FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
MARCH 15, 2026
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets Sunday, March 15 following worship
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-SESSION MEETING, Wednesday March 18 at 10:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
-LENTEN SOUP SUPPER, Wednesday March 18 at 5:30 PM, Fellowship Hall. The meal will be provided by Session—all are welcome!
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
-SISTERHOOD meets Thursday, March 19 at 11:30 AM, First Lutheran Church Mission Coffee House
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 PM, church lounge
-EASTER LILY/SPRING FLOWERS signup sheet is in the office if you wish to bring flowers or make a donation for purchase of lilies or spring flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please sign up by Thursday, March 26th.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, all who seek the Lord and long to see God’s work in the world.
We come with open hearts, ready to be transformed.
Come, all who follow Christ, who desire to see as Christ sees.
We come to worship the One who opens our eyes and hearts.
Come, all who listen for the Spirit, who long for guidance and truth.
We come to receive the wisdom and love of our living God.
*OPENING HYMN (screen/handout) “All the Way My Savior Leads Me”
All the way my Savior leads me—what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thru life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me—cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev’ry trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Tho’ my weary steps may falter and my soul athrist may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me--O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thru endless ages: Jesus led me all the way;
This my song thru endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of sight and insight, we confess that too often we rely on what we see with our own eyes. We trust our judgments, cling to appearances, and overlook your work in the world. We claim to understand, yet we miss what you are doing. Forgive us, Lord, and open our hearts. Give us courage to follow where Christ leads, wisdom to discern your truth, and eyes to see others and the world as you see them. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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.
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN “In the Garden”
I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me is falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
1The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
**Samuel went as God commanded and invited Jesse and his son to meet him**
6When they came, Samuel looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”
11Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.”
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”
13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.
SERMON Meeting Jesus and Learning to See
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – (adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism)
We believe in Jesus Christ, ordained by God the Father and anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, fully revealing to us the will of God for our redemption.
We believe in Christ as our only High Priest, who has redeemed us and continually intercedes for us.
We believe in Christ as our eternal King, who governs us by Word and Spirit and leads us in the way of life. In Christ, we are given eyes to see God’s truth, hearts to understand God’s love, and lives to follow God’s way.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #339 (blue) “Be Thou My Vision”
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day and by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Great King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Dee, Kelly & Tami W, Duane & Kris, Bob O, Jessica (Dorothy W’s granddaughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nancy & Bob O, Dave & Lee P, Rose P
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the family and friends of Bonnie Salonen whose father, Harry Reaves, passed away March 2 and Joyce Bailey who passed away Feb. 12
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*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
*CLOSING HYMN #388 (blue) “O Jesus, I Have Promised”
O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.
O let me feel Thee near me! The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me, around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer and shield my soul from sin.
O let me hear Thee speaking in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory there shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
MARCH 15, 2026
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets Sunday, March 15 following worship
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-SESSION MEETING, Wednesday March 18 at 10:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
-LENTEN SOUP SUPPER, Wednesday March 18 at 5:30 PM, Fellowship Hall. The meal will be provided by Session—all are welcome!
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
-SISTERHOOD meets Thursday, March 19 at 11:30 AM, First Lutheran Church Mission Coffee House
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 PM, church lounge
-EASTER LILY/SPRING FLOWERS signup sheet is in the office if you wish to bring flowers or make a donation for purchase of lilies or spring flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please sign up by Thursday, March 26th.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, all who seek the Lord and long to see God’s work in the world.
We come with open hearts, ready to be transformed.
Come, all who follow Christ, who desire to see as Christ sees.
We come to worship the One who opens our eyes and hearts.
Come, all who listen for the Spirit, who long for guidance and truth.
We come to receive the wisdom and love of our living God.
*OPENING HYMN (screen/handout) “All the Way My Savior Leads Me”
All the way my Savior leads me—what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thru life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me—cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev’ry trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Tho’ my weary steps may falter and my soul athrist may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me--O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thru endless ages: Jesus led me all the way;
This my song thru endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of sight and insight, we confess that too often we rely on what we see with our own eyes. We trust our judgments, cling to appearances, and overlook your work in the world. We claim to understand, yet we miss what you are doing. Forgive us, Lord, and open our hearts. Give us courage to follow where Christ leads, wisdom to discern your truth, and eyes to see others and the world as you see them. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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.
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN “In the Garden”
I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me is falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
1The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
**Samuel went as God commanded and invited Jesse and his son to meet him**
6When they came, Samuel looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”
11Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.”
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”
13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.
SERMON Meeting Jesus and Learning to See
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – (adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism)
We believe in Jesus Christ, ordained by God the Father and anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, fully revealing to us the will of God for our redemption.
We believe in Christ as our only High Priest, who has redeemed us and continually intercedes for us.
We believe in Christ as our eternal King, who governs us by Word and Spirit and leads us in the way of life. In Christ, we are given eyes to see God’s truth, hearts to understand God’s love, and lives to follow God’s way.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #339 (blue) “Be Thou My Vision”
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day and by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Great King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Dee, Kelly & Tami W, Duane & Kris, Bob O, Jessica (Dorothy W’s granddaughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nancy & Bob O, Dave & Lee P, Rose P
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the family and friends of Bonnie Salonen whose father, Harry Reaves, passed away March 2 and Joyce Bailey who passed away Feb. 12
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*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
*CLOSING HYMN #388 (blue) “O Jesus, I Have Promised”
O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.
O let me feel Thee near me! The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me, around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer and shield my soul from sin.
O let me hear Thee speaking in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory there shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
