Sunday, March 20, 2022

Today's Worship Service - March 20, 2022 - Third Sunday in Lent

 Click Here for the YouTube for the service.

We had a congregational meeting after worship and I tried to trim the recording down because I forgot to turn of the recording.  Not sure if I trimmed it enough or not - you can either listen to the boring part at the end or just stop watching - lol.

Worship Service for March 20, 2022

Prelude

Announcements:

Call to Worship

L:      O God, we stand on the brink of today; our future is unknown.

P:      Anoint our heads with Your Spirit, that we might know the way.

L:      O God, we stand in this moment of uncertain needs and concerns.

P:      Anoint our hands with Your Spirit, that what we touch, we touch with love.

L:      O God, we stand at this place of comfort and stability.

P:      Anoint our feet with Your Spirit, that wherever we walk, we walk Your walk.

L:      O God, we stand in love and affirmation of You and Your world.

P:      Anoint our bodies, minds, and hearts with Your Spirit, so our worship will be filled with signs of Your presence.

 

Opening Hymn – Near the Cross Hymn #319  (Blue Hymnal)

Prayer of Confession

          God of all seasons, we confess that we would rather live in the glorious days of the past than risk the uncertain outcome of the future.  We would rather leap ahead to the day of resurrection than undergo our share of the sufferings of Christ.  Forgive our zeal for honors and our reluctance to accept either unnoticed service or too-conspicuous suffering, through Jesus Christ, who through humiliation came to exaltation.  (Silent prayers are offered)   AMEN.

Assurance of Pardon

L:      Friends, hear the Good News!  When anyone is united To Christ, there is a new world.

P:      The old world has gone, and a new world has already begun.

L:      Friends, believe this Good News!

P:      In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

 

Gloria Patri

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

 

Choir: Were You There

 

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

          O God, who moves in ways that we can scarcely imagine, come into our worship today.  Hear the prayer of our hearts.  We want to be your people, yet we are often afraid to do those things that might move us closer to you.  Remind us that we each have a part to play in the faith community.  Whether or not we see ourselves as leaders, we DO often discount our own gifts because we don’t think we are smart enough, or strong enough, or articulate enough to serve you.  Yet, as we look to the scriptures and read stories of the faithful, we must admit that you never seem to choose those who might be the most obvious.  Rather, you chose those who were too old, or slow of speech or too young, who those who had a checkered past.  These unlikely candidates carry the banner of your truth into the world.  Remind us that each of us has an important role to play in your kingdom.  Provide us with the spiritual strength to do what we need to do to be kingdom people.

          Lord, in your son Jesus Christ, you have shown us compassion, accepted us unconditionally, and given us a new set of values to embrace.  Help us to live in accordance with your will and aspire to be Christ-like in our relationships.  Guide us in paths that lead to life, to the eternal spring of living water and the peace that only you can give.

          Hear our prayers this morning for a world in need…

For our loved ones and family…

For our church and its needs…

For our community….

For the lost and the helpless…

For the lonely and those who are afraid…

For those who grieve the loss of a loved one….

For conflict in the world….

For our silent prayers….

 

We are united in prayer Lord as we say together…

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.  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 –  What Wondrous Love Is This          Hymn #85/314

Scripture Reading(s): 

First Scripture Reading – Isaiah 55:1-9

Second Scripture Reading – Luke 13:1-9

Sermon     “The Barren Fig Tree”

Offertory -  at Bethesda “Change My Heart, O God”

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, here is our gratitude, for all that you have poured out in blessings upon us.  Let these offerings be a true reflection of our thankfulness and a true measure of our discipleship.  AMEN.

Closing Hymn – O Sacred Head Now Wounded   Hymn #98/316

Benediction

          .

Postlude

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