| March 9, 2025
† 11:00AM First Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand |
Christ in the Wilderness Trust This Love |
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GATHERING |
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GATHERING SONG Seek Ye First
Verse 1:
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you; Allelu, alleluia
Verse 2:
Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God; Allelu, alleluia
Verse 3:
Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you; Allelu, alleluia
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus began his ministry to the world,
led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
As we begin our Lenten journey,
may God’s spirit lead us;
even into the uncomfortable places.
In those forty days, and in that place,
Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt
and temptation.
As we seek to follow Jesus,
may God’s spirit lead us,
even into the uncomfortable choices.
Jesus left the wilderness,
faithful and obedient to God,
rejoicing in the One in whom he trusted.
As we continue on our path of faith,
may God’s spirit lead us,
rejoicing in God’s love.
CONGREGATION SONG Lord You Have My Heart
Verse:
Lord You have my heart, and I will search for Yours; Jesus take my life and lead me on
Lord You have my heart and I will search for Yours; let me be to You a sacrifice.
Chorus:
And I will praise You Lord, and I will sing of love come down
And as You show Your face, we’ll see your glory here
(verse)
(chorus)
We’ll see Your glory here!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song
FIRST READING Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The annual harvest festival, called the Feast of Weeks, provides the setting for this reading. This festival celebrates the first fruits of the produce of the land offered back to God in thanks. In this text, worshipers announce God’s gracious acts on behalf of Israel.
A reading from Deuteronomy.
1 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, 2 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. 3 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.” 4 When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, 5 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. 6 When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, 7 we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 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; 9 and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 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. 11 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.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Jess
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go to the Fellowship Hall for a story and craft. Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL Luke 4:1-13
After being filled with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, Jesus is led in the wilderness. Through his responses to the temptations of the devil, he defines what it means to be called “the Son of God.”
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 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. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 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. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”
8 Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’ ”
9 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, 10 for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’
11 and on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jess
CONGREGATION SONG When We Are Tested ACS 922
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Hear My Prayer
Hear my prayer O Lord, from the ends of the earth I cry
Your peace will lead me to the Rock that is higher than I
Led by the Spirit, let us turn to God in prayer for the church, the world, and all those in need.
Gracious God, speak your word anew among your church. Strengthen it to withstand the temptation to turn inward in fear or complacency. Embolden church institutions to turn from self-preservation toward the self-giving love of Jesus.
Mothering God, speak the word of life into wilderness places and fertile fields. Grant wisdom to your people, that we may quell the urge to strip lands of their resources and instead preserve first fruits for future generations.
Almighty God, speak words of wisdom and accountability to people in power: mayors, councils, and boards, legislators, judges and juries, presidents and monarchs. Help them discern and follow your voice and guidance, resisting temptations of tyranny and the evil one.
Steadfast God, speak words of courage to people in the wilderness. Protect migrants and refugees on perilous journeys, that they find safe refuge and a part in the shared bounty you give humanity. Teach us to welcome and advocate on behalf of those who have no shelter.
Loving God, speak gently to all who are alone. Bless lay ministers, pastoral caregivers, and others who attend to those who are overlooked, vulnerable, or lonely, that all find belonging in your love. We pray for all who are ill or grieving, especially Tate, Michael, Linda, Bill, Lou, Jim, Pat, Nancy, the friends and family of Monty Montgomery, Maddie, Stella, Darlene, Butch Maryann, Michael, Llyod & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Living God, we give thanks for all the faithful who have borne witness to one another’s lives in this community of faith. With our altar flowers today, we celebrate the 62nd wedding anniversary of Bill and Bobbie Hendrick, and the birthdays of Stephen and Silas, son and grandson of Stephanie LeClair. We remember all the saints who have crossed the threshold from death to life. Guide us who are living to learn from their wisdom and example.
Caregiving God, grant your abundant warmth and love through the gift of the prayer shawls we bless today. Guide us to share them with people in need: those who are lonely, uncertain, grieving or ill. Use them to protect your children on difficult or unknown journeys. Bless the members of this community who create these shawls, and let their love and care shine through their work.
Receive the prayers of your people and draw all things together in your love, in the name of Jesus, who leads us from death to life. Amen.
