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3rd Sunday of Easter 4/26/20

Saint Peter, Preaching the gospel in the Catacombs, Jan Styka, 1902

Prelude

Abide With Me (1, 2, 4, 5)

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Opening Prayer

We enter Your presence with praise, O God. We come before You with thanksgiving because we have much for which we should be thankful. Life in Christ saves us, redeems us and re-makes us. We offer You our thanks and praise as we seek Your guidance and strength. Hear us as we pray in the name of Your beloved Son, Amen

Confession

The grace of God overflows for us through Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.

Lord, we confess that we want to shy away from difficulties. Help us to grow through challenges, to learn what You want us to learn, and move forward to be better witnesses of Your love.

Assurance of Pardon

Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone. A new life has begun! Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Amen.

Prayer before sharing the word of God

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit that as the Scriptures are read and Your word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen. Hear the Word of the Lord —

Scripture

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.

36 Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah,[a] this Jesus whom you crucified.”

The First Converts

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers,[b] what should we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Luke 24:13-35

The Walk to Emmaus

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Message

Easter Rising Crisis — Reverend Tom Martin

Affirmation of Faith

This is the good news which we received, in which we stand and by which we are saved: That Christ died for our sake according to the Scriptures, That He was buried, that He was raised on the third day, And that He appeared first to the women, Then to Peter and the Twelve, And then to many faithful witnesses.

We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Lord, You offer freedom and hope. You break chains that try to bind us and open our eyes to new possibilities. Help us to care for our neighbors, to cross any lines of hostility and find reconciliation and peace. We pray that what we do will be worthy of Your covenant that Christ sealed on the cross. Kindle us anew with the flame of Your desires. Make us brave to speak when we should speak and be quiet when that is the best way to proclaim what new life in You means. Refresh us with Your Spirit and resolve all the sick and hurting needs we pray for. . .

Think of joys and concerns at this time

Incline Thine ear to us and grant us Thy peace as we pray 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 our sins as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Deliver us from evil because Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Amen.

Response: Lord, in Your mercy: hear our prayer.

Hymn of Sending

O Christ Surround Me

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

Walking behind to hem my journey Going ahead to light my way And from beneath, above, and all ways

O Christ, surround me

Christ in the eyes of all who see me Christ in the ears who hear my voice Christ in the hearts of all who know me

O Christ, surround me

Blessing and Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage. Hold fast to what is good. Return to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the suffering. Honor all persons and all creation. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And may the love of God, the Light of Christ, and the power and communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! (Romans 12: 17-21)

This we pray through the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

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2nd Sunday of Easter Bulletin 4/19/20

“Doubting Thomas”, Caravaggio

Prelude

How Firm A Foundation #463 verses 1,2 and 4

1 How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word! What more can be said than to you God hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2 "Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed; for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4 "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

Opening Prayer

Lord, thank you for keeping us together in 2020. Even though we cannot gather inside the walls of the church house, we thank you for technology and for the power to stay connected and determined to do Your will. Be with this morning as we try to worship You in Spirit and truth we pray, and we will give You all the glory for whatever comes before us and thanks for whatever lies behind us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Opening Sentences

Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us. (John 20: 19, 21) Peace be with you. The risen Lord is here.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty and eternal God, The strength of those who believe And the hope of those who doubt, May we, who have not seen, Have faith and receive The fullness of Christ’s blessing, Who is alive and reigns with You In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Confession and Pardon

The grace of God overflows for us through Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole hearts. In Your mercy, forgive what we have been, amend what we are and direct what we shall be, that we delight in Your way and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name.

Assurance of Pardon

Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone. A new life has begun! Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Amen.

Hymn of Praise

Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks # 240 verses 1,2 and 4

Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord, Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.

Jesus is Lord of all the earth. He is the King of creation. Refrain.

Spread the good news o’er all the earth. Jesus has died and has risen. Refrain.

Come, let us praise the living God, Joyfully sing to our Savior. Refrain.

Prayer before sharing the word of God

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit that as the Scriptures are read and Your word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.

Hear the Word of the Lord

Scripture

Psalm 16

Song of Trust and Security in God: A Miktam of David.

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”[a]

3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.

4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;[b] their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit.

11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

John 20: 19-31

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Jesus and Thomas

24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin[a]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

The Purpose of This Book

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah,[c] the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Message

Now what’s up? — Reverend Theresa Martin

Affirmation of Faith

As it says in John 3:16

We believe that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Thanks be to God!

Prayers of the People

Response: Lord, in Your mercy: hear our prayer. Join together in The Lord’s Prayer

[After prayers of thanksgiving and intercession]

You have shown us Your glory, O God, In raising Jesus from the dead.

Raise us to new life in Him, And empower us to serve You.

May Your words be in our mouths,

Your strength in our arms,

And Your love in our hearts,

That we may be worthy disciples of Jesus Christ the living Lord. Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, The world and those who live in it. Let’s pray:

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.

Through Your goodness we are blessed. Use us Lord -- all we are and all we have to Your glory; through the One who gave Himself for us, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Hymn of Sending

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine! #839

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Refrain This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Refrain

Blessing and Charge

Live each day in peace. Have courage. Hold onto what is good. Return to no one evil for evil. Support the weak. Help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Easter Sunday Bulletin 4/12/2020

The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the Morning of the Resurrection, Eugène Burnand 1898

Prelude

“This Easter Celebration” to the tune of The Church’s One Foundation

This Easter celebration is not like ones we've known. We pray in isolation, we sing the hymns alone. We're distant from our neighbors — from worship leaders, too. No flowers grace the chancel to set a festive mood. No gathered choirs are singing; no banners lead the way.

O God of love and promise, where's joy this Easter Day? With sanctuaries empty, may homes become the place we ponder resurrection and celebrate your grace. Our joy won't come from worship that's in a crowded room but from the news of women who saw the empty tomb.

Our joy comes from disciples who ran with haste to see — who heard that Christ is risen, and then, by grace, believed. In all the grief and suffering, may we remember well: Christ suffered crucifixion and faced the powers of hell. Each Easter bears the promise: Christ rose that glorious day!

Now nothing in creation can keep your love away. We thank you that on Easter, your church is blessed to be a scattered, faithful body that's doing ministry. In homes and in the places of help and healing, too, we live the Easter message by gladly serving you.

Opening Sentences

Do not be afraid: Jesus is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! This is the good news by which we are saved: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! The crucified One is risen from the dead. We are witnesses: Christ is risen indeed!

Litany for Easter

Jesus came to deliver us and set us free from anything that holds us back from wholehearted service. From chaos and destruction to construction; from vanity and pride, from oppression and our own selfish ways –

Lord of life, deliver us.

From the valley of dry bones and the furnace of blazing fire, experiences like those of Ezekiel and Daniel,

O Lord of life, deliver us.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

This is the good news we have received:

Christ came and lived, died and rose again to show us possibilities for the future!

Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

Prayers of the People

God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for He is alive and the Lord of life. Increase in us the risen life we can share with Christ and help us to grow as Your people, through Your power – in unity with You, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Light candle as a symbol that we pray for the Lord to illuminate His work for us again this day.

Prayer before Scripture

Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of Your risen Word. Light up our hearts by Your Holy Spirit so that we proclaim the Good News of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture John 20: 1-18

The Resurrection of Jesus 20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[b] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Message Our Hope and Joy by Pastor Tom

After the message:

Blessed be the Lord, who has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Affirmation of Faith

I Cor. 15:1-6; Mark 16: 1-9; Matthew 16:16; Rev. 22:13; John 20: 28 This is the good news which we received, in which we stand and by which we are saved: That Christ died for our sake according to the Scriptures, That He was buried, that He was raised on the third day, And that He appeared first to the women, Then to Peter and the Twelve, And then to many faithful witnesses. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Draw near to God, who is good, whose faithful love endures forever. Let us pray to the Lord, our Savior.

God of salvation, hear us as we come to You.

Thank you Lord for Your grace and mercy toward Your children. Thank you for Your power to heal and save. We are grateful beyond words. Holy God, we pray for:

Those who are sick and suffering.

Lord, hear our prayers.

Holy God, we pray for: Those who grieve loss of loved ones, Medical personnel and others who work to help and heal, Anyone suffering abuse or discrimination. Those whose livelihood is threatened by business closures. Families learning to live, work and learn together in close quarters Those who have no homes and those who are not safe in their homes. Those who struggle with isolation, loneliness or addiction. Churches seeking to implement new faithful forms of ministry. Wisdom for all those in leadership that You would control every decision and action.

Lord, hear our prayers.

Gracious God, keep us strong, working and praying for the coming of Your holy realm of peace, when we will share abundant life with You; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. AMEN.

Together we pray the perfect prayer that Your Son taught us:

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 our sins as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Deliver us from evil because Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Amen.

The Offering

Deposit in envelopes if you wish and mail to church at 300 Grand Ave., Fort Payne, AL 35967. Easter Sunday is the Sunday we also give a special offering for the One Great Hour of Sharing. Holy Week is when we traditionally take up special love offering for Christian Cares at P.O. Box 681311, 35968, Please remember and honor these opportunities to give of your time, talents and treasures.

Acts 2: 44-46 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds[a] to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home[b] and ate their food with glad and generous[c] hearts,

In the spirit of the first believers, we are called to share our goods in common and contribute to the needs of the poor with glad and generous hearts.

Let us offer our lives to the Lord.

Great Thanksgiving

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 our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy to give God thanks and praise.

Eternal God, creator and ruler of the universe, we praise You that Your glory has dawned on us, and brought us into this Resurrection Day 2020.

We rejoice that the grave could not hold Your Son, that He conquered death, rose to rule over all powers of the earth. We praise You that Jesus Christ summons us to new life, to follow Him with gladness. By Your Spirit, lift us from doubt and despair, and set our feet in Christ’s holy way so that our lives are signs of His life, and all we have may be signs of His life and all we have show Your love. Praise, glory and thanksgiving to You, our God, forever and ever. Amen.

Therefore we praise You, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of Your name.

Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come again.

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!

Blessing and Charge

May the steadfast love of the Lord be yours, this day and forever. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Do not be afraid.

Share the good news that Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Amen!

Thanks be to God!

This Easter Celebration

AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation")

Tune: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864 ("The Church's One Foundation") (MIDI) Text: Copyright © 2020 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Email: [email protected] New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/

This new hymn is a prayer to be used in Easter 2020 worship services, while most churches are closed and people are remaining in their homes because of the pandemic. It can be used for online worship or in online written communications from a church to its members. Permission is given for free use.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save: Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied – For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine – Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand: Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

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Palm Sunday Bulletin for 4/5/2020

The King Is Coming, Graham Braddock 2013

In order to be prepared before we begin worship this Palm Sunday, it would be helpful to have soap and a bowl of water handy for hand washing AND some bread and a drink for communion.

The following comes from North Alabama Presbytery Stated Clerk, Reverend Christie Ashton -As part of worship this week, we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper (Communion) together! How... does that work from home? Well, we’re asking you to each have elements ready and available during our Sunday morning worship service – they can be actual bread and wine/juice or the closest approximation you have on hand (animal crackers and water work!). When it’s time for that portion of the service, Tom and Theresa will lead us in preparation and prayer and you will be invited to partake of your elements at the appropriate time together “virtually”. Whenever and however we gather for Communion, we believe that the power of the Holy Spirit unites us and lifts us into the presence of Christ, so even though we cannot be together in person, we are always together in the Spirit with Christians in every time and place. Likewise, while the bread and wine are important symbols that remind us of Christ’s body and blood, when Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Last Supper, they shared in an ordinary meal together - it is Christ's love and sacrifice that makes the Sacrament holy, not the particular food consumed. So even though we’ll be celebrating the Lord’s Supper a little differently during this time, the meaning and power of the Sacrament remains the same. In fact, being “re-membered” into the Body of Christ even while apart may be the most powerful act of hope we can witness to during this time. We look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday."

