SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th Sunday in Lent/Communion
April 3, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
God makes a way out of no way.
God sees our tears and turns them into joy.
God makes the impossible possible
and sees the desperate needs of all people.
Come close, healing Lord,
and receive our worship.
*HYMN #463 (Red) ‘How Firm a Foundation’
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Though we find much to boast about, we return again to God, who sees through our efforts to handle our life on our own. Hear again the tender invitation to speak plainly before God and one another. Let us confess our sins to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Why are you so extravagant, O God? We work hard, use our intelligence, keep our ledgers balanced, accomplish feats daily, care for our families, and honor our inherited legacies. Is this not enough to earn our place among the favored? Yet you throw open windows and doors, revealing a vision we do not possess, where accomplishments don’t count, where tears reap joy, where peace is found in suffering, where confidence is gained by giving away what is ours to treasure. Show us again what matters. Forgive our misplaced values, and draw us into your extravagance, that we, too, might be generous with our love. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Our claim to forgiveness rests entirely in God’s claim on us. Jesus Christ restores us to life. Say it with joy! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34)
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 were abandoned by God, alone in your suffering. You withstood what we could not, and promised to never leave or forsake us.
May we, in turn, be faithful to those around us, walking with friends and strangers through their suffering.
(extinguish 5th candle)
Let us pray:
Giver of the most expensive gif of all, help us to learn from you. May we who are so adept at catering for our own wants, make ourselves more vulnerable to the needs of others. Let us live unselfishly and more sensitively, that we may spread love’s fragrance wherever the odor of cynicism and despair hangs in the air. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC: ‘How Beautiful”
Donna Flint, soloist Mary Ermel, accompanist
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 THROUGH SONG AND READING
HYMN #76 (Red) ‘Do Not Be Afraid’
(Congregation sings refrain, Rev. Kaul sings the verses)
All Refrain:
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Chosen and beloved, you are my own.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you:
by your name I called you for my own.
RN: Look up, a new thing I am doing;
it springs forth; look and see it grow.
Through wilderness I’ll make a level highway;
through deserts, make streams and rivers flow. [Refrain]
RN: I am God, who blots out your transgressions;
for my own sake I do not chide or blame.
Only this much I ask, that you love me
and seek me and honor my name. [Refrain]
RN: The Lord, the Holy One of Israel
has promised to lead us on our way,
and we who love and worship God our Maker
will listen to hear the Spirit say:[Refrain]
John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves Us to Grace’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Through the grace of God, we have gifts in abundance and pour them out like perfume from a flask, not for our sakes, but to worship the One who lavishes love on the world.
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
Loving God, how lavishly you pour out the costly gift of your grace upon us. Fill our homes and our lives with the fragrance of your love, so that we may show your glory and serve your people; Accept these our gifts as our fragrant offering this day, of our time, our talents, our intellect, and our monetary gifts. We thank you for your graciousness loving God. This we pray through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Continued Health Requests:
-Elizabeth F
-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: Dennis & Vivian L, Pam L, Darwin & Jeanne L
Those who mourn: We pray for the Goodale, McCann, Webster, Salonen, & Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
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.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe. All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundation of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; you brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey. With the morning stars we sing your praises, we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout for joy, with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
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.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. All glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent. You call a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you sent Jesus to be human, to be born of a Virgin, to grow to manhood, to be baptized by John in the Jordan, to minister and teach and in so doing, he gave his own life. Of your grace Jesus came, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your reign and be a fragrant offering. Through Jesus our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
Accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving as a living and holy offering of ourselves, that our lives may proclaim the One crucified.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Hear us now as we pray 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.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
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!
(SPECIAL MUSIC during distribution--Mary Ermel, organist)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Merciful God, having been fed by your hand, we are sustained for the work you call us to do. Transform us by your Spirit, and let your love shine in all we do and say that all the world may see the radiant light of God, guiding all creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #697 (Red) ‘Take My Life and Let It Be’
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
April Birthdays: Gayle F, Don B, Roger J, Andrew L, Jennifer H, Ramsie H, Lee P, Ann S, Dee W, Pat F, Richard S, Jeanne L
April Anniversaries: Lynn & Diane R, Robert & Rozanne M, John & Robin E
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, April 5 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.
SOUP POTLUCK will be held after Palm Sunday worship, April 10th.
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION will be held Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom.
EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE will be held at 10:30 AM, April 17th.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING will be held next Monday, March 18 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.
SESSION MEETING will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 PM at the church.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
No Youth Sunday School meeting on Palm Sunday, April 10th.
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
Go now in the righteousness of faith and live by God’s just demands. Let nothing claim your devotion above the Lord, and count nothing of value above knowing Christ. Press on towards the ultimate prize, of being one with him.
And may God’s perfect word revive your soul;
May Christ Jesus be your Savior and your rock;
and may the Holy Spirit strengthen you to press ever onward.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
In the name of Christ. 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; copyright © 2002 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net; written by Bruce Prewer, http://www.b ruceprewer.com
5th Sunday in Lent/Communion
April 3, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
God makes a way out of no way.
