1st Sunday in Lent
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
and FUNNY STORY
Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS (Psalm 32)
Pastor Bob
Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sin is covered. Rejoice and be glad, you upright in heart.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(Psalm 32, Genesis 2, Matthew 4)
responsive reading Sharon Stewart
Temptation surrounds us every day.
Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven.
Opportunities to stray litter our path.
Happy are those whose sin is covered.
Though we stumble and fall, God’s mercy picks us up.
God’s grace brushes us off.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
God’s love meets us here.
HYMN:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMC Hymnal #140
A READING from the PSALMS
Psalm 32 Sharon Stewart
OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Sharon Stewart
Righteous God, we need your presence in our lives if we are to resist temptation. Send your angels to minister to us when the tempter comes to call. Put not our hearts to the test but shelter us in your protective love. For you are our God and we are your people. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7 Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION to PRAYER
Amazing Grace vs. 1
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: It Is Well with My Soul
UMC Hymnal #377
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 4: 1-11
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION to the OFFERING
Pastor Bob
God is our light and our love. May we joyfully offer our gifts to God as tokens of our gratitude. Let us give as we are called and as we are able.
OFFERTORY Erin Tellier
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal # 94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(Matthew 4) (Unison) Pastor Bob
Merciful One, we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from your mouth. Still, we seek your blessing upon this offering, for many are hungry and need food, many are naked and need clothes, many are homeless and need shelter. May these gifts reflect the depth of our gratitude as they go into the world. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.
HYMN: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
UMC Hymnal # 110
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
BENEDICTION
(Psalm 32)
Pastor Bob
Go with joy for our transgressions are forgiven.
Go with hope as our sin is covered.
Go with love as our hearts are uplifted by the tender mercies of God.
DEPART IN PEACE...SHALOM!
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2023.