SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday in Lent
March 27, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are ambassadors for Christ.
God has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.
We gather as God’s beloved family to worship God and offer our praise.
Let us join our hearts in song and in prayer.
*HYMN #466 (Blue) ‘O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing’
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of God’s grace!
Jesus, the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life and health, and peace.
Christ breaks the power of reigning sin,
And sets the prisoner free;
Christ’s blood can make the sinful clean;
Christ’s blood availed for me.
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
If we keep silent, our sin will flourish, and we will groan all day long. Therefore, let all who are faithful acknowledge our sin and hide our transgression no more. In faith and with courage let us confess our sin to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, we confess that we keep silent when we should speak. We see iniquity and the injustices of the world, yet are content not to call them out. We withhold kind words, yet are quick to speak in judgment. Forgive us, O God. Direct the way we should go and help us to use our voices to spread your grace and truth.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Happy are those whose sin is forgiven. Be glad and rejoice, for in Christ, we are a new creation.
Thanks be to God!
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
“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
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 were fully human—thirsty as you hung there, in the hot sun. You felt the urgent need of a parched throat and a dry tongue. You have quenched our thirst with your living water.
May we, in turn, choose to quench the physical thirst of others. May we, in turn, choose to quench the spiritual thirst of others.
(extinguish 4th candle)
Let us pray:
When I have become so reliant on myself that I cannot see the need that gnaws so deep in my soul, open my eyes, open my heart, open my mouth to cry out for the help that you do not ration, the deliverance that you delight to offer in glad and generous measure. 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
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.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 32 (read responsively)
1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 So Jesus told them this parable:
1J“There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves On Down the Road ’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN # 370 (Blue) “Just as I am without One Plea”
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Nor to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
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.
MINUTE 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
SPECIAL MUSIC MK Hugghins, organist
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
Patient God, we cherish the scripture story of the prodigal son. You are always willing to accept us, even in our bleakest moment. You surround us with the hushed silence of your love. Like a compassionate parent, you wait to receive us in your embrace while we struggle to place you first in our lives. Multiply these tithes and offerings so that they open the ears of your lost children to your message of unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 David S. Bell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Jerry (Judy S’s friend)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-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: Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Delores K, Andrew & Beth L, Ella L
Those who mourn: We pray for the Goodale family. We also 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.
For the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Europe’s Baltic Region. Be with those who are stepping up with compassion to help. Be with those who cannot leave their country. Be with the countless women and children, and the older generations, the innocent victims in all of this crisis. Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
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.
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.
*HYMN #280 (Blue) ‘Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound’
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SESSION REVIEW OF TOWN HALL MEETING on Sunday, March 27, 5:00 PM at Perkins.
CELTIC LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE will be held in the sanctuary and via Zoom on Wednesdays March 9 through April 6, 6:30 PM.
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP - 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.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING on Monday, March 28, 7:00 PM via Zoom.
BENEDICTION
What joy for those whose wrongs have been forgiven, who no longer lie to themselves or others, and whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
What joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Thanks be to God!
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; written by Jan. L. Richardson, http://paintedprayerbook.com
4th Sunday in Lent
March 27, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are ambassadors for Christ.
God has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.
We gather as God’s beloved family to worship God and offer our praise.
Let us join our hearts in song and in prayer.
*HYMN #466 (Blue) ‘O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing’
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of God’s grace!
Jesus, the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life and health, and peace.
Christ breaks the power of reigning sin,
And sets the prisoner free;
Christ’s blood can make the sinful clean;
Christ’s blood availed for me.
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
If we keep silent, our sin will flourish, and we will groan all day long. Therefore, let all who are faithful acknowledge our sin and hide our transgression no more. In faith and with courage let us confess our sin to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, we confess that we keep silent when we should speak. We see iniquity and the injustices of the world, yet are content not to call them out. We withhold kind words, yet are quick to speak in judgment. Forgive us, O God. Direct the way we should go and help us to use our voices to spread your grace and truth.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Happy are those whose sin is forgiven. Be glad and rejoice, for in Christ, we are a new creation.
Thanks be to God!
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
“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
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 were fully human—thirsty as you hung there, in the hot sun. You felt the urgent need of a parched throat and a dry tongue. You have quenched our thirst with your living water.
May we, in turn, choose to quench the physical thirst of others. May we, in turn, choose to quench the spiritual thirst of others.
(extinguish 4th candle)
Let us pray:
When I have become so reliant on myself that I cannot see the need that gnaws so deep in my soul, open my eyes, open my heart, open my mouth to cry out for the help that you do not ration, the deliverance that you delight to offer in glad and generous measure. 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
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.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 32 (read responsively)
1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 So Jesus told them this parable:
1J“There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves On Down the Road ’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN # 370 (Blue) “Just as I am without One Plea”
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Nor to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
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.
MINUTE 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
SPECIAL MUSIC MK Hugghins, organist
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
Patient God, we cherish the scripture story of the prodigal son. You are always willing to accept us, even in our bleakest moment. You surround us with the hushed silence of your love. Like a compassionate parent, you wait to receive us in your embrace while we struggle to place you first in our lives. Multiply these tithes and offerings so that they open the ears of your lost children to your message of unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 David S. Bell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Jerry (Judy S’s friend)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-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: Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Delores K, Andrew & Beth L, Ella L
Those who mourn: We pray for the Goodale family. We also 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.
For the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Europe’s Baltic Region. Be with those who are stepping up with compassion to help. Be with those who cannot leave their country. Be with the countless women and children, and the older generations, the innocent victims in all of this crisis. Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
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.
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.
*HYMN #280 (Blue) ‘Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound’
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SESSION REVIEW OF TOWN HALL MEETING on Sunday, March 27, 5:00 PM at Perkins.
CELTIC LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE will be held in the sanctuary and via Zoom on Wednesdays March 9 through April 6, 6:30 PM.
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP - 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.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING on Monday, March 28, 7:00 PM via Zoom.
BENEDICTION
What joy for those whose wrongs have been forgiven, who no longer lie to themselves or others, and whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
What joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Thanks be to God!
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; written by Jan. L. Richardson, http://paintedprayerbook.com