The Celebration of Christian Worship
Celebrating 175 Years of Faith & Hope
February 24, 2008 Third Sunday in Lent 10:00 a.m.
Prayer of the Day
Merciful God, the fountain of living water, you quench our thirst and wash away our sin. Give us this water always. Bring us to drink from the well that flows with the beauty of your truth through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Welcome and Announcements
OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude – “My Song Is Love Unknown” Michael Burkhardt
Votum
Sentences – Psalm 95 See Insert
Salutation
*Hymn #25 (Green) – “Psalm 95: Come, Worship God”
Summary of the Law
Prayer of Confession
God of forgiveness, you have given us assurance in Jesus that when we confess our sins with penitence, you will forgive. Caught up in our own selfish desires, we have sinned against you, refusing to let ourselves be used as channels of blessings for others, taking you and our neighbors for granted. Give us a contrite spirit to humble ourselves before you, as Jesus has taught us. Amen.
Words of Assurance
*Gloria Patri Hymnal #623
Passing the Peace
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lessons: Exodus 17:1-17
John 4:5-42
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Children’s Minute
The children are invited to come forward for the children's message. After the message, children of Kindergarten age through Grade 5 will go with their teachers to Memorial Hall; younger children can be taken to the Schoolhouse Nursery by their parents. At 11:06 the teachers of school-aged children will close their lesson and walk the children to Cook Hall to meet parents. If it is necessary for parents to pick up their children at Memorial Hall, please wait in the front room until the lesson is finished. The younger children should be picked up in the nursery.
*Hymn #398 – “Fill My Cup Lord”
Sermon – The Thirst for Truth
Prayer for Blessing on the Word
OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD
*The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
Offertory: “Soul , Adorn Yourself with Gladness” Paul Kickstat
*The Doxology: (Hymnal #625): Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, who provides for our every need and more, teach us to appreciate one another as well as all the gifts you have shared with us. As we, in our limited ways, endeavor to give back to you a little of what you have given in abundance, accept our humble offering in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Family Prayers & 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 for ever. Amen.
*Hymn #92 – “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*Benediction & Threefold Amen Hymnal #628, IV, Threefold Amen
*Postlude – “Savior, Thy Dying Love” Melvin Rotermund