The First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin
The Second Sunday in Lent
March 8, 2009
10:30 a.m.

Enter the church in silence. Through silence speak to God and let God speak to you.

PREPARATION: The following are the scripture texts for this morning: : Psalm 22:23-31 (Pew Bible page 435); Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (pages 11-12) God makes a covenant with Abram and Sarai, gives them new names, and promises them a multitude of descendants. Romans 4:13-25 (page 916) Abraham received God’s promise through faith, which preceded the law. Mark 8:31-38 (page 820) Jesus rebukes Peter and calls his followers to lose their lives.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Lord, give us the grace we need to be your disciples, and do not give up on us. Keep correcting us, rebuking us, teaching us, transforming us until we come to resemble those followers whom you deserve. Our earnest desire is to embody your will for our lives, for the world today, and for eternity. Amen

THE GATHERING

BELL PEAL
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME
PRELUDE “Wo sol lich flishen hin” Fischer

THE LENTEN CANDLE CEREMONY
INTROIT (Hymn #85) “What Wondrous Love Is This” Wondrous Love
CHOIR: What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the heavy cross for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the heavy cross for my soul!
LITANY
LEADER: The Lord does not ignore us or hide from us when we are troubled.
PEOPLE: God hears our every cry.
LEADER: Whatever we need, God will satisfy.
PEOPLE: Therefore, we give God the praise.

THE SECOND LENTEN CANDLE IS EXTINGUISHED
LEADER: As we extinguish the second Lenten candle, we are reminded of God’s promise to Abraham and Abraham’s faithful trust in God. God’s promise to us, if we believe, is that we will be accepted by him. What is it we believe? We believe that Jesus died for our sins and was raised up from death so we can be right with God. Praise God for his matchless gift! (the candle is extinguished)
LEADER: Let us pray. O God, because of Abraham’s faith and trust in you, you made him the father of all nations. You have made wonderful promises for us as well. We proclaim our belief, but help us in our unbelief.
ALL: Amen.

*RESPONSE (Hymn #85) “What Wondrous Love Is This” Wondrous Love
ALL: To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing.
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing!
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great I Am,
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme, I will sing!

*OPENING SENTENCES
LEADER: The journey of Lent –
PEOPLE: is a journey inward, to examine our hearts.
LEADER: The journey of faith –
PEOPLE: is a journey of trust, following God’s promises.
LEADER: The journey of life –
PEOPLE: is a journey outward, spending our lives for the sake of love.
ALL: Let us worship God!

*HYMN #488 “The God of Abraham Praise” Leoni

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
LEADER: If we claim that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
PEOPLE: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just
will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
LEADER: Let us confess our sins against God and neighbor.
ALL: Faithful God, you call us to trust in your promises, as you invited Abraham and Sarah. In Jesus Christ, you call us to take up our cross and follow, as he invited his disciples. We are quick to make excuses, afraid of the unknown, afraid of the hard work of discipleship. We are cautious; embarrassed to share the good news. Forgive us we pray. Give us the courage that comes from knowing that you walk with us.
LEADER: And hear us as we lift to you the prayers of our hearts.
(silent prayer)
In Christ’s name we pray.
ALL: Amen.

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RESPONSE (Hymnal #573) “Lord, Have Mercy” Kyrie
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. ALL: Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
LEADER: God continues to do a new thing with us and for us.
PEOPLE: This is the amazing and eternal truth of the cross: we are a beloved and forgiven people, redeemed and free.
LEADER: Claim this reality, and give thanks to God and to Christ Jesus through zealous devotion and faithful service.
ALL: Thanks be to God. Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON Rev. ByRoade

(The children are invited to leave for Sonshine Mountain.)

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

The Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God!

EPISTLE READING Romans 4:13-25

This, too, is the Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God!

