We gather this Sunday for worship as we we prepare our hearts, minds, and bodies for the season of Lent. All the words that we’ll be using for worship are below. Or, you can download and print a copy here.

Prelude                              “The Gift of Love”

Call to Worship – Psalm 121

Praise the Lord!
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
   who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
   the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
   nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
   your going out and your coming in
   from this time on and for evermore.

 Song – And Can It Be #695

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, mountain top experiences fill us with awe and remind us of your majesty. Your good news of life comforts us like a warm blanket on a cool night. But, you have called us to bring your majesty into the valley. You have called us, not to take up our comforter, but a cross. It’s this calling that we resist. We admit it and we confess our need for your help. This week leads us into the season of Lent. Bless us with your Holy Spirit to renew our commitment and find new courage in the call to follow Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Song – You Are My King #360

Words of Assurance

Jesus said, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily follow me.

For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

Anthem – How He Loves

Scripture – Luke 9:28-48

The Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.’

Sermon

Song – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love  #256

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 – Reckless Love

Benediction

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

We gather for communion this Sunday and celebrate the way that Jesus’ Spirit binds us together in a body of life and joy. We’ll listen to stories of healing that give us hope. All the words that we’ll be using for worship are below. But, you can also download and print a copy here.

Prelude                              “Abide With Me”

Call to Worship – Psalm 146

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
   I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
   whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
   the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed;
   who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
   the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
   he upholds the orphan and the widow,
   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
The Lord will reign for ever,
   your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

 Song – O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing #590

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, some of us come to you feeling imprisoned; in our minds or to addiction. Others of us bow before you unable to see; our purpose or the future. Some of us feel estranged; from you or from a community of belonging. Others harbor some wickedness that we can’t control; prejudice or pride. So, we confess our need for your presence to set free, to open, to lift up, to welcome in, to ruin what is wicked within us. Bless us all with your Holy Spirit so that we might enjoy your help and find hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Song – You Are My Hiding Place #412

Words of Assurance

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. 

Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. 

But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise

Anthem – Waymaker

Scripture – Luke 7:1-17

Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant

7After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. ²A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. ³When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. ⁴When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, ‘He is worthy of having you do this for him, ⁵for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.’ ⁶And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; ⁷therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. ⁸For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ ⁹When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ ¹⁰When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain

11 Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. ¹²As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. ¹³When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ ¹⁴Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ ¹⁵The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. ¹⁶Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ ¹⁷This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

Sermon

Song – There Is a Redeemer #833

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 – Truth I’m Standing On  sung by Aaliyah George

Benediction

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

This week we’ll talk about rules, regulations, and rest. How did Jesus navigate those aspects of life and how do we balance them in ours? All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download and print a copy here.

Prelude                              Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound!

Call to Worship – Psalm 62

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
   from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
For God alone my soul waits in silence,
   for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honour;
   my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
   pour out your heart before him;
   God is a refuge for us.
Once God has spoken;
   twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
   and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
   according to their work.

 Song – I Lift My Eyes Up  #652

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, it’s hard for us to rest. It’s hard for us to rest from the work that we have to do. It’s hard for us to rest from the worry that we carry with us. It’s hard for us to rest when we feel weak and want to be strong. We confess to being too focused on ourselves; on what we can or cannot accomplish. Bless us with your Spirit and renew our minds so that we can stay focused on you; on what you can accomplish through us and with us. Help us to find our rest in your, our refuge and our strength. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Song – Blest Are They #117

Words of Assurance

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Anthem – All the Days

Scripture – Luke 6:1-16

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’

On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Sermon

Song – How Great Thou Art #553

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 – I Am Not Alone

Benediction

The story of Jesus continues with a famous catch of fish. If you grew up in church, you’ll likely remember singing “I will make you fishers of men, fishers of men…” You might just hear that song this week! You can find out and find all the other words we’ll use in worship below. Or, download and print a copy here.

Prelude               It Is Well With My Soul

Call to Worship – Psalm 107

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
   for his wonderful works to humankind.
And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
   and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.
Some went down to the sea in ships,
   doing business on the mighty waters;
they saw the deeds of the Lord,
   his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
   which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths;
   their courage melted away in their calamity;
they reeled and staggered like drunkards,
   and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
   and he brought them out from their distress;
he made the storm be still,
   and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they had quiet,
   and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
   for his wonderful works to humankind.
Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
   and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

 Song – Day by Day  #437

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, in Jesus Christ you have promised us abundance; an abundance of peace and an abundance of life; even eternal life. It is a gift that we only have to receive. Yet, we confess that we sometimes take this gift for granted forgetting that the promise is fulfilled as we follow Jesus. And, we confess that we sometimes keep the good news of this gift all to ourselves, not wanting to share it with others; especially with others who might require us to change. Renew our minds with your Holy Spirit that your abundance would be enough for all and for everyone. Give us the courage to share it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Song – Softly, Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling #615

Words of Assurance

Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Anthem – Oceans

Scripture – Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Sermon

Song – Take My Life and Let It Be #863

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 – I Will Make You Fishers of Men

Benediction

Sending Song – Jesus, Light of the World  #100 (refrain only)

Since the new year, we’ve been paging through the gospel of Luke. This week we read about how Jesus’s ministry began. There is no shortage of controversy! All the words that we’ll be using in worship this week are below. You can also download and print a copy here.

Prelude               Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine

Call to Worship – Psalm 82

To you, O Lord, I call;
   my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
   I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Hear the voice of my supplication,
   as I cry to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
   towards your most holy sanctuary.
Blessed be the Lord,
   for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
   in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
   and with my song I give thanks to him.
The Lord is the strength of his people;
   he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
O save your people, and bless your heritage;
   be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

 Song – Come, Christians Join to Sing!  #599

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, you are a refuge and our strength. You hear cries for help and see hands lifted high in praise. You are a faithful shield for all who trust in you. And, that’s where you confess to stumbling and struggling. We believe in you. We agree that you are the truth. We long for Spirit. But, we struggle to follow your call in this fallen world. We stumble through temptations and distractions. So, we ask for your Spirit once again to find our way back to the way of Christ and walk further down his path. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

ANTHEM – I Give You My Heart (see #340)

Words of Assurance

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you was not ‘Yes and No’; but in him it is always ‘Yes.’ 

For in Christ every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’

For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen’, to the glory of God. 

But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

Song – Jesus, Light of the World  #100

Scripture – Luke 4:14-30

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
   because he has anointed me
     to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
   and recovery of sight to the blind,
     to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Sermon

Song – When Peace Like a River #451

Ordination & Installation of Elders & Deacons

God of grace, pour out your Holy Spirit, gentle as a dove, burning as a fire, upon Annette, Don, and Monica. Fill them with grace and power for this ministry of Deacon & Elder. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we pray. 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 – You Are My Hiding Place (see #412)

Benediction

Sending Song – Jesus, Light of the World  #100 (refrain only)