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WORSHIP MARCH 11 2018
8:45 A.M. WORSHIP
THE GATHERING Dr. Mardee Rightmyer
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
THE PRELUDE What Wondrous Love is This John Eggert
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Crutchfield, organist
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: May God be gracious to us and bless us and may the Lord’s face shine upon us.
People: That your way may be known upon the earth, your saving power among the nations.
Leader: Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.
People: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth.
Leader: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
People: The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere the Lord!
Leader: Let us worship God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer. Amen. - Psalm 67
*THE OPENING HYMN 466 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing AZMON
Verses 1, 2, and 4
THE CALL TO CONFESSION
THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, though we are made in your image, we fail to live as you made us to live. Where we have missed opportunities to serve, we need forgiveness. Where we have been unkind, we need forgiveness. Where we have caused pain, we need forgiveness. Where we harbor guilt and unease, we need forgiveness. For what we know but cannot name, we need forgiveness. So remake us, we pray. Call us and lead us where you would have us go. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE (for examination of conscience and personal prayers of confession)
THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?
People: By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?
Leader: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
People: Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Believe the promise of the gospel:
Leader: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. - Romans 6:1-4
*THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn 466)
Christ breaks the power of reigning sin, and sets the prisoner free; Christ’s blood can make the sinful clean, Christ’s blood availed for me.
*THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Leader: May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you all!
People: and also with you.
(The signs of the peace may be exchanged.)
THE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE TIME WITH CHILDREN
THE OFFERTORY Wondrous Love Eric Talley
THE OFFERING AND RECEIVING OF PRAYER CARDS
(Everyone is invited to come forward to give their offering in the offering basket and return to their seats by the side aisles. The prayer cards will be received for the prayers of the people, in the prayer concerns basket, at this time.)
*THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*THE GOSPEL LESSON John 3:14-21 (page 88 in the pew Bible, NT)
THE HOMILY “Bronze Serpents” Rev. Dr. Baron Mullis
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 forgive us our debts, as we forgive 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.
*THE HYMN 101 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross HAMBURG
*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*THE POSTLUDE Improvisation Jonathan Crutchfield
Conversation Starter:
- Are there things that you are afraid of?
- How does thinking about God’s love help you not to be afraid?
*(The asterisk indicates parts of the worship when the congregation is invited to stand as they are able.)
