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The
First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin
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 107:1-3, 17-27 (Pew Bible Page 487); Numbers 21:4-9 (page 122) God tells Moses to set a serpent on a pole to give life to the people in the wilderness. Ephesians 2:1-10 (pages 949-950) Though we were dead through our sins, by grace we have been saved through faith. John 3:14-21 (page 864) Jesus teaches Nicodemus about how God is working in the world by using the story of Moses and the serpent as an example.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Lord Jesus, you come to us, sometimes in the dark of night, sometimes in the light of day. Help us, Lord Jesus, when you come to us, to see you, to understand you, and to hear your voice. Keep us curious. Keep us reaching out to you, in love, reach out to us. Amen.
THE GATHERING BELL PEAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME PRELUDE “Herzliebster Jesu” arr. Haase
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: Give thanks for the goodness of God. PEOPLE: For God’s love is everlasting. LEADER: Let us give of ourselves to show our thanksgiving. PEOPLE: Let our joy proclaim what God has done through Jesus Christ.
THE FOURTH LENTEN CANDLE IS EXTINGUISHED LEADER: As we extinguish the fourth Lenten candle, we are reminded that though we were spiritually dead, God has given us new life through Jesus Christ. Despite all the wrong we have done against God, God has forgiven us through his grace as long as we believe in him. (the candle is extinguished)
LEADER: Let us pray. O God, we can never imagine how great your love is for us, how through your grace you care for us. We can never make ourselves right with you. Only you can do that and we give you the praise and glory for your grace and love that makes it possible. 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: O give thanks to the Lord, who is good. PEOPLE: God’s steadfast love endures forever. LEADER: Some wandered, far and near, and cried out for help — which came from God. PEOPLE: God’s steadfast love endures forever. LEADER: Some sat in darkness; some rebelled; they cried out for help — which came from God. PEOPLE: God’s steadfast love endures forever. LEADER: We come now to worship the God who saves through love. PEOPLE: God’s steadfast love endures forever! ALL: Let us worship God!
*HYMN #282 “If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee” Wer nur den lieben Gott
PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of our journey, your chosen people complained in the wilderness: “Where is the water? We are sick of this food!” We confess we are weary of this Lenten wilderness: “Where are our alleluias? We are tired of repentance.” Rather than being grateful for a time of reflection, we restlessly look for Easter. Silence our complaints. Forgive and restore us. Turn us again toward Jesus, our guide in the wilderness, that we may look upon him and fully live. Amen.
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.
-2- ASSURANCE OF PARDON LEADER: Hear the words of Paul, “You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world … but God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us … made us alive together in Christ.” PEOPLE: By grace we have been saved through faith and this is not our own doing; it is the gift of God. LEADER: Praise God for the gift of Christ the answer of salvation! ALL: Praise be to God!
CHILDREN’S SERMON Eric Houghton (The children are invited to leave for Sonshine Mountain.)
THE WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION EPISTLE READING Ephesians 2:1-10 The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM “My Song Is Love Unknown” Ireland
GOSPEL READING John 3:14-21 The Gospel of the Lord! Praise to You, O Christ!
SERMON “Loving Darkness” Rev. Victoria ByRoade
THE RESPONSE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Confession of 1967 (9.21,22) We believe that the reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of humankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience, the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to us, moves us to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ. We believe that the new life takes shape in a community in which we know that God loves and accepts us in spite of who we are. We therefore accept ourselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace. Amen.
OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS OFFERTORY “My Song Is Love Unknown” arr. Held (-3-) *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 THE SENDING
*HYMN #376 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Hyfrydol *BENEDICTION *RESPONSE (Hymn #298) “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” In Babilone CHOIR: There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty. There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven; There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given. ALL: For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word; and our lives reflect thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord. *CHARGE *POSTLUDE “Prelude and Fugue in e” J. S. Bach *The congregation stands. If standing is difficult for you, please feel free to remain seated.
NEXT SUNDAY, March 29, 2009 will be the Fifth Sunday in Lent. The scripture readings will be: Psalm 51:1-12 (Pew Bible page 452); Jeremiah 31:31-34 (page 642) God promises a new covenant with Israel that will be written upon the people’s hearts. Hebrews 5:5-10 (page 973) Christ has been made our high priest. John 12:20-33 (page 875) While Jesus is speaking about his death, a voice from heaven is heard.
