## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar **Season**: Epiphany (Season after Epiphany / Ordinary Time) **Week**: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany **Lectionary Year**: Year C (Revised Common Lectionary) / Year 4 - John (Narrative Lectionary) **Liturgical Color**: Green **Christian Observances Today**: - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - Epiphany Season continues the themes of revelation and manifestation - This Sunday falls within the "green" season emphasizing growth in faith and discipleship ### Jewish Calendar **Hebrew Date**: 12 Shevat 5786 **Month**: Shevat (שְׁבָט) - The eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar **Jewish Observances**: - **Tu BiShvat** (ט״ו בשבט) falls on 15 Shevat (February 4, 2026) - the "New Year for Trees" - Tu BiShvat celebrates the renewal of nature and God's provision through creation - Traditional observance includes eating fruits, especially those from the Land of Israel - The month of Shevat marks the transition from winter toward spring ### Ecumenical & Global Observances No major ecumenical observances this week. ### Lectionary Readings #### Narrative Lectionary (NL424 - Used Today) **Primary Text**: [John 4:1-42](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/JHN.4.1-42.NRSVUE) (The Woman at the Well) **Accompanying Psalm**: [Psalm 42:1-3](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/PSA.42.1-3.NRSVUE) #### Revised Common Lectionary (Year C) **Hebrew Bible/Old Testament**: [Jeremiah 1:4-10](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/JER.1.4-10.NRSVUE) **Psalm**: [Psalm 71:1-6](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/PSA.71.1-6.NRSVUE) **Epistle/New Testament**: [1 Corinthians 13:1-13](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/1CO.13.1-13.NRSVUE) **Gospel**: [Luke 4:21-30](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/LUK.4.21-30.NRSVUE) ### Connection to Today's Message The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany in the Narrative Lectionary Year 4 (John) brings us to one of the most powerful encounters in the Gospel of John—Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The theme of "living water" resonates deeply with the approaching Tu BiShvat, which celebrates God's life-giving provision through creation and the renewal of nature. Just as trees draw water from deep wells to produce fruit, Jesus offers water that becomes "a spring of water gushing up to eternal life" (John 4:14). The Epiphany season's focus on revelation finds perfect expression here: Jesus reveals himself to an outsider, a Samaritan woman, crossing boundaries of gender, ethnicity, and religion to offer salvation to all people. The liturgical color green reinforces themes of growth, life, and the living water that sustains spiritual flourishing. --- ## Worship Order ### Gathering #### Gathering Song _"This is the Day"_ #### Unison Welcome > "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### Announcements #### Mission Moment #### Passing of the Peace _"The peace of Christ be with you"_ — _"And also with you"_ #### Chiming of the Trinity #### Prelude ### Word and Response #### Call to Worship _posted on Life in Liturgy_ **Leader**: We gather in the name of the living Christ to worship God. **People**: **Surely, God is in this place and calls us to worship in spirit and in truth.** **Leader**: God's love is for you and for all people everywhere. **People**: **That we may share God's love and life, may we be renewed in the refreshing Spirit of the living Christ.** **Leader**: The living Christ is with us. **People**: **Praise the Lord!** #### Hymn #457 _"Come and Feast, for All Are Welcomed"_ **WORDS**: Larry E. Schultz, 2004 **MUSIC**: Henry T. Smart, 1867 **Tune**: REGENT SQUARE (8.7.8.7.8.7) Words © 2010 Celebrating Grace, Inc. **Verse 1** Come and feast, for all are welcomed at God's table, spread with love. Common meal, broken bread; Come proclaim God's grace and goodness, and hear the words in every banquet hall. Come, and feast, for all are welcomed at God's table, spread with love, common meal. **Verse 2** Here we nurture and encourage as we share this fragrant meal. "Go and serve," Jesus said; Come and taste the gifts from love and peace, deep field and vineyard; Here we nurture and encourage as we share this wine and bread. **Verse 3** See the challenge lifted up, ward; smell the fragrant, "Go and serve this banquet hall." Hear to every Jesus said: sustain. Come and in remembrance touch your souls, with grace, feed the See the challenge lifted up, as we touch glad feeding. **Verse 4** With the Spirit it blessed communion, "Go in peace, and serve as nourished people, gladly feed one and all!" With the Spirit blessed communion, wine and bread. #### Responsive Prayer of Confession _written by Rev. Gord_ **Leader**: God of Living Water, you call us to come and drink. **People**: **So why do we sit here and complain that there is not enough water?** **Leader**: You call us to strike the rocks of our world and let your Living Water flow. **People**: **But we do not trust enough that the spring is there.** **Leader**: **We want to find the water on our own, using our own wisdom.** **People**: You call us to share the Water of Life with the world around us. **Leader**: **But we believe that the water is limited, not abundant and so we are tempted to save it for ourselves.** **Leader**: For all the times we turn away from your Water, for all the times we sully the Water by misusing it, for all the times we let others go thirsty instead of offering a drink, **All**: **Forgive us, we pray.