Prelude

“The King is Coming” (see below for lyrics & video links)

OPENING PRAYER

Everlasting God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son to live on earth, and to suffer death upon the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Take your soap and start to lather

Today Lord, we remember that this world is Your own – a world that is full of mystery held in Your hands.

As you rub your hands together

For those whose world has fallen apart who wring their hands in pain, We pray that they know Your peace and be strengthened to lift their heads up again.

As you rub the backs of your hands

For those who work behind the scenes, who seek and test a cure, we pray for them Your wisdom that they find the right ways.

As you work each finger and nails

Thumb – for family and friends, we ask Your care and that they feel Your overwhelming love.

Pointer finger – for those who work with the sick, protect them Lord we pray.

Middle – for those who lead, wherever they are, Lord, we ask Your wisdom.

Ring – that we would keep our hearts true to you Lord.

Pinkie – For children Lord, give them resilience and patience.

Nails – our nails remind us Lord that You know our pain.

Rinse hands:

And as we wash the soap away, we pray You will take away our fear and remind us again that You always hold us near and dear to You. Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE

“Crown Him with Many Crowns” (see below for lyrics & video links)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Patient God, we confess that we people usually love a parade. We are happy to see palms waving and hear shouts of praise. But we fail to recognize sadness on the face of the Savior; our shouts block out his sorrow. He comes to us as King, and we expect that royal treatment will follow. We do not expect that difficulties will come our way and will tempt us to be fearful. Yet when we confess our sin, you forgive us and call us to turn our lives around so that we see the needs of others, reach out in trust and faith and are willing to witness to your good news of saving love. Heal our hearts and give us courage. We ask this in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Though we may fall short, God reaches out to us in loving forgiveness. God is with us, celebrating this day and moving us closer to the cross of Christ. For the time of salvation is coming nearer and nearer. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 21: 1-11

21 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.[a]” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

MESSAGE

Hosanna!

Affirmation of Faith - Lenten Creed

We believe that our lives are held within the encircling love of God. We believe in the birthing, renewing, enabling spirit of God. We believe that God is in the arid desert as well as in green pastures, and that hard times and discipline may also be loving gifts.

We believe that our journey has a purpose and a destination, and that our path leads to ways of glorifying God.

We believe that as the church we are fellow pilgrims on the road, and that we are called to love one another as God loves us.

This is our faith and hope. Amen

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

GREAT THANKSGIVING

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 our thanks and praise

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS

Please feel free to serve your own elements at home.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION AND LORD’S PRAYER

Hymn after Communion

“Amazing Grace” 91st verse only)

CHARGE AND BLESSING

Peace, be still. Stay calm and carry on with faith and hope in God. God go before you to lead you, God go behind you to protect you, God go beneath you to support you, God go beside you to befriend you.

Do not be afraid.

May the blessing of God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, be upon us.

Do not be afraid.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Amen.

Our sung blessing

God be with you ‘til we meet again. By His counsels guide, uphold you. With his sheep securely fold you. God be with you ‘til we meet again.

LYRICS

“The King is Coming” (Bill Gaither)

The marketplace is empty, no more traffic in the street All the builder's tools are silent, no more time to harvest wheat Busy housewives cease their labor, in the courtroom no debate Work on earth has been suspended as the King comes through the gate

Happy faces line the hallway, those whose lives have been redeemed Broken homes He has mended, those from prison He has freed Little children and the aged hand in hand stand all a-glow Who were crippled, broken, ruined, clad in garments white as snow

Chorus: The King is coming, the King is coming I just heard the trumpet sounding and soon His face I'll see The King is coming, the King is coming

Praise God, He's coming for me I can hear the chariots rumble, I can see the marching throng And the flurry of God's trumpet spells the end of sin and wrong Regal robes are now unfolded, heaven's grandstands all in place Heaven's choir is now assembled, start to sing "Amazing Grace"

Chorus: The King is coming, the King is coming I just heard the trumpet sounding and soon His face I'll see The King is coming, the King is coming Praise God, He's coming for me

“Crown Him with Many Crowns” (Norton Hall Band)

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne; Hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own! Awake, my soul and sing of him who died for thee, And hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of life who triumphed o'er the grave, And rose victorious in the strife for those he came to save; His glories now we sing who died, and rose on high. Who died, eternal life to bring and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of Heav’n, enthroned in worlds above, Crown Him the king to whom is giv’n the wondrous name of Love. Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall; Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is king of all.

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Sunday Bulletin for 3/29/20

The raising of Lazarus (after Rembrandt), Vincent van Gogh, 1890

Call to Worship - Lent

Lift up your voice and call out to God. We cry out, believing that God hears us. Come together and wait for God. We come together, trusting that God is still speaking. Surely God’s presence is here with us now. We wait in hope and faith, trust in God’s steadfast love to lift and fill our hearts. We celebrate the power of God that restores us.

Invocation - Lent

Holy God, Creator of Life, you call us out of our dark places, offering us the grace of new life. When we see only dry bones and wonder what’s next, you surprise us with the breath of your spirit. When You push us out of our regular /routines, we pray with faith that You fill us continually with your spirit of abundant life, one full of compassion and peace.

In the name of Jesus, your Anointed One, we pray. Amen.

