​ 
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
April 04,2021
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by ushers as you entered
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one  household per pew. Please sit exactly where you found your bulletin.
· Please keep your masks on and remain seated through the whole service.
 
Schedule reminders:
The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours.
Session Meeting April 18th
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
 
 
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP
Leader: Blessed Easter to us all in the sacred Name of Jesus!
Response: This is the day that the Lord has made.
L: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
R: The cross is covered with the beauty of lilies,
L: to symbolize the new life we have received from His resurrection!
 
GATHERING PRAYER
      Powerful Savior; you are even stronger than the grasp of death itself. We are all mortal and come to the end of our days; yet You have transcended even the grave! We honor and praise You on this most precious day of the Christian year. Hear our worship with song and prayer, reading and Scripture as it tells us the wonderful “Old, Old Story.” Amen.
 
HYMN                           Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today                          No. 113                       
 
CONFESSION AND PARDON.
     Holy Lord,  as we celebrate the divine miracle of Easter’s new life, we cannot help but compare our lives to Your eternal purity. There are so many Bible passages that speak of Your holiness, unblemished by sin. There are also so many in which our shortcomings are made plain. We are truly repentant before Your throne of grace. May we be granted the ability to serve You with greater obedience and love in the days to come. Amen.
 
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
       The Lord lived His human life with no sin whatever, and is thus able to take our sinful nature upon His own cross. In this miraculous way, we are not clean ourselves; but are MADE clean through Your grace. We praise You and worship You on this Easter Day and always. Amen.
 
THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY
      The Psalmist asks the rhetorical question, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits unto me.” His answer is sufficient for all of us as well—“I will lift up my soul unto thee and seek thy forgiveness. All that I am and all that I have are thine.”
 
OFFERTORY PRAYER
     Lord, these are our best offerings that we present before thy table and in Thy sanctuary. Help us to always seek to bring our finest gifts to Your ministries here and abroad as the Church serves Your mission work. Amen.
 
INTERLUDE
 
                                                    Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
      What IS truth?” was asked by Pontius Pilate as he was examining Jesus in ther presence of the Pharisees and priests of the Hebrew people. In our confusing world, this can often be seen as our question as well. Let us accept that the Holy Bible is the very word of God brought to us in perfection. May our eyes be opened to perceive Your truth. Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
 
     Matthew 28: 1-10
     Mark 16:9-18
     Luke 24:1-12                                           
 
SERMON                                          
     Good blessed morning!!  BLESSED EASTER!! This is the Facebook broadcast of the Easter morning worship service of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. I am the Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra and am the newly serving Interim Pastor here. I have been engaged in 48 continuous years of ministry in Presbyterian Churches (USA)
In Pennsylvania and Illinois.
 
     Blessed Easter! I know that most folks say “Happy Easter”, but we are Christians and have a better word than just being “happy”. Indeed, in this particular year, there is much to be un-happy about in the days of the pandemic Covid-19. Over a half a million Americans have perished from this disease and more than 30 MILLION people have been infected and gone through the suffering of its symptoms. Many thousands of people have lost their businesses; and almost countless people have lost their jobs as a result. Sooo- how can I say “Blessed Easter?”
 
 
     We are richly blessed by our God. Yes, I weill say it again ---Blessed Easter!”
Today we are audacious people who dare to say  that a man actually and truly died and came back to life by the power of Almighty God! Now, how many of you have actually seen a dead man walking? What about a deceased woman returning to earthly life? Oh there are ghost stories in abundance; but we know they are fiction.
 
     So NONE of you have touched or spoken to a deceased person in the flesh after they have died and been buried in the ground? Then on what grounds do we have to actually believe the Biblical story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? How can we know that this is true when it goes contrary to everything we have in our experience?
 
     I am a man who believes with my whole heart that every word of the Holy Bible is gospel truth. There are passages or concepts that I may very well not understand, but that is my failure—not that of Scripture. With college, seminary and ministry, I have studied God’s Word for over 55 years and still am learning more every time I approach the Sacred Word.
 
