GATHERING

GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The risen Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord!

PRELUDE                               `                                               Kathy Nash

LITANY FOR LENT

One: We are familiar with the tradition of giving things up for Lent,

Many: things we probably should have given up for New Year’s or years ago when we became more serious about our Christian journey.

One: But sometimes this giving up becomes a focus on us,

Many: poor us, noble us, giving up a bad habit.

One: Instead the first disciples took on something—being a disciple,

Many: following Jesus more closely, traveling to Jerusalem, paying attention to Jesus’ teaching and healing, puzzling about feeding his followers, answering the authorities, living deeper and more broadly into a Christ-like life.

One: Ah, the focus is on Jesus, that is what Lent is about.

All: Jesus Christ, you are the focus, you are the LORD.

*PRAISE MUSIC:       “Be Thou My Vision”                        UMH 451

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Leader:The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God of each of us today.

People: God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Leader: We are invited to faith in this eternal, loving One.

People: We have faith that God is always present.

Leader: We have faith that God’s covenant with us is sure.

People: We have faith that God’s word is inspired.

Leader:  We have faith that God will keep his promises.

People: We have faith in God’s everlasting love.

Leader:  We have faith in God’s justice.

People: We have faith that God’s mercy restores sinners.

Leader:  We have faith that God’s salvation is for all.

People: God invites us to faith.

All: We respond with a resounding and grateful, “Yes, Lord!”

TIME WITH THE YOUTH

PSALM 22:25-31                                                                   UMH 753

HYMN:      “Standing On The Promises”                              UMH 374

PRAYERS AND OFFERING

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns

PASTORAL PRAYER

Merciful Savior, Jesus willingly yielded himself to the deprivation, the temptation and the blessings of the desert. We sometimes experience the desert as well—times of spiritual dryness, physical temptation, or emotional desolation. We feel alone. We fell unworthy and unlovely. Our resolve is tested, and fatigue threatens to overwhelm us. We are harassed by fear and doubt. We are unsure of you and unsure of ourselves. Empower us, gracious God, to follow the example of Jesus. Remind us of your faithfulness in the wilderness. Feed us with your presence. Grant us insight to recognize your redemptive work in the midst of pain. Renew our hearts and minds that we might receive the desert as a gift and embrace what you will do in us there. For the sake of Jesus we pray. Amen.

RECEIVING OUR OFFERING

* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING

“Glory Be To The Father”                                                UMH 71

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

GOSPEL LESSON:       Mark 8:31-38                                         PB, pg. 41

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON:        Romans 4:13-25                  PB, pg. 145

MESSAGE                                                                              Pastor Vicki Lerdahl

HYMN RESPONSE:           “Through It All”                                UMH 507

COMMUNION

COFESSION AND PARDON                                                   UMH 12

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING                                               UMH 13 

RECEIVING THE BREAD AND CUP        All are welcome at His table.

SENDING FORTH

*CIRCLE SONG

Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom,

          Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.

*BLESSING

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*Stand as you are able.The quiet room is available in the back of the sanctuary if needed.

Bulletin/ sermon used by permission from Homiletics.