Coming To the Table is a national organization that gathers for the purpose of truth-telling, racial healing, and transformation. It’s pillars are: uncovering history, making connections, working toward healing, and taking action. A small group of congregation and community members have been gathering to begin a group here on STX. This Sunday, March 14, at 5pm we’re excited to be hosting Tom DeWolf and Jodie Geddes. They are co-managers of the national body and will be on the Zoom call to help us take our little group to the next step. As a reminder, this is one option for our upcoming PRISM Groups at SCRC. So this meeting will be a good opportunity to learn more and decide if this is a good group for you. The link is below.

Sunday, March 14; 2:00pm (PT); 5:00pm (ET)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82907408374?pwd=Z0RVZmwzakZTQjArNkJ0RmJFcWxVQT09

·        Meeting ID: 829 0740 8374

·        Passcode: 669431

Dial by your location

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This week we’ll gather for the third Sunday of Lent and focus on the theme “intercession.” It’s the “I” in PRISM and is part of the conversation we’re having as we imagine small groups of service going out around the island. This Sunday we’ll also be sharing communion as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download and print a copy here.

Prelude                              Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Tornquist)

Call to Worship – Romans 8:22-30

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 

and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 

And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 

And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Song – Here I Am to Worship #567

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, it is hard for us to bear the burdens of this world. It is a struggle to find hope in the midst of the pain. It is a trial to remain patient while we wait for your salvation. We want to believe that you’re working all things for our good, but we have a hard time seeing it. We confess our need for your help and ask for your Holy Spirit to intercede in our lives. Shape us and fashion us in the image of your son even as we call others to be part of your family. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Song – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing  #521

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 – I Turn To You

Scripture – Luke 15:1-32

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother

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 travelled 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.” ’

Sermon – “PRISM: I Is For Intercession”

Song – Amazing Grace #691

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

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.

O Holy God… we lift our hearts in joyful praise:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY LORD, GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT, HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.

We praise you… until we feast together in your eternal Kingdom

THROUGH CHRIST, WITH CHRIST, IN CHRIST, IN THE UNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALL GLORY AND HONOR ARE YOURS, ALMIGHTY GOD, NOW AND FOREVER.  AMEN

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 – Blessed Are the Merciful

Benediction

Sending Song – Koinonia  #258

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP BEGINS!

The first reminder is that we have begun our Children in Worship program again. It’s an opportunity for kids, 3yr-2nd grade, to hear the Bible stories in their own language and use their imagination. We are following social distance guidelines, washing hands, and doing our best to keep the kids safe. Older children are welcome to participate as helpers.

2021 GIVING APPEAL

We know that times have been tough for a lot of individuals and organizations. Like congregations and non-profits around the world, SCRC saw a dip in donations in 2020. So, we want to make a special request to ask you to consider a regular donation to the church if you are able. You can read the request letter here and download a pledge card to print here (please bring it with you to worship and place it in the offering plate).

To the members and supporters of St. Croix Reformed Church,

          Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

          COVID-19 has impacted the lives of everyone in the world both in terms of daily living and in issues related to health. Closer to home our schools have been closed, daycare is challenging, businesses are struggling, and our social interactions are structured in ways we never before imagined.

Houses of Faith including churches, temples, and synagogues are not exempt from being challenged.  On-line services have become the norm and faith leaders are finding they must find creative ways to reach and serve their congregations. In addition, our church is finding that financial support is waning.  In 2020, we experienced a $20,000 shortfall 

Giving Appeal: We are hearing that this decline of 30% is not new to churches on island.  However, it is not sustainable.  With that,  the Consistory of St. Croix Reformed Church is appealing to our congregation to be certain to give at least what you had given in years past, and if we might ask, to possibly add 15 to 20 percent to that amount in the year 2021.  That increase would cover the $20,000 shortfall we experienced in 2020, and for that we would be very grateful!

Pledging: We are also asking that you consider pledging.  Meaning that you identify the amount you plan to give in the year 2021, and in whatever increments you chose, ensure that the church receives that amount.  By pledging we, the Consistory, can better plan our goals for the year, and attach the appropriate financial support.  A pledge would also be very much appreciated.  Simply let Pastor Peter know your intent.

          Each year since Pastor Peter has been with us, he’s reminded us that followers of Jesus commit to giving for three reasons: for God, for others, for ourselves. We give as a sign of our trust in God’s promise to “give us this day our daily bread.” We give for the sake of others because, as the prophet Isaiah said, “if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” Finally, and most often neglected, we give for ourselves in order to preserve a place where we can gather in the presence of the Lord who will restore to us the joy of salvation and sustain in us a willing spirit.

          We are extremely blessed to have a very nice facility and sanctuary located on a beautiful piece of property.  That, along with pastoral leadership which has proven to be compassionate and of high quality in providing an understanding of Christianity, we know we have the resources to continue our lives in Christian faith. We thank you in advance for your assistance and may be contacting you to answer any questions or concerns.

