Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 February 10, 2008 10:30 a.m.First Sunday in Lent God is Still Speaking, |
No matter who, no matter what,
no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
A Time for Gathering
* Opening Hymn #211 (Black) Lord Jesus, Who Through Forty Days
* Call to Worship
One: We have entered into the season of Lent.
Sundays, however, are not a part of that season.
Many: We have entered a wilderness time,
Yet this day of worship is an oasis in the desert.
One: We are here to worship the God of all creation.
We gather to remember God's revelation in Jesus.
Many: Today we remember the temptation Jesus faced.
We want to learn to make good choices, just as Jesus did.
* Prayer: Gracious and mighty God, we gather today to seek your strength for the days to come. We know what you expect of us, and yet we easily give in to the temptations of this world. Grant us, through your Spirit and the support of one another, the power to resist what is evil and hold fast to what is good. May we follow the example of Jesus, Your Son and our Redeemer, in all that we say and do. Help us to use this season of Lent to know ourselves better, and to seek your instruction in all things, that we might bring your honor and glory and be a blessing to your people. Amen.
*Call to Confession: When faced with the pleasures of this world, we often forget the source of all that is good. Too easily, we abandon our faith when it seems inconvenient. And yet, each time we return to God, God welcomes us back.
*Prayer of Confession: We come back to you, Gracious God, admitting that we have been turned aside by what we want, rather than staying on track and doing what is right. Help us to lean on Jesus and to follow his example, that may we always do what is pleasing in your sight and resist the lure of evil.
* Assurance of Forgiveness: As God sent angels to wait on Jesus in the desert, God has provided us with companions for our journey. As we travel together and support one another, God will richly bless us in our community, forgive us our sins, and strengthen us to go forward in service to God and humanity.
* Gloria Patri (Brown hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: We often think of Lent as a time of sacrifice. However, it really is a call to faithfulness. Let us be faithful in giving back to God a portion of what God has given to us.
Offering of Music: Voices raised in Song
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: God of love and justice, we pray that you will bless these offerings and use them for the furtherance of your kingdom. As Jesus was faithful, may we also be faithful to what you have called us to do. Use what we offer today according to your will, that ever more people may be touched by the good news of your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen
Chatting with our Children
Reflection: Liz Greenberg
Scripture Readings:
Hebrew Scriptures: Romans 5:12-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Sermon: Forty Days and Forty Nights?
Hymn # 436 (Black) God of Grace and God of Glory (vs. 1, 2, 4, & 5)
A Time for Prayer
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
*Hymn #505 (Black) Sweet Hour of Prayer (vs. 1 only)
One: We know that it is not always easy to keep our focus on God.
There are many things to distract and tempt us.
Many: We trust in God to give us strength in times of trouble.
With God's help, we will strive to be faithful
Amen. Amen
A Time to Depart
* Fellowship Circle Let There Be Peace on Earth
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates unison.