We gather for the 2nd Sunday of Lent this week and the theme for worship is “Refuge.” It’s the “R” in PRISM. The series is an introduction to the start of service groups that will allow the light of Christ to shine through us. All of the words that we’ll be using for worship are below, but you can download and print a copy here.

Prelude                              What a Friend We Have In Jesus

Call to Worship – Psalm 91

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
   who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
   my God, in whom I trust.’
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
   and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
   or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
   the Most High your dwelling-place,
no evil shall befall you,
   no scourge come near your tent.

Song – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #575

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, here we have gathered in your presence, wanting to believe in your promise to protect us. But, we come here with regrets over our own actions. We come here with pain that we bear from the struggles of life. We come here with worries about the future and how it will play out. So, we confess that it’s hard to trust your promise in this life. But, we come here because we long for you to be our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we can trust. Cover us with your Holy Spirit, the whole armor of God so that we can resist evil and stand firm in our faith.  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Song – Forever #578

Words of Assurance

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world…I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!

Let your light shine before others that they might see your good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.

Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Anthem – My Prayer For You

Scripture – Luke 13:1-9, 31-35

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’

Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’

Sermon – “PRISM: R Is For Refuge”

Song – Gather Us In #529

Prayers w/ 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.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

Offertory – What a Friend We Have In Jesus

Benediction

Sending Song – I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me  #854