     I encourage you to take this same position. Millions upon millions of people have staked their earthly – AND HEAVENLY -lives on the truth of God’s Word. Ifyou will go along with me this far, we can come to the certainty of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day. We can truly say, “HE IS RISEN!”
 
     This morning I read to you not one but three Gospel’s accounts of what happened on that history-making day. Each author adds certain details that others don’t—making a more complete picture for us.I started with Matthew’s presentation. He knew about the skepticism of the Pharisees and priests. They had heard a tory that Jesus told His followers that He would rise in three days. Therefore, they asked Pilate to station a squad of the mighty Roman Legion outside the tomb to protect it from grave robbery.  Pilate went even further, sealing the tomb tight. This would prevent any chance of his followers stealing the body.
 
     I have stood inside the tomb of Jesus on my trip to Israel with a group of clergy and their families. I have seen the disc-shaped stone that had been rolled down a shallow trench in a position in front of the door of the tomb. I also know that “sealing” a rough-hewn stone cover to a hand carved doorway was accomplished by smearing a plaster-like substance around the outside edge of the joint. It was marked by the imprint of a signet ring—in this case Pilate’s own name! Any attempt to open the tomb would crack the plaster and erase the imprint.
 
     Matthew recorded that two women named Mary were the first to arrive at the tomb on Easter morning—just after sunrise. It records that they had doubts about their mission to care for Jesus’s body on two accounts. The stone was probably too big and heavy for them to move; and there were those Roman guards who would not put up with any tampering. When they arrived, God had taken care of both troubles –the door was opened, and the guards lay on the ground! There was no way to fake this. The guards felt they had to report back to Pilate and explain that they had been overwhelmed not by men, but by angels!
 
     Mark adds the name of Salome to the growing list of witnesses of the risen Lord. He also records the words of the angels that tell that Jesus will meet His disciples in Galilee. He adds the detail that Mary Magdelene was one of the witnesses—and she had a shady past. Scripture faithfully records that the disciples did not believe her!
 
     More witnesses are added as two men walking to Emmaus encountered the risen Lord, spoke with Him, and even came to recognize Him when they ate bread together.
Soon after they returned to report this to the disciples, Jesus came into the upper room—not through the door! When he was there, he ate some fish with them—and it didn’t fall through!! He was physically THERE. HE WAS RISEN!
 
     Paul went even further, telling of his own encounter with the risen Jesus on the Damascus Road. In his narration, he mentioned that Peter had a special encounter with the risen Lord, and that he had appeared to over 500 people in Jerusalem. He challenged the Corinthian church to go ahead and ASK some of these people who had gone to Corinth!
 
     Folks, what seems to be impossible was doubted, challenged, and denied. The tomb was sealed snd guarded. Many witnesses declared what we believe today –HE IS RISEN !!  Why is that so central in the Christian faith for us to know and believe?
 
     It is because Jesus has told us that  if we confess our sins, believe in His resurrection, and walk in newness of life, WE TOO SHALL LIVER FOREVER WITH GOD!! Truly,  of all of our days, this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
 
     HE IS RISEN ---AND SO SHALL WE !!
 
   
 
HYMN                           The Day of Resurrection                                           No. 118                      
                                 “
 
                            
   
AFFIRMATION                Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version
 
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
 
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
     The Lord be with you.
     And also with you.
     Lift up your hearts.
     We lift them to the Lord.
     Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
     It is right to give our thanks and praise.
     O Holy God…we lift our hearts in joyful praise.
 
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.                                Hymnal #581
 
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
 
We praise you…together, we proclaim the mystery of our faith.
 
Dying, you destroyed our death; rising, you restored our life.           Hymnal #582
 
Gracious God… all glory and honor are yours,
Almighty God, now and forever.
 
Amen.
 
SERVING OF THE ELEMENTS                                                    
 
                                                                Sending
HYMN                           Jesus Christ Is Risen Today                                    No,123                                            
.
 