SERMON “Faith Counted as Righteousness” Rev. Victoria ByRoade

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Iona Community
We believe in God whose love is the source of all life and the desire of our lives, whose love was given a human face in Jesus of Nazareth, whose love was crucified by the evil that waits to enslave us all and whose love, defeating even death, is our glorious promise of freedom. Therefore, though we are sometimes fearful and full of doubt, in God we trust: and, in the name of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves, in the name of service to others, to seek justice and to live in peace, to care for the earth and to share the commonwealth of God’s goodness, to live in the freedom of forgiveness, and in the power of the spirit of love, and in the company of the faithful so to be the church, for the glory of God. Amen. -3-
OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS

OFFERTORY “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed” setting C.S. Lang

*DOXOLOGY (Hymnal #591) “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 OF DEDICATION

*HYMN #447 “Lead On, O King Eternal” Lancashire

*BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Hymn #275) “God of Our Life” Sandon
CHOIR: God of our life, through all the circling years, we trust in Thee;
In all the past, through all our hopes and fears, Thy hand we see.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil,
we own Thy mercies, Lord, which never fail.
ALL: God of the past, our times are in Thy hand; with us abide.
Lead us by faith to hope’s true promised land; be Thou our guide.
With Thee to bless, the darkness shines as light,
and faith’s fair vision changes into sight.

*CHARGE

*POSTLUDE “Postlude in D” von Weber

*The congregation stands. If standing is difficult for you, please feel free to remain seated.

NEXT SUNDAY, March 15, 2009 will be the Third Sunday in Lent. The scripture readings will be: Psalm 19 (Pew Bible page 433); Exodus 20:1-17 (page 58) God speaks the Ten Commandments to Moses. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (page 926) The good news of Christ redefines wisdom and foolishness. John 2:13-22 (Page 863) Jesus drives the sellers and money changers out of the temple.

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PRAYER FOR PEACE – GAZA – Although a pullout form the Gaza Strip by Israel has been completed, there is a terrible path of destruction from the bombs and street-fighting. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is supporting relief efforts as a member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International alliance. ACT efforts include those of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’s Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR, International Orthodox Christian Charities and other long-time PC(USA) partners. An appeal for money has been issued for emergency assistance and rehabilitation in Gaza. Meanwhile, shelling of Israel from Gaza has begun again, maintaining a high level of alert and anxiety for the people in Gaza as well as Israel. Amnesty International has called for an arms embargo on both Israel and Gaza to reduce the terrible toll the bombing is taking on the lives of people in the region. Diplomats study alternatives and offer material help and money. But the ongoing hatred and fear remain, affecting every conversation and foreshadowing every positive action toward peace. Heavenly Father, bless the Children of Abraham, both Muslim and Jew, and show them your love and forgiveness. Help the leadership find solutions to the unending war that tears at the soul of the Middle East and prevents productive lives of all the people who live there. Amen.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH HOME and are interested in joining First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, please indicate your desire to Pastor ByRoade so we can arrange a gathering of our Session.

WE WELCOME ALL WHO WORSHIP HERE TODAY – Coloring pages for children to use during the worship hour are available from the ushers. Before “THE WORD”, girls and boys PK4 through 5^th grade are invited to attend Sunday school on “Sonshine Mountain”. Our nursery, for infants through age 3, is in the Christian Education Building, downstairs in Room 103. Large print bulletins and large print hymnals are available from the ushers. Hearing devices are also available. Please ask for one at the Sound booth.

PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
USHERS: Doug Davis, Richard Simon, Cheryl Small, Deborah Kynes
LITURGIST: Ron Barnette
ACOLYTE: Jonathan G.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS THIS WEEK ARE GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD BY
Marion Takaaki Yongue in memory of his mother, Mrs. Yuko Kusakabe Yongue
and his cousin, Mrs. Ruth Yongue Grubbs

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES
8:45 a.m. – Worship Café
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School/Fellowship
10:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship
11:45 a.m. – Membership, Growth & Development Committee Meeting
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OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

Monday (9^th) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life
7:30 p.m. Sarah Circle
Tuesday (10^th) 9:30 a.m. Martha Circle
1:00 p.m. Esther Circle
3:30 p.m. Pre School Committee
7:00 p.m. Property Committee
7:00 p.m. Worship Committee
7:30 p.m. Transit – Young Adult Group
Wednesday (11^th) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life
5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Bible Study – Doyle
7:00 p.m. High School Youth
7:00 p.m. Video Club
8:00 p.m. Contemporary Music Practice
8:00 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal
Thursday (12^th) 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Friday (13^th) 10:00 a.m. Finance Committee

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY DINNER – this week the meal will be beef stir fry. The cost is $6.50 per adult; $4.00 12-18; $3.00 2-12; $18.00 max per family with children under 12. We eat at 6:15, so please come a little early to pay. Sign up today on the Friendship Register!