** _(time of silent prayer)_ #### Assurance of Grace _written by Rev. Gord_ The Water of Life flows with abundance to fill us with hope, to cleanse us of our guilt, to float us to a new life. Washed in the Living Water, we are forgiven and set free to live abundant life. **Thanks and praise to God. Amen.** #### Scripture Reading [Exodus 17:1-7](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/EXO.17.1-7.NRSVUE) (NRSVue) #### Responsive Reading _"Thirsting" (a remix of Psalm 66) by Julia Seymour_ **Leader**: Does the deer let itself get as thirsty as I get for God? **People**: **Does a grazing wild animal, alert for predators, forget to drink? Does this sister in nature become so parched that she cannot think, cannot work, cannot be?** **Leader**: The parching of my soul comes from my own failure to drink from the fountain of all blessings. **People**: **I wander down my own path with just a few things to finish before...and then something else comes up...and after dinner, I will...tend to other things crowding my mind.** **Leader**: As I brush my teeth, I stare at my reflection with regret of what is undone. **People**: **My cervine sister lays down in pine boughs, quenched. My soul rests on memory foam, desperate for a drink of the water of life.** #### Anthem _"Softly and Tenderly"_ #### Children's Message Rev. Caroline E. Saxton _Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message_ --- ## Scripture and Sermon ### Scripture Reading [John 4:1-42](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/JHN.4.1-42.NRSVUE) (NRSVue) > [Insert John 4:1-42 NRSVue here] ### Additional Scripture [Exodus 17:1-7](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/EXO.17.1-7.NRSVUE) (NRSVue) > [Insert Exodus 17:1-7 NRSVue here] ### Accompanying Psalm [Psalm 42:1-3](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/PSA.42.1-3.NRSVUE) (NRSVue) > [Insert Psalm 42:1-3 NRSVue here] ### Responsive Reading "Thirsting" (a remix of Psalm 66) by Julia Seymour _(Full text included in Worship Order above)_ ### Sermon **Preacher**: Rev. Caroline E. Saxton **Title**: [I'll add title here] **Theme**: Woman at the Well - Living Water #### Sermon Notes ##### Introduction ##### Main Points ###### Point 1: ###### Point 2: ###### Point 3: ##### Illustrations/Stories ##### Scripture Connections ##### Key Quotes #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: ##### Questions raised: ##### Challenges/Convictions: ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: How does today's liturgical season/observance deepen my understanding of the message? _The Epiphany season's emphasis on Jesus being revealed to all people connects powerfully to this story of Jesus revealing himself to a Samaritan woman—an outsider. The approaching Tu BiShvat and its celebration of trees drawing water from deep wells mirrors the living water Jesus offers._ #### Applications ##### This week I will: - [ ] - [ ] - [ ] ##### People to pray for: ##### Follow-up study: #### Connections _Links to other sermons, books, or notes_ - [[John 4 Study Notes]] - [[Living Water Theme]] - [[Jesus and Outsiders]] --- ## Response and Sending ### Sharing of Joys and Concerns ### Prayers of the People and The Lord's Prayer (Debts) ### Invitation to Giving ### Offertory ### Offertory Response #706 _"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"_ ### Prayer of Dedication _from Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship_ > We dedicate our lives and all that we have to the work of life, of love, of peace. Receive our gifts and lead us in wisdom and courage. Amen. ### Holy Communion _We celebrate communion this day using pre-packaged elements_ _(please follow along on the screen)_ ### Hymn #577 _"I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say"_ **WORDS**: Horatius Bonar, 1846 **MUSIC**: Traditional English melody; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906 **Tune**: KINGSFOLD (CMD) **Verse 1** I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon My breast." I came to Jesus as I was, weary, and worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, and He has made me glad. **Verse 2** I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold, I freely give the living water; thirsty one, stoop down and drink, and live." I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream; my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him. **Verse 3** I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world's Light; look unto Me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright." I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun; and in that Light of life I'll walk till trav'ling days are done. ### Commission & Benediction ### Postlude (seated) _Join us for a time of fellowship after worship!_ --- ## Leadership ### Worship Participants |Role|Name| |---|---| |Pastor|Rev. Caroline E. Saxton| |Organist|Barbara Motichka| |Choir Director|Gary Crum| |Deacon in Charge|Mike Blumberg| |Lector|Lloyd Beers| |Children's Corner|Chani Wolfe| |Media Coordinators|Calvin Frantz, Neath Ham| |Bulletin Cover|Edd Scheer| The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross are given to the Glory of God. ### Staff Contact Information |Role|Name|Contact| |---|---|---| |Pastor|Rev. Caroline E. Saxton|[email protected], (641) 260-1868 (cell)| |Office Administrator|Tonya Schwartz|[email protected], (717) 263-8593 (office)| |Music Director|Gary Crum|| |Organist|Barbara Motichka|| |Director of Children & Youth|Roxanne Davenport|| |Pastor Emeritus|Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman|| --- ## St. John's Vision & Mission ### St. John's Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### St. John's Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor --- ## News & Announcements ### Birthdays This Week - 02/02 Tom Harrison - 02/03 Gary Crum - 02/03 Dr. Donald Hendrickson - 02/04 G. Michael Bitner - 02/04 Jolene H. McGinley - 02/04 Kurt Widmann ### This Week at St. John's #### Today (Sunday, February 1) - **8:00 PM** - Bible Study on the Book of Acts, Chapter 28 (Zoom - link in Friday e-blast) #### Monday, February 2 - **10:00 AM** - Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation – Parlor Room 104 - **1:30 PM** - Monday Afternoon Book Study – Conference Room 111 - **7:00 PM** - Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall #### Tuesday, February 3 - **4:00 PM** - Spiritual Life Committee Meeting - Conference Room 111 - **5:30 PM** - Yoga – Room 202 - **6:00 PM** - Ladies' Bible Study – Zoom - **6:30 PM** - Cub Scouts – Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups #### Wednesday, February 4 - **6:00 PM** - Answering the Alarm w/ Mike Marotte – Fellowship Hall #### Thursday, February 5 - **7:00 AM** - Men's Breakfast – Texas Lunch - **6:00 PM** - Bell Choir Practice – Bell Room 117 - **7:15 PM** - Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 #### Friday, February 6 - **6:00 PM** - Cub Scout Set Up for Pinewood Derby – Fellowship Hall #### Saturday, February 7 - **9:00 AM** - Cub Scout Pinewood Derby – Fellowship Hall #### Next Sunday, February 8 - **8:45 AM** - Godly Play Class – Room 119 - **8:45 AM** - SPARK! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - **8:45 AM** - Teen Discussion Class – Room 206 - **8:45 AM** - Upper Room Church School Class – Conference Room 111 - **8:45 AM** - Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - **10:00 AM** - Sunday Worship – Sanctuary - **11:15 AM** - Congregational Annual Meeting – Room 116 (lunch provided) ### Upcoming Events & Announcements #### Congregational Annual Meeting February 8, Room 116/Zoom A light lunch will be served. Meeting packets are available at the Welcome Center, Narthex, and via email from the office. Join us for this important meeting in the life of our church! #### February First Fruits This year's recipients are African Mission Healthcare, the Peru School Project, and the United Church of Christ Disaster Emergency Fund. Via these offerings, we will support medical care in Africa, education in Peru, and support in situations where individuals have suffered great loss in multiple locations via flooding, fire, earthquake, etc. #### 2025 Year End Giving Statements Now available by request. Please call the church office if you would like to receive yours by mail or email. #### "Answering the Alarm in Chambersburg" Mike Marotte will give a presentation on the early days of the Chambersburg Fire Department on Wednesday, February 4th, 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. Light refreshments will be served. We hope you'll join us to learn more of our local history! #### Mark Your Calendars for Pork & Sauerkraut Our annual Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner will be Tuesday, February 17, 5-7 pm, with both dine-in and carry-out options. $15/adults, $5 kids (6 to 12), kids under 6 eat free. If you would like to help, please contact Harold/Susan Collier (youth volunteers should reach out to Roxanne Davenport). Come and get ready for the season of Lent! #### Monday Afternoon Book Study We will read chapter 1 of Norman Wirzba's book "Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis" for our discussion on Monday, February 2, 1:30 pm in Conference Room 111. Come and join the conversation! #### Thank You! We want to especially say "thank you" to those who offered feedback in response to our Congregational Questionnaire in December. Council is reviewing the responses and will be incorporating them into our life together (and our Future Together Strategic Plan). #### Winter Weather If worship is canceled due to winter weather, a special e-blast will be sent out. M-F activities follow the CASD school district. Safety first! #### Bible and a Beer An opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be February 16th. #### Little Free Pantry Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the church office or placed in the grocery cart in the back lobby. Thank you for your support of this project! #### January/February Upper Room Devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. #### Upper Room Church School Class Meets on Sundays at 8:45 am in Conference Room 111. For more information, please contact Harold Collier or Connie Strunk. --- ## Worship Resources **Call to Worship**: posted on Life in Liturgy **Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Grace**: by Rev. Gord, posted on Worship Offerings **Responsive Reading**: "Thirsting" by Julia Seymour, included in _The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle_, edited by Martha Spong **Prayer of Dedication**: from _Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship_ (ed. Duck and Tirabassi) **Communion Liturgy**: from "Do This: Communion for Just and Courageous Living" edited by Mary Luti --- ## Scripture Links (NRSVue on Bible.com) |Passage|Link| |---|---| |John 4:1-42|[Bible.com](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/JHN.4.1-42.NRSVUE)| |Exodus 17:1-7|[Bible.com](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/EXO.17.1-7.NRSVUE)| |Psalm 42:1-3|[Bible.com](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/PSA.42.1-3.NRSVUE)| |Psalm 66|[Bible.com](https://www.bible.com/bible/2015/PSA.66.NRSVUE)| --- ## Notes _Space for additional personal notes throughout the week_