'
ORDER OF WORSHIP
2nd Sunday in Lent
March 5, 2023
PRELUDE 'Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ' J.S. Bach
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
-MISSION/FINANCE MEETING will be on Tuesday March 7 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
-SESSION MEETING will be on Thursday March 9 at 7:00 PM in the meeting room.
-LENTEN POTLUCK MEAL will be held following worship next Sunday, March 12, Please bring a dish to share if you are able, but please plan to attend in any case as there is always plenty of food. The Christian Education Committee will provide a short program after the meals.
-THE PC(USA) ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING SPECIAL OFFERING is from Feb. 22 until April 9. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘One Great Hour’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
CALL TO WORSHIP
There is so much we do not understand, so many mysteries in this life of faith.
But some things are certain. We do know:
Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
God is our keeper and our shade.
Let us lift our eyes to God.
Opening Hymn: #80 (Blue) ‘Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley’
Jesus walked this lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by Himself.
O, nobody else could walk it for Him.
He had to walk it by Himself.
We must walk this lonesome valley;
We have to walk it by ourselves.
O, nobody else can walk it for us.
We have to walk it by ourselves.
You must go and stand your trial;
You have to stand it by yourself.
Oh, nobody else can stand it for you.
You have to stand it by yourself.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Lord our God, we give you thanks for the mercy you so freely offer us through the grace of our baptism—safe passage through the sea, justice rolling down like water, deliverance from sin and death forever. By the power of your Holy Spirit, poured out upon us in baptism, teach us to love and serve you faithfully and reconcile us to you and to one another as members of one, living body; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Our help does truly come from God. This help is not just for the times when trouble befalls us, or when our lives are hard, but when we are the ones who are to blame, when we face the consequences of our own actions.
Knowing that, we turn to God for help, trusting in unending grace.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Teacher, you call us to go, following the plan that you have set out for us. You promise us blessings and purpose, but we do not trust your words. We cling to what we already know, we trust in what we can see and touch, we make excuses for our failure to trust in you. Call to us again, that we may be born again through your Spirit. Help us to believe and give us the abundant life that comes from following your will. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Thanks be to God.
We will bear witness to God’s saving grace with our lives.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us by your Word through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Genesis 12:1–4a
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.
Romans 4:1–5, 13–17
1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. 16 For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
John 3:1–17
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
Sermon - ‘Top 10…’ Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*Hymn #485 (Blue) ‘To God be the Glory’
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of humankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for women and men when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience, the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to all, moves people to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.21
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Andrew & Beth L, Ella L, Pam L
Those who mourn: We pray for the Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, VanderWaal, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘You are My All in All’ with “I Surrender All’ Nancy O, violinist and Mary Ermel, pianist
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
COMMUNION SERVICE
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God: You made a covenant with our ancestor Abraham,
promising to make of him a great nation, and a blessing to all the families of the earth.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
BREAKING THE BREAD & COMMUNION
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
*HYMN # 508 (Blue) ‘For the Bread Which You Have Broken’
For the bread which You have broken,
For the wine which You have poured,
For the words which You have spoken,
Now we give You thanks, O Lord.
By this promise that You love us,
By Your gift of peace restored,
By Your call to heaven above us,
Hallow all our lives, O Lord.
With the saints who now adore You
Seated at the heavenly board,
May the church still waiting for You
Keep love's tie unbroken, Lord.
In Your service, Lord, defend us;
In our hearts keep watch and ward;
In the world to which You send us
Let Your kingdom come, O Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*HYMN #538 (Blue) ‘Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing’ (verses 1-2)
Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing;
Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, Thy love possessing,
Triumph in redeeming grace.
O refresh us, O refresh us,
Traveling through this wilderness.
Thanks we give and adoration
For Thy gospel's joyful sound;
May the fruits of Thy salvation
In our hearts and lives abound.
Ever faithful, ever faithful
To the truth may we be found.
