SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
1st Sunday in Lent/Communion
March 6, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Remember the story of our faith.
We are the people God has delivered.
Rejoice in the hope of our faith.
God goes with us, step by step.
Cling to the promise of our faith.
Our God will not abandon us.
*HYMN #418 (Red) ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling’
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me. [Refrain]
O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. So guide us, that, following our Savior, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The journey of life inevitably leads to wilderness, times marked by guilt, frustration, and the sense that we are not in the right place. But even in the wilderness, God is with us. Even in the wilderness, God’s mercy is sure.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
As Lent unfolds before us, great God, we see how far we have to go to Jerusalem. The road is long, our sins are many, and our burdens are heavy. We can’t imagine new life, Easter life, because our current lives are filled with bad choices and failed efforts. Meet us in our weakness. Take up our sins. Ease our burdens. Carry us on the way. Bring us to Jerusalem, at last. Show us a love that is stronger than death, a love no tomb can hold. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Walking this earth, facing temptation, defeating sin, Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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.
THE LENTEN CANDLE: The Seven Last Words of Christ -
"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." (Luke 23:34)
Jesus we come—to walk the road with you—to follow you to the cross. We prepare ourselves now to follow your footprints in the dust. To understand how you died. To understand how we die. To understand how you lived. To understand how we should live.
You forgave even those who took your hands and feet and drove nails into solid wood. Who, straining, lifted up the cross that held you and dropped it into place. You have forgiven them. When we ask for mercy, we are amazed to find that it has already been extended. You have forgiven us.
May we, in turn, forgive. Even before it is asked of us.
(extinguish 1st candle)
Let us pray:
God of revelation, unveil your Kingdom in our midst. Show us who we truly are in you: expose the illusions that distort our vision, deliver us from temptations that contort our living, open our eyes in this time of trial—that resistance may be the secret of our joy and our joy a sign of your shalom. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: HYMN #227 (Red) ‘Jesus Remember Me’
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful God, your Word is our way of truth and life. Create in us hearts that are clean and put your Holy Spirit within us, so that we may receive your grace and declare your praise forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
HYMN #43 (Red) ‘On Eagle’s Wings’
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in his shadow for life,
say to the Lord, “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!”
Refrain:
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under his wings, your refuge,
his faithfulness your shield. [Refrain]
You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow the flies by day;
though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come. [Refrain]
For to his angels he’s given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone. [Refrain]
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Romans 10:8-13
8 But what does it say?
“The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”
5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,’
11 and
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves into the Desert’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #417 (Red) ‘Lord Jesus, Think on Me’
Lord Jesus, think on me,
and purge away my sin;
from earth-born passions set me free,
and make me pure within.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
amid the battle’s strife.
In all my pain and misery
be thou my health and life.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
nor let me go astray.
Through darkness and perplexity
point thou the heavenly way.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
that, when this life is past,
I may the eternal brightness see,
and share thy joy at last.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
MOMENT FOR MISSION
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Jesus says: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Matthew 6:21
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
God of Deliverance, you led your chosen people long ago out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Your people rejoiced and worshipped you with the first fruits of their labors. Their contributions were a symbol of devotion to your mighty presence in their lives and in the lives of following generations. Guide our gifts so that they may be multiplied to help those still languishing in the wilderness of uncertainty. Help our giving to inspire others as they journey toward the promise of Eternal Life. Through your holy son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
(Deuteronomy 26:1-11, David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Continued Health Requests:
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Gayle & Paige F
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Gene G, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dean & Sharon H, Nelda H, Dennis H & Carolyn C
Those who mourn: We pray for the McCann, Webster, Salonen, & Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to unforeseen circumstances. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss due to war. For those whom this season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
THE 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.
We give you thanks and praise, O God, in this dry and weary land. You set a table for us in the wilderness and provide for all our needs. Even when we complain against you, you feed us with bread from heaven. When we quarrel and question your grace, you give us water from a stone.
How can we keep silent? Even dry bones in the valley of death stand to sing your praise:
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.
We give you thanks and praise for Jesus, our way in the wilderness, our companion in the desert. He knows our hunger and thirst; he gives us the bread of life to eat and living water to drink. He leads us beside still water and prepares this table for us, even in the presence of our enemies. The cup of blessing overflows!
