Onsite Worship Text March 7, 2021

  Morning Worship Text
March 7, 2021 


The Season of Lent: A Time to Prepare Our Hearts for Easter


Welcome

Musical Mediation: “Sanctuary”       Mary Bondurant, pianist
 -Thompson and Scruggs, Chalice Praise, 1982, p.49

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 today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in this place!


Call to Worship  
Voice One: When God speaks, all creation answers:
Voice Two: The pale winter moon cries, 'Glory!' and the sun hums a song as it warms the earth.
Voice One: When God speaks, lives are changed:
Voice Two: Those held hostage by oppression are set free;  the voiceless shout the story of salvation.
Voice One: When God speaks, everything is turned inside out:
Voice Two: The wise learn the language of grace from little children;  the strong take lessons from the powerless.
— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Lectionary Liturgies blog.  Visit there for many other excellent lectionary-based resources.


Invocation
O Wise God, You have come to us in the form of a vulnerable child; You teach us that the last are first and the first, last; You lead us on a Way to new life that leads through death. Truly your wisdom is different than ours! Meet us in this place and teach us your foolish wisdom and your vulnerable power; give us joy to receive it fully and courage to live it foolishly, through Jesus Christ, your Wisdom and Word.
 

— taken from “O God of Wisdom: Third Sunday of Lent Service Prayers,” written by Rev. Kathryn Matthews Huey and the Rev. Susan A. Blain.  Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.


Scripture: Psalm 19 & I Corinthians 1:18-31


Meditation


Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Linda Blair and Kathy Sharp.


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


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Communion Mediation: “The Lord’s Prayer/Amazing Grace Mix”     
Chris Teesdale, Marimbas                -ARR. J. Gaines, public domain


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.


Prayers of the People (From Psalm 19)

O God, the heavens are telling of your glory;
and the firmament proclaims your handiwork.
We look to the mountains and see the everlasting…

Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
We search both day and night and watch for your glory in them…

Where there is no speech, nor are there words;
Where the voices of creation are not heard by our ears;
We listen to the silence and hear wonder speak of you…

Yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
We look to the horizon to hear a word about eternity…

In the heavens, God, you have set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a beloved from a wedding canopy,
and like a strong athlete runs its course with joy.
We look to the sunrise and enjoy your forever-promise…

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
We look to the seasons and live by your rhythm…

Your law, O God, is perfect, reviving our souls;
Your decrees are sure, making wise the simple;
We look to creation’s order and accept your wisdom…

Your precepts, O God, are right, rejoicing our hearts;
Your commandment is clear,
enlightening our eyes;
We look to justice and truth and feel your light…

You inspire awe and respect, pure and enduring;
Your ordinances are true
and righteous altogether.
We look to your word and recognize your call…

More to be desired are your words than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
We look to your commandments and taste their sweetness…

Moreover by your laws are we made aware;
in keeping them there is great reward.
We look to creation’s order and know justice…

But who can detect their own errors?
Clear us from hidden faults.
We look to your grace and know your forgiveness…

Keep us well removed from insolence and those who spread it;
do not let them have dominion over us.
We look to what brings life and live by your example…

Then we shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
We look to your covenant and know your love…

Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts
be acceptable to you, O God, our rock and our redeemer.
Amen.

~ adapted from a litany written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws



Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.
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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!



Postlude