MESSAGE

Ezekiel 37: 1-14

The Valley of Dry Bones

7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath:[c] Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath,[d] and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

John 11:1-45

The Death of Lazarus

11 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus,[a] “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus[b] was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11 After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Thomas, who was called the Twin,[c] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Jesus the Resurrection and the Life

17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus[d] had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles[e] away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[f] Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah,[g] the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

Jesus Weeps

28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life

38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

We Are An Offering - sung by Chris Christian

We lift our voices. We lift our hands. We lift our lives up to You. We are an offering.

Lord, use our voices. Lord, use our hands. Lord, use our lives. They are Yours.

We are an offering. All that we have. All that we are, All that we hope to be, We give to You. We give to You.

We lift our voices. We lift our hands. We lift our lives up to You. We are an offering. We are an offering.

Affirmation of Faith - Lenten Creed

We believe that our lives are held within the encircling love of God.

We believe in the birthing, renewing, enabling spirit of God.

We believe that God is in the arid desert as well as in green pastures,

and that hard times and discipline may also be loving gifts.

We believe that our journey has a purpose and a destination,

and that our path leads to ways of glorifying God.

We believe that as the church we are fellow pilgrims on the road,

and that we are called to love one another as God loves us.

This is our faith and hope. Amen

CHARGE AND BLESSING

Peace, be still. Stay calm and carry on with faith and hope in God.

God go before you to lead you,

God go behind you to protect you,

God go beneath you to support you,

God go beside you to befriend you.

Do not be afraid.

May the blessing of God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, be upon us.

Do not be afraid.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Amen.

Our sung blessing

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L.A.F. Tuesday Prayers 3-23-2020

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit or ignore prophecies. Examine everything carefully. Hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil. – I Thessalonians 5:16-22

The Call to Prayer from Psalm 130

From a sea of troubles I call out to Lord.

We are thankful that You forgive us when we confess our sins.

Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast & trustworthy love and great power to redeem.

I wait for the Lord. My soul waits. And in the Word of the Lord I trust expecting good things.

Our God is mighty to save! Thanks be to God.

The peace of Christ be with you all.

And also with you. Amen.

Hymns of Joy & Fellowship

Lord of the Dance #157, Spirit of the Living God #288, To God Be The Glory #634 (numbers are from Glory to God hymnal. See videos linked at end of post)

Old Testament Scriptures

Ezekiel 37:1-14

37 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lordand set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath[a] to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath[b] in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath:[c] Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath,[d] and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

Psalm 130

Waiting for Divine Redemption – A Song of Ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!

3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. 8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

The Word of the Lord… Thanks be to God.

New Testament:

Epistle: Romans 8: 6-11

6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit[a] is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit,[b] since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit[c] is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ[d] from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through[e] his Spirit that dwells in you.

Gospel: John 11: 1-45

The Death of Lazarus

Jesus the Resurrection and the Life

Jesus Weeps

Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

The Word of the Lord… Thanks be to God.

Take a minute to be silent and reflect.

Respond and share:

What do you hear in these words of the Lord today? What strikes you? What speaks to you? What have you heard in this passage that you haven’t noticed before? What teaching do you hear? What do you wonder about?

Prayer of Praise

Almighty God, You are merciful and just in the deliverance of Your people. You pull us up when we feel depressed and distressed. You incline Your ear to us as we call upon Your name. Our souls can find rest in You and the promise of Christ’s redeeming love. Lay your loving hand upon us, we pray and draw us out by Your Spirit so that we sing and say praises to You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Share joys and concerns at this time.

A Litany of Confession

Lord, You call us to life in the Spirit yet we seek to satisfy the flesh. We call You gracious yet we practice greed. We praise You with our lips but do not honor You with 100% of our lives. Redeem our slavery to stuff and make us worthy to be called Your holy people.

Prayers of the People

O God, as Jesus released Lazarus from the hands of death, may our ministry give to others the promise of new life. Accept the gifts that we offer to proclaim Your love. Use our talents in ways that will set others free. May the liberating truth of Christ’s gospel be heard anew all over the world. Refresh us with Your Spirit and resolve all the sick and hurting needs we pray for. . .

Incline Thine ear to us and grant us Thy peace as we pray together… [Pray The Lord’s Prayer together]

React: Hymns of Sending

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling #366, Hymn of Promise #250, Just a Closer Walk With Thee #835

Renew Commitment

The Concluding Prayer of the Church especially for today --- and every day

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage. Hold fast to what is good. Return to no one evil for evil.

Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the suffering. Honor all persons and creation.

Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And may the love of God, the Light of Christ, and the power and communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! (Romans 12: 17-21)

This we pray through the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

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Call to Worship:

When the world is dark and full of hate and fear,

When we cannot see God we will turn on the light.

When we cannot find our way back to love and peace we will turn on the light.

When our vision dims due to the darkness within we will turn on the light.

Christ opens our eyes with the gift of sight.

The light of the world is Jesus Christ.

Come and worship the one who brings sight to the blind.

Hallelujah! Praise God, the light of the world!

Opening Prayer:

Gracious God, who created us in God’s own image, we are grateful for all that you have done for us, for all that you are doing in us, and for all that you will do through us. Open our eyes to see your presence among us, moving in powerful ways at all times and in all places. Open our ears to hear familiar words in new ways—ways that will change us and challenge us to become the people you created us to be. Grant us the power and the courage to come out of the darkness and into the light of Jesus Christ that we may serve you by serving others. We love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

Prayer of confession:

Lord, we are afraid. We cannot hold back our pressing and many worries. We know you tell us not to be anxious, but in this tumultuous time, our anxiety mounts and our faith waivers. Forgive us for how much we previously took for granted, the ability to worship in person, the opportunities to embrace one another, the freedom to come and go as we wished. Forgive us, too, for failing to see those all around us who lacked community, longed for touch and were isolated well before this forced social distancing. Hear our heartfelt confession and turn our fears into faithful action for the sake of your beloved world. (Silent prayer) Amen

Words of Assurance:

Christ came to lead us in paths of righteousness and to guide us through our lives. Christ is with us in times of danger and times of peace. The goodness and mercy of God are given to us each and every day of our lives. God forgives us for our failings, upholds us in love, and leads us to the place that Christ has prepared for us. Believe in your heart that God loves you and forgives you. We believe! God help our unbelief!