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Now pour out your Holy Spirit upon this bread, this cup, these people.
By the power of your Spirit breathe life into our dust and hope into our bones. Make us one flesh and one blood, one in the body of Christ. Let us live to sing your praise and show your love to all, until our wilderness wandering is over, and we feast with you forever in the land that you have promised.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, O God, now and always. Amen.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
THE 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.
RAISING THE BREAD AND THE CUP
The body of Christ, the bread of life.
The lifeblood of Christ, the cup of blessing.
The gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, gracious God, for giving us bread for the journey of these forty days. As we travel on through the wilderness, help us to share your grace with others and draw us ever closer to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #166 (Red) ‘Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days’
Lord, who throughout these forty days,
for us did fast and pray,
teach us with you to mourn our sins
and close by you to stay.
As you with Satan did contend
and did the victory win,
O give us strength to persevere,
in you to conquer sin.
And through these days of penitence,
and through this Passion-tide,
yes, evermore, in life and death,
O Lord, with us abide.
Abide with us, till when this life
of suffering shall be past,
an Easter of unending joy
we may attain at last.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
March birthdays: JoAnn G, Teri B, Don N, Hannah M, Harold P, David P, Sharon H, Evelyn F, Delores K
No March anniversaries
SOUP POTLUCK will follow worship today.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING ‘Repairing the Breach’ is March 2 through April 6. Please use envelopes provided or write ‘OGHS’ in the memo line of your check.
MISSION/FINANCE MEETING will be held Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
CELTIC LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE will be held in the sanctuary and via Zoom on Wednesdays March 9 through April 6 at 6:30 PM.
SESSION MEETING will be held Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 PM at the church.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 AM. Set your clocks ahead one hour—spring forward!
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be held next Sunday, March 13 following worship.
CONGREGATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING AND POTUCK will be held Sunday, March 20 following worship.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to:
walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God
walk in peace, under the shelter of the Most High
walk in faith, knowing Christ walks with you. Amen.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; Adapted from: http://www.myredeemerlives.com/prayers.html
1st Sunday in Lent/Communion
March 6, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Remember the story of our faith.
We are the people God has delivered.
Rejoice in the hope of our faith.
God goes with us, step by step.
Cling to the promise of our faith.
Our God will not abandon us.
*HYMN #418 (Red) ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling’
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me. [Refrain]
O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. So guide us, that, following our Savior, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The journey of life inevitably leads to wilderness, times marked by guilt, frustration, and the sense that we are not in the right place. But even in the wilderness, God is with us. Even in the wilderness, God’s mercy is sure.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
As Lent unfolds before us, great God, we see how far we have to go to Jerusalem. The road is long, our sins are many, and our burdens are heavy. We can’t imagine new life, Easter life, because our current lives are filled with bad choices and failed efforts. Meet us in our weakness. Take up our sins. Ease our burdens. Carry us on the way. Bring us to Jerusalem, at last. Show us a love that is stronger than death, a love no tomb can hold. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Walking this earth, facing temptation, defeating sin, Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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.
THE LENTEN CANDLE: The Seven Last Words of Christ -
"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." (Luke 23:34)
Jesus we come—to walk the road with you—to follow you to the cross. We prepare ourselves now to follow your footprints in the dust. To understand how you died. To understand how we die. To understand how you lived. To understand how we should live.
You forgave even those who took your hands and feet and drove nails into solid wood. Who, straining, lifted up the cross that held you and dropped it into place. You have forgiven them. When we ask for mercy, we are amazed to find that it has already been extended. You have forgiven us.
May we, in turn, forgive. Even before it is asked of us.
(extinguish 1st candle)
Let us pray:
God of revelation, unveil your Kingdom in our midst. Show us who we truly are in you: expose the illusions that distort our vision, deliver us from temptations that contort our living, open our eyes in this time of trial—that resistance may be the secret of our joy and our joy a sign of your shalom. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: HYMN #227 (Red) ‘Jesus Remember Me’
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful God, your Word is our way of truth and life. Create in us hearts that are clean and put your Holy Spirit within us, so that we may receive your grace and declare your praise forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
HYMN #43 (Red) ‘On Eagle’s Wings’
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in his shadow for life,
say to the Lord, “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!”
