February 18, 2024
Join us for worship on Sunday, February 18, 2024. The sermon is by Dr. Marshall Zieman, based on Mark 1: 9-15 Our music is provided by Marietta Morhardt, mezzo soprano; Mark Kanitz, organ. We are aware of the audio and feedback issues for the livestream and are working to fix the issue. If you have issues during the livestream, please use the online friendship pad to let us know of any issues you have during the service.
- To watch the service, click the Service tab below. The livestream will begin around 11:05 a.m. A recording of the livestream will be available afterward, and you can watch it anytime.
- To read the Bulletin, click the Bulletin tab below. You may flip back and forth between the Service and Bulletin tabs at anytime without interruption. Below the video screen, you can use the button to access a PDF of the Bulletin, if you prefer.
Please make sure your device and the service video are not muted. Please set your volume appropriately.
Sunday February 18, 2024 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE — Hymns of Comfort
“Abide with Me,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “The Lord’s My Shepherd” — Arranged by Phillip Keveren
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.
SILENT MEDITATION
“Lent is a time of growing up in grace and recognizing the grace we see in ourselves. We recognize we are not here because we deserve it, we are here because God has blessed us with another day of life. This is a time of taking off all the extras of our lives and focusing on Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for us. He reminds us that as long as we walk on this side of heaven, there will be troubled times, but we will not stand alone.” — J Herbert Nelson, former Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
CALL TO WORSHIP — based on Psalm 25
O God, in you we trust.
Lead us in your truth and teach us,
for you are the God of our salvation;
for you we wait, for you we worship.
PRAISE AND ADORATION
*LENTEN HYMN #166 — Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days — ST. FLAVIAN
(*Please stand if you are able)
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, as we begin this Lenten wilderness journey with Jesus, we confess our neglect of you and our faith. We make idols of nation, money and power. We build walls instead of better relationships. We fail to follow Jesus to the poor, the destitute, the stranger. Empty us this Lent, Holy God. Guide us in our faith so we can leave this wilderness season in right relationship with you.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION
KYRIE ELEISON (#417) — Lord Jesus, Think on Me — SOUTHWELL
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*HYMN #817 — We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight — DUNLAP’S CREEK
WELCOME
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for a time with Dr. Zieman
TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON — Genesis 9: 8-17 page 6 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
ANTHEM — Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child — arr. Moses Hogan
PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD
THE GOSPEL LESSON — Mark 1: 9-15 — page 812 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
SERMON — “No Stranger to Harsh Places” — Dr. Zieman
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — The Confession of 1967, 9.07
In Jesus of Nazareth, true humanity was realized once for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows. He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men and women. But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people. His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death. In giving himself freely for them, he took upon himself the judgment under which everyone stands convicted. God raised him from the dead, vindicating him as Messiah and Lord. The victim of sin became victor, and won the victory over sin and death for all.
*SANCTUS (#) — Holy, Holy, Holy — NICAEA
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY — How beautiful are the feet from Messiah — G.F. Handel
*DOXOLOGY (#711) — Lord of All Good — TOULON
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of grace, you provide for us in amazing ways. Accept these offerings as signs of our gratitude and bless them to further Christ’s ministry and mission among the poor, the suffering and the destitute. Amen
*HYMN OF DEDICATION #816 — If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee
WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE — Aria on “Earth and All Stars” — Robert Hobby