GATHERING
GREETING
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “He Touched Me” UMH 367
OPENING PRAYER
Thank you, merciful God, for the bounty of your creation—for the gifts of the field and vine that nourish our bodies, souls and hearts. Sustained by the assurance of your grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, may our lives reflect your presence and may you be our priority.
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
BAPTISM: Tyce Charles Rolfes UMC 39-44
HYMN: “Lord, Be Glorified” Renew 172
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
CALL TO CONFESSION—LENT
The psalmist said, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you
forgave the guilt of my sin.” Let us confess our sins with confidence, trusting in God’s mercy.
CONFESSION
God of grace and love, you created us in your image and gave us every good thing. You asked us to care for your creation, and instead, we have done things that put it at risk. We use not what we need but continually seek more, never satisfied with what we already have. You gave us freedom to make our own decisions, but we often, like Adam and Eve, we make the wrong choice. We succumb to the temptation of power, prestige, desire—whatever sparkly thing is before us. We are blind to the harm we may cause others, thinking of ourselves, failing to consider the greater good. Help us see the world through your eyes and to act accordingly. Amen.
Silence is kept for personal confessions
PARDON
The psalmist also said, “Happy are those whose transgression is for given, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in who’s spirit there is no deceit.” Friends, believe the good news: We are forgiven. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 4:1-11 PB, pg. 3NT
OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 PB, pg. 2NT
THE MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Lamb of God” Renew 214
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Surely the Presence of the Lord” UMH 328
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place; I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings, I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
*BLESSING