i
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829
www.westcenterchurch.org
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829
www.westcenterchurch.org
FEBRUARY 8, 2026 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 11:00 AM
WORSHIP THROUGH PRAISE
PRELUDE: “FAIREST LORD JESUS” (ARR. MANZ)
IINTROIT: Majesty, worship and majesty; unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. Majesty, kingdom authority, flow from His throne unto His own; His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus; Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King! Majesty, worship and majesty; Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.
* RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Pastor: The Lord our God is Holy, brings justice and salvation.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Pastor: Cry out and the Lord will answer.
People: We give thanks and praise to the Lord our God.
Pastor: Let us praise God’s great and awesome name.
People: Let us worship God with thanksgiving.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 455 “ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING"
UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Contemporary Collect – pg. 1
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE: God of all Mercy, to confess the many sins that taint our lives and cause our souls to shrink in fear. We confess that we confuse outward religion with the new life you call us to in Jesus Christ. We confess that we neglect the needs of those around us, focusing instead on trivial and superficial piety. We confess that we would rather hide our efforts to be faithful than to have them scrutinized by others. Forgive us, we pray. Help us, as we continue to grow in discipleship, to grow as well in justice, honesty, and integrity. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION/SELF REFLECTION:
LORD’S PRAYER (“DEBTS”)
* RESPONSIVE READING OF PSALM 112: 1 - 10, pp. 2 & 3 * GLORIA PATRI:
WORSHIP THROUGH CARING, PRAYING AND GIVING
MEDITATIONAL HYMN NO. 306 “FAIREST LORD JESUS”
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THANKSGIVING:
CALL TO PRAYER: Lord, You are more precious than silver; Lord, You are more costly than gold; Lord,
You are more radiant than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you
SHARING OF OUR GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERING PRECEDED BY PRAYER
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: As we offer our gifts, the fruits of our labors, we also offer ourselves to you, O God, as living sacrifices, ready to be your hearts and hands and feet in the world. Bless these our gifts, and us as givers, to your honor and glory, discipleship and praise; through the merits and under the Mercy of Christ our Lord we pray. AMEN
OFFERTORY: “O GOD, SHOW MERCY TO US” (G. HOLST)
Oh God, show mercy to us, and bless us with Your grace; and cause to shine upon us the brightness of Your face, so that Your way most holy on earth may soon be known, and unto every people Your saving grace be shown. Let all the peoples praise You; let all the nations sing; in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.
For You will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness, and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess. Let all the people praise You; let all the nations sing. Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring. The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessings send, and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.
* DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
PASSING OF PEACE, JOYS, CONCERNS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP THROUGH REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 58: 1 - 12, pp. 1 & 2
DUET: DUET: “I WALKED TODAY WHERE JESUS WALKED”
I walked today where Jesus walked, in days of long ago.
I wandered down each path He knew, with reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed, a sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me.
My pathway led through Bethlehem, a memory's ever sweet.
The little hills of Galilee, that knew His childish feet.
The Mount of Olives, hallowed scenes, that Jesus knew before.
I saw the mighty Jordan roll, as in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt, where all alone he prayed.
The Garden of Gethsemane, my heart felt unafraid.
I picked my heavy burden up, and with Him at my side,
I climbed the Hill of Calvary, where on the Cross He Died!
I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me.
THE GOSPEL WITNESS: ST. MATTHEW 5: 13 - 20, pg. 4
PREACHING OF THE WORD: “RESTORING BEAUTY” - Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – A NEW CREED
Pastor: We are not alone; we live in God’s world.
People: We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. (United Church of Canada-1980, The New Century Hymnal No. 887)
* CLOSING HYMN: NO. 343 "CALLED AS PARTNERS IN CHRIST'S SERVICE"
* BENEDICTION:
RESPONSE: God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide uphold You; With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.
POSTLUDE: “VARIATIONS ON ‘I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY’” (H. COLVIN)
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a cordial welcome to those who have come to this house of worship. We thank you for worshiping with us today. Your presence encourages and strengthens us. Guests are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex. We look forward to seeing you again.
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held in Bodge Lounge. Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us.
Please sign up if you wish to host a Coffee hour.
In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, the Board of World Services requests that you bring in 1 or 2 cans of soup donate to the Yonkers Emergency Food Pantry.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
02/02 Ms. Georgia LaBlanc, 02/09 Ms. Joanna Lou, 02/28 Mr. Thomas Riggs, 02/29 Ms. JoAnn Dierks
COVENANT OF CARE
Nargis Abbas, Cindi Barna, Donald Boland, Debbie Brady, Dave Carbray, Kerry-Ann Clayton,
Amani Fahr, Anna Fishman, Judy Ross Francis, Peter Gill, Frank Ingram, Ann Jamison,
Edie Jamison-Koenig, Jeanette Johnson, Peter Koenig, William S. Krause, Ronald M Leigh, Sr., Manoris Long, Rick Macerata, Joe Miller, Martin Morua, June Nickerson, Tommy Nicholson,
Sue Nuding, Master Sgt. Timothy Peters, John Polvere, Nancy Protzman, Meghan Ellen Quinlan, Tony Roque, Rev. Allan Ross, Vynetta Ross, Anthony Russo, Michael Singer, Richard Z. Steinhaus Jr.,
Edith Unger, Maryella Ward Leigh, Amanda Wilson, Ralph Zinzi
Family and Friends of Mrs. Vatsala Ponnuraj for the loss of her aunt Mrs. N Devadass
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UCC)
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829 www.westcenterchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
Choir: Eliza Bonet, J. J. Haight, Kelly Guerra Sedgwick,
Lauren Mitchell, Robert Orbach, Susie Reisinger
WORSHIP THROUGH PRAISE
PRELUDE: “FAIREST LORD JESUS” (ARR. MANZ)
IINTROIT: Majesty, worship and majesty; unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. Majesty, kingdom authority, flow from His throne unto His own; His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus; Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King! Majesty, worship and majesty; Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.
* RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Pastor: The Lord our God is Holy, brings justice and salvation.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Pastor: Cry out and the Lord will answer.
People: We give thanks and praise to the Lord our God.
Pastor: Let us praise God’s great and awesome name.
People: Let us worship God with thanksgiving.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 455 “ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING"
UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Contemporary Collect – pg. 1
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE: God of all Mercy, to confess the many sins that taint our lives and cause our souls to shrink in fear. We confess that we confuse outward religion with the new life you call us to in Jesus Christ. We confess that we neglect the needs of those around us, focusing instead on trivial and superficial piety. We confess that we would rather hide our efforts to be faithful than to have them scrutinized by others. Forgive us, we pray. Help us, as we continue to grow in discipleship, to grow as well in justice, honesty, and integrity. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION/SELF REFLECTION:
LORD’S PRAYER (“DEBTS”)
* RESPONSIVE READING OF PSALM 112: 1 - 10, pp. 2 & 3 * GLORIA PATRI:
WORSHIP THROUGH CARING, PRAYING AND GIVING
MEDITATIONAL HYMN NO. 306 “FAIREST LORD JESUS”
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THANKSGIVING:
CALL TO PRAYER: Lord, You are more precious than silver; Lord, You are more costly than gold; Lord,
You are more radiant than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you
SHARING OF OUR GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERING PRECEDED BY PRAYER
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: As we offer our gifts, the fruits of our labors, we also offer ourselves to you, O God, as living sacrifices, ready to be your hearts and hands and feet in the world. Bless these our gifts, and us as givers, to your honor and glory, discipleship and praise; through the merits and under the Mercy of Christ our Lord we pray. AMEN
OFFERTORY: “O GOD, SHOW MERCY TO US” (G. HOLST)
Oh God, show mercy to us, and bless us with Your grace; and cause to shine upon us the brightness of Your face, so that Your way most holy on earth may soon be known, and unto every people Your saving grace be shown. Let all the peoples praise You; let all the nations sing; in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.
For You will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness, and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess. Let all the people praise You; let all the nations sing. Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring. The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessings send, and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.
* DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
PASSING OF PEACE, JOYS, CONCERNS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP THROUGH REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 58: 1 - 12, pp. 1 & 2
DUET: DUET: “I WALKED TODAY WHERE JESUS WALKED”
I walked today where Jesus walked, in days of long ago.
I wandered down each path He knew, with reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed, a sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me.
My pathway led through Bethlehem, a memory's ever sweet.
The little hills of Galilee, that knew His childish feet.
The Mount of Olives, hallowed scenes, that Jesus knew before.
I saw the mighty Jordan roll, as in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt, where all alone he prayed.
The Garden of Gethsemane, my heart felt unafraid.
I picked my heavy burden up, and with Him at my side,
I climbed the Hill of Calvary, where on the Cross He Died!
I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me.
THE GOSPEL WITNESS: ST. MATTHEW 5: 13 - 20, pg. 4
PREACHING OF THE WORD: “RESTORING BEAUTY” - Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – A NEW CREED
Pastor: We are not alone; we live in God’s world.
People: We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. (United Church of Canada-1980, The New Century Hymnal No. 887)
* CLOSING HYMN: NO. 343 "CALLED AS PARTNERS IN CHRIST'S SERVICE"
* BENEDICTION:
RESPONSE: God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide uphold You; With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.
POSTLUDE: “VARIATIONS ON ‘I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY’” (H. COLVIN)
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a cordial welcome to those who have come to this house of worship. We thank you for worshiping with us today. Your presence encourages and strengthens us. Guests are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex. We look forward to seeing you again.
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held in Bodge Lounge. Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us.
Please sign up if you wish to host a Coffee hour.
In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, the Board of World Services requests that you bring in 1 or 2 cans of soup donate to the Yonkers Emergency Food Pantry.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
02/02 Ms. Georgia LaBlanc, 02/09 Ms. Joanna Lou, 02/28 Mr. Thomas Riggs, 02/29 Ms. JoAnn Dierks
COVENANT OF CARE
Nargis Abbas, Cindi Barna, Donald Boland, Debbie Brady, Dave Carbray, Kerry-Ann Clayton,
Amani Fahr, Anna Fishman, Judy Ross Francis, Peter Gill, Frank Ingram, Ann Jamison,
Edie Jamison-Koenig, Jeanette Johnson, Peter Koenig, William S. Krause, Ronald M Leigh, Sr., Manoris Long, Rick Macerata, Joe Miller, Martin Morua, June Nickerson, Tommy Nicholson,
Sue Nuding, Master Sgt. Timothy Peters, John Polvere, Nancy Protzman, Meghan Ellen Quinlan, Tony Roque, Rev. Allan Ross, Vynetta Ross, Anthony Russo, Michael Singer, Richard Z. Steinhaus Jr.,
Edith Unger, Maryella Ward Leigh, Amanda Wilson, Ralph Zinzi
Family and Friends of Mrs. Vatsala Ponnuraj for the loss of her aunt Mrs. N Devadass
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UCC)
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829 www.westcenterchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
Choir: Eliza Bonet, J. J. Haight, Kelly Guerra Sedgwick,
Lauren Mitchell, Robert Orbach, Susie Reisinger