John Calvin Presbyterian Church

O brother sun with golden beam, O sister moon with silver gleam, sing praises! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2 O brother wind with clouds and rain, you nurture gifts of fruit and grain. Alleluia! Alleluia!

O sister water, flowing clear, make music for your Lord to hear.

Sing praises! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3 O brother fire, so warm and bright, chase off the shadows of the night. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day unfolds such blessings on our way, sing praises! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

4 All who for love of God forgive, all who in pain or sorrow grieve, Alleluia! Alleluia!

Christ bears your burdens and your fears; so, even in the midst of tears, sing praises! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5 And you, most gentle sister death, waiting to hush our final breath: Alleluia! Alleluia! Since Christ our light has pierced your gloom, fair is the night that leads us home. Sing praises! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 O sisters, brothers, take your part, and worship God with humble heart. Alleluia! Alleluia!

All creatures, bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! Sing praises! Alleluia!

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENT READING   “Coins” Matthew 26:14-16           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 19:7

ONE: The law of the Lord revives the soul;

MANY: the word of God makes the simple wise.   

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Eternal God, 

your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, that we may become instruments of your saving love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#293][GTG#370] This is My Father’s World 

1 This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears

all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, his hand the wonders wrought.

2 This is my Father’s world. O, let me ne’er forget

that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world. The battle is not done:

Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious Lord, 

our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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 WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.

I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites;

I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord,

singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.

Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty,

those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.

But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.

My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.

2nd  SCRIPTURE             Luke 6:43-45; 13:6-9 

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”      

                      

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “Does a Figgy Pudding have figs in it?”  CP Ford Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY    Take My Life and Let It Be

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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  [Blue#298][GTG#435] There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

1 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea. There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty. There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven. There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

2 For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind. And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word, and our lives reflect thanksgiving

for the goodness of our Lord.

PARTING PRAYER   *John Calvin’s Prayer

Almighty and gracious God,  

Since our whole salvation stands in our knowledge of your holy word, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that our hearts may be freed from the chains of sin, so that we may hear and receive your word, recognizing your gracious will for us. Teach us by scripture to love and serve you with delight, praising and glorifying you in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#421][GTG#320] The Church of Christ in Every Age Verse 3.

3 Then let the servant church arise,

a caring church that longs to be

a partner in Christ’s sacrifice,

and clothed in Christ’s humanity

 POSTLUDE   Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee                             

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

full of pity, love, and power.

Refrain:

I will arise and go to Jesus; he will embrace me in his arms.

In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

2 Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome; God’s free bounty glorify, true belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh. [Refrain]

3 Come, ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; if you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all. [Refrain]

4 Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream; all the fitness he requireth is to feel your need of him. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENT READING   “The Rooster” Mark 14:29-31, 66-72           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Mark 8:34

ONE: Jesus calls us to be his disciples.

MANY: We take up the cross to follow him.    

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, 

whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: Give us faith to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; through our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#488][GTG#49] The God of Abraham Praise

1 The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above,

the Ancient of Eternal Days, the God of love! The Lord, the great I AM, by earth and heaven confessed, we bow before your holy name, forever blest.

2 Your spirit still flows free, high surging where it will. In prophet’s word you spoke of old and you speak still.

Established is your law, and changeless it shall stand,

deep writ upon the human heart by your strong hand.

3 Your goodly land we seek, with peace and plenty blest, a land of sacred liberty and Sabbath rest.

There milk and honey flow, and oil and wine abound,

and trees of life forever grow with mercy crowned.

4 You have eternal life implanted in the soul; your love shall be our strength and stay, while ages roll.

We praise you, living God! We praise your holy name:

the first, the last, beyond all thought, and still the same!

        

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, 

in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, 

and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, 

confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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 WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,

2nd  SCRIPTURE   Luke 13:31-35    

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”         

                      

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “Our Worst Nightmares”  Rev. Dr. Martha Robson

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 [GTG#357] The Days Are Surely Coming

1 The days are surely coming, says God to all the earth,

when you will see my promise: salvation come to birth. My righteousness and justice will spread throughout the land and you will be delivered by my almighty hand.

2 The days are surely coming, says Christ, the promised one, when you will read my warning in moon and stars and sun. Though earth and heaven tremble, stand up and do not fear, for I am your redeemer, and I am drawing near.

3 The days are surely coming when we will know at last the fullness of God’s presence, God’s promise, come to pass. Then righteousness and justice will spread throughout the land and we will be delivered

by God’s almighty hand.

PARTING PRAYER   

Living God,

by the power of your Spirit, help us to hear your holy word that we may truly understand; that, understanding, we may believe; and believing, we may follow in faithfulness and obedience, seeking your honor and glory in all that we do; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#75][GTG#543] God, Be the Love 

to Search and Keep Me.  

1 God, be the love to search and keep me;

God, be the prayer to move my voice;

 God, be the strength to now uphold me:

O Christ, surround me;

O Christ, surround me.