Prayer for illumination:

Gracious God, your Word does not return to you empty. Grant that as we hear Scripture read and proclaimed, we will be enlivened by your grace and empowered by you promises.

Scripture Readings:

Psalm 23

The Divine Shepherd: A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercyshall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

John 9:1-41

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

9 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man’s eyes with the clay, 7 saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Silo′am” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, “Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he”; others said, “No, but he is like him.” He said, “I am the man.” 10 They said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Silo′am and wash’; so I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was a division among them. 17 So they again said to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if any one should confess him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age, ask him.”

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of man?”[a] 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe”; and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this, and they said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

Message

Call for the offering:

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is within it. While we worship in a multitude of places we gather together our respective offerings, knowing that God will take them, bless them and use them for the building up of the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.

Prayer of dedication:

Gracious God, it is a privilege to partner with you in sharing the good news of the gospel in Word and deed. We ask your blessings on these gifts offered in faith and given with joy. May they be an outward sign of your mercy and grace and a witness to your overflowing goodness toward all of creation.

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer:

Almighty God, we bow before you mindful that too often we ask the wrong questions, fail to see others as you see them and respond to your healing mercy with skepticism rather than joy. Grant us clear vision, especially during this time when so many are reeling from the impact of this pandemic.

We pray for the church, that we might truly be Christ’s Body, tending to the most vulnerable, extending compassion to all and bearing witness to the healing love Jesus came to bring the world.

We pray for our congregation, help us to draw closer together in this time of social distancing. As we recognize the gift of being in close physical proximity, we treasure every opportunity to be together by whatever means available to us. May our ministry be a blessing and a beacon of hope in our community.

We pray for our world, the needs of which seem overwhelming. Knowing that Jesus is Lord of all we remember those around the globe who suffer due to a lack of life’s basic necessities. You tell us, God, not to hoard or build bigger barns, but instead to share what we have and care for the least of these. In this time of increased stress and strain, a time when those already on the edge may well be pushed into the abyss, we seek your strength and your wisdom.

We offer to you the resources that you have given us to steward and trust that you will bless and multiply them so that all may be nurtured and fed.We pray for those on the frontlines of combatting this virus, healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and leaders, grant them clear thinking, rest and the peace that passes understanding.We lift up to you now, Lord, the concerns that weigh on our minds and the deepest longings of our hearts. (Silence)

We entrust them all to you, knowing you will do more than we can ever hope or imagine. Open our eyes, that we may see, believe and follow Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who taught us to say when we pray,

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 deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Charge and benediction

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L.A.F. (Love Acceptance Fellowship) Tuesday Prayer Meeting, March 17, 2020

The Call to Prayer from Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely God’s goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you. Amen.

Recommended Hymns: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us #187

I Sing the Almighty Power of God #32

Be Thou My Vision #450

Rock of Ages #438

I Will Call Upon the Lord #621

Old Testament Scriptures

I Samuel 16:1- 13

David Anointed as King

16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.”[a] 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12 He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

Psalm 23

The Divine Shepherd: A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

The Word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God.

New Testament Scriptures

Epistle: Ephesians 5: 8-14

8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Gospel: John 9: 1-41

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

9 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, ��Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”

18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.

Spiritual Blindness

35 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

The Word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God.

Take a minute to be silent and reflect.

Respond and share: What do you hear in these words of the Lord today? What strikes you? What speaks to you?

Prayer of Praise Shepherding God, You caused Your spirit to come in a mighty way upon David when he was a shepherd boy, when he killed the giant Goliath and when he was a king. You promise Your children Your comforting presence and direction. You sent Jesus as the light of the world to remove the scales from our eyes. We can see Your glory and grandeur and offer You praise and thanks. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Share joys and concerns at this time.

A Litany of Confession There are times when we feel that we wander in the darkness. May Christ give us holy light so that we awaken to God’s truth. Open our eyes Lord so that we see You. Help us Lord to walk as children of Your light as we pursue what is good, right, and true.

Prayers of the People You are the Shepherd who leads Your people along still waters. You sent Jesus to be the lamb and the light to show us the way to live. As You lead us along paths of righteousness, give us the clarity of vision to discern the way we should go. Our spirits are eager to be faithful to Your ways. The problems that confront us impel us to act. Give us courage to fully enjoy Your goodness, mercy and grace and share it with all the world. Make us decisive and deliberate. Refresh us with Your Spirit and resolve all the sick and hurting needs we pray for. . . Incline Thine ear to us and grant us Thy peace as we pray together. . . Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven 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.

React: Hymns of Sending

Open My Eyes, That I May See #451

Great is Thy Faithfulness #39

Renew Commitment

The Concluding Prayer of the Church especially for today --- and every day Go out into the world in peace. Have courage. Hold fast to what is good. Return to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the suffering. Honor all persons and creation. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And may the love of God, the Light of Christ, and the power and communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! (Romans 12: 17-21)

This we pray through the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

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THE LORD’S DAY SERVICE – Sunday March 14, 2020, Third Sunday in Lent

Jesus and Nicodemus, by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1889

Gathering of the People

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 95) One: Come, let us sing to the LORD; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. All: Let us come before God’s presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to the LORD with psalms. One: For you, LORD, are a great God, and a great ruler above all gods. All: In your hand are the caverns of the earth; the heights of the hills are also yours. One: The sea is yours, for you made it, and your hands have molded the dry land. All: Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our maker. One: For the LORD is our God, and we are the people of God’s pasture and the sheep of God’s hand. Oh, that today you would hear God’s voice! All: “Harden not your hearts, as at Meribah, as on that day at Massah in the desert. One: There your ancestors tested me, they put me to the test, though they had seen my works. All: Forty years I loathed that generation, saying, ‘The heart of this people goes astray; they do not | know my ways.’ One: Indeed I swore in my anger, ‘They shall never come to my rest.’”