PRAYER FOR PEACE — AUTO INDUSTRY There is a terrible challenge occurring in our midst. Our automakers have employees, dealerships, and suppliers all over the country and impact millions of lives. Several companies are close to bankruptcy. The President is being challenged to give them additional loans but he wants private investors to increase their participation first. Investors are holding back. Unions, too, say they will not give any more concessions until private investors have increased their commitments. It’s a stand-off. Who will blink first? How many jobs will be lost, no matter which side acts first? Only our faith in God allows us to watch this drama and not lose our minds. Surely there are solutions which would resolve this dilemma over the long term, solutions that are the least destructive of the options available. Father in Heaven, guide the hands and minds of union, industry, banking, and governmental leaders as they challenge each other to resolve the auto industry crises. Wrap your arms around the families affected. Help surrounding communities to dig deeply into resources to help these families sustain themselves and each other. Amen.
-4- 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 5th 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, Pam Lofton LITURGIST: Luke Phillips ACOLYTE: Jonathan G.
SANCTUARY FLOWERS THIS WEEK ARE GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD BY John C. Smith, Jr. in memory of his wife, Barbara Polley Smith
TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES 8:45 a.m. — Worship Café 9:30 a.m. — Sunday School/Fellowship 10:30 a.m. — Traditional Worship
OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK Monday (23rd) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life Tuesday (24th) 10:00 a.m. For Your Good Health 7:30 p.m. Transit — Young Adult Group Wednesday (25th) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life 5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth 6:00 p.m. Dinner — Youth cooks 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 (26th) 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir
-5- ANNOUNCEMENTS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY DINNER — this week the youth will cook shepherd’s pie. 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!
KIRKIN’ O’ THE TARTAN Join us on March 29th for our annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan. There will be bagpipes and drums, flags and banners, and of course, tea and scones as we celebrate our Scottish heritage and as each family — Scottish or not — receives a blessing from the pulpit. After all, that’s what Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan means — “Blessings of the families.”
ANNUAL LENTEN COMMUNION BREAKFAST — Saturday, April 4th in the Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor. Registration will begin at 9:30 with breakfast being served at 10:00 a.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Becky Burton, Pastor of Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church. The breakfast is free, however, donations will be appreciated. Please call Linda Frazer no later than March 27th to reserve your spot!
FIRST SUNDAY BOOKS — April 5th - 7:00 — 8:15 p.m. in the church library. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch & Jeffery Zazlow. What matters most? What do you want as your legacy? Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Randy Pausch was asked to give a “last lecture” after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His book focuses on life, laughter and helping other people achieve their dreams, while seizing every moment of life. Discussion leaders: Debbie Blocher & Marge Brown. Come join the conversation! This book is available at the First Church library, the Pinellas library system and at booksellers. Bring a friend- newcomers always welcome!
EASTER LILIES It is time to order Easter lilies! Each year we adorn the sanctuary with Easter lilies sponsored by members of our church family. The cost is $8.00 per plant. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in Hager Hall. (Plants may be taken following the 10:30 a.m. service on Easter.)
USHER TRAINING CLASS — Wednesday, April 8 — 7:00 p.m. — Anyone interested in being an usher for the traditional worship service is invited to a brief “training” by Rev. ByRoade on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Come learn the subtle nuances of this important service and add YOUR name to our list of those willing to serve in the capacity.
STRAW HAT REVIEW - the all church talent show, Sunday March 29th at 6 p.m. — a giant all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Sundae Party in Hager Hall. Manny Garcia, Master of Ceremonies. Come join us for an ice cream feast and an awe inspiring line-up of talent. No reservation necessary!
-6- 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.) · Su R., daughter of Elizabeth R., recovering from surgery for breast cancer in Crossville, TN · Family and friends of Caroline M., mother of Caralee M., who died March 14 · Martha B. recovering from a broken hip at home · Michael C., cousin of Donna D., recovering from a serious auto accident in Orlando · Nancy J. recuperating at home · Charlie R. who fell and broke his pelvis in WV · Marge B. S. following surgery
The Mission of the First Presbyterian Church is to Invite, Share, Celebrate, and Send
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