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE 'O Worship the King' J.M. Haydn/Root
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2021 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
2nd Sunday in Lent
March 5, 2023
PRELUDE 'Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ' J.S. Bach
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
-MISSION/FINANCE MEETING will be on Tuesday March 7 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
-SESSION MEETING will be on Thursday March 9 at 7:00 PM in the meeting room.
-LENTEN POTLUCK MEAL will be held following worship next Sunday, March 12, Please bring a dish to share if you are able, but please plan to attend in any case as there is always plenty of food. The Christian Education Committee will provide a short program after the meals.
-THE PC(USA) ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING SPECIAL OFFERING is from Feb. 22 until April 9. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘One Great Hour’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
CALL TO WORSHIP
There is so much we do not understand, so many mysteries in this life of faith.
But some things are certain. We do know:
Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
God is our keeper and our shade.
Let us lift our eyes to God.
Opening Hymn: #80 (Blue) ‘Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley’
Jesus walked this lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by Himself.
O, nobody else could walk it for Him.
He had to walk it by Himself.
We must walk this lonesome valley;
We have to walk it by ourselves.
O, nobody else can walk it for us.
We have to walk it by ourselves.
You must go and stand your trial;
You have to stand it by yourself.
Oh, nobody else can stand it for you.
You have to stand it by yourself.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Lord our God, we give you thanks for the mercy you so freely offer us through the grace of our baptism—safe passage through the sea, justice rolling down like water, deliverance from sin and death forever. By the power of your Holy Spirit, poured out upon us in baptism, teach us to love and serve you faithfully and reconcile us to you and to one another as members of one, living body; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Our help does truly come from God. This help is not just for the times when trouble befalls us, or when our lives are hard, but when we are the ones who are to blame, when we face the consequences of our own actions.
Knowing that, we turn to God for help, trusting in unending grace.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Teacher, you call us to go, following the plan that you have set out for us. You promise us blessings and purpose, but we do not trust your words. We cling to what we already know, we trust in what we can see and touch, we make excuses for our failure to trust in you. Call to us again, that we may be born again through your Spirit. Help us to believe and give us the abundant life that comes from following your will. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Thanks be to God.
We will bear witness to God’s saving grace with our lives.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us by your Word through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Genesis 12:1–4a
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.
Romans 4:1–5, 13–17
1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.
13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. 16 For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
John 3:1–17
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
Sermon - ‘Top 10…’ Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*Hymn #485 (Blue) ‘To God be the Glory’
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of humankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for women and men when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience, the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to all, moves people to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.21
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Andrew & Beth L, Ella L, Pam L
Those who mourn: We pray for the Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, VanderWaal, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘You are My All in All’ with “I Surrender All’ Nancy O, violinist and Mary Ermel, pianist
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
COMMUNION SERVICE
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God: You made a covenant with our ancestor Abraham,
promising to make of him a great nation, and a blessing to all the families of the earth.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
BREAKING THE BREAD & COMMUNION
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
*HYMN # 508 (Blue) ‘For the Bread Which You Have Broken’
For the bread which You have broken,
For the wine which You have poured,
For the words which You have spoken,
Now we give You thanks, O Lord.
By this promise that You love us,
By Your gift of peace restored,
By Your call to heaven above us,
Hallow all our lives, O Lord.
With the saints who now adore You
Seated at the heavenly board,
May the church still waiting for You
Keep love's tie unbroken, Lord.
In Your service, Lord, defend us;
In our hearts keep watch and ward;
In the world to which You send us
Let Your kingdom come, O Lord.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*HYMN #538 (Blue) ‘Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing’ (verses 1-2)
Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing;
Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, Thy love possessing,
Triumph in redeeming grace.
O refresh us, O refresh us,
Traveling through this wilderness.
Thanks we give and adoration
For Thy gospel's joyful sound;
May the fruits of Thy salvation
In our hearts and lives abound.
Ever faithful, ever faithful
To the truth may we be found.
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE 'O Worship the King' J.M. Haydn/Root
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2021 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.