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
As a worship practice for Lent, we are using a different model for confession and forgiveness based on the book Standing Naked Before God: The Art of Public Confession by Rev. Molly Phinney Baskette. This model includes an individual from the congregation sharing a story of confession, a prayer we speak in unison, a minute of silent confession, and an assurance of grace. Today we hear from Bob Frederico.
UNISON PRAYER
Let us pray.
Jesus, you are always with us, seeking us out, inviting us into deeper faith.
But too often, we go our own way.
We insist on going it alone. We stubbornly say that “we are fine.”
We keep our masks on, afraid to reveal our true needs and vulnerabilities to others.
We seek our own desires instead of yours.
We think in our minds that we love you, when our actions show otherwise.
We wind up separated from you, with ears plugged and unable to hear your voice.
We allow the busy-ness of our lives to keep us from growing our love and desire for you.
Forgive us God. Remind us that you have closed the gap between us.
Your invitation to the fullness of grace never goes away.
Open us to the abundance of life that comes through you.
SILENT CONFESSION
During this moment, consider how the story you have heard leads you to see ways you are separated from God. In the silence, bring those ways before God and pray for God to transform them.
ASSURANCE OF GRACE
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
GIFTS Beautiful Things Gungor
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of this bulletin)
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.
PREFACE
SANCTUS Holy, Holy Scholtes
Refrain:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; God of power and might
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; God of power and might
Verse 1:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
(refrain)
Verse 2:
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest!
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Merciful God, you are indeed holy, bringing forth life out of ashes.
You build an expansive table where your children gather, a firm foundation for our home.
To show your loving hope for our broken pieces, you gave your only Son to live among us.
Build your love among us at this table!
We gather for this meal, telling the stories of your Spirit’s movement through generations:
when you made a way out of no way, bringing your people from bondage to freedom;
when you re-built their temple from the rubble of exile;
whenever you call us out of ordinary life and ask us to follow you,
trusting that your grace is more than enough to sustain us along the way.
Build your love among us at this table!
We remember the night before Jesus was betrayed, when he gathered with his friends.
He took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering his life, death, and resurrection that defies death forever,
we watch and wait for Jesus’ presence in our midst, recalling the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Send your Spirit on the bread and cup we share.
Use them to build in us a hunger for justice and a thirst for compassion.
In the foundation of your love, give us courage to live our faith beyond boundaries.
Build your love in us for the sake of the world!
All glory and honor are yours, creator God,
through your Holy Spirit, in the kin-dom you build, now and forever. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
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 and ever. Amen.
OR
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence. We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
When you come forward, the pastor will place bread in your hand. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. You can receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
COMMUNION SONG Then I Will Lauren Daigle
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.
SENDING SONG I Will Call Upon the Lord
Men sing, (Women echo)
Verse:
I will call upon the Lord, (I will call upon the Lord)
Who is worthy to be praised, (Who is worthy to be praised)
So shall I be saved from my enemies, (So shall I be saved from my enemies)
Chorus:
(everybody sing together)
The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock
and let the God of my salvation be exalted
The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock
and let the God of my salvation be exalted
(verse)
(chorus)
Go in peace. Build God’s love!
Thanks be to God.
Thank you to those who helped with worship today:
Worship Assistant Katie Hallett
Ushers Stephanie Leclair
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati, Linda Frederico, Holly Pavlak
Altar Care Holly Pavlak & Stephanie Leclair
Upcoming Commemorations
Harriet Tubman, died 1913; Sojourner Truth, died 1883; renewers of society
Monday, March 10, 2025
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, helped about 300 others to escape slavery until the institution was abolished. Sojourner Truth, whose birth name was Isabella, was freed after slavery was abolished, and discerned a call to be a preacher. Taking the name Sojourner Truth, she set out on an evangelistic journey, where people found her testimony to be deeply moving.
Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, died 604
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Born into wealth and power, Gregory was for a time the chief administrator of the city of Rome. Giving this up for a life in the church, he was elected pope in 590. He influenced public worship through the establishment of a lectionary and prayers to correlate with the readings. Gregorian chant is named in his honor.
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| From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27028. New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. CCLI#1313879. Call to Worship adapted from Thom Shuman’s “Lectionary Liturgies” website: http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/ OneLicense # A-716488 Band led First Sunday in Lent.docx |