SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday in Lent
3-14-2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
MINUTE FOR MISSION
CALL TO WORSHIP
We worship in the season of Lent,
a time to examine our hearts and our lives
and journey with Christ through the suffering of the world.
Let us watch for the coming sign of God’s power,
a humble servant lifted up on a cross.
God has marked us as beloved
and called us together to worship.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Give us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, no weakness keep us from doing it; that in your light we may see light clearly, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
HYMN “There is a Balm in Gilead”
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus and say, "He died for all."
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In the name of Christ, I urge you: Be reconciled to God.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
By the gift of your grace we are saved, O God, from all that separates us from you. Still, we would rather believe that we can earn your love. Still, we would rather believe that we are in ultimate control. Forgive us when we do not recognize the radical gift of your grace; have mercy when we fail or refuse to share that grace with another. Forgive us, O God, and wash us in your mercy. Forgive us, O God, and free us to try again.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Listen, the time has come at last. Look, now is the day of salvation!
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
LENTEN CANDLES
Fourth Sunday: Sand
In this season of Lent, we reflect on our journey of faith with Christ, remembering that the people wandered in the desert for forty years, and that though Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness, he often went to a deserted place to pray. God knows the trials and temptations we face in our lives can be like crossing through a wilderness, and yet sometimes it is only once we have passed through those difficult times that we have been able to experience how only God helped us through.
We extinguish this candle on this fourth Sunday of Lent, remembering God’s faithfulness and that God is the one who leads us on the pathways through the desert and wilderness, and turns the desert into pools of water.
Prayer: As the days lengthen, dear God, may we remember that it is you who brings us safety through the wilderness, and that it is you who brings life to deserted places. In the name of Christ, with whom we journey towards the cross, we pray. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy One, our strength in suffering and our hope for salvation, lift up your Word of life and pour out your Spirit of grace so that we may follow faithfully all the way to the cross; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:5
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Numbers 21:4-9
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (read responsively)
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
17 Some were sick through their sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress;
20 he sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
22 And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.
John 3:14-21
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-25)
REFLECTION: “Look Up and Live” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
To be reconciled to God is to be sent into the world as God’s reconciling community. This community, the church universal,
is entrusted with God’s message of reconciliation and shares God’s labor of healing the enmities which separate people from God and from each other. Christ has called the church to this mission and given it the gift of the Holy Spirit. The church maintains continuity with the apostles and with Israel by faithful obedience to his call.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.31
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy” Choir
Bonnie Foster, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
God of Light, you gave us your only son so that we may experience eternal life. We humbly give these offerings as a faithful response to this gift. Money seems so insignificant when compared to your gift of life. Yet, we place this money before you as a sacrificial gesture of our gratitude. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
John 3:14-21 (David S. Bell)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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 “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all who love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg.248
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services are now being held in the sanctuary and online via Zoom.
SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY (HABAKKUK) via Zoom on Wednesdays through March 31 at 6:30-7:30 PM.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-June B (Teri’s mother-in-law) and family
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Carrie VB
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Son and family of Don & Jan B
-Brent (Marvis & Roger J’s nephew)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry & Lorraine (Bonnie S.’s parents)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
-Bill (friend of Rev. Norlita)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Chad & Diane B and family Tate & Trent, LaVonne B
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Jenner, Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Peterson, and Larson families
And for all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
For those who are hungry and endure hardships economically, especially those who suffer through unjust means and circumstances.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated
the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for March!
JoAnn G, Teri B, Don K, Hannah M, Harold P, David P, Sharon H, Evelyn F, Delores K
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
3-14-2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
MINUTE FOR MISSION
CALL TO WORSHIP
We worship in the season of Lent,
a time to examine our hearts and our lives
and journey with Christ through the suffering of the world.
Let us watch for the coming sign of God’s power,
a humble servant lifted up on a cross.
God has marked us as beloved
and called us together to worship.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Give us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, no weakness keep us from doing it; that in your light we may see light clearly, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
HYMN “There is a Balm in Gilead”
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus and say, "He died for all."
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In the name of Christ, I urge you: Be reconciled to God.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
By the gift of your grace we are saved, O God, from all that separates us from you. Still, we would rather believe that we can earn your love. Still, we would rather believe that we are in ultimate control. Forgive us when we do not recognize the radical gift of your grace; have mercy when we fail or refuse to share that grace with another. Forgive us, O God, and wash us in your mercy. Forgive us, O God, and free us to try again.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Listen, the time has come at last. Look, now is the day of salvation!
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
LENTEN CANDLES
Fourth Sunday: Sand
In this season of Lent, we reflect on our journey of faith with Christ, remembering that the people wandered in the desert for forty years, and that though Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness, he often went to a deserted place to pray. God knows the trials and temptations we face in our lives can be like crossing through a wilderness, and yet sometimes it is only once we have passed through those difficult times that we have been able to experience how only God helped us through.
We extinguish this candle on this fourth Sunday of Lent, remembering God’s faithfulness and that God is the one who leads us on the pathways through the desert and wilderness, and turns the desert into pools of water.
Prayer: As the days lengthen, dear God, may we remember that it is you who brings us safety through the wilderness, and that it is you who brings life to deserted places. In the name of Christ, with whom we journey towards the cross, we pray. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy One, our strength in suffering and our hope for salvation, lift up your Word of life and pour out your Spirit of grace so that we may follow faithfully all the way to the cross; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:5
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Numbers 21:4-9
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (read responsively)
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
17 Some were sick through their sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress;
20 he sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
22 And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.
John 3:14-21
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-25)
REFLECTION: “Look Up and Live” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
To be reconciled to God is to be sent into the world as God’s reconciling community. This community, the church universal,
is entrusted with God’s message of reconciliation and shares God’s labor of healing the enmities which separate people from God and from each other. Christ has called the church to this mission and given it the gift of the Holy Spirit. The church maintains continuity with the apostles and with Israel by faithful obedience to his call.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.31
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy” Choir
Bonnie Foster, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
God of Light, you gave us your only son so that we may experience eternal life. We humbly give these offerings as a faithful response to this gift. Money seems so insignificant when compared to your gift of life. Yet, we place this money before you as a sacrificial gesture of our gratitude. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
John 3:14-21 (David S. Bell)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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 “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all who love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg.248
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services are now being held in the sanctuary and online via Zoom.
SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY (HABAKKUK) via Zoom on Wednesdays through March 31 at 6:30-7:30 PM.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-June B (Teri’s mother-in-law) and family
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Carrie VB
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Son and family of Don & Jan B
-Brent (Marvis & Roger J’s nephew)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry & Lorraine (Bonnie S.’s parents)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
-Bill (friend of Rev. Norlita)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Chad & Diane B and family Tate & Trent, LaVonne B
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Jenner, Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Peterson, and Larson families
And for all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
For those who are hungry and endure hardships economically, especially those who suffer through unjust means and circumstances.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated
the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for March!
JoAnn G, Teri B, Don K, Hannah M, Harold P, David P, Sharon H, Evelyn F, Delores K
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.