Worship 02.24.23

TheWorshipofGod

First Sunday of Lent

February 26, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

*We invite you to stand as you are able.

Gathering at God’s Invitation

Welcome AngelaZimmerman

CalltoWorship AngelaZimmerman

For forty days and forty nights our Savior fasted in the wilderness.

Tempted to turn from God, tempted to turn to power and privilege our Savior resisted.

Let us follow Jesus through the wilderness this Lent, examining our temptations, resisting them and returning to God. Let us worship God.

LightingoftheChristCandle

We light the Christ candle as a reminder that Christ is the one who has drawn us to this place, abides with us now, and is with us to the end of the age.

Prelude Lord, I want to Be a Christian AmericanFolkHymn arr.CindyBerry

LifeoftheCommunity JohnScott

Offering Ourselves to God

*Hymn#183 In the Cross of Christ I Glory RATHBUN,alt.

Scripture Genesis2:15-17;3:1-7 JohnScott

The Word of God for the People of God

Thanks Be to God.

PrayerofConfession

AngelaZimmerman

Gracious God, as we wander through this wilderness with Jesus, Examining all the worldly comforts we turn to during times of stress and struggle,

We confess the neglect of our faith. We confess all that we place above you, Making idols of money, earthly power, and even food.

Empty us this Lent, Holy God.

Guide us in our spiritual practices so that we can leave this wilderness season more aware of your presence

And the ways our faith can sustain us. Amen.

AssuranceofPardon

*Hymn#186

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross HAMBURG

GivingourTithesandOfferings

OffertoryPrayer

Offertory Shine, Jesus, Shine

*Doxology(Hymn#706)

WilliamFain

SHINE

GrahamKendrick arr.TomFettke,1989

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Listening to God

TheChurchatPrayer&TheLord’sPrayer

AngelaZimmerman

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Anthem Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

JohannSebastianBach ChoiraccompaniedbyFernKanode

*ScriptureReading

Matthew4:1-11

AngelaZimmerman

For the Word of God in Scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us.

Thanks be to God

Sermon “TheWildernessJourney”

Responding to God’s Word

DisciplineofSilence

AngelaZimmerman

To be in God’s presence is to be changed. During this moment of silent reflection, consider the change God wishes to make in you.

*Hymn#629

Be Strong in the Lord

If you sense God calling you today, we invite you to respond during this time of invitation. If God is calling you to follow Jesus for the first time, to rededicate yourself as a Christ-follower, or as a faithful Christian, to join the fellowship of our church, we encourage you to come forward to speak to our pastor during this closing hymn.

Sending Into God’s World

Benediction

AngelaZimmerman

Amen.

Postlude

Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

JohannG.Werner arr.CindyBerry

(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)

Even when we have lost our way, God calls us back, Guiding us, Restoring us, Cleansing us, Rebuilding us.

Go forth in God’s love and peace.