Sunday, March 8, 2020

Second Sunday in Lent

For Meditation and Reflection “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Lay Reader)

• Leader: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God
• People: the holy habitation of the Most High.
• Leader: The Lord pours forth rivers from bare mountains, and fountains in valley’s depths.
• People: God opens rocks and water gushes out.
• Leader: God springs forth streams in the desert.

Opening Hymn: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing #42

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 3:1-12 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “Born of the Spirit” Mike Lyle

The Offerings and Offertory Music

A Litany of Thanksgiving

• Pastor: All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. All that we are, and all that we have, is your gift to us.
• People: And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer ourselves, and all that we have. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.
• All: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation #386

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

The Lord’s Prayer (Ecumenical Text) Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Closing Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling #43

Benediction (Pastor) Go forward in the comfort and strength of God’s blessing. Remember that you are loved, that God is ever near, and that divine mercy is your way in the world. Amen.

Thought for the Day/Week “Jesus said, ‘The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’”(John 3:8)

Health Update from The United Church of Christ

Because we believe that faith communities have a special responsibility to care for our fellow congregants and communities, we are making every effort to comply with the precautionary measures recommended by our denominational leaders as the COVID-19 virus expands its presence worldwide.

We are refraining from hugs and handshakes, and are instead using nods of the head, fist bumps, elbow bumps and simple verbal greetings in their place. We have also modified our traditional method of receiving the bread and cup on communion Sundays. Many thanks to everyone for their understanding and compliance!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Childcare is offered during all worship services in the Fellowship Hall, right next door to the Sanctuary.

This Sunday –

• 10 am– Adult Education. Taking Down the Walls with Brenda Lyle
• 11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle

Next Sunday, Mar 15^th – 11 am Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Mar. 22^nd – 11am – Worship led Rev. Mary Mason

Food Bank: Items may be placed in a box in Fellowship Hall

During the Week at St. James:

• Mindfulness Meditation. Wed. mornings 10 am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!
• Stretch It Out! Fri. evenings 6:30 – 7:30pm. Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.
• English Language Classes for adults. Three sessions are planned for the rest of 2020. Spring: April 25 – May 23; Summer: June 16 – Aug 4; Fall: Oct 3 – Nov 21. Talk with Lauranne to volunteer.

Statement of Faith: We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth.