First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw
Sunday, March 12, 2023
3rd Sunday in Lent
Lent is a Time to Feast and Fast
Fast from judging others.
Feast on the Christ within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences.
Feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness.
Feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness.
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from discontent.
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger.
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism.
Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry.
Feast on God’s love for you.
by Margaret Murray, CSJ
MEDITATION PRAYER
As you have called us to be your people, O God, so breathe into us your Spirit, that we may witness to your love by the way we live our lives and the concern we show for others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE Ricercer - Johann Pachelbel
*CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively) adapted from Deuteronomy 6
For God so loved the world;
The whole of creation and all that lives within it.
For God so loved the world;
In success and failure,
in sickness and health,
in mediocrity and the extraordinary.
For God so loved the world;
Enough to become one of us,
enough to suffer along with us,
enough to offer new life for us.
Let us worship our Triune God!
*HYMN: #441 Hear the Good News of Salvation
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison)
God of mercy,
you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.
We confess that we have strayed from you
and turned aside from your way.
We are misled by pride,
for we see ourselves pure when we are stained,
and great when we are small.
We have failed in love,
neglected justice, and ignored your truth.
Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin.
Take our burdens and return us to your path
through the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
A time of silent confession and personal prayer follows.
Prayerful Response #551 Lord, Have Mercy
The water poured into the baptism font is a reminder of our own baptism and that Jesus Christ is the living water who nourishes us and offers us forgiveness
and new life.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON:
Receive the good news of the gospel: we are reborn, new creations; the old has gone, the new has come!
In Jesus Christ we have forgiveness and new life. Thanks be to God!
*GRATEFUL RESPONSE #581 Glory Be to the Father
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
The Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
ANTHEM Create in Me, O God (Johannes Brahms)
Lift Thine Eyes (Felix Mendelssohn)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Ezekiel 36: 25-28; John 3: 1-17
MESSAGE: Not A One Time Deal
*HYMN #697 vs 1, 2, 4, & 5 Take My Life
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY Abide With Me - William H. Monk
DOXOLOGY # 607
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
*HYMN # 835 Just a Closer Walk with Thee
CHARGE AND CHORAL BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION: The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Peter Lutkin)
POSTLUDE His Eye is On the Sparrow - Civilla D. Martin
WORSHIP GUIDE:
*Stand if you are able
Bold Print, Congregation participates.
Interim Pastor: Rev. Gail E. Monsma revgailfpcpawpaw@gmail.com
Liturgist: Marge McKee
Music: Chris Gray, Chancel Choir
Technology Help: Chuck Williams, Andy Thorburn, Tom Shoemaker, Nathaniel McCloskey
Usher: Jan Wilder
CHURCH OFFICE: 120 Pine Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3111 (T,W&T 9-3)
Office: firstpres120@gmail.com
Website: www.pawpawpres.org
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