Lenten Bells
Opening Prayer 1
Loving Lord, at the beginning of this Lenten season, we are met with the challenge of handing over every bit of our lives that do not come from you. To rid ourselves of what clutters our lives, and all that distracts us from the simple truth of your love for us. If we don't give anything up for Lent, then let us at least give up this: that we might live cease living in ways that disconnect us from you. Help us to be mindful of your presence in new ways. Amen.
Welcome
Introit Blessed Jesus At Thy Word Johann Ahle, Arr. EJH
Call To Worship 2
ONE: As darkness gives way to light and winter sleep to fresh beginnings,
ALL: We come today to be reminded of God's love for us.
ONE: Like the green shoots of renewed life, stirring beneath the soil,
ALL: We welcome an awakening of God's word in our lives.
ONE: In this time of reflection and repentance,
ALL: We affirm our identity, we claim our security, as children of God.
Hymn 386 Come, Worship God
Affirmation of Faith 3
We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention.
We believe in God the Son, Savior of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper.
We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.
Response Hymn 227
Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,
Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.
Sharing the Peace of Christ
ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.
RESPONSE: And also with you.
Response Hymn 482
Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son
Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;
Joyfully now God's praises we sing.
Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Luke 4:1-13
ONE: This is the word of the Lord.
RESPONSE: Thanks be to God.
Anthem How Can It Be Jeff Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Paul Mabury
Sermon Rev. Debra McGuire
Hymn 618 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
Invitation to the Offering
Generous God, you hold nothing back when we call to you. You offer us every good gift for our lives. Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise.
Offertory Be Thou My Vision Trad. Irish, Arr. Mauldin
Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, these offerings we receive today are both material and non-material. Some of our offerings are promises from us to you. Take our offerings in whatever form they are, and turn them into something beautiful for someone in need. Take our offerings and turn them into examples of your love. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. Amen.
Prayers of the People
ONE: Lord in your Mercy,
ALL: Hear our prayers.
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 547 Go, My Children, with My Blessing
Community Charge
Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Postlude You Are My King Billy Foote
1 Patrick Ryan, Pastor at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church Barboursville, West Virginia (adapted)
2 Gill Le Fevre
3 © Dave Hopwood Area 52/Engage Worship
March 9, 2025
Reverend Debra McGuire
Music Director - Jessica Reddell-Popovich
Liturgist - Tamra Hollenbeck