CHARGE & BLESSING
     And now, may the grace, mercy, and peace which proceeds from God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and into the Holy Spirit within us, rest and abide within us, now and forever more.
 
POSTLUDE

​SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
March 21, 2021
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
Attendance was taken by ushers as you entered
Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one  household per pew. Please sit exactly where you found your bulletin.
Please keep your masks on and remain seated through the whole service.
There will be no singing but songs will be played, and no physical contact.
You may read along silently,
Schedule reminders:
The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours.
March 21st will be a Session Meeting  right after Church


PRELUDE 
​
 WORDS OF WORSHIP
Leader: Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made the heavens and the Earth.
Response: We will trust in His blessings and seek His grace in our lives.
Leader: Our world and our country are in perilous times due to the pandemic; but even more because of sin.
Response: God is stronger and more wonderful than any peril we may face. Let us trust Him with our lives and faith.
 
GATHERING PRAYER
      As we reach the first Sunday of Spring, we are filled with a sense of hope for a better, warmer, and more blessed future. The past months have been an extreme trial for us all, and many have suffered much during these times. We pray that our love for You, o God, and our faithfulness to Your scriptures will lead us into a stronger future and more harmony and peace in the days to come. Amen.
 
HYMN                       “O For a Closer Walk With God”                                                                             No. 397
 
 
CONFESSION AND PARDON.
       Gracious God, we come before you in need of forgiveness and grace. You call us to trust in you completely, but we do not. We are timid and fearful as we follow your lead. We justify our actions and words, though we know they are not what You require. We struggle to understand the new life Christ offers, preferring old habits to risky change. Forgive us, we pray, Help us to be born again into the life of Christ, trusting that you have included us by grace in the family of faith. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
  
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
       The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast mercy. In the precious name of Jesus, I declare to you that our Savior, Jesus Christ, will forgive the sin that you confess and sustain your effort to walk in newness of life. Amen.
 
THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY
      As our Lord has provided everything we need and much of what we can imagine; so let us provide for the needs and the desires we have for our church family, the larger Church, and the world.
 
OFFERTORY PRAYER
       We present our best gifts to You, o Lord, in order that genuine ministry may proceed from this place into our community and into the larger world. Bless them, and the givers, with Your mercy and love. Amen.
 
INTERLUDE
 
                                                    Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
      God of wonders and signs, we come to Your word again and again, seeking understanding and the new life it offers. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, illumine our hearts and minds so that we may believe this testimony and have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus Christ, our teacher and Savior, we pray. Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS            Isaiah 6: 1-8   

   In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

                                                                        Acts 9: 1-7
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.
                                                            I Corinthians 12: 4-14
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines .12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

                                                                                       
 
SERMON                                            “The Call Of God.”
 
        Welcome! This is the Facebook broadcast of the morning worship service of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. To watch this video, go to Facebook, type in “Dale Dykstra videos” on the subject line and it should pop up. I am the Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra. I am a candidate today to become the Interim Pastor of this congregation. I come to you from 48 continuous years of ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving in Pennsylvania for 23 years and Illinois for 25 more. My most recent service has been a 17-month Interim Pastorate at the First Presbyterian Church of Milan, Illinois. It ended at the last Sunday of February as they called a full-time minister beginning March 1, 2021.
 
     I have studied your Annual Report from last year, and spoke with your Clerk, Elders, and members about your parish and its needs as they gave my wife Donna and me a tour of your church buildings. If you do employ me, I will want to hear from as many of you as I quickly can about your hopes and dreams for our future together.
 
     I have been impressed with all that you have to work with! These are truly magnificent facilities –full of beauty and of meaning. You have an important sense of the rich history of your family of faith and a respect for the saints who have gone before. I have been assured that there are sufficient funds available in your endowed accounts to enable future programming to reach and attract new members. Truly, if this were a New Church Development, I would say we were blessed beyond measure!
 
     What it seems that we need are people!
We need to energize the members we have with hope and the desire to work hard at church building.
We need to form a positive approach and mindset about ourselves to approach prospective new members.
We will need to find ways to invite the larger community into our building and into our programming to acquaint them with us.
We will need to welcome new members and involve them in our ministries.
 