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION

Wellspring of eternal life, we come to you this day having drunk deeply the waters of anxiety and despair. Bring to us your living water. Quench our thirsting souls, for we offer this prayer in Your Name. AMEN.

*HYMN OF PRAISE “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” PH 65

Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin using the prayer found in your bulletin

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of living waters, we confess that we have often turned from you and wandered in our own wildernesses of fear and doubt. Our thirst mounts daily, seeking to be quenched by your redeeming love. Yet, when that love is offered to us, we again turn away, unable to truly believe that you would actually heal and love us. We have behaved in very unloving ways. We have chosen to ignore those in need or to deal only passively with them. Our hearts are not placed in service to others, but rather in self-serving motives. Heal us, merciful God. Wash us again in the living water. Help us be faithful servants. AMEN

*WORDS OF ASSURANCE The waters of mercy and healing are poured over you. God is loving and faithful to those who come to God. Come, seek the loving presence and be healed. AMEN.

*GLORIA PATRI 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.

CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS

Prayers of Intercession

The Family of Mike Traylor

Betty Ruth Forrester

Family of Richard Waldrop

Cecil Williams

Jimmy Curl

Michael Romine

Alva Miller

Zoe Chambers

Sara Malone

Martha Tumlin

Bob Harrell

Brenda Norman

Jessie Wagner

Blake Cleveland

Lendell Chappell

Grace Jones

Marie Durham

Our Troops

Our Nation

The World

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

3-07 Ellen Davis

3-07 Bill Kidder

Our love and sympathy is extended to the Family of Michael Lee Traylor. Mike entered Eternity Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Family and friends gathered at Wilson’s Chapel Saturday, March 14 for visitation and service. Interment is at Glenwood Cemetery.

We will join Asbury Methodist at Bread of Life Tuesday, March 17 and are providing desserts. Please contact Karen Malone if you plan to contribute to this meal.

Holy Week Schedule

Monday, April 6: New Oregon United Methodist Church Reverend Ian Connerly Kitchen hostess-Karen Malone

Tuesday, April 7: First United Methodist Church Reverend Michael Miller Kitchen hostess-Marsha Stone Bullock

Wednesday, April 8: First Baptist Church Reverend Marshall Henderson Kitchen hostess-Oma Gaines

Maundy Thursday, April 9: *Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Pastor Clifford Herd Kitchen hostess-Beth Clements *First Presbyterian Church will partner with Prince of Peace in providing the fellowship meal on Maundy Thursday.

Good Friday, April 10: St. Paul's United Methodist Church Reverend Darrell Morgan Kitchen host-Stan Bullock

Proclamation of God’s Word

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING “Exodus 17:1-7” PB 49

17 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah[a] and Meribah,[b] because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Congregational Response “Thanks Be To God”

GOSPEL READING “John 4: 5-42” PB 72

5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.

7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)[a]10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you[b] say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I am he,[c] the one who is speaking to you.”

27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” 28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah,[d] can he?” 30 They left the city and were on their way to him.

31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36 The reaper is already receiving[e] wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

Congregational Response “Thanks Be To God”

MESSAGE “Can’t Live Without It” Reverend Jerry O. Davis,

Pastor Emeritus

Dedication of God’s People

*HYMN OF RESPONSE "Rock of Ages” PH 438

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed PB 35 I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, Our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the quick 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.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER Lord of living water; pour your mercy on us. Wash us clean and make us true disciples. Help us move from the paths of selfishness and stubbornness, to the channels of hope and peace. Enable us to place our whole trust in your love. As we have brought the names of those near and dear to us to your throne of grace in prayer, remind us again that you also hold us dearly and offer to us your healing grace. Keep us strong and give us courage to serve you in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, we pray as He taught: 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 deliver us from our debts as you deliver us from our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the power and the glory forever… AMEN.

TITHES AND OFFERING We are called to live in hope and to share this hope with the world. Let us offer thanks to God for all God has given us by sharing generously of ourselves and of our resources. Through our gifts, may all experience the hope to be found in our life-giving God.

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY 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.

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Life-giving God,we offer you ourselves and our resources.Use us and our gifts,that we may be water bearers to a world thirsty for love,for meaning, for justice, and for hope.May all your people encounter fullness of life through the love of Christ, which lives within us. Amen.

Sending God’s People into the World

*HYMN OF SENDING “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” PH 81

*CHARGE AND CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION Drink deeply of the waters of Salvation and quench your thirst for truth, for the Lord is with you. Go in God’s peace and bring the good news to all whom you meet. AMEN. *God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.

POSTLUDE

*Indicates to stand in body or spirit as able

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 300 Grand Avenue NW Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 [email protected] 256-845-2915

Church Office Hours 9AM-1PM each Tuesday Reverend Theresa Martin 423-903-7240 Reverend Tom Martin 423-903-7260

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP Sunday school: Sunday at 9:45 AM Worship Service: Sunday at 10:45 AM Holy Communion is observed every first Sunday Mid-Week Prayer - Lectio Divina: Tuesday at 10 AM Stated Session meeting: TBD PW Bible study: TBD

Beth Clements, Clerk of Session, 256-390-9121 Doris Hobbs, Treasurer, 256-638-3376 Charlotte Bell, Organist, 256-845-5604

SESSION

Beth Clements Bill Kidder Marsha S Bullock Christina Wise Shannon Smith

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24, 2019 @ 4:00 PM

Lord! Joy to the World! The Lord is come! Let Earth receive her King!

