discern God’s will.
Birthdays & Anniversaries We pray because prayer changes us; prayer opens us up
more and more to God’s grace and the movement
Will Skolochenko - Feb 4 Chloe Lemmel-Hay - Feb 9 of God’s Spirit in our hearts, our community, our world.
Below are people, places, & concerns that folk have lifted up.
Please keep them in your prayers at home. Beatitudes
Please call or email the church office to add to the prayer list.
Essex Eats Out Schedule
Ongoing Prayers Ongoing Prayers, cont
Part Deux
Feb 8 - Holy Family Feb 15 - St James Feb 22 - EUMC Arlitha Tim
Callie Lenore
Anne Kennison Michael Parker
Announcements Gloria McKeen Keenan
Altar Coverings: We hope to begin displaying your crafted altar Mary Willard
coverings by early summer! Dimensions are 47” wide and 31” or Norma Strickland
more for length. We can’t wait to see your talented works! Judy & Diezela Lifted Up Last Sunday
Matthew C. Bill W- Grandson Mason, torn ACL
We’ll be locking the doors to the fellowship hall when the
Elissa & Leif Sally - Prayers of thanks for Senator
children go to Sunday School. Please arrive by 10 am if you need
Greg Leahy
the elevator. Entry will be via the front doors after that time.
Paula DeMichele Donna H- Prayers for healing for Bonnie
Don Strickland after open heart surgery
Ushers & Greeters. Sign-up sheet is going around. Please pick Ellie Uckele Kathryn- Healing for Betsy, recovery
a week that works for you. If you have never greeted or ushered, Cole from surgery and beginning of chemo
now is the time. It’s very easy, no prior experience required. Harley Tom, beginning recovery program
Gordon Mitchinson Mitch- Joanne’s mom
Susan
COTS request from Mission Committee: Winter frigid nights
continue. The staff really appreciated our contributions of new
items. Now the biggest need is new linens, necessary toiletries, Essex Center United Methodist Church
baby wipes and warm mittens (they have enough hats). The red essex_umc@comcast.net tel. 878-8304
tub in Fellowship Hall is open-- full list is beside it. www.essexumc.com

Ministers: the entire congregation Lay Leader: Joshua Knox

Equipping Pastor: Rev. V. Mitchell Hay
Mission Soup Supper Saturday, February 9 at 5pm: soups, salads cell tel. 881-3268 (feel free to call) mitchellhay@comcast.net
and bread served at 5pm. Suggested donation $10 adults, $5 Office Manager: Elissa Johnsen
children and under 5 eat free. Proceeds to COTS and Refugee Sunday School Coordinator: Krista Rochefort
Resettlement Project. Organ: Kathryn Parker Piano: June Packard
Song Leader: Dana LaClair Projection: Sam Evans

Greeter: Pat & John M Next Week: David & Liz R

August Garage Sale! Be collecting good stuff for the sale!
Ushers: Dawn H-F, Donna P, Next Week: Judy M, Craig & Essex Center
j
Claire N Heidi E
Nursery Helper: Gail G Next Week: United Methodist Church
Sun. Sch. Helper: Mary D Next Week: Emily F
Shoveling: Owen Duff Next Week: Kevin H Epiphany 4 3 February 2019
 Calendar Calendar Calendar

Tuesdays: Pastor Is In @ Nest Coffee Shop 10 am - 11 am Tuesdays: Pastor Is In @ Nest Coffee Shop 10 am - 11 am Tuesdays: Pastor Is In @ Nest Coffee Shop 10 am - 11 am
Jericho Clergy Group 11:30-12:30 Jericho Clergy Group 11:30-12:30 Jericho Clergy Group 11:30-12:30
Church Office 1 pm- 2 pm Church Office 1 pm- 2 pm Church Office 1 pm- 2 pm
Mt Mansfield Bible Study 2 pm Mt Mansfield Bible Study 2 pm Mt Mansfield Bible Study 2 pm

Thursdays: Church Office 10:00 am- noon Thursdays: Church Office 10:00 am- noon Thursdays: Church Office 10:00 am- noon

j j j
Mon, 4 Feb: Living the Questions class 7:00 pm Will discuss Mon, 4 Feb: Living the Questions class 7:00 pm Will discuss Mon, 4 Feb: Living the Questions class 7:00 pm Will discuss
the problem of Sin as Broken Relationship. the problem of Sin as Broken Relationship. the problem of Sin as Broken Relationship.

Tue, 5 Feb: Mt Mansfield Concert; no Bible Study Tue, 5 Feb: Mt Mansfield Concert; no Bible Study Tue, 5 Feb: Mt Mansfield Concert; no Bible Study

7-9 Feb: Mitch will be interviewing pastoral candidates @ 7-9 Feb: Mitch will be interviewing pastoral candidates @ 7-9 Feb: Mitch will be interviewing pastoral candidates @
Board of Ordained Ministry in North Andover, MA Board of Ordained Ministry in North Andover, MA Board of Ordained Ministry in North Andover, MA

Sat, 9 Feb: Soup Supper in Fellowship Hall, 5 pm Sat, 9 Feb: Soup Supper in Fellowship Hall, 5 pm Sat, 9 Feb: Soup Supper in Fellowship Hall, 5 pm

Sun, 10 Feb: Quick Usher Training after worship! Sun, 10 Feb: Quick Usher Training after worship! Sun, 10 Feb: Quick Usher Training after worship!

Mon, 11 Feb: Monday Companions at Eve’s home, 7 pm. Read Mon, 11 Feb: Monday Companions at Eve’s home, 7 pm. Read Mon, 11 Feb: Monday Companions at Eve’s home, 7 pm. Read
chapters 4 -6 of Everything Happens for a Reason chapters 4 -6 of Everything Happens for a Reason chapters 4 -6 of Everything Happens for a Reason
and Other Lies I have Loved by Kate Bowler. and Other Lies I have Loved by Kate Bowler. and Other Lies I have Loved by Kate Bowler.

Tue, 12 Feb: Clergy Pre-Lenten Gathering in Lake Sunapee Tue, 12 Feb: Clergy Pre-Lenten Gathering in Lake Sunapee Tue, 12 Feb: Clergy Pre-Lenten Gathering in Lake Sunapee
No Nest, Office, or Mansfield Study No Nest, Office, or Mansfield Study No Nest, Office, or Mansfield Study

Fri, 15 Feb: WOWW Luncheon at McGillicuddy’s in Five Fri, 15 Feb: WOWW Luncheon at McGillicuddy’s in Five Fri, 15 Feb: WOWW Luncheon at McGillicuddy’s in Five
Corners, 11:30 am Corners, 11:30 am Corners, 11:30 am

Sat, 16 Feb: U2Charist Service at St Pauls in St Albans @ 6 pm Sat, 16 Feb: U2Charist Service at St Pauls in St Albans @ 6 pm Sat, 16 Feb: U2Charist Service at St Pauls in St Albans @ 6 pm

26-28 Feb: Mitch will be at a Continuing Education Event: 26-28 Feb: Mitch will be at a Continuing Education Event: 26-28 Feb: Mitch will be at a Continuing Education Event:
“Gateways to God” in North Andover, MA. “Gateways to God” in North Andover, MA. “Gateways to God” in North Andover, MA.

Wed, 6 March: Ash Wednesday Taizé & Meditation, 7 pm Wed, 6 March: Ash Wednesday Taizé & Meditation, 7 pm Wed, 6 March: Ash Wednesday Taizé & Meditation, 7 pm

Sun, 10 March: Daylight Savings begins Sun, 10 March: Daylight Savings begins Sun, 10 March: Daylight Savings begins

Lent Adult Study Begins 9 am Lent Adult Study Begins 9 am Lent Adult Study Begins 9 am
 A Prayer for the Week
O God of all seasons and senses,
Grant me your sense of timing
To submit gracefully
And rejoice quietly
In the turn of the seasons.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of waiting:
Of the snow joining the mystery
Of the hunkered-down seeds
Growing in their sleep
Watched over by gnarled-limbed, grandparent trees
Resting from autumn’s staggering energy;
Of the silent, whirling earth
Circling to race back home to the sun.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of endings:
Children growing,
Friends leaving,
Jobs concluding,
Stages finishing,
Grieving over,
Grudges over,
Blaming over,
Excuses over.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of beginnings:
That such waitings and endings
May be a starting place,
A planting of seeds
Which bring to birth
What is ready to be born—
Something right and just and different,
A new song,
A deeper relationship,
A fuller love—
In the fullness of your time.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
A Prayer for the Week
O God of all seasons and senses,
Grant me your sense of timing
To submit gracefully
And rejoice quietly
In the turn of the seasons.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of waiting:
Of the snow joining the mystery
Of the hunkered-down seeds
Growing in their sleep
Watched over by gnarled-limbed, grandparent trees
Resting from autumn’s staggering energy;
Of the silent, whirling earth
Circling to race back home to the sun.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of endings:
Children growing,
Friends leaving,
Jobs concluding,
Stages finishing,
Grieving over,
Grudges over,
Blaming over,
Excuses over.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of beginnings:
That such waitings and endings
May be a starting place,
A planting of seeds
Which bring to birth
What is ready to be born—
Something right and just and different,
A new song,
A deeper relationship,
A fuller love—
In the fullness of your time.
Ted Loder O God, grant me your sense of timing.
A Prayer for the Week
O God of all seasons and senses,
Grant me your sense of timing
To submit gracefully
And rejoice quietly
In the turn of the seasons.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of waiting:
Of the snow joining the mystery
Of the hunkered-down seeds
Growing in their sleep
Watched over by gnarled-limbed, grandparent trees
Resting from autumn’s staggering energy;
Of the silent, whirling earth
Circling to race back home to the sun.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of endings:
Children growing,
Friends leaving,
Jobs concluding,
Stages finishing,
Grieving over,
Grudges over,
Blaming over,
Excuses over.
O God, grant me your sense of timing.
In this season of short days and long nights,
Of grey and white and cold,
Teach me the lessons of beginnings:
That such waitings and endings
May be a starting place,
A planting of seeds
Which bring to birth
What is ready to be born—
Something right and just and different,
A new song,
A deeper relationship,
A fuller love—
In the fullness of your time.
Ted Loder O God, grant me your sense of timing. Ted Loder