 POSTLUDE                                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

Your Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin. Give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our redeemer, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#][GTG#43] You Who Dwell in the

Shelter of the Lord  

1. You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in his shadow for life, say to the Lord, “My refuge,

my rock in whom I trust!”

Refrain:

And he will raise you up on eagles’ wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.

2. The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear: under his wings, your refuge, his faithfulness your shield. Refrain

3. You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. Refrain

4. For to his angels he’s given a command to guard you in all 

of your ways; Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Refrain

        

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, 

You sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579] [GTG581]     

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 WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Deut. 26:1–11

When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.

2nd  SCRIPTURE     Luke 4:1–13   

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “Bad Idea!”  Rev. Dr. Martha Robson

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s 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.

OFFERTORY 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: 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.

ONE: … Great is the mystery of faith:

MANY: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again…

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

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

HYMN [Blue #][GTG#165] The Glory of These Forty Days

1 The glory of these forty days we celebrate with songs of praise; for Christ, by whom all things were made,

himself has fasted and has prayed.

2 Alone and fasting Moses saw the loving God who gave the law; and to Elijah, fasting, came

the steeds and chariots of flame.

3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight, delivered from the lions’ might; and John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became

the herald of Messiah’s name.

4 Then grant that we like them be true, consumed in fast and prayer with you; our spirits strengthen with your grace, and give us joy to see your face.

PARTING PRAYER   

Lord Most Holy, 

We praise you that you look upon our frail lives with love and understanding, and that you desire for us all new life in Jesus Christ. We are overwhelmed by your love, which goes to the cross for us, endures the grave, 

and leads us to new life. By your Spirit, strengthen our souls to be brave and bold in Christ’s service. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#][GTG#227] Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE                                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

 

 

 

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

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in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah; and in the voice from the cloud you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us, with Christ, heirs of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

HYMN [Blue#280][GTG#649] Amazing Grace 

1 Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, 

but now I see.

2 ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that  grace appear

the hour I first believed!

3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

4 The Lord has promised good to me; his word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

5 When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days  to sing God’s praise

than when we’d first begun.

        

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of compassion,

in Jesus Christ you reveal the light of your glory, but we turn away, distracted by our own plans. We confess that we speak when we should listen, and act when we should wait. Forgive our aimless enthusiasms. Grant us wisdom to live in your light and to follow in the way of your beloved Son,

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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 WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Exodus 34: 29-35

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

2nd  SCRIPTURE     Luke 9:28-36    

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “Bright Shining as the Sun”  CP Ford Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 [Blue #411][GTG#744] Arise, Your Light is Come

1 Arise, your light is come! The Spirit’s call obey;

show forth the glory of your God, which shines on you today.

2 Arise, your light is come! Fling wide the prison door;

proclaim the captives’ liberty, good tidings to the poor.

3 Arise, your light is come!All you in sorrow born,

bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn.

4 Arise, your light is come! The mountains burst in song!

Rise up like eagles on the wing; God’s power will make us strong

PARTING PRAYER   

Holy One, as you are well pleased with Christ,

help us to live in a way that will be pleasing to you.

As you have called us to listen to Christ, help us to always heed his word and seek his will. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#75][GTG#189] O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair

4. With shining face and bright array

Christ deigns to manifest today

what glory shall be theirs above

POSTLUDE                                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

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1. You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in his shadow for life, say to the Lord, “My refuge,

my rock in whom I trust!”

Refrain:

And he will raise you up on eagles’ wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.

2. The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear: under his wings, your refuge, his faithfulness your shield. Refrain

3. You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. Refrain

4. For to his angels he’s given a command to guard you in all 

of your ways; Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Refrain

        

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful Lord,

you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need,

wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Christ our redeemer.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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 WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil. For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

2nd  SCRIPTURE     Luke 6:27-38     

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “Trust in the Lord and Do Good”  CP Ford Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  Trust & Obey  arr. D.B. Towner

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 [Blue #357][GTG#738] O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

1 O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free; tell me thy secret; help me bear

the strain of toil, the fret of care.

2 Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the wayward feet to stay,

and guide them in the homeward way.

3 Teach me thy patience, still with thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

in trust that triumphs over wrong.

4 In hope that sends a shining ray far down the future’s broadening way; in peace that only thou canst give,

with thee, O Master, let me live.

PARTING PRAYER   

Living God,

by the power of your Spirit, help us to hear your holy word that we may truly understand; that, understanding, we may believe; and believing, we may follow in faithfulness and obedience, seeking your honor and glory in all that we do; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#][GTG#406] We Are Standing on Holy Ground

We are standing on holy ground, 

and I know that there are angels all around; 

let us praise Jesus now;

We are standing in his presence on holy ground.

POSTLUDE   I Can Do All Things (Through Christ Who Strengthens Me) by Marilyn Woolf                                

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

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