                                                  THAT’S ALL!!!
 
     We have various types of people- I don’t know you just yet, but my experience in ministry allows me to make some assumptions.
We have leaders who are currently serving and have served for a long time.
We have newly elected or appointed folks who are bursting with new ideas and energy.
Those who have served, but have “graduated” to “retired” status.
Guests who seek a church that welcomes new people and ideas.
Others blessed by our worship but avoided further service.
 
     But excuses may abound! “ I have had my turn”; “ I have all I can handle”; “I don’t want to get involved.”
 
                        WHY SHOULD WE SERVE NOW??
                        BECAUSE IT IS OUR CALLING!!!
 
 As for me, I fully believe that God called me to ministry 53 years ago. After two more years of college and 3 of Seminary, I have answered with 48 years of service. ANYTHING A CHURCH NEEDS ---THAT’S MY JOB!!
 
What does the Bible say? I have given you four citations. In Isaiah, God confronts him with a vision asking a key question ---OUR question! “Who will go for us?” The correct answer is “Here Am I”.
 
Paul was an enemy outside the new “Way” family of faith—not a believer, but a persecutor. God knocked him off his animal, blinded him and spoke to him. “Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul’s life was changed for every day from then on.
 
The disciples of Jesus were regular fellows – townsmen, fishermen, tax collectors, etc. Jesus charged each of them “Follow me!” –that is OUR charge too! They left their usual patterns to make Jesus’ work the center of their lives.
 
Now I come back to us, Paul speaks of US using our spiritual gifts for the good of the body of Christ—OUR CHURCH. He uses the picture of the body –hand, feet, ears, eyes to show how we are to blend our particular assets and talents together. WITH 82 PEOPLE WE ARE GOING TO NEE TO ALL GO FORWARD TO RE-GROW OUR CHURCH.
 
     It is my fervent prayer that we will say “Here We Are – Send us!” and become disciples of our Lord in His Service.
 
                                                 MANY PARTS—ONE BODY. Amen.
‘
HYMN                              “Christ if the Upward Way”                               No. 344
 
                                 “Christ of the upward way, my guide divine,
 
                             
    
AFFIRMATION                Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version
 
                                                                Sending
HYMN                              “Called As Partners In Christ’s Service”            No 343                 
.
 
CHARGE & BLESSING
   And now, may the grace, mercy, and peace which proceeds from God the Father, through Jesus Christ, the Son, and into the Holy Spirit within you and me, may it rest and abide within us, now and forever more. Amen.
 
POSTLUDE 

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
March 07 2021
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
Attendance was taken by ushers as you entered
Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one  household per pew. Please sit exactly where you found your bulletin.
Please keep your masks on and remain seated through the whole service.
There will be no singing but songs will be played, and no physical contact.
You may read along silently,
Schedule reminders:
The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours.
March 14th will be the annual congregational meeting at 9am
March 21st will be a Session Meeting  right after Church

PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP
Leader: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
People: To the temple, to the God of Jacob.
Leader: He will teach us his ways,
People: So that we may walk in his paths.
Leader: Come, descendants of Jacob.
All: Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
 
GATHERING PRAYER-
O God, we trust in Your power, even as it is often found in weakness; in Your wisdom, even as it is expressed in seeming foolishness; in Your wholeness, even as it comes to us amid brokenness. We do not ask this day for dazzling displays of strength, electric exercises of intellectual prowess, or marvelous manifestations of miracles. We come simply to worship You. Touch us this day, O Lord, that we might become Your saints, Your body, Your children, Your church. For this Temple of Your Spirit is built not upon our own abilities, knowledge, or restorative skill, but upon You, in Jesus Christ. Amen
 
HYMN                           My Hope Is Built  On Nothing Less                             379  
 
CONFESSION AND PARDON –
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God in confidence.
Rom. 5:5, 8; Heb. 4:16
Confident in God’s grace, let us pause for a moment to recall our sins and lay them before God.  PAUSE
The assurance of God’s grace is declared in the name of Jesus Christ. We accept God’s forgiveness, confident that in dying to sin, Christ raises us to new life.
"Hear the good news!  Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun."  (Rom. 8:34; 2 Cor. 5:17)
Believe the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God!
 
OFFERING OF PEACE
 
INTERLUDE
                                                Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION-
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.   All: Amen
 
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS          1 Corinthians 1: 22-25
22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
 
 John 2:13-25              
13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
 
23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
 
SERMON-                                     How is your Temple By Elizabeth Heard

"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."  Jesus said this in response to the Jews who felt he didn't have the authority to clear out the Temple area.  Later in the scripture it says that Jesus was speaking about the "temple of his body."

Have you ever thought this?  Your body is the temple of your spirit.  This spirit came from God at our conception.  We also have within us the Holy Spirit.  The indwelling of the Spirit of God received when you were Baptized into the faith, and reignited when you were confirmed.

Our spirit makes us unique.  There is no on who has the same spirit, it is our individuality.  Our body as the container of our spirit, combined with the Holy Spirit or advocate that Jesus gave to humanity when the tongues of fire came down from heaven on Pentecost.  This makes our bodies temples as well.

Many read this story and get caught up in the actions of Jesus before this comment.  They talk about his getting angry.  So, lets take a moment to look at that.  Think of your home.  Now imagine you are going to have a huge family gathering at your home.  You have family coming from all over the country and they are going to celebrate some occasion with you.  Imagine if you will 25-50 people coming.  That is what happens when my family gets together.  Some of your relatives are businesspeople who think this would be a great time to put up a table in your yard and sell what they have.  Others are wanting to sell some food that they have.  Some come to sell ingredients for the food you will be eating during the celebration.  All these people are scattered in your front yard and driveway, and maybe some are even along the sidewalk next to the road.  There may be an adventurous child that has set up a lemonade stand.  How would you feel.  How is this crazy activity going to impact you?  You would probably become a little upset with these people and as the day goes on and people are making money off their own relatives you may want to stop this in anyway you can.  That is a human response, right?  Isn't Jesus human?  He was born into this world as a human and lived among us.  He was seeing all these people cluttering up this sacred space what was his Fathers house.  These people should have known better.  They should have been able to understand his feelings on this issue.

          After he has chased out all the people who were there to capitalize on the event, he was approached by the Jewish people and they asked him for a sign to show them he had the right to do this.  Jesus was already upset, and they asked him again for a sign.  They always needed signs.  They just could not get who he was unless he gave them a direct sign.  His answer was the one I started with.  If they were smart they would have listened more to his words from that day forward.  They would have tried to understand what he was teaching. 

          Jesus did give them a sign, but that sign was not recognized.  The sign was right there in his statement, "Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up again."

          If we move on to the understanding of the body as the temple that holds God in us, we can recognize the sign.  We can see clearly what the people of his time missed.  They didn't listen to him.  He gave them a sign, yet they refused to see even when the resurrection happened.  They could not see beyond that moment.  If the sign was not what they wanted, they would not see.  What does that say about their faith? 

          Faith is believing with out seeing.  It is a knowing that is set deep inside of you that no one or nothing can take away from you.  The Jewish people of Jesus time need to be stirred up.  They needed to be tested and pushed.  God knew this.  God knew that the people were just following the laws to the letter, or at least the leadership was pushing for that.  They have forgotten what the spirit of the Law was.  They were in a situation that was not desirable, and they wanted to have a Messiah come who would overthrow the Roman rulers and give them back their "Promised Land".