God sees our tears and turns them into joy.
God makes the impossible possible
and sees the desperate needs of all people.
Come close, healing Lord,
and receive our worship.
*HYMN #463 (Red) ‘How Firm a Foundation’
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Though we find much to boast about, we return again to God, who sees through our efforts to handle our life on our own. Hear again the tender invitation to speak plainly before God and one another. Let us confess our sins to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Why are you so extravagant, O God? We work hard, use our intelligence, keep our ledgers balanced, accomplish feats daily, care for our families, and honor our inherited legacies. Is this not enough to earn our place among the favored? Yet you throw open windows and doors, revealing a vision we do not possess, where accomplishments don’t count, where tears reap joy, where peace is found in suffering, where confidence is gained by giving away what is ours to treasure. Show us again what matters. Forgive our misplaced values, and draw us into your extravagance, that we, too, might be generous with our love. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Our claim to forgiveness rests entirely in God’s claim on us. Jesus Christ restores us to life. Say it with joy! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34)
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 were abandoned by God, alone in your suffering. You withstood what we could not, and promised to never leave or forsake us.
May we, in turn, be faithful to those around us, walking with friends and strangers through their suffering.
(extinguish 5th candle)
Let us pray:
Giver of the most expensive gif of all, help us to learn from you. May we who are so adept at catering for our own wants, make ourselves more vulnerable to the needs of others. Let us live unselfishly and more sensitively, that we may spread love’s fragrance wherever the odor of cynicism and despair hangs in the air. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC: ‘How Beautiful”
Donna Flint, soloist Mary Ermel, accompanist
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 THROUGH SONG AND READING
HYMN #76 (Red) ‘Do Not Be Afraid’
(Congregation sings refrain, Rev. Kaul sings the verses)
All Refrain:
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Chosen and beloved, you are my own.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you:
by your name I called you for my own.
RN: Look up, a new thing I am doing;
it springs forth; look and see it grow.
Through wilderness I’ll make a level highway;
through deserts, make streams and rivers flow. [Refrain]
RN: I am God, who blots out your transgressions;
for my own sake I do not chide or blame.
Only this much I ask, that you love me
and seek me and honor my name. [Refrain]
RN: The Lord, the Holy One of Israel
has promised to lead us on our way,
and we who love and worship God our Maker
will listen to hear the Spirit say:[Refrain]
John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves Us to Grace’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Through the grace of God, we have gifts in abundance and pour them out like perfume from a flask, not for our sakes, but to worship the One who lavishes love on the world.
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
Loving God, how lavishly you pour out the costly gift of your grace upon us. Fill our homes and our lives with the fragrance of your love, so that we may show your glory and serve your people; Accept these our gifts as our fragrant offering this day, of our time, our talents, our intellect, and our monetary gifts. We thank you for your graciousness loving God. This we pray through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Continued Health Requests:
-Elizabeth F
-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: Dennis & Vivian L, Pam L, Darwin & Jeanne L
Those who mourn: We pray for the Goodale, McCann, Webster, Salonen, & Peterson families and all who have lost loved ones.
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.
It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe. All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundation of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; you brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey. With the morning stars we sing your praises, we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout for joy, with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
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.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. All glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent. You call a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you sent Jesus to be human, to be born of a Virgin, to grow to manhood, to be baptized by John in the Jordan, to minister and teach and in so doing, he gave his own life. Of your grace Jesus came, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your reign and be a fragrant offering. Through Jesus our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
Accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving as a living and holy offering of ourselves, that our lives may proclaim the One crucified.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Hear us now as we pray 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.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
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!
(SPECIAL MUSIC during distribution--Mary Ermel, organist)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Merciful God, having been fed by your hand, we are sustained for the work you call us to do. Transform us by your Spirit, and let your love shine in all we do and say that all the world may see the radiant light of God, guiding all creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*HYMN #697 (Red) ‘Take My Life and Let It Be’
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
April Birthdays: Gayle F, Don B, Roger J, Andrew L, Jennifer H, Ramsie H, Lee P, Ann S, Dee W, Pat F, Richard S, Jeanne L
April Anniversaries: Lynn & Diane R, Robert & Rozanne M, John & Robin E
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, April 5 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.
SOUP POTLUCK will be held after Palm Sunday worship, April 10th.
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION will be held Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom.
EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE will be held at 10:30 AM, April 17th.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING will be held next Monday, March 18 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.
SESSION MEETING will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 PM at the church.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
No Youth Sunday School meeting on Palm Sunday, April 10th.
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
Go now in the righteousness of faith and live by God’s just demands. Let nothing claim your devotion above the Lord, and count nothing of value above knowing Christ. Press on towards the ultimate prize, of being one with him.
And may God’s perfect word revive your soul;
May Christ Jesus be your Savior and your rock;
and may the Holy Spirit strengthen you to press ever onward.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
In the name of Christ. 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; copyright © 2002 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net; written by Bruce Prewer, http://www.b ruceprewer.com