3/1/20 First Sunday in Lent

Today is the first Sunday of Lent. We're moving through the different pieces of Jesus story as he comes into our presence and brings us into the new dance that he is leading.

Prelude
As the music starts before the service, take some time to center yourself in God's presence and direct your thoughts to him.

Meet & Greet
This is a time to say hi to the folks around you, and to share in God's peace and grace as we gather as a community of faith

​First Hymn: #147 All Things Bright and Beautiful

We are starting to collect for our Lent Giving that will go to Turning Point at Wilkes Boulevard. Help us help them! Also, be sure to add our Planning Retreat to your calendar.  Its coming up on March 14th.

Joys & Concerns
This is a time to share the good things, joys, and celebrations in that have taken place in the last week, as well as the hard things and concerns that we face.

Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, Lord's Prayer
Take some time to lift your prayers up to God, especially the joys and concerns that have been stated, or that have been left unstated. After some time for silent prayer, Pastor John will lead in a few words of prayer, and then we'll join together in 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.

Children's Message
This is a time led by a church member with a message specially for our kids. Afterwards, the children are invited to go with the Sunday School teachers downstairs for their own special part of the service. They'll come back up at the end of the service. 
As the children come forward, please join in singing the first verse of Jesus Loves Me

1. Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! (sing 3x’s)
The Bible tells me so.

Offertory
The ushers will come forward and receive the offering plates. The liturgist will say a prayer as we begin a time to give to God. This isn't just about the money that we put in the plates, but it is about how we give to God out of our love for him.

Doxology
After the offertory has finished, please stand as you are able, and join in giving thanks to God for these offerings. Please join in singing the doxology.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer & Scripture: John 1:9-14
9The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. 10The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. 11The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. 12But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, 13born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. 14The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Leader: This is the Word of God, for the people of God
People: Thanks be to God!

Second Hymn: #616 Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast

Message: From the Top
For additional reading, read Genesis 1 through the end of Noah's story, and all of John 1.

Holy Communion

Final Hymn: #640 Take Our Bread

​Benediction
Go and let God's mission become integrated into every part of your life. Know that God doesn't just forgive sin, but gives us wholeness and purpose in our lives so that we can live the best life possible.