Service for the Lord’s Day

3rd Sunday in Lent: March 11, 2007  10:30 a.m.

 

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

 

PRELUDE                                       The Old Rugged Cross               G. Bennard/C. Dobrinski  

                                                     My Song Is Love Unknown            J. Edwards/C. Moklebust                       

 

CHIMES, WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

     Minute for Nominating Committee                                                                      Jim Clark        

CHORAL INTROIT # 82                                                             O Lamb of God Most Holy!

            LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

* CALL TO FAITH AND TO WORSHIP                                      from Psalm 63: 2-4 (NRSV) 

            I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

 

   Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

   So I will bless you as long as I live;

   I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

 

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 473                                                For the Beauty of the Earth

(Sing stanza 5 in unison after interlude)

 

*CONFESSION OF WHO WE ARE                                                            on Psalm 63: 3/wrl

The Psalmist writes, “God’s steadfast love is better than life.”

Actually, God’s steadfast love IS life.

   God who is our life, we confess the distraction of things that don’t last:

        stuff we assemble around us; days’ troubles we can’t look past;

                    errands, issues, and products filling so much of our time

                         and draining our energies.

   Often we prize flattery over honesty, style to substance,

                    and choose fears over challenges.

   Forgive us, Lord. Cling to us as we to you.

   Satisfy us with the rich feast of your forgiveness

   and the peace you give us in the shade of your wings.

(time for silent, personal confession) Amen.

 

*RESPONSE # 572                                                                        Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us

 

*ASSURANCE OF WHOSE WE ARE & THE PEACE                

 

God’s waiting forgiveness is better than life.

     With our lips we praise the God who forgives us in Jesus Christ.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

     Peace be with you. (worshipers share words and gestures of God’s peace)

            

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                                                               Isaiah 55: 1-9 (NRSV)

 

ANTHEM                           Psalm 84: Cantique de Jean Racine              G. Faure/H. Hopson                      

 

WORD WITH CHILDREN

 

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                                                                      Psalm 63 (NRSV)

 

SERMON                                                                                         “…all in your imagination”

 

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

 

AN OFFERING OF OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES

Offertory                               Near to the Heart                                                J. Martin      

Prayer of Dedication

         

PRAYERS OF THANKS AND INTERCESSION, LORD’S PRAYER

 

GO IN GOD’S NAME

 

*HYMN # 186                                                                     Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord

 

 

*CHARGE & BLESSING                                                                                                 

 

*CHORAL RESPONSE  # 586                                                                                        Amen

 

POSTLUDE                                      Fantasy Postlude                                               T. Dubois          

*Congregation stands as able

Next Week’s Scriptures: Joshua 5: 9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21; Luke 15: 1-3

 

WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

 

WORSHIP LEADERS

Liturgists 

Rev. William R. Leety

Sermon

Rev. William R. Leety

Word with Children

Betsy Maurath

Musical Leadership

                                                                           Overbrook Belles

Chancel Choir

Celebration Singers

Sarah Shaffer, Director

Nancy Deeth, Organist/Pianist