Refrain:
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear:
under his wings, your refuge,
his faithfulness your shield. [Refrain]
You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow the flies by day;
though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come. [Refrain]
For to his angels he’s given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone. [Refrain]
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Romans 10:8-13
8 But what does it say?
“The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”
5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,’
11 and
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves into the Desert’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #417 (Red) ‘Lord Jesus, Think on Me’
Lord Jesus, think on me,
and purge away my sin;
from earth-born passions set me free,
and make me pure within.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
amid the battle’s strife.
In all my pain and misery
be thou my health and life.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
nor let me go astray.
Through darkness and perplexity
point thou the heavenly way.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
that, when this life is past,
I may the eternal brightness see,
and share thy joy at last.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
MOMENT FOR MISSION
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Jesus says: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Matthew 6:21
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
God of Deliverance, you led your chosen people long ago out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Your people rejoiced and worshipped you with the first fruits of their labors. Their contributions were a symbol of devotion to your mighty presence in their lives and in the lives of following generations. Guide our gifts so that they may be multiplied to help those still languishing in the wilderness of uncertainty. Help our giving to inspire others as they journey toward the promise of Eternal Life. Through your holy son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
(Deuteronomy 26:1-11, David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Continued Health Requests:
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Gayle & Paige F
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Gene G, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dean & Sharon H, Nelda H, Dennis H & Carolyn C
Those who mourn: We pray for the McCann, Webster, Salonen, & Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to unforeseen circumstances. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss due to war. For those whom this season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
THE 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.
We give you thanks and praise, O God, in this dry and weary land. You set a table for us in the wilderness and provide for all our needs. Even when we complain against you, you feed us with bread from heaven. When we quarrel and question your grace, you give us water from a stone.
How can we keep silent? Even dry bones in the valley of death stand to sing your praise:
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.
We give you thanks and praise for Jesus, our way in the wilderness, our companion in the desert. He knows our hunger and thirst; he gives us the bread of life to eat and living water to drink. He leads us beside still water and prepares this table for us, even in the presence of our enemies. The cup of blessing overflows!
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Now pour out your Holy Spirit upon this bread, this cup, these people.
By the power of your Spirit breathe life into our dust and hope into our bones. Make us one flesh and one blood, one in the body of Christ. Let us live to sing your praise and show your love to all, until our wilderness wandering is over, and we feast with you forever in the land that you have promised.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, O God, now and always. Amen.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
THE 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.
RAISING THE BREAD AND THE CUP
The body of Christ, the bread of life.
The lifeblood of Christ, the cup of blessing.
The gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, gracious God, for giving us bread for the journey of these forty days. As we travel on through the wilderness, help us to share your grace with others and draw us ever closer to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #166 (Red) ‘Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days’
Lord, who throughout these forty days,
for us did fast and pray,
teach us with you to mourn our sins
and close by you to stay.
As you with Satan did contend
and did the victory win,
O give us strength to persevere,
in you to conquer sin.
And through these days of penitence,
and through this Passion-tide,
yes, evermore, in life and death,
O Lord, with us abide.
Abide with us, till when this life
of suffering shall be past,
an Easter of unending joy
we may attain at last.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
March birthdays: JoAnn G, Teri B, Don N, Hannah M, Harold P, David P, Sharon H, Evelyn F, Delores K
No March anniversaries
SOUP POTLUCK will follow worship today.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING ‘Repairing the Breach’ is March 2 through April 6. Please use envelopes provided or write ‘OGHS’ in the memo line of your check.
MISSION/FINANCE MEETING will be held Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
CELTIC LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE will be held in the sanctuary and via Zoom on Wednesdays March 9 through April 6 at 6:30 PM.
SESSION MEETING will be held Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 PM at the church.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 AM. Set your clocks ahead one hour—spring forward!
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be held next Sunday, March 13 following worship.
CONGREGATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING AND POTUCK will be held Sunday, March 20 following worship.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to:
walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God
walk in peace, under the shelter of the Most High
walk in faith, knowing Christ walks with you. Amen.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; Adapted from: http://www.myredeemerlives.com/prayers.html