Service for the Lord’s Day, March 18,
2007
4th Sunday in
Lent: 10:30 a.m.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE Siciliano
from Sonata II J. S. Bach
Rondeau H. Purcell
Adagio
from Octet in F Major, Op. 166 F.
Schubert
CHIMES, WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL INTROIT # 82 O Lamb of God Most Holy!
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE
* CALL TO WORSHIP & PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND
ASSURANCE
Psalm 32 reading responsively
from NRSV & The Message
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose
sin is covered.
Count yourself lucky, how happy you must
be—
you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Count yourself lucky—God holds nothing
against you
and you’re holding nothing back from God.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my
groaning all day long.
When I kept it all inside, my bones turned
to powder,
my words became daylong groans.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
The
pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide
my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to
the Lord,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Then I let
it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”
Suddenly the pressure was gone—my guilt dissolved, my sin
disappeared.
Therefore,
let all who are faithful offer prayer to you;
at a
time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
These things
add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all
hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we’ll be on
high ground, untouched.
You
are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble;
you surround
me with glad cries of deliverance.
God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far
from the shore,
throws
garlands of hosannas around my neck.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should
go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Let me give you some good advice;
I’m looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight.
Do
not be like a horse or mule, without understanding,
whose
temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Don’t be
ornery like a horse or mule
that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.
Many
are the torments of the wicked,
but
steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
God-defiers are always in trouble;
God-affirmers find themselves loved every
time they turn around.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and
shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone!
All you honest hearts, raise the roof!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 184 How Blest Are Those
*ASSURANCE OF WHOSE WE ARE & THE PEACE on Luke 15: 1-3 & 11b-32
Like
a parent, God runs to meet our return to God’s ways,
to welcome and restore us home, and
renew us in God’s eternal embrace.
God’s love forgives us sons and
daughters.
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
ANTHEM On the
Via Dolorosa D. Wagner
WORD WITH CHILDREN
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Presentation
of Katelyn Isabel, daughter of Scott and Tina Fowler
Promises
of Parents and Congregation
Baptism,
Welcome, and Prayers for Children and Parents.
LESSON FROM THE GOSPEL Luke
15: 1-3a & 11b-32 (The Message)
SERMON
“Torrents”
RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
AN OFFERING OF OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES
Offertory The
Garden M.
Hayes
Prayer of Dedication
PRAYERS OF THANKS AND INTERCESSION, LORD’S PRAYER
GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN # 261 God
of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us
*CHARGE & BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE # 586 Amen
POSTLUDE Partita on O God, Thou Faithful God W. Held
Fanfare
& Chorale
*Congregation
stands as able
Next Week’s Scriptures: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3: 4b-14; John 12: 1-8
|
Liturgists |
Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl |
|
Sermon |
Rev. William R. Leety |
|
Word with
Children |
Jonathan C. Siehl |
|
Musical
Leadership |
Chancel Choir, Sarah Shaffer, Director |