February 25, 2024
Join us for worship on Sunday, February 25, 2024. The sermon is by Dr. Marshall Zieman, based on Mark 8: 31-38 Our music is provided by The Carillon Choir, Larry Frederickson, director, 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.
Sunday February 25, 2024 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE — Within the Darkest Night — Derek K. Hakes
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.
SILENT MEDITATION
Lent is a season of small deaths for each one of us who chooses to journey on this road to the cross. As we daily let go of something in order to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf, let us contemplate the Sign-giver, who gives his very life. – Pittsburgh Seminary Lenten Guide
CALL TO WORSHIP — based on Mark 8:31-38
Let us not be ashamed of our Savior. Let us sing and praise our God out loud.
In the midst of the crowd, we will praise you. In our community, we will bear witness to our faith.
Let us set our minds on divine things.
Let us take up our cross and follow Christ.
PRAISE AND ADORATION
*LENTEN HYMN #220 — Go to Dark Gethsemane — REDHEAD 76
(*Please stand if you are able)
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of Grace, while on this Lenten journey, we ask ourselves, would we follow you to the cross? Are we, like Peter, putting our own desires and dreams ahead of your call on our lives? God, in our daily lives, we often choose the easy path and fail to listen to your guidance. We often put off caring for the weak or the sick because we are tired. Sometimes we choose self-indulgence instead of giving to those in need. Often, we rush home to our safe space forgetting about those that have lost their homes. God, open our eyes, and help us follow you. Let us see those who suffer and let us bring hope. Let us be agents of your peace. We turn to you now with those silent prayers that we hold in our hearts.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION
KYRIE ELEISON (#417) — Lord Jesus, Think on Me — SOUTHWELL
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*HYMN #829 — My Faith Looks Up to Thee — OLIVET
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 17: 1-7, 15-16 — page 11 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER
JOYS AND CONCERNS
ANTHEM — A Lenten Introspection — Matthew Compton
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.
PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD
THE GOSPEL LESSON — Mark 8: 31-38 — page 820 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
SERMON — “The Crosses We Bear” — Dr. Zieman
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — from A Brief Statement of Faith (1989)
In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, Come, Lord Jesus!
*SANCTUS (#1) — 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 — I Love to Tell the Story — arr. Cynthia Dobrinski
*DOXOLOGY (#711) — Lord of All Good — TOULON
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of grace, you provide for us in amazing ways. May our offerings provide for others and be used to further Christ’s ministry and mission. Amen.
*HYMN OF DEDICATION #718 — Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said — BOURBON
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE — Postlude on an Original Antiphon — Christopher Uehlein