FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th Sunday in Lent
April 6, 2025
PRELUDE Let Us Break Bread Together, Hayes Gaspard
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
-MISSION/OUTREACH MEETING will be held today after worship service
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP: 9:30ish AM, Mission Coffee House
-FINANCE MEETING Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 PM via Zoom
-WEDNESDAY LENTEN LUNCH & WORSHIP: 11:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church Activity Center
-LENTEN SOUP SUPPER at FPC, Wednesday April 9, 5:30 PM—soup provided by Session
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 9:30 AM, center meeting room
-SESSION MEETING Thursday, April 10, 7:00 PM at FPC
-CE/FELLOWSHIP MEETING next Sunday, April 13 after worship service
CALL TO THE CROSS
What wondrous love is this, O my soul?
Love that bears the weight of our sin and sorrow.
Christ has taken our burden upon himself.
He walks the road of suffering for our sake.
In his wounds, we find healing.
In his sacrifice, we find redemption.
How can we repay such boundless grace?
We lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving!
*OPENING HYMN #85 (blue) “What Wondrous Love Is This”
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the heavy cross for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the heavy cross for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing!
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on!
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of grace and love, we confess that, too often, we do not reflect your love. We wander in our own way, we withhold grace, we struggle to welcome the lost, we fail to rejoice when the broken are made whole. Teach us to live as people of reconciliation, so that we may share your abundant grace with all who are lost and longing to come home. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. 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 SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 32: 1-5, 10-11 (responsive)
1Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
5Then 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.
10Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;
19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them,
and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
GOSPEL READING and SPECIAL MUSIC “Lead Me Back” ~ Words and music by Pepper Choplin
Based on Luke 15: 11b-32
A certain man had two sons: and one said to his father, “give me my share of the estate.” So he divided his property between them. And not many days after, the son took a journey into a country, and there wasted his wealth with wild living.
And when he had spent it all, there was a mighty famine in the land; and he began to be in want. When he came to his senses, he said,“How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will arise and go to my father, and say “Father I have sinned against heaven, and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of thy hired servants.”
CHOIR:
Lead me back to my home, I have wandered far away.
I’ve been gone for far too long. Will You welcome me today?
Lead me back to my home, I have wandered far away.
I’ve been gone for far too long. Will You welcome me today?
Is it possible You can hear me after the way I turned from You?
Is it possible that You’re near me, that You never went away,
And You’ll lead me back today?
The life I spent, the days I lost, I have lived them all in vain.
Now I hold nothing to show but a heart that is full of pain.
READING RESUMES
And he arose, and came to his father.
But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him “Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no more worthy to be called your son.”
But the father said to his servants,
“Quick! Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found”
CHOIR:
Lord, I know that You will hear me although I turned away from You.
Lord, I see that You were near me, and You never went away,
And You call me back today.
Lead me back to my home, I have wandered far away.
I’ve been gone for far too long. Will You welcome me today?
Now I come to You today.
SERMON Stories of Jesus- the Prodigal Son
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- APOSTLES’ CREED (Modern Version)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
SERVICE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
HYMN #513 (blue) “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Let us break bread together on our knees;
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees;
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
Let us praise God together on our knees;
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you And also with you
Lift up your hearts We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…We lift our voices to sing:
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.
… That we may be ministers of reconciliation in Your world.
As we break bread together, may our eyes be opened to see your glory. As we lift the cup of salvation, may we be strengthened to follow your Way.
We pray all this as Jesus taught us to pray…
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND BREAKING OF THE BREAD
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
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 #391 (blue) “Take My Life”
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless 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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Herzlich tut mich verlangen, Johannes Brahms
ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th Sunday in Lent
April 6, 2025
PRELUDE Let Us Break Bread Together, Hayes Gaspard
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
-MISSION/OUTREACH MEETING will be held today after worship service
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP: 9:30ish AM, Mission Coffee House
-FINANCE MEETING Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 PM via Zoom
-WEDNESDAY LENTEN LUNCH & WORSHIP: 11:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church Activity Center
-LENTEN SOUP SUPPER at FPC, Wednesday April 9, 5:30 PM—soup provided by Session
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 9:30 AM, center meeting room
-SESSION MEETING Thursday, April 10, 7:00 PM at FPC
-CE/FELLOWSHIP MEETING next Sunday, April 13 after worship service
CALL TO THE CROSS
What wondrous love is this, O my soul?
Love that bears the weight of our sin and sorrow.
Christ has taken our burden upon himself.
He walks the road of suffering for our sake.
In his wounds, we find healing.
In his sacrifice, we find redemption.
How can we repay such boundless grace?
We lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving!
*OPENING HYMN #85 (blue) “What Wondrous Love Is This”
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the heavy cross for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the heavy cross for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing!
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on!
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of grace and love, we confess that, too often, we do not reflect your love. We wander in our own way, we withhold grace, we struggle to welcome the lost, we fail to rejoice when the broken are made whole. Teach us to live as people of reconciliation, so that we may share your abundant grace with all who are lost and longing to come home. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. 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 SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 32: 1-5, 10-11 (responsive)
1Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
5Then 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.
10Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;
19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them,
and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
GOSPEL READING and SPECIAL MUSIC “Lead Me Back” ~ Words and music by Pepper Choplin
Based on Luke 15: 11b-32
A certain man had two sons: and one said to his father, “give me my share of the estate.” So he divided his property between them. And not many days after, the son took a journey into a country, and there wasted his wealth with wild living.
And when he had spent it all, there was a mighty famine in the land; and he began to be in want. When he came to his senses, he said,“How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will arise and go to my father, and say “Father I have sinned against heaven, and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of thy hired servants.”
CHOIR:
Lead me back to my home, I have wandered far away.
I’ve been gone for far too long. Will You welcome me today?
Lead me back to my home, I have wandered far away.
I’ve been gone for far too long. Will You welcome me today?
Is it possible You can hear me after the way I turned from You?
Is it possible that You’re near me, that You never went away,
And You’ll lead me back today?
The life I spent, the days I lost, I have lived them all in vain.
Now I hold nothing to show but a heart that is full of pain.
READING RESUMES
And he arose, and came to his father.
But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him “Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no more worthy to be called your son.”
But the father said to his servants,
“Quick! Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found”
CHOIR:
Lord, I know that You will hear me although I turned away from You.
Lord, I see that You were near me, and You never went away,
And You call me back today.
Lead me back to my home, I have wandered far away.
I’ve been gone for far too long. Will You welcome me today?
Now I come to You today.
SERMON Stories of Jesus- the Prodigal Son
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- APOSTLES’ CREED (Modern Version)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
SERVICE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
HYMN #513 (blue) “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Let us break bread together on our knees;
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees;
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
Let us praise God together on our knees;
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you And also with you
Lift up your hearts We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…We lift our voices to sing:
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.
… That we may be ministers of reconciliation in Your world.
As we break bread together, may our eyes be opened to see your glory. As we lift the cup of salvation, may we be strengthened to follow your Way.
We pray all this as Jesus taught us to pray…
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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND BREAKING OF THE BREAD
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
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 #391 (blue) “Take My Life”
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless 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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Herzlich tut mich verlangen, Johannes Brahms