Service Recording: March 1, 2020
March 1, 2020 ~ 10:30am
First Sunday of Lent
Liturgists
The People of Peace Church
Veronica Gaidelis-Langer, Lay Leader
Doug Bowen-Bailey, ASL Interpreter
Jim Pospisil, Music Director
Nathan Holst, Faith Formation Minister
Prelude “Messes of Men” by mewithoutYou
Greeting One Another
Announcements
Ringing of the Peace Bells
God is Revealed as We Gather
Choral Call to Worship “Prayer Song” (#27 P&W Songbook)
Responsive Call to Worship adapted from Thom Shuman
Jesus began his ministry to the world, led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
As we begin our Lenten journey, let us be led by the Spirit, even into the uncomfortable places.
In those forty days, and in that place, Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt, and temptation.
As we seek to follow Jesus, we too will be led, even into the uncomfortable choices.
Jesus left the wilderness, faithful to his calling, denying the temptation of power and riches, rejoicing in the One in whom he trusted.
As we continue together on our path to faithfulness, we will be led by Jesus, rejoicing in our God.
*Opening Hymn “Be Now My Vision” (#451)
Unison Prayer of Confession
We confess that we have too often failed to see the temptations before us as a people, remaining blind to God’s vision of love. We have not done the work that Jesus calls us to—to understand who we are and where we come from. We have not recognized the pain in our own histories, and the ways so many of us hold stories of injustice over generations. We bring before you our honest hearts and confess the ways we have lifted up wealth, success, and material posession above love, freedom, and collective healing. Have mercy on us, God of love, and forgive us for the ways we have given in to temptation.
Assurance of Pardon
Story for All Ages
God is Revealed in the Word
God’s Word in the Psalms: 32:1-11
Anthem “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”
God’s Word in the Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Sermon “The Wilderness is Still There”
Special Music “Get Back Satan” sung by Buzz Munns
We Respond to God’s Presence
Sharing Our Prayer Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (with debts) and Choral Amen
Sharing our Offerings
Offertory “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson
*The Thanksgiving
*Prayer of Dedication
Sharing Communion Together
Words of Welcome
As we begin to follow Jesus to Jerusalem this Lenten Season, we speak of that free gift called faith:
Christ died, going into the wilderness of the grave; Christ rose, shattering the grip of sin and death; Christ will come again, so we might follow to God’s New Realm.
Words of Remembrance
Unison Prayer of Consecration
Holy God, may your Spirit rest on these gifts of the bread and the cup and each of us. Like your heart, the bread is broken, so we might be made whole and, by our healing, go forth to bring hope to those around us. The cup is poured out, so we might be filled with your grace, and go out into the world to love others.
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy One we give thanks for this sacred meal which reminds us that you are with us in our journeys in and out of the wilderness, always inviting us to our best possibilities, always nourishing us in our moments of greatest struggle, and leading us to your vision of love. Amen.
Song During Communion “Saving Grace” by Bob Dylan
*Closing Hymn “These Footsteps” (#15 P&W Songbook)
*Benediction
*Postlude