John Calvin Presbyterian Church

the strength of those who believe  and the hope of those who doubt. We are called to tell the truth. Those who are perfectly loved need not fear their shadows. When we speak what we fear and what we hope, silence cannot trap us and lies cannot hold us. May we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#357][GTG#738] O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee 

1 O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free;

tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.

2 Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the wayward feet to stay,

and guide them in the homeward way.

3 Teach me thy patience, still with thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

in trust that triumphs over wrong.

4 In hope that sends a shining ray far down the future’s broadening way; in peace that only thou canst give,

with thee, O Master, let me live.

        

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, 

in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm  118:14-29

The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord . The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord . This is the gate of the Lord ; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord ‘s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we beseech you, O Lord ! O Lord , we beseech you, give us success! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord . We bless you from the house of the Lord . The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord , for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

2nd  SCRIPTURE     John 20:19-31    

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin ), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “We Have Seen the Lord!”  CP Ford Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

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

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

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.

HYMN [Blue #122][GTG#238] Thine is the Glory

1 Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son;

endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,

kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.

Refrain:

Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son;

endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

2 Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;

lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom.

Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,

for the Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting. [Refrain]

3 No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life!

Life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife.

Make us more than conquerors through thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. [Refrain] 

PARTING PRAYER   

Blessed Sustainer, 

you built your church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the cornerstone. Join us together by their teaching, so that we may be a holy temple in whom your Spirit dwells; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#399][GTG#817] We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

1. We walk by faith and not by sight;

with gracious words draw near,

O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:

“My peace be with you here.”

POSTLUDE                                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

 

 

 

STAFF

Liturgist: Paula Palermo

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE The Palms (Les Rameaux) by Jean-Baptiste Faure

*Everyone is invited to join the Procession starting in the narthex. Congregation will walk in waving palms for hymn.

Leader (from the back):  Holy, holy, holy Lord; God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.  Hosanna in the highest!

People:  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest!

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [Blue#][GTG#196] All Glory, Laud and Honor

Refrain:

All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer, King,

to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

1 Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. [Refrain]

2 The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went; our praise and prayers and anthems

before thee we present. [Refrain]

3 To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. [Refrain]

4 Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, who in all good delightest,

thou good and gracious King! [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS   

MINUTE FOR MISSION One Great Hour of Sharing        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Zech. 9:9

ONE: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!

MANY: Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! 

ONE: Lo, your king comes to you;

MANY: triumphant and victorious is he,

ONE: humble and riding on a donkey,

MANY: on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

We praise you, O God,

for your redemption of the world through Jesus Christ.

Today he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph and was proclaimed Messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Let these branches be signs of his victory, and grant that we who carry them

may follow him in the way of the cross, that, dying and rising with him, we may enter into your kingdom; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. 

HYMN [Blue#][GTG#649] Amazing Grace

1 Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, 

but now I see.

2 ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that  grace appear

the hour I first believed!

3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

4 The Lord has promised good to me; his word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

5 When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days  to sing God’s praise

than when we’d first begun.

        

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

ASSURANCE OF PARDON            

         

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Ezekiel 36:22-28

Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when through you I display my holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land.

I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. 

2nd  SCRIPTURE     Luke 19:28-40     

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON “Stony Silence” Rev. Martha Robson

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rom. 8:1, 28, 38, 39

We believe there is no condemnation

for those who are in Christ Jesus;

for we know that all things work together for good

for those who love God,

who are called according to God’s purpose.

We are convinced that neither death, nor life,

nor angels, nor rulers,

nor things present, nor things to come,

nor powers, nor height, nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Hosanna, Loud Hosanna by Jennette Threlfall

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

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

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Litany of Intercession

Give thanks to the Lord who is good. 

God’s love is everlasting.

Come, let us praise God joyfully. 

Let us come to God with thanksgiving.

For the good world; 

for things great and small, beautiful and awesome; 

for seen and unseen splendors; 

thank you, God.

For human life; 

for talking and moving and thinking together; 

for common hopes and hardships shared  

from birth until our dying; 

thank you, God.

For work to do and strength to work; 

for the comradeship of labor; 

for exchanges of good humor and encouragement; 

thank you, God.

For marriage; 

for the mystery and joy of flesh made one; 

for mutual forgiveness and burdens shared; 

for secrets kept in love; 

thank you, God.

For family; 

for living together and eating together; 

for family amusements and family pleasures; 

thank you, God.

For children; 

for their energy and curiosity; 

for their brave play and startling frankness; 

for their sudden sympathies; 

thank you, God.

For the young; 

for their high hopes; 

for their irreverence toward worn-out values; 

for their search for freedom; 

for their solemn vows; 

thank you, God.

For growing up and growing old; 

for wisdom deepened by experience; 

for rest in leisure; 

and for time made precious by its passing; 

thank you, God.

For your help in times of doubt and sorrow; 

for healing our diseases; 

for preserving us in temptation and danger; 

thank you, God.

For the church into which we have been called; 

for the good news we receive by Word and Sacrament; 

for our life together in the Lord; 

we praise you, God.

For your Holy Spirit, 

who guides our steps and brings us gifts of faith and love; 

who prays in us and prompts our grateful worship; 

 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.

HYMN [Blue #][GTG#634] To God Be the Glory

1 To God be the glory; great things he has done!

So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,

who yielded his life an atonement for sin,

and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the people rejoice! O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

and give him the glory: great things he has done!

2 Great things he has taught us; great things he has done,

and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

but purer and higher and greater will be

our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER 

Great God,

we thank you for Jesus,

who was punished for our sins,

and suffered shameful death to rescue us.

