March 22, 2020

For the time being, in response to the COVID19 virus situation, we will celebrate one weekly service online. Each week, our worship can be found on firstchristianchurchberea.com beginning at 10am. It will be archived for later replay.

March 22, 2020

Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of purple cloth, a cross or something from your "Lent in a Bag" Family Resource Bag or to complete your worship center.

Focus

Lighting the Christ Candles     We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: "Let there be light, and there was light,"
Voice One:  We light these candles because God is with us at this time and in all these places.


Call to Worship  We read together responsively.

Voice 1: Jesus Christ, our sun divine,
        Within our hearts let justice shine;
Voice 2:  With light all darkness drive away
        And give the world a better day.
Voice 1:  This season of Lent, set apart,
        Bestow on us a contrite heart,
Voice 2:  And grant us even greater grace
        Than we might hope you would impart.
Voice 1:  May heaven and earth aloud proclaim
        The good news of Christ’s great name;
Voice 2:  As we restored to grace rejoice
        In newness both of heart and voice.  AMEN

Invocation    We pray together in unison.

All Voices: 
God of the living,
 through baptism we pass from the shadow of death 
to the light of the resurrection.
 Remain with us and give us hope
 that, rejoicing in the gift of the Spirit
 who gives life to our mortal flesh,
 we may be clothed with the garment of immortality,
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture:  Psalm 23

Sermon

Invitation to the Table

Musical Offering:
As piano plays the bread and cup are placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

Prayer of Communion

Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.

The Lord's Supper

Prayer of Thanksgiving: "The 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 and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

***Joys & Concerns
***Because we are connecting on a public internet forum, the Revs. will not be sharing Joys and Concerns aloud. Please share these within your Care Group and watch your weekly email bulletin for a prayer list. If you do not have a Care Group Assignment by Wednesday, March 25, please let the church office know.

Morning Prayer

Lord, you are the God of our salvation.
Make your ways known to us,
especially during this coming week as we have to isolate ourselves in our homes.
The corona virus puts us all on edge,
and we are out of place as we are not free to go to our schools,
our churches, our places of work,
and all the public areas we gather to meet friends,
greet neighbors and encounter visitors and strangers.
But you have brought each of us to the calm waters of prayer
where your rod and your staff comfort us.
So, we open our hearts to you and we pray with confidence
for the needs of the church and the world.


 Lord have mercy:
*for the church, that it may be a source of light for the world.
 Empower us with your strength
so we can announce the good news of Jesus Christ.
*for all who are in agony of mind or body,
that by our friendship and
our help your love be made present to them.
*for those in public office,
that they use their authority to safeguard
the well-being and dignity of human life.
*for all of us, called to a new life in Christ,
that our willingness to live for others bring hope to our world.


We fix our hearts on Christ who leads our faith.
Accept our prayers in the warm embrace of your compassion,

and welcome all people to the comfort of your table,

where we rejoice in your love 
and celebrate the inheritance you have given to us.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.

All Voices:
The Light that was in one place
and at one time,
is now in all places and all times,
for God has placed the light in us.
We abide in peace!
 Amen.