FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday in Lent
March 30, 2025
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP: 9:30ish AM, Mission Coffee House.
-WEDNESDAY LENTEN LUNCH & WORSHIP: 11:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church Activity Center.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 9:30 AM, center meeting room.
- MISSION/OUTREACH MEETING: next Sunday, April 6 after worship
CALL TO THE CROSS
Christ humbled himself, even to the point of death.
In his love, we find true life.
He calls us to serve, to give, to love.
Lord, teach us your way of humility.
May we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
May our lives reflect his grace.
*OPENING HYMN #80 (blue): “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”
Jesus walked this lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by Himself.
Oh, 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.
Oh, 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.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Lord, we are slow to confess our sins and prone to wander from the path of righteousness. We acknowledge that we have received Your abundant mercy, yet we struggle to extend that mercy to others. We hold on to grudges, nurse old wounds, and withhold the forgiveness that You so freely offer us. Teach us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, and to show grace as we have received grace. Renew within us a right spirit, that we may reflect Your mercy in all we say and do. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
SPECIAL MUSIC “In the Bulb There is a Promise” Choir
In the bulb there is a flower; in the see, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 103: 8-12 (responsive)
8The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Colossians 3: 12-17 (responsive)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Matthew 18: 21-35 The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
SERMON Stories of Jesus- The Unforgiving Servant
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Heidelberg Catechism 1563)
True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace, granted solely by Christ’s merit.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE (handout) “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard
Tell how the angels, in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth,
“Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.”
Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past;
How for our sins He was tempted, yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of his labor, tell of the sorrow he bore;
He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.
Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see;
Stay, let me weep while you whisper, love paid the ransom for me.
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Those Who Mourn: Carolyn Clague and Dennis Hopfinger on the passing of Carolyn’s mother, Waneta Clague on Thursday, March 20, 2025
Concerns: Jan J, Judy Se., Pam K (Delores K’s daughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Scott & Jennifer H & family Skylar, Saige, Ramsie; Dean & Sharon H
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 hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #439 (blue): "In Christ There is No East or West"
In Christ there is no east or west,
In Him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
In Christ shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
Close binding humankind.
Join hands, disciples of the faith,
Whate'er your race may be.
All children of the living God
Are surely kin to me.
In Christ now meet both east and west,
In Him meet south and north;
All Christly souls are one in Him,
Throughout the whole wide earth.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday in Lent
March 30, 2025
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP: 9:30ish AM, Mission Coffee House.
-WEDNESDAY LENTEN LUNCH & WORSHIP: 11:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church Activity Center.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 9:30 AM, center meeting room.
- MISSION/OUTREACH MEETING: next Sunday, April 6 after worship
CALL TO THE CROSS
Christ humbled himself, even to the point of death.
In his love, we find true life.
He calls us to serve, to give, to love.
Lord, teach us your way of humility.
May we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
May our lives reflect his grace.
*OPENING HYMN #80 (blue): “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”
Jesus walked this lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by Himself.
Oh, 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.
Oh, 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.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Lord, we are slow to confess our sins and prone to wander from the path of righteousness. We acknowledge that we have received Your abundant mercy, yet we struggle to extend that mercy to others. We hold on to grudges, nurse old wounds, and withhold the forgiveness that You so freely offer us. Teach us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, and to show grace as we have received grace. Renew within us a right spirit, that we may reflect Your mercy in all we say and do. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
SPECIAL MUSIC “In the Bulb There is a Promise” Choir
In the bulb there is a flower; in the see, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 103: 8-12 (responsive)
8The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Colossians 3: 12-17 (responsive)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Matthew 18: 21-35 The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
SERMON Stories of Jesus- The Unforgiving Servant
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Heidelberg Catechism 1563)
True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace, granted solely by Christ’s merit.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE (handout) “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard
Tell how the angels, in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth,
“Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.”
Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past;
How for our sins He was tempted, yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of his labor, tell of the sorrow he bore;
He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.
Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see;
Stay, let me weep while you whisper, love paid the ransom for me.
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Those Who Mourn: Carolyn Clague and Dennis Hopfinger on the passing of Carolyn’s mother, Waneta Clague on Thursday, March 20, 2025
Concerns: Jan J, Judy Se., Pam K (Delores K’s daughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Scott & Jennifer H & family Skylar, Saige, Ramsie; Dean & Sharon H
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 hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #439 (blue): "In Christ There is No East or West"
In Christ there is no east or west,
In Him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
In Christ shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
Close binding humankind.
Join hands, disciples of the faith,
Whate'er your race may be.
All children of the living God
Are surely kin to me.
In Christ now meet both east and west,
In Him meet south and north;
All Christly souls are one in Him,
Throughout the whole wide earth.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE