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February 1, 2025


Dear St. Paul’s UMC and Wesley Foundation Family,


Grace and peace to you, church! I have been so amazed at the way “small things” have been showing up throughout my life, and yours, too. So many of you have sent me articles, videos, poetry, and songs that talk about the power of small things. My own body reminded me of the power of small things this week, as I had a very small sore on the inside of my cheek that was barely visible, but throbbed with pain every time I ate, drank, or even breathed. Small things can really matter!


This week, we will hear stories from the prophet Jeremiah, and from the Gospel of Luke (picking up where we left off last week), to remind ourselves that “small” people really matter, too, whether we are talking about age, status, ability, or any other way to try and measure people up. I wonder if sometimes we discredit the voice of truth and Love because it sounds too much like our own voice, or because we do not quite believe that the voice of our neighbors, our children, or the other “small” parts of our lives might just be the very voice of God.


Please join us for in-person worship at 9:00 and 10:30 tomorrow morning (at the 10:30 service, our young people will be leading the way!), or online at 10:30 (or anytime after), and then join us for a potluck lunch in the social room at 11:45, or discussion group (online only).

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Here is our schedule for tomorrow, February 2nd:

9:00 AM: In-person Worship Service of Word and Table, in the sanctuary 


9:00 AM: Sunday School for all ages, in-person

Seekers and Servants Class meets in-person in Wesley Lounge or on Zoom here (Meeting ID 83292105478 and Passcode 522152).


10:30 AM: Hybrid Worship Service of Word and Table with Chancel Choir, in-person in the sanctuary and livestreamed here  

Please remember that since this service is filmed and live-streamed, you or your family members may be on our worship recording, which is streamed and archived on our YouTube channel.


11:45 AM: First Sunday of the Month Lunch, in the social room

Come and join us for a potluck meal, and relationships around the table!


11:45 AM: Hybrid Discussion Group, on Zoom only due to congregational lunch today

Join by clicking here, or use Meeting ID 87591478033 and Passcode stpauls.

Grace | Peace,

Pastor Greg

Discussion Questions


(1) What stood out to you in our worship today? What did you notice?


(2) How do sometimes devalue our own voice, like Jeremiah (1:4-10)? How might we learn to trust more in God’s confidence in us?


(3) How do we sometimes devalue the voices of others because they are “too small” in some way? How might we learn to listen more?

Order of Worship

Prelude: "Jacob’s Ladder” (Ralph Simpson)

Mary Bahnfleth, organ


Greeting

Rev. Greg Milinovich


Call to Worship

Scott Isbell


One: God has made all things bright and dark, beautiful and mysterious:

All: Let us praise our creative God!

One: God has made all the small and seemingly insignificant things:

All: Let us give thanks to our attentive God!

One: God has made us all, in all of our glorious differences:

All: Let us sing to the maker of us all!


Opening Hymn: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (UMH 147)


Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 (NRSVUE)

Kieran McMillan


Anthem: “I Will Sing Praise” (William Barnett)

Chancel Choir 


Passing the Peace

Charles Isbell


Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:21-30 (NRSVUE)


Message: “Only a Child”

Rev. Greg Milinovich


Hymn: “Where Children Belong” (FWS 2233)


Invitation to the Sacrament

Abigail Voigt


Confession and Pardon 


Merciful God, 

We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.

We have failed to be an obedient church. 

We have not done your will, 

We have broken your law,

We have rebelled against your love, 

We have not loved our neighbors, 

And we have not heard the cry of the needy.  

Forgive us, we pray. 

Free us for joyful obedience, 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 


One: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

All: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. 

Glory to God. Amen. 


Offering


The Great Thanksgiving

Sterling Best and Rev. Greg Milinovich


The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. 

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right …

… and join their unending hymn:

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.

Holy are you …

… as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit …

… now and forevermore.

Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Sharing of the Bread and Cup


Prayer After Communion


Closing Hymn: “O Young and Fearless Prophet” (UMH 444)


Announcements


Benediction

Quin Milinovich and Rev. Greg Milinovich


Postlude: “Toccata” (Mark Fax)

Mary Bahnfleth, organ



St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation
250 East College Avenue | State College, PA 16801 | 814-237-2163 | stpaulsc.org