March 1, 2017 Ash Wednesday

Theme: For the Joy that is Waiting...

Scripture: Mark 11:7-11, Mark 1:9-12

Greeting                                                                                                      (Rev. Mark)
Let us look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,
Who for the joy that was waiting, endured the cross.

Opening Sentences      UNISON
Jesus came to preach good news to the poor, 
to proclaim release to the captives,
and recovery of slight to the blind,
to liberate those who are oppressed,
and to proclaim the year of God's favor. 

Hymn                                                                           (Janie and Mary)
 
Scripture Reading: Mark 11:7-11

⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Reflection on the Palms

"Palm Sunday to Ash Wednesday, Embracing the Joy that is Waiting"

Mixing of the Ashes and Oil                                       (FaithBuilders, Rev. Mark, Ele & Cannon)

Prayer of Confession                                                               Unison
 O Great God, light a candle in our heart, that we may see what is there, and sweep your dwelling place clean.

Silent Meditation

Take a moment to consider what burdens your heart is bearing today. What sin is in our hearts that God is ready to help us release and remove? Write or draw on your slip of paper and have it ready to bring forward and lay it on the heart in front of the table. These will be burned at the end of the service.

Musical Transition:  "When I Survey" on dulcimer     (Rev. Mark)

Instrumental Music                                                       (Janie & Mary)
Please come forward to receive the ashes and to touch the waters of Baptism as the musicians play.

Imposition of Ashes                                                       (Revs. Mark & Lisa)

Sharing the Waters of Baptism                                     (Elders)

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:9-12 
⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
¹² At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he stayed in the wilderness 40 days.

 
Sweeping Up                                                               (FaithBuilders, Rev. Mark, Ele & Cannon)

Assurance of Pardon                                                   (Rev. Lisa)

Challenge-"Let It Go"                                                  (Mark Workman)
We all move out to the parking lot to burn the papers and watch the smoke drift away, reminding us to release our sin and let our burdens go with God.