Service for the Lord’s Day, 1st Sunday in Lent

February 10, 2008: 10:30 a.m.

 

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

 

PRELUDE                                 Jesu, Priceless Treasure               J. Cruger/M. Burkhardt

                                              I Want Jesus to Walk With Me                     arr. D. Cherwien                        

 

WELCOME, REGISTRATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

            Spotlight on Mission: Ben Freudenreich, Greater Columbus Habitat for Humanity

 

CHIMES & LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

CHORAL INTROIT

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                             from Call to Worship

                We do not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

     We come to find the Living Word.

We come seeking Holy Wisdom.

     We come to worship the Eternal God in Spirit and in Truth.

                                     

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 434                     Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples

                                                    

*LENT CONFESSION & ASSURANCE OF PARDON          The Iona Community, Scotland

Stages on the Way:  Worship Resources for Lent, Holy Week and Easter

            Glorious God,

your thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are your ways our ways.

            You look at the ugliest soul and see, still unstirred, the wings of an angel.

                 We scan the finest of neighbors, anxious to find the flaw.

            You view time in the context of eternity, and so find a place for waiting,

            for yearning, even for suffering, even for dying.

                 We demand instant results; and look for tomorrow before savoring today.

            You know that only one who suffers can ultimately save,

            and that is why you walk the way of the cross.

                 We fear vulnerability which defies power; and so we cry for crucifixion.

            Your thoughts are not our thoughts;

                 Neither are our ways your way.

           

Yet we know that your way is the ladder to heaven,

            while, left to our own devices, our ways slope downwards to hell.

            But we are here, not to have our worst confirmed, but to have our best liberated.

            So we pray:

                 Forgive in us what has gone wrong.  Repair in us what is wasted.

                 Reveal in us what is good.

            And nourish us with better food that we can purchase:  your word, your love,

            your inspiration, your daily bread for our life’s journey,

in the company of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

     Amen. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

To this peace we are called as members of a single body.

The peace of Christ be with you all.

     And also with you.

(worshipers extend Christ’s peace by word and gesture)

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

 

WORD WITH THE WISE

 

ANTHEM                              What Wondrous Love Is This                        arr. J. Schrader                       

 

LESSON FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT                Genesis 2:15-17 & 3:1-7 (NRSV)

 

SERMON                                                                                                    “Good Choice!”

 

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

 

OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES

           

OFFERTORY                                 Draw Me Nearer                                  arr. J. Schrader            

 

SEAL THE WORD IN SACRAMENT

 

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

GREAT PRAYER OF 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 God thanks.

            It is right….with the whole company of the faithful from every time and place.

RESPONSE # 581                                                                 Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

Your are holy, God….  Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.

     When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

     we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.

Lord, send your Spirit….  Amen.

            *RESPONSE # 592                           Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

            *THE LORD’S PRAYER (traditional)                      Hymnal P. 16, large print p. 21

BREAKING BREAD AND SHARING THE CUP

 

GO IN GOD’S NAME

*HYMN # 78                                                                      Alas!  And Did My Savior Bleed              

*CHARGE & BLESSING

 

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE # 588                                                               Amen

 

POSTLUDE                      The Spacious Firmament on High        J. Haydn/H. Balcombe                         

 

Next Sunday Scriptures: Genesis 12: 1-4; Psalm 121; Romans 5: 1-11; John 4: 5-42         

 

WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

 

WORSHIP LEADERS

 

Liturgist 

Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl

Word with Children/Sermon

Rev. William R. Leety

Musical Leadership

Chancel Choir

Celebration Singers

Nancy Deeth, Organist