John Calvin Presbyterian Church

 

 

 

Hymn [Blue#381 , GTG#416] O Come Unto the Lord 

CALL TO REPENTANCE

Prayer of the Confession:

Merciful Creator,

PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD

GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Homily “More Than an Organ” Elder Briana Mayfield

Response Hymn [Blue#81 , GTG#166] Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days

Journey to the Cross

*The Colors of the Sanctuary are Changed for the Season 

Invitation to Observe a HOLY LENT

Beloved people of God: 

Every year at the time of the Christian Passover we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for that celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery.  We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness  proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of the ashes. This ancient sign speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life, and marks the penitence of this community. I invite you therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent by self examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by works of love, and by meditating on God’s word.

Meditation and Private Prayer. 

Music will be played softly in the background. It is recommended that you read Psalm 51 during this time of reflection and soul searching.

IMPOSITION of ASHES

One:  Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. May these ashes be for us a sign of our mortality and penitence, for it is only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

People are invited to come forward to receive the imposition of ashes. A worship leader marks the forehead of each person with the ashes, using the following words: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19)”

After all who desire ashes have received them, the confession concludes with the following words:

One: Accomplish in us, O God, the work of your salvation,

Many: that we may show forth your glory in the world.

One: By the cross and the passion of our Savior,

Many: bring us with all your saints to the joy of Christ’s resurrection. 

Hymn [Blue#298 , GTG#435] There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

Responsive Prayer      2 Corinthians 5:20-21; 6:1-2

One: So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 

Many: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

One: As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 

Many: For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

CHARGE and BENEDICTION

Those assembled are invited to leave in contemplative silence. 

Service Leader: Elder Briana Mayfield

Pianist/Organist: Randy Martono-Chai

STAFF

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