Sunday March 23, 2025 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m.

Gathering in God’s Name

Prelude — Jerusalem — arr. Jason W. Krug
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

Silent Meditation
Jesus tells a parable of a Pharisee celebrating his own goodness, crowning his self-congratulatory prayer by thanking God that he isn’t like other people. Meanwhile, a nearby tax collector beats his chest, begging God to show him mercy.  This parable is at the core of “the Jesus Prayer,” frequently prayed as “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” A repetition of twelve words that acknowledge who Jesus is, who we are, and what we desperately need.

Choral Call to Worship — Jesus, Name Above All Names  Unknown

Praise and Adoration

*Opening Hymn #400 — I Rejoiced When I Heard Them Say — ENGLAND
(*Please stand, if you are able)

Confession and Pardon

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have been quick to judge others and slow to make changes in our own lives. We confess that we have focused on others’ shortcomings instead reforming our own. Turn us, O Lord, from these ways that lead to perishing. Lead us, O Lord, in your ways that lead to abundant life.

Silent Prayers of Confession and Petition

Confessional Response (#417) — Lord Jesus, Think on Me — SOUTHWELL

Assurance of Pardon
In Lent, our congregation “buries the alleluias,” a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.
This absence is meant to highten Easter’s joy, when alleluias return in full force.

*Welcome                
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for their time with Dr. Zieman.

Anthem  — How Can I Keep from Singing? — Arr. Ginger Littleton

Time for Young Disciples

*Hymn #216 — Beneath the Cross of Jesus — ST. CHRISTOPHER

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.

The Old Testament Reading — Isaiah 55: 1-9 — page 598 of the pew Bible

Anthem — O Love That Will Not Let Me Go — Peace; arr. Mary Kay Parrish

Proclamation of God’s Word

Scripture Lesson — Luke 13: 1-9 — page 848 of the pew Bible

Sermon — “Don’t Blame the Victims” — Dr. Zieman

Our Response to God’s Word

*Affirmation of Faith — from A Brief Statement of Faith (1991)
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 (#569) —  Holy, Holy, Holy — SANCTUS (Oliver)

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory — Make a Joyful Noise — Kevin McChesney

*Doxology (#608) — Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAISE GOD (Hopson)

*Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, you give to us out of your abundance. For the material gifts and the spiritual gifts you give us, we thank you. We dedicate these gifts of time and talents and tithes to you and ask that you continue to lead us as we use these gifts to join your work in this community and around the world.  Amen.

*Hymn of Dedication #215 — What Wondrous Love Is This — WONDROUS LOVE

*Charge and Benediction                              

Postlude — Praeludium in C — J.S. Bach