April 3rd Worship
Preparations
Before connecting with worship this communion Sunday, please prepare grape juice/wine/other and bread for your celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
Introit: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Anne Krentz Organ
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Isaiah 43]
Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.”
Let us worship the LORD!
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Hymn 259)
Luther/Westendorf
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Protecting us with staff and rod, and power all prevailing.
What if the nations rage and surging seas rampage;
What though the mountains fall the Lord is God of all;
The Lord of hosts is with us.
The waters of God’s goodness flow throughout the holy city,
And gladden hearts of those who know God’s tenderness and pity.
Though nations stand unsure, God’s kingdom shall endure;
God’s power shall remain, and peace shall ever reign,
The Lord of hosts is with us.
Behold what wondrous deeds of peace God does for our salvation;
God knows our wars and makes them cease in every land and nation.
The warrior’s spear and lance are splintered by God’s glance;
The guns and nuclear might stand withered in God’s sight;
The Lord of hosts is with us.
Confession
God of restoration, you overturn our notions of power and possibility. Forgive us for being critical when someone offers a gift we deem irresponsible or wasteful. Forgive us when our approach to problems in our community is too simplistic, or when we run from these problems altogether. Help us recognize many ways to serve and love and be with each other. Grant us grace to repent frequently and courage to participate in the new things you are doing. Amen.
Silence
Song of Gratitude: Restore In Us, O God
Carl Daw Jr./Hopson
Restore in us, O God, the splendor of your love;
Renew your image in our hearts, and all our sins remove.
O Spirit, wake in us the wonder of your power;
From fruitless fears unfurl our lives like spring-time bud and flower.
Bring us, O Christ, to share the fullness of your joy;
Baptize us in the risen life that death cannot destroy.
Three-personed God fulfill the promise of your grace,
That we, when all our searching ends, may see you face to face.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Children’s Message
Solo: A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar
Wren/Lowry
Lisa Phillips
A prophet-woman broke a jar, by Love’s divine appointing.
With rare perfume she filled the room, presiding and anointing.
A prophet-woman broke a jar, the sneers of scorn defying.
With rare perfume she filled the room, preparing Christ for dying.
Though woman-wisdom, woman-truth, for centuries were hidden,
Unsung, unwritten, and unheard, derided and forbidden,
The Spirit’s breath, the Spirit’s fire, on free and slave descending,
Can tumble our dividing walls, our shame and sadness mending.
The Spirit knows; the Spirit calls, by Love’s diving ordaining,
The friends we need, to serve and lead, their powers and gifts unchaining.
The Spirit knows; the Spirit calls, from women, men, and children,
The friends we need to serve and lead. Rejoice, and make them welcome!
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Steve Blewett
Old Testament: Isaiah 43:16-21
Link Here
New Testament: John 12:1-8
Link Here
Homily: Forget About It!
Focus: Although God’s will is consistently tenacious, the more we repent the newer and fresher our participation in it seems.
Words of Institution
Communion
Communion Music: Fairest Lord Jesus (Hymn 306)
Silesian folk melody
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O Thou of God to earth come down,
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor, thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling, starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer, than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior, Ruler of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!
Communion Prayer
Giving our Gifts to God
Steve Blewett
I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
-Philippians 3:8
Musical Offering: Toccata in E minor (BWV 914)
Bach
YunJoung Park, piano
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Maestoso
Stanley
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