FITNESS & FOOD a 4 week health series presented by the Membership, Growth & Development Committee – Tuesdays, March 17, 24, 31 and April 7 from 10 until 11:15 a.m. in Hager Hall. Program leaders: Kim Mohr, AADP Certified Health Counselor and Ashlie Fisher, NFPT Certified Personal Trainer. This four week series will explore how to make gradual lifestyle changes to improve your overall well-being. Call the church office to register (733-2318). There is no fee for this series, but a voluntary “Love Offering” will be taken.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS Each year, the Missions Outreach Committee invites members of First Church to contribute especially to Presbyterian international missions. There is a special envelope in your giving envelope box designated to international missions. Our missionaries are facing shortages in support as they continue to do God’s work in far-flung places. Please give generously to benefit Presbyterian missionaries who are working around the world.

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TODAY IS VOLUNTEER SUNDAY
TODAY WE CELEBRATE YOU!

Whether you drive the bus, collate the VOICE, help someone in from the parking lot, serve or clean up coffee, work in the office or garden, sing or ring or otherwise assist in worship – whoever you are and whatever you do – you are an essential piece of First Church. Join us for cake in Hager Hall following the worship services and pick up your gift from us.

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PRAYER REQUESTS the names of people who have requested prayer are listed in italics the first week of their request and any time there are changes in their condition or place of recuperation. A complete listing of the people for whom we need to lift our prayers will also be provided for you in each edition of THE VOICE. (Please call the church office if you have a prayer concern.)
† Family and friends of Florence C., mother of Marge R., who died March 3
† Lynne D., sister of Dave R., recuperating from breast cancer surgery

• Marge B. S. following surgery
  
• Dorothy C. recovering from a broken hip at Manor Care on Tampa Road
  
• Martha B. recovering from a broken hip at Manor Care on Patricia
  
• Jeff R., brother of Peg R., awaiting neurosurgery
  
• Edna-Ann Z. of Virginia, cousin of Frances Doyle, diagnosed with lung cancer
  
• Lonnie A., friend of Allen and Betty Arnold, following surgery
  
• Ann C. and Charles (Chuck) M. under Hospice care
  
• For improved health: Les M., Hattie F., Joyce S., Betsy P., Bill V., Leona B., Lee S., Warren M., Sharyn R., Lois K., Dotsie D., Peg H., Betsy K., Millie R., Tom F., Dee F.
  
• All of our members who reside in skilled nursing homes
  
• First Presbyterian Church in our desire to be responsible stewards of our talents and finances
  
• Our Missionaries, Rev. Dr. Archibald Woodruff and Linnis Cook, Pastors Jimmi and wife Sandra-Lee Jones at the Lords Bank Community Church, Lords Bank Village, Belize, in Central America
  

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DUNEDIN
455 SCOTLAND STREET
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA 34698
TELEPHONE: 727-733-2318
WEB SITE: fpcdunedin.org EMAIL: officeadminfpc@tampabay.rr.com

MINISTERS All the Members
PASTOR/HEAD OF STAFF The Rev. Victoria M. Gardner ByRoade
PARISH ASSOCIATE The Rev. Willard N. Doyle
PASTOR EMERITUS The Rev. W. Martin Hager
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/ ASSISTANT TO ADMINISTRATOR
Stephen L. Allen
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER/MINISTRY INTERN
Luke Phillips
YOUNG LIFE CHURCH PARTNER Jeff Iosa
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR Donna Dayock
FINANCIAL SECRETARY Betsi Knapp
CUSTODIAN David Rodman
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Cori LoCicero

THE SESSION OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DUNEDIN MODERATOR: Rev. Victoria ByRoade CLERK OF SESSION: John Brockman
	Class of 2009 Carole Anne Agnew Dusty ByRoade Diana Carsey Chris Ehmig Peg Rowe Cheryl Small	Class of 2010 Jim Gibbs Marion Guthrie Rebekah Quizhpe Roberto Sanchez Jim Szatkowski Mary Walthall	Class of 2011 Bob Blocher John Brockman Marge Brown Greg Long Clare McGrane

The Mission of the First Presbyterian Church is to Invite, Share, Celebrate, and Send
the Christian faith by word and deed to the community and world.