3/8/20 2nd Sunday in Lent

Today is the second Sunday in 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. And today our music small group is leading us in worship!

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: #62 All Creatures of Our God and King

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: Mark 2:1-11
1After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home. 2So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them. 3Some people arrived, and four of them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. 4They couldn’t carry him through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven!”
6Some legal experts were sitting there, muttering among themselves, 7“Why does he speak this way? He’s insulting God. Only the one God can forgive sins.”
8Jesus immediately recognized what they were discussing, and he said to them, “Why do you fill your minds with these questions? 9Which is easier—to say to a paralyzed person, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk’? 10But so you will know that the Human One has authority on the earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed, 11“Get up, take your mat, and go home.”​

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

Second Hymn: Here I am to Worship

Message: Out of the Rut

Final Hymn: #374 Standing on the Promises

​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.