Gathering

Silent Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God:  your Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet did not sin.  Give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.  Amen.

Chimes

Organ Prelude                                                                              Yvonne Barnes, Organist

* Gathering Song     Blue Hymnal #438          “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”           dennis

Blest be the tie that binds  Our hearts in Chris-tian love:

The fel-low-ship of kin-dred minds  Is like to that a-bove. 

* Greeting One Another, Welcome and Concerns of the Church

   Choral Introit

* Call to Worship     [Matthew 4:4]

Let us worship God.  One does not live by bread alone,

But by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Praise the Lord. ? The Lord’s name be praised!

* Hymn     Blue Hymnal #492                    “Baptized in Water”                           bunessan

* Our Vision     (Unison)

We are followers of Jesus Christ ? Sharing God's Word

Showing God's Love ? Serving God's creation

Striving to glorify God ? Always!

Call to Confession and Confession of Sin

God of covenant mercy:  though you always are faithful toward us, we come before you confessing that we have not been faithful toward you; we have violated your will, and have not been obedient to your law of love in Christ.  But wash and cleanse us anew by your Spirit, and renew your baptismal graces within us; that your gift of new life may flourish once more, and that we might faithfully follow you as disciples of your Son Jesus – in whose name we pray.  Amen.  

Choral Response                            “Lord, Have Mercy upon Us”             kyrie eleison

Assurance of God's Forgiveness & God's Law for Our Lives

* Congregational Response                   “Glory Be to the Father”                    Glori patri

The Word

Prayer for Illumination

First Reading                               Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7                            Pew Bible, p. 2

The Word of the Lord. ? Thanks be to God!

Gospel Reading                                 Matthew 4:1-11                              Pew Bible, p. 785

The Gospel of the Lord. ? Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Choral Anthem   “Come, Now Is The Time To Worship” Doerksen & Schrader  Chancel Choir

Children’s Moment                                                                                               Dr. Nash

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world:  red and yellow, black and white,

they are precious in his sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world.

 

Sermon                                     "No Easy Button Life"                                        Dr. Nash

* Peace of Christ

             The Peace of Christ be with you.?And also with you.  [Please exchange the same greeting.]

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

Call for the Offering and Prayer of Dedication

Offertory Anthem                                                               Yvonne Barnes, Organist

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

* Hymn    Blue Hymnal #370          “Just as I Am, Without One Plea”           woodworth

Great Thanksgiving and Lord’s Prayer

   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 our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy….  Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with choirs of angels, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:

Choir:                                      “Holy, Holy, Holy”                                     sanctus

You are holy, O God of majesty….  Christ is the bread of life:

When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory. 

Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit….  Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father.

Amen.  Our Father who art in heaven….  [See Blue Hymnal page 16, “Traditional”] 

   Breaking of the Bread

   Choral Response                                   “O Lamb of God”                                AGNUS DEI

   Communion of the People

All baptized persons are welcome to commune, including baptized children.

Today we receive Communion in the pews.  Please hold the bread/cup till all have received,

that we may commune together.

Prayer after Communion

O God:  you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us.  Give us grace, that in everything we may yield ourselves, our  wills and our  works,  to be a continual thank-offering to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Sending

* Lenten Hymn    Blue Hymnal #81    “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”  st. flavian

* Pastoral Blessing

Organ Postlude                                                                            Yvonne Barnes, Organist

 

Today’s Liturgical Color

Today’s liturgical color is violet or purple –
a deep color, calling us to renewal at the depth of our souls. 

 

Liturgist

Elder Rae Leonard

 

HAVE YOU HEARD God's CALL?

?         God always speaks when God's Word is read and preached.  How has God spoken to you this morning?  To what is God calling you?

?         If God is calling you to be part of a church home, we warmly welcome new members!  Please do one of the following, and your journey into membership will begin:  (1) check the appropriate box on the register of friendship; (2) tell the pastor at the door; or (3) call the church office – you can leave a message 24/7.

?         If God is calling you to renewal of life or reconciliation with God or others, you may wish to talk with the pastor.  Please ask at the door or call.

? Christ needs you as an active, committed disciple, living his love.