"Seek Justice Not Vengeance"

Call to Worship  (inspired by Psalm 148) This is the first day of a brand new year.  Let’s praise God! God’s name is the only name worth praising, All who love God, launch 2023 with PRAISE! God’s glory shines in this new year. Hallelujah!  All who are gathered, Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!

Opening Prayer

From the creatures all ‘round us, the waters of the earth, and all the heavenly lights (sun, moon and stars), may we all praise you,  God of all Creation!   We mark the beginning of a new calendar year, celebrating our presence in the midst of land, air and water which you’ve brought into being.   Thank you for raising up your power to bless us all in 2023!   Help us rejoice in all you provide, giving you the glory.

Moment for Stewardship

As we begin a new year, many folks either make resolutions and/or seek to begin some new healthy habits.   Have you made a New Year resolution or two? Have you committed to actions which will point you to a healthier 2023?

Recently, I read of someone who committed  to working 1 hour a week in their congregation’s food pantry.  That contribution was enough for him to acknowledge the reality of hunger in their neighborhood, and led him to ask the congregation to create a “Free Little Pantry” for their front lawn.

What energizes you as you think about sharing time, talent and treasure through this congregation?

What will you commit to, as a New Year/new action?

Prayer

Holy God, though the perfection of Jesus Christ has power to judge our sinfulness you have chosen to accept his advocacy and priesthood on our behalf. We rely on him in confidence that you accept us graciously because of his intercession. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Genesis 4:1-16 New International Version Cain and Abel 4 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Benediction

Go forth to love and serve God in all that you do. In God’s strength, comfort the afflicted, stand with those who weep, and defend the oppressed. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abide with you, now and always, and unto ages of ages. Amen.