Of his kingdom there shall be no end. — Luke 1:33

OPENING SENTENCES (from Luke 2:14 and Isaiah 9:2,6) Leader: Glory to God in the highest, ALL: And peace on earth, good will to all. Light shines on those who live in the darkness, For a child named Jesus was born on earth 2,000 years ago.

OPENING PRAYER Great God, as You came at night when all was still, so enter our lives this night. Illumine our pats with the light of Christ’s presence that we may see clearly the way, the truth, and the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, and follow You always. Give us, O God, such love and wonder that with shepherds and magi and pilgrims unknown, we adore the holy child, the promised king; and with our gifts, worship Him, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

HYMN “Silent Night”

FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Mid′ian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

HYMN “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

PSALM READING Psalm 96:1-13

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in holy array; tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

SECOND READING Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, 12 training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13 awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior[a] Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

HYMN “Joy to the World”

GOSPEL READING Luke 2:1-20

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”[a]

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

REFLECTION Rev. Tom Martin & Rev. Theresa Martin

“Twas the Night Before the Very First Christmas” It was the night before the very first Christmas And all over the world, Creation waited For a new day to dawn And a new life to begin.

For hundreds of years, They’d waited and anticipated with hope, Expecting the Messiah would come to them.

Bethlehem was packed full of pilgrims, Compelled to travel and be counted. Rumon was Emperor Caesar needed to count the Jews To prepare for the future of the Roman Empire Since there might be war on the horizon.

But THIS night in Bethlehem, All was calm, all was bright. It was big sky country, Only palm trees in the desert, surrounding short buildings in the city.

But, THIS night, a big, bright star was shining above Bethlehem. It looked like the star was pointing TO Bethlehem!

Every creature in town was trying to go to sleep. It was late — Morning would dawn, And there’d be so much to do. The doors were closed tight, But a light shone from a stable. ALMOST everyone slept.

However, shepherds were coming to town. People of the fields, accustomed to silent nights, They’d been disturbed by the singing of an angelic choir.

When they’d questioned “What’s going on?” The angels answered: “Don’t be afraid – GO! See the baby, lying in a manger, wrapped tightly in warm blankets.”

Some of those sleeping were awakened to a young woman in labor, And a new father trying to take care of everyone, And then finally… by the sounds of a newborn baby!

The air seemed to crackle with excitement! What did it mean – This baby, born in Bethlehem?!

Mary and Joseph and the baby Greeted the new day, The beginning of a NEW AGE!

The shepherds came and worshipped him, Then returned to their fields and sheep, Their lives forever changed. They had a brand new baby’s birth to announce.

A new King Of a new Kingdom The Kingdom of God!

The world would never be the same.

His name is: (all read the bold)

JESUS – Emmanuel, God with us JESUS – Prince of Peace JESUS – Wonderful Counselor JESUS – Deliverer JESUS – Messiah JESUS – Light of the World

He’s come! Jesus has arrived! A new world begins!

Share the birth announcement – GO! Tell it on the Mountain! Jesus Christ is Born!

HYMN “Go! Tell It on the Mountain”

REFLECTION

Lighting of our individual candles in silent reflection as “Silent Night” is played

BENEDICTION All glory to you, great God, for the gift of your Son, whom you sent to save us. With singing angels, let us praise Your name, and tell the earth His story, That all may believe, rejoice, and bow down, acknowledging Your love, Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit – One God, now and forever. Amen.

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firstpresfp · 4 years

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Blue Christmas: A Service of Hope & Healing

Traditionally held on the longest night of the year, First Presbyterian Church held its 2nd Annual Blue Christmas Service on December 10 at 12:00 Noon. Special thanks to Connie Durham for her piano accompaniment.

This service is adapted from a Blue Christmas service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew.229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813

Call to Worship (read responsively) One: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All: God made All things, and without God nothing came to be. What came to be through God was life, and this life was the light of the world. All: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Welcome

Hymn 121 “O little town of Bethlehem” (Tune: St. Louis) Sung by all, standing

The First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (All sit)

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

9 What gain has the worker from his toil?

10 I have seen the business that God has given to the sons of men to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has put eternity into man’s mind, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Psalm 22 (All read the boldface verses together) One: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. All: In you, our ancestors trusted. They trusted and you delivered them. It was you who brought me from the womb, you who kept me safe from the moment I was born. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. One: God does not despise the affliction of the afflicted. God is near. When I cry to God, God hears me. All: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23 (read responsively)

One: The LORD is my shepherd. I shall not want. All: He makes me lie down in green pastures. One: God leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. All: God leads me in paths of righteousness for his Name's sake. One: Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil because the Lord is with me; All: God’s rod and staff, they comfort me. One: The Lord prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. God anoints my head with oil. My cup runs over. All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Special Music – "Beautiful Things” Rev. Tom Martin

The Second Reading: Isaiah 40:1, 25-31

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hid from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Music Interlude “Still, Still, Still”

Litany of Remembrance

(The first candle of the Advent wreath is lighted.) Leader: We light this first candle to remember those whom we have loved and lost. We pause to remember clearly, their faces, their voices, and their presence with us. We embrace and give thanks for the memories that bind them to us in this season of expectation, when all Creation waits for the Light. All: We remember them with love. May God's eternal love surround them.

Response (singing together “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” Printed lyrics vary from traditional)

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, 0 Israel.

A period of silent reflection

(The second candle is lighted) Leader: We light this second candle to remember the pain of loss: loss of relationships, loss of trust, loss of jobs, loss of health, loss of faith, the loss of joy. We acknowledge and embrace the pain of the past, O God, and we offer it to You, asking that into our wounded hearts and open hands You will place the gift of peace, shalom. All: We remember that through You all things are possible. Refresh, restore, renew us, 0 God, and lead us into Your future.