We praise you for the trust we have in him,

for mercy undeserved,

and for the love you pour out on us, and on all.

Give us gratitude, O God,

and a great desire to serve you,

by taking our cross

and following in the way of Jesus Christ,

our Lord and Savior.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#][GTG#647] Give Thanks (without any repeats)

Give thanks with a grateful heart; 

give thanks to the Holy One;

give thanks because we’re given Jesus Christ, the Son.

And now let the weak say, “We are strong”; let the poor say, 

“We are rich because of what the Lord has done for us!”

Give thanks. Give thanks.

POSTLUDE      Hosanna (Praise is Rising) by Paul Baloche                            

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

2 Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, ye ransomed from the fall,

hail him who saves you by his grace,

 and crown him Lord of all!

Hail him who saves you by his grace,

 and crown him Lord of all!

3 Let every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball

to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

4 O that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall!

We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all!

We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all!

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENT READING   “The Robe and Crown” John 19:1-7         

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Phil. 3:14

ONE: Keep pressing on toward the goal:

MANY: the heavenly call of God in Jesus Christ   

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, our redeemer, 

in our weakness we have failed to be your messengers of forgiveness and hope. Renew us by your Holy Spirit, that we may follow your commands and proclaim your reign of love; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#310][GTG#629] Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee 

1 Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills my breast.

But sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest.

2 Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,

nor can the mind recall

a sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of us all.

3 O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek,

to those who fall, how kind thou art!

How good to those who seek!

4 But what to those who find? Ah, this nor tongue nor pen can show. The love of Jesus, what it is

none but his loved ones know.

5 Jesus, our only joy be thou, as thou our prize wilt be.

Jesus, be thou our glory now, and through eternity.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of compassion, 

You call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity, but we find ourselves distracted by our own desires. You call us to seek justice and peace, but we are satisfied with injustice and discord. You call us to bring liberty to the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, Redeemer. Turn us to your will by the power of your Spirit, so that all may know your justice and peace.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.

May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

2nd  SCRIPTURE             John 12:1-8 

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

                      

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON  “Won’t Forget, Can’t Regret, What I Did for Love”  CP Ford Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY       The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

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

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

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.

HYMN  [Blue#394][GTG#792] There Is a Balm in Gilead

Refrain:

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;

there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

1 Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain,

but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. [Refrain]

2 Don’t ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend,

and if you lack for knowledge, he’ll not refuse to lend. [Refrain]

3 If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul,

you can tell the love of Jesus and say, “He died for all.” [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER  

Lord  Jesus Christ,

You stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace. So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do no know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your holy name. Amen.  

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#538][GTG#546] Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing Verse 3

3 Savior, when your love shall call us,

from our struggling pilgrim way,

let no fear of death appall us,

glad your summons to obey.

May we ever, may we ever

reign with you in endless day.

 POSTLUDE      Lift High the Cross by George W. Kitchin & Sydney H. Nicholson

                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

2 With voice as full and strong as ocean’s surging praise,

send forth the sturdy hymns of old, the psalms of ancient days. [Refrain]

3 Yes, on through life’s long path, still chanting as ye go,

from youth to age, by night and day, in gladness and in woe: [Refrain]

4 At last the march shall end; the wearied ones shall rest;

the pilgrims find their home at last, Jerusalem the blest. [Refrain]

5 Then on, ye pure in heart! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

Your festal banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENT READING   “The Whip” Matthew 27:24-26           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 95:1-2

ONE: O come, let us sing to the Lord

           And shout with joy to the rock of our salvation.

MANY:     Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving,

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Gracious God, seeker of the lost, draw your children back to your loving embrace, restore us to our inheritance as daughters and sons, and reconcile our hearts to you, that we may be ambassadors of your reconciling love to all the world. Through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we make this prayer.  Amen.

HYMN [Blue85][GTG215] What Wondrous Love Is This?

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

what wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;

to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;

while millions join the theme, I will sing!

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,

and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and through eternity I’ll sing on. 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have, like the Prodigal, wasted our inheritance.  You gave us the earth for our home, but we have squandered its resources, and hoarded its bounty,  You gave us neighbors to love, but we judge them and insist on our ways.  You show us the way that leads to human flourishing, but we break your laws and forsake your love. Forgive us, we pray, and bring us to repentance.  Draw our wandering hearts back to you.  Teach us the joy of living in your love. Through Christ we pray.  Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 32

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

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. Selah

Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.

Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

2nd  SCRIPTURE             Luke 15:11-32

Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”               

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON “Two Sons” Rev. Jan Condren

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  What Wondrous Love is This  

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

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

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

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.

HYMN  [Blue#485][GTG634] To God Be the Glory

1 To God be the glory; great things he has done!

So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,

who yielded his life an atonement for sin,

and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the earth hear his voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

and give him the glory: great things he has done!

2 Great things he has taught us; great things he has done,

and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

but purer and higher and greater will be

our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER  

God of transforming love, as in Christ you gave yourself to us, so may we give ourselves to you. Keep our feet firmly in the way where Christ leads us; make our mouths speak the truth that Christ teaches us; fill our bodies with the life of Christ within us.  Through Him we pray.  Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#435][GTG#748] Go with Us, Lord

Go with us, Lord, and guide the way

through this and every coming day,

that in your Spirit strong and true

our lives may be our gift to you.

 

 POSTLUDE  March in G Major, HWV. 20 by G. Handel                             

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF