A Service of Praise, Thanksgiving, Word & Table - March 7, 2010

ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

March 7, 2010
A Service of Praise, Thanksgiving, Word & Table

(During the Season of Lent we will forego Power Point
as an exercise in self-reflection)

THE GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL

PRELUDE: “Peace Like a River” – arr. P.M. Young – Morning Bells
*PRAISE: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” (v.3) #297
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Glory to God: the One who Creates, Sustains and Enlivens,
AND IN GLORY WE STAND IN THE MYSTERY OF DIVINE LIGHT,
EVEN AS WE FIND OURSELVES IN DARKNESS.
The Light illumines our way through the Lenten Wilderness,
AND BY THE LIGHT OUR HEARTS GAIN INSIGHT AND OUR SOULS DO NOT FEAR. AMEN.
*HYMN: ”Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast” #339
SPECIAL MUSIC: “In the Silence of the Moment” – Wagner – Chancel Choir
THE PEOPLE OF GOD AT PRAYER

PRAYER OF CONFESSION & SELF-EXAMINATION
Holy God, there’s an emptiness within that no thing can satisfy,
yet I seek fulfillment in everything and anything….
(Silence)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
CHORAL RESPONSE: “Open My Eyes, That I May See” (Refrain, v. 3) #454

THE LESSON
PSALTER: Psalm 63 (with Musical Response) p.788
THE HEBREW SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 55:1-9 – NRSV
*HYMN: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” #121
*THE GOSPEL: Luke 13:1-9 – NRSV
A TIME FOR CHILDREN: “Jesus Loves Me” (v.1)
Afterward children ages 4 through 2nd grade are invited to Story Hour
in the children’s library across the hall.
REFLECTION: “Turning to the Light”
PEACE & RECONCILIATION
May the Peace of Christ be with you always,
And also with you.

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
(All are invited and welcomed at the Table of the Lord
Please bring your offering with you as you come forward for Communion)
*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Musical Setting A) p. 17
Offering Our Gifts
The Gift of Music: Communion Meditation Medley
“For the Beauty of the Earth” – arr. Frost – Caleb Wachal, violin & Andrea Hale, cello
THE DISMISSAL
*HYMN: “One Bread, One Body” #620
*LITANY (from “For Illumination,” by Christina Rossetti, #477)
Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord, and fill us full of light;
OPEN WIDE THE DOOR OF OUR HEARTS, THAT WE MAY RECEIVE
AND ENTERTAIN THEE WITH ALL OUR POWERS
OF ADORATION AND LOVE.
*BLESSING:
Go in grace, love and peace, embodying God in whose image
we are created.
AMEN
POSTLUDE: “Our Refuge and Strength – D. Callender