Service for the Lord’s Day, 4th Sunday in Lent

March 2, 2008:  10:30 a.m.

 

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

 

PRELUDE                             Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us                          W. Bradbury

                                                              Allegro Spiritoso                                    G. Underwood                                 

 

WELCOME, REGISTRATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CHIMES, CHORAL INTROIT & LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                     from Call to Worship

 

            With the Good shepherd as guide, we need nothing else, no one else.. 

                 God leads along peaceful paths, restoring us. 

            Even in death’s shadow, we fear no evil. 

                 For our Shepherd walks with us day and night. 

            Surely goodness and mercy shall follow all the days or our lives.

                 We shall dwell in the house of the Holy God all our life long.

 

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 171                                    The King of Love My Shepherd Is

                                                                                        

*CONFESSION OF WHO WE ARE                                                               on Psalm 23: 1/wrl

 

            The poet writes, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

                 Lord, we confess that we are taught to want, driven to accumulate;

                        and learn our lessons well.

                 Yet, as prosperity grows,

so does distance from your provision of what we need.

                 Things others in the world count luxuries, we consider necessities.

                 Forgive our dependence on other shepherds, and on ourselves.

                 Restore us to your flock. 

                 Teach us that you supply our need, in Jesus Christ who trusted you,

and is victorious

(time for silent, personal confession)  Amen.

 

*RESPONSE # 572                                                                       Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us

 

*ASSURANCE OF WHOSE WE ARE & THE PEACE               

             The Lord restores our souls, nourishes our spirits, feeds our need.

                 In God’s mercy, we fear no evil,

not even the evil of our thoughts and deeds.

            We trust that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

                 Thank God. 

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

                 Peace be with you.

(Worshipers exchange words and gestures of the peace of Christ)

 

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

 

PSALM 23                                

 

ANTHEM                                            I Surrender All                          W. Weeden/M. Hogan    

 

WORD WITH THE WISE

 

LESSON FROM THE GOSPEL                                                            John 9: 1-41 (NRSV)

 

SERMON                                                                                                      “Traveler’s Song”

 

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

 

OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD AND THE WORLD GOD LOVES

OFFERTORY                 Within the Darkest Night                                       B. Printz

           

PRAYERS OF DEDICATION, THANKS AND ASKING

THE LORD’S PRAYER (traditional)                                             Hymnal P. 16

 

GO IN GOD’S NAME

 

*HYMN (See Insert)                                                              Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult

 

*CHARGE & BLESSING

 

*CHORAL RESPONSE

 

POSTLUDE                                       Andante Marziale                                         E. Titcomb                      

 

Next Sunday’s Scriptures: Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8: 6-11; John 11: 1-45

 

 

 WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

 

WORSHIP LEADERS

Liturgists

Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl

Word with Children

Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl

Sermon

Rev. William R. Leety

Musical Leadership

Chancel Chimes

Chancel Choir

Sarah Shaffer, Choirmaster

Nancy Deeth, Organist