Bethel Presbyterian Church
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 18, 2007
11:00 a.m.
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
Let us prepare to hear God’s Word, to come into God’s presence, and to approach the throne of peace with boldness! Amen.
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE The Master Hath Come Welch
CALL TO WORSHIP – Based on Ruth 3-4
Leader: We warmly welcome you, to this house of worship.
People: There are no strangers here. Only friends we have not yet met.
Leader: Join in our singing, praying, listening, and God will surely bless you.
Whatever brought you here, know that in God’s name you are welcome!
People: Let us worship God together!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, open our hearts to Your great love this day. Open our minds to hearing Your Word of truth, both of comfort and confrontation. Open the doors of our churches and homes, that we might welcome the stranger and the prodigal, embrace the foreigner in our midst, and learn to love our enemies. For in Your love, we are made one with You, with each other, and with all the world. Amen.
*HYMN #464 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Hymn to Joy
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN – Based on Mark 12
O God, of widows and orphans, forgive us when we look away from their need. O God of the homeless and the jobless, forgive us when we only care about our own careers, and about the accumulation of our own wealth. O God of the hungry and the despairing, forgive us when we ignore the hungry in our own midst and when we put our hope in things that do not endure. Inspire us to work for justice and mercy in our cities and neighborhoods. Forgive us when we refuse to care . . . (continue in silent and personal confession)
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Because of God’s love and grace to us, if we choose this day to live a new life of compassion and care, then we are surely forgiven! May this day be a day of new beginnings! Friends, believe the Good-News in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven!
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Leader: Thanks be to God,
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
ANTHEM He Chose Calvary Chancel Choir
MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN Rev. Patricia N. Harvey
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Psalm 32: 1-2
EPISTLE LESSON 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 15: 1-3; 11b-32
SERMON Lost and Found Rev. Patricia N. Harvey
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostle’s Creed (Traditional) Hymnal Page #14
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
*HYMN #272 God of the Sparrow Roeder
SHARING OF CONCERNS AND PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERING
OFFERATORY MUSIC Children of the Heavenly Father Swedish Fold Melody
*DOXOLOGY Hymn #592
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN #280 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound Amazing Grace
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hymn #535 vs. 1
Go with us, Lord, and guide the way
Through this and every coming day,
That in Your Spirit strong and true
Our lives may be our gift to You.
*POSTLUDE
