McPhail Weblog Jan 16 2022

 

McPhail Baptist Church

 

Prelude: “Prelude in Eb Major” (A. Guilmant)

Hymn: “Come, Christians, Join To Sing”

Prayer     

We are grateful, O God, for the signs of your presence in our everyday lives. 

Throughout times of sorrow, we have felt your comforting presence; and for this we give thanks.

In the beauty of the natural world, we have become aware of your creative genius; and for this we give thanks.

During times of temptation, we have felt the tugging of your Spirit, and for this we give thanks.

In the throes of panic situations, we have felt a surge of your strength; and for this we give thanks.

In the remarkable coincidences of life, we have seen your providence at work; and for this we give thanks.

When we had all but given up, You surprised us with an answer to prayer; and for this, and for all things, we give thanks in our Saviour’s name. Amen.

Special Music:"If I Can Help Somebody"

Rennatha Bernadin 

Our music for today’s service marks Martin Luther King Day in the U.S.  The two pieces for today—“If I Can Help Somebody” sung by Rennatha Bernadin and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”  were two of Dr. King’s favourite selections. 

The Scriptures 

Genesis 29:16-30 

16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak[a] eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”

22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. 30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years.

1 Samuel 16:7

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Mark 3:1-6

3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” 

Special Music: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”  

Ernie Cox

Sermon: "Skin Deep"

Rev. Ernie Cox 

Hymn: “For The Healing Of The Nations”

 

Benediction 

Organ Postlude: “Praise The Lord of Lords”  (Mark Williams)