Third Sunday in Lent
March 7, 2010
Meditation Music Eternal God, may we each take heart from the words of promise and hope found in holy scripture. May we find meaning there for our lives today. May our lives offer hope to those who find themselves in desperate situations. Amen. - –Sandra Rooney in Seasons of the Spirit
Gathering in God’s Presence
*Please stand as you are able.
Prelude - Medley: O How I Love Jesus / - United States, 19th cent.
Amazing Grace Columbia Harmony, Cincinnati, 1829
Kathy Smith & Jack Barchet, dulcimer;
Soprano Recorder Ensemble; Billy Harris, percussion
Introit - God, We Give You Heartfelt Praise - Nai-Chen (Taiwan)
Dave Barchet & Billy Harris, percussion
Bearing in the Light of Peace
Bringing in the Light of Christ - Acolyte
* Call to Worship - [from Psalm 25]
L:To you, O God, I lift up my soul.
P:My God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame.
L:Make me to know your ways, O God; teach me your paths.
P:Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.
L:For you I wait all day long;
P:Be mindful of your mercy, O God, and of your steadfast love.
L:The paths of God are steadfast love and faithfulness,
All:For those who keep God’s covenant and God’s decrees.
* Hymn of Praise - O God, Our Help in Ages Past - #25
* Prayer of Confession
L:You call us, O God, to rest in your Holy Presence.
P:Yet there are times when we ignore you, when we are easily distracted, when our lives become too busy and we do not make room for you.
L:You call us to be aware of sorrows we could lighten and joys we could share.
P:Yet there are times when we are unwilling to stop and listen to your hopeful purpose for our world.
L:You call us in a violent world to take up your work of peace.
P:Yet there are times when we would rather not risk the courage it takes to be peacemakers.
L:You call us to live with love and generosity.
P:Yet we live in a world where greed and waste is accepted, and where many go hungry.
L:Forgive us, God, when we do not care.
P:Forgive us, God, when we do not love.
* Words of Assurance
L:Hear the Good News: God has promised to forgive and welcome all those who want to live as people of light and walk as people of peace. Even before we turn toward God, God waits for us and welcomes us with open arms.
P:Thanks be to God!
* Passing the Peace
L:As God’s forgiven and renewed people, let us greet one another with open arms, and share a word of peace. The Peace of Christ be with you!
P:And also with you!
* The Song of Praise (Sung twice)
The Old Testament - Isaiah 55:1-9 - Pew Bible, page 685
The New Testament - Luke 13:1-9 - Pew Bible, page 76
The Continuing Testament - from The Shack - by William P. Young
Time with Young Worshipers
Anthem - Mold Me, Lord - Nyaturu tune (Tanzania)
Bob Chandler & Billy Harris, percussion
Sermon - Life’s Toughest Question - Pastor Dave Shackle
Hymn of Reflection - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - #193
The Church at Prayer
Silent Meditation
Prayer of the Church
Our Lord’s Prayer ...Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Organ Response
Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings
The Invitation
Offertory - Here Are Our Hearts - Drake/Jennings
“Here are our hearts.
Here are our hands.
Here are our lives.
Use them as You can.
Show us those who hurt.
Show us those in need.
Show us how to serve.
Teach us how to see.”
Susan Drake & Julie Jennings, 2007
* The Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Christ the Word in flesh born low;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.
* Prayer of Dedication (Unison) We offer ourselves with these gifts, O God, confident that you have a purpose for them and for us. Expand our vision to see the signs of your love which surround us every day, particularly in our times of trouble. Open our hearts to embrace new ways to serve you and to support others, particularly in their times of trouble. Renew our compassion and inspire our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Hope and our Joy. Amen.
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Communion Hymn - Eat This Bread - #788 [sung twice]
The Thanksgiving
L:God be with you.
P:And also with you.
L:Lift up your hearts!
P:Our hearts rejoice in God’s presence!
L:Let us give thanks for God’s Holy Love!
P:It is right to give God thanks and praise!
L:Because you have come to us in Jesus Christ, enduring the cross so that we might know eternal life, it is right that we should give you thanks and praise, saying,
All:Holy, holy, holy, God of love and majesty, the whole universe speaks of your glory, O God Most High!
Words of Institution
Prayer of Consecration
The Invitation
Receiving the Bread and Cup
Communion Music - O Lord Jesus, Enfold Me in Your Arms - Pakistani trad. melody
Prayer of Thanksgiving [Unison] We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table of grace. We ask that you now strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace; through Jesus Christ our ever-present Savior. Amen.
Going with God’s Love
* Hymn of Departure Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer - #18
Carrying the Light of Christ into the World - Acolyte
* Circle of Fellowship As we move to form a circle around the pews, we will sing Hear Our Prayer, O God. After the benediction, we will sing it through once more. Our circle is open near the door, as a symbol of our welcome to new people to our community of faith.
* Commission and Benediction
Postlude - Forth in Thy Name - Davies