(Singing Together)

O come thou Wisdom from on high,

who orderest all things mightily

To us the path of knowledge show,

and teach us in her ways to go

Rejoice, rejoice,

Emmanuel shall come to thee, 0 Israel.

A period of silent reflection

(The third candle is lighted) Leader: We light this third candle to remember ourselves this Christmas time. All: We pause and remember the past weeks, months, and for some of us years, that have been heavy with our burdens. We accept and lay before you, God, the sharpness of memory, the sadness and grief, the hurt and fear, the anger and pain. We accept and lay before you the ways we feel we have fallen short, and the times we have spent blaming ourselves, and you, for all that we have suffered. We accept and lay before you the time we have walked alone, in darkness; and in knowledge of our own mortality. We remember that though we have journeyed far, and that, while lost, we may have turned away from the light, the light itself has not failed. We remember that though winter be upon us and though the night be dark,As times passes the dawn will come, and dawn always defeats the darkness.

(Singing together)

O come thou day-spring, come and cheer

our spirits by thy advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

A period of silent reflection

(The fourth candle is lighted)

One: We light this fourth candle to remember faith, the gift of light and hope that God offers to us in the stories of salvation and Christmas, which also began in abandonment, insecurity, and humbleness, in a time of war and in a poor stable. We remember that the loving God who sent the Light of the world to shine among us people and who came to share this life with us promises us comfort and peace.

All: We remember the One who shares our burdens, who shows us the way to the Light, and who journeys with us into all our tomorrows.

(Singing together)

O come desire of nations, bind

in one the hearts of all mankind

Bid then our sad, divisions cease,

and be thyself our King of Peace

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.

A period of silent reflection

The Prayers of the People (All stand)

One: God of wisdom, we come to you this Christmas Season tired, in turmoil, and in pain. As the nights have grown longer, so has darkness grown and wrapped itself around our hearts. In this season of long nights of winter darkness, we ask your healing blessings upon all that we carry in our hearts -- sorrow we fear may never end, wounds we cannot even put into words.

All: Lord, hear our prayer and in Your mercy, make your answers clear to us.

One: God of mercy and compassion, there are those among us who are grieving over what might have been. Death or loss or terrible hurt has changed our experience of Christmas. We remember that once it was a special day for us, too, but someone or something precious has gone away from us in this life. We have lost a beloved, a job, a goal, a cause, a dream. We find ourselves adrift and alone. We are weary from the journey, and we have found no room at the inn. We come to you seeking rest, and peace, and shelter from the storm.

All: Lord, hear our prayer and in Your merciful love, show us the Way.

One: God of grace, in the spirit of the season, grant us all that we need to comfort us as we journey through this Christmas season. We ask that you shelter and sustain all those of us, both here and throughout the world, who wander or want or weep or are heavy laden, that we may be lifted up in courage and journey on in Thy peace.

All: Lord, hear our prayer and in Your merciful love, show Yourself .

One: God of love, in this Christmas Season we embrace and offer up to you all that used to be which is now lost to us, and cannot be again. With celebration all around us, memories of what was, and fears of what may be, weigh heavy on our hearts. Please hold us close in your embrace, be near to us this night, until the light returns and morning comes.

All: Lord, hear our prayer and in Your merciful love, answer.

One: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give Your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, comfort the afflicted and shield the joyous; all for thy love's sake. Amen.

All: Amen.

Hymn 115 “Away in a Manger” (Sung by all, standing)

Third Reading: Luke 2:1-7 (All sit)

Offering of Light

One: One story many people celebrate in this season tells how a few brave fighters, defending their temple, had only enough oil to light the sacred lamp for one day, but it burned eight days until relief arrived. Another legend tells how in a little hill town a homeless couple with tax problems took shelter in a stable among the animals and gave birth to a Light that would change the world.

Let us pray.

All: Gentle God of love, help us reach out together for the light of faith, for renewal and recovery and a new day coming. Grant that hope may come to rest in our hearts, and let it go forth with us into the darkness, this night and in the nights to come, until we truly see the dawn.

One: Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O God; give us light in the night season; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night. Amen.

Anthem “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (Trad. Appalachian, printed lyrics vary from traditional)

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through.

Strong deliverer, Strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield, be thou still my strength and shield. (From Exodus 13:21)

Psalm 121 (read responsively) I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth! The Lord will not let your foot be moved and He who watches over you will not fall asleep. Behold - the God that keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep! The Lord himself watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand so that the sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil. God shall keep you safe. The Lord shall watch over your comings and goings from this time forth forever more. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever will be.

Leader: Jesus said, “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke will fit you perfectly and it will make your burdens feel light and bearable.”

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Prayer (All stand)

One: Let us pray.

All: Almighty God, we thank you for your constant love and for the blessings of this day. We know that even when we cannot see or feel you, still you are there. Help us to remember You and to listen for Your voice in the words of family, friends, and strangers. Kindle our hearts and awaken hope, that we may know you as you reveal yourself in the world and in our lives. Let the light of your Holy Spirit shine like these candles in the darkness, lighting the way for all who feel despairing, lost, or forgotten. Grant that it may come to dwell so deeply in our hearts that when we leave this place it may shine on us, for us and for those we meet along the way. Amen.

Hymn 122 “Silent Night, Holy Night!” (Tune: Stille nacht) (Sung by all, standing.)

Concluding Prayers (Remain standing)

Leader: Let us pray.

All: Another day will come, 0 God. I know not what it may bring forth, but make me ready, God, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, help me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of thy Peace. Amen.

One: O God, support us all the day long in this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then Lord, in thy mercy, grant us safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

All: Amen!

Blessing and Dismissal

Leader: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace, both now and forever more. Amen.

One: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And also with you.

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