March 10 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Flowers from Jovanka Jones in memory of her son, Jacob

We love being together

Treats for everyone!

(link to today's worship video)

Today’s Meditation Verse: “Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.” —John 3:21

Welcome...Pastor Charles

Prelude...Hyeji Miranda / “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” by Frederick Cook Atkinson

*Call to Worship (inspired by John 3:14-21 and Ephesians 2:1-10)...Bob Muckle

God so loved the world as to give the Only Begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Let those who know they are redeemed celebrate it! Those who have been reclaimed from deep trouble! Though we were as good as dead, God made us alive with the grace of Christ through whom we are rescued and healed. O give thanks to God for such unswerving love, for such wonderful deeds for the children ofearth.                            —Bruce Prewer, www.bruceprewer.com

*Hymn...“To God Be the Glory” (UMH #98)

Prayer of Confession (Book of Worship #481)...Bob Muckle

Almighty and merciful God, we know that when we offend another, we offend You. We are aware that we have often allowed the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, hiding the light from our unseeking eyes. We have said unpleasant and hurtful things to our brothers and sisters when they have failed to live up to our expectations. Grant that we might find that spark of love that ever burns within us, the love that You have shown to us even when we failed You. Fan the embers of love, peace, and reconciliation. Forgive us our sins and help us to forgive those who have sinned against us. Lead us into new life through Your Son Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of all. Amen.

Community prayer concerns and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Pastor Charles

First Lesson: Psalm 43...Bob Muckle

Choral Anthem...“Ubi Caritas” by Bryan Sharpe

Gospel Lessons: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26...Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Pastor Charles / “Facing the Cross: Simon of Cyrene and a Bystander”

*Hymn...“Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” (UMH #731)

*Words for the Journey...Pastor Charles

Postlude...Hyeji Miranda / “Come Thou Fount,” arranged by Christy Davis