In Christian Love and Peace,

                                                              Pastor Peter – petertewinkle@gmail.com

                                                              Dan Huston – dhhuston@yahoo.com

                                                              Annette  Updyke – annetteupdyke@gmail.com

                                                              Willette Lewis willettelewis@gmail.com

                                                              Monica Rhule – monruhle@gmail.com

                                                              Don Bailey – donstx@yahoo.com

                                                              Brad Ebersole – bradleyebersole@gmail.com

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

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent and we’re going to be re-introducing our PRISM Groups. Prism is a vivid image that captures two of Jesus’s more familiar sayings: “I am the light of the world” and “You are the light of the world.” Our PRISM Groups are the way in which we answer Jesus’s call to community, both support and outreach. The “P” stands for “Participation.” All the words we’ll be using for worship this Sunday are below, but you can download and print a copy here.

Prelude                              My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Call to Worship – Psalm 15

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
   Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
   and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue,
   and do no evil to their friends,
   nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
   but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest,
   and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Song – Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise #579

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, you have welcomed us into your house. We can hardly claim to be blameless. Some of us have a clear sense of the sin we’ve committed. Others aren’t so sure. Some of us are too hard on ourselves. Others are too lenient with themselves. But, together, we are beginning a Lenten journey. 40 days to become the kind of people who do what is right and speak the truth from their heart. Bless us all with your Holy Spirit so that we can let go of the sin that clings to us and take hold of the new life in Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Song – Beautiful One #607

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.

What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Anthem – Good, Good Father

Scripture – Luke 10:25-37

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ²⁶He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ ²⁷He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ ²⁸And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’

29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ ³⁰Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³²So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” ³⁶Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ ³⁷He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’

Sermon – “PRISM: P Is For Participate”

Song – I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light  #730

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 – He Knows My Name (see #339)

Benediction

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

If you’re a parent with small children, we know that it’s hard to get them to sit through worship on a Sunday morning. During this time of physical distancing and isolation, we haven’t been able to offer our usual programs. But, thanks to the ever-so-talented and faithful Jane Coles, we’re excited to announce that we’re resuming Children in Worship this Sunday, February 21st. This program happens during worship and is geared toward 3yr-2nd grade kids. Jane is happy to have older children join if they can be good helpers in the storytelling. We’ve set up in a big room with lots of space so that the kids will be safe. Of course, if you or your children aren’t feeling well, please stay home. And, if you or your children have been in contact with or are concerned you may have been in contact with someone who is sick, please stay home. We know everyone is anxious to get back to “normal,” but we want to do it in a way that best for all involved. Thank you!

We hope that you and your children can join us for this season of Lent!

The COVID pandemic has had an impact on many individuals and organizations. That includes a financial impact. St. Croix Reformed Church has felt it too. Below is a letter asking you to consider making a regular financial gift in 2021. We recognize that individuals have been impacted as well, so this is not to pressure you to give or squeeze another dollar out of you. But, if you’ve been grateful for your experience at SCRC, we’d appreciate your support.

You can also download the letter here.

You can download and print a copy of the pledge card here.

To the members and supporters of St. Croix Reformed Church,

          Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

          COVID-19 has impacted the lives of everyone in the world both in terms of daily living and in issues related to health. Closer to home our schools have been closed, daycare is challenging, businesses are struggling, and our social interactions are structured in ways we never before imagined.

Houses of Faith including churches, temples, and synagogues are not exempt from being challenged.  On-line services have become the norm and faith leaders are finding they must find creative ways to reach and serve their congregations. In addition, our church is finding that financial support is waning.  In 2020, we experienced a $20,000 shortfall 

Giving Appeal: We are hearing that this decline of 30% is not new to churches on island.  However, it is not sustainable.  With that,  the Consistory of St. Croix Reformed Church is appealing to our congregation to be certain to give at least what you had given in years past, and if we might ask, to possibly add 15 to 20 percent to that amount in the year 2021.  That increase would cover the $20,000 shortfall we experienced in 2020, and for that we would be very grateful!

Pledging: We are also asking that you consider pledging.  Meaning that you identify the amount you plan to give in the year 2021, and in whatever increments you chose, ensure that the church receives that amount.  By pledging we, the Consistory, can better plan our goals for the year, and attach the appropriate financial support.  A pledge would also be very much appreciated.  Simply let Pastor Peter know your intent.

          Each year since Pastor Peter has been with us, he’s reminded us that followers of Jesus commit to giving for three reasons: for God, for others, for ourselves. We give as a sign of our trust in God’s promise to “give us this day our daily bread.” We give for the sake of others because, as the prophet Isaiah said, “if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” Finally, and most often neglected, we give for ourselves in order to preserve a place where we can gather in the presence of the Lord who will restore to us the joy of salvation and sustain in us a willing spirit.

          We are extremely blessed to have a very nice facility and sanctuary located on a beautiful piece of property.  That, along with pastoral leadership which has proven to be compassionate and of high quality in providing an understanding of Christianity, we know we have the resources to continue our lives in Christian faith. We thank you in advance for your assistance and may be contacting you to answer any questions or concerns.

In Christian Love and Peace,

                                                              Pastor Peter – petertewinkle@gmail.com

                                                              Dan Huston – dhhuston@yahoo.com

                                                              Annette  Updyke – annetteupdyke@gmail.com

                                                              Willette Lewis willettelewis@gmail.com

                                                              Monica Rhule – monruhle@gmail.com

                                                              Don Bailey – donstx@yahoo.com

                                                              Brad Ebersole – bradleyebersole@gmail.com