          But what did God give them? What was God's plan? What did God want the people to see and do?  He didn't want them to fight, he wanted peace among his people.  He wanted them to understand that he would go to the harshest end for them if they would only turn back to him.  Not by following and reciting laws and edicts.  But by living according to his number one commandment of all: to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and all that is in you."  And he wanted them to also uphold the second law: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

          God wanted to show his love and to receive love in return.  That was what his covenant with Abraham was all about.  And when he has destroyed the land with flood waters, he gave Noah a rainbow as a covenant that he would never again treat his creation so harshly.  He freed them from slavery by sending Moses to them.  He did all these things and they would not be faithful.  So, he sent his son and made him a sign to show us, all humanity then and in the generations since then, just how much he loves us.  He had created us to be company for him.  He doesn't want us to end up away from him.  He wants us all to get back to him.  This is our charge this is our goal. 

          To do this you have to look inward, within the temple of your body.  How is it doing?  Are you feeding it healthy foods? Are you taking care of any ills that come along? Are you moving around and keeping it fit? Are you loving God? Are you loving your neighbor?  Is your temple in the need of a little reconstruction?  

          You have come to the right place.  God wants you to take some time between now and Easter to get your temple in order.  He wants you to give up the things that are keeping you from being the loving person that he knows you to be.  He wants you to share your excess with those who are in need.  Just do one thing for someone between now and Easter and you will have fulfilled this. Most of all God wants you to remember that the covenant created by Jesus is one of love and relationship.  It doesn't matter which of the three aspects you think of, Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, the important thing is relating and being able to relate to God.  We do this through prayer.  Take a little time each day to spend with God the Father/Mother, God the son (our brother Jesus), or God the Holy Spirit.  Be intentional each day to set this time aside.  If you already have a strong prayer life add an extra 15 minutes till Easter.  If you are needing to begin, then just start with 15 minutes of quiet time that you dedicate to God.

          I want to end with saying that the body as a temple is really a strong image and one that will help you to do more to keep that body healthy.  But the most important thing we learn from Jesus is what Paul said in his letter to the church in Corinth: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
          We are blessed to be part of the family of God, washed by the waters of baptism and cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  He is our sign that we are to care for our spirit and the body it inhabits.  We are to care for and love ourselves so that we can love others. 
          How is your Temple? 

 
HYMN                                     Now Thank We All Our God                                     555
 
AFFIRMATION Apostle’s creed Ecumenical version
 
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
                                                Prayers
 
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.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
 
 
Sending
HYMN                                     Just a Closer Walk With Thee                            2158
 
CHARGE & BLESSING-
Finally, brothers and sisters, as we go forth take with you these words from Paul:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."   
 
 
POSTLUDE
​

​The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Le Claire is to continue to be a warm and welcoming church that actively shows the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
youtu.be/xPQJ5kAVr5E
 
Feb. 28, 2021   

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  
​PASSING THE PEACE
 
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
 
A MOMENT OF SILENCE TO PREPARE FOR WORSHIP
 
Unison  Call to  worship 
      Holy God: Father, Son and Holy Ghost; God of Abraham, Isaac and Moses; God of our parents and grandparents, hear and know our words of praise, adoration and glory. They are all and only for you. Amen.
Song  OF  Praise   (The pianist will play it once alone; then Marty will sing twice.) You may sing to yourself.
                                              Holy Spirit, Come to Us
SILENCE  
 
A  READING  For  MEDITATION  (Listen and meditate during silent pauses)                                            Romans 4:13-17
The promise to Abraham and to his descendants, that he would inherit the world, didn’t come through the Law but through the righteousness that comes from faith. If they inherit because of the Law, then faith has no effect and the promise has been canceled. The Law brings about wrath. But when there isn’t any law, there isn’t any violation of the law. That’s why the inheritance comes through faith, so that it will be on the basis of God’s grace. In that way, the promise is secure for all of Abraham’s descendants, not just for those who are related by Law but also for those who are related by the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us. As it is written: I have appointed you to be the father of many nations. So Abraham is our father in the eyes of God in whom he had faith, the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that don’t exist into existence.
SILENCE  
 
Responsive Reading                                                                                                                          Psalm 22:23-31   
Song OF Blessing   (The pianist will play it once alone; then Marty will sing twice.) You may sing to yourself.
Bless the Lord – Psalm 103:1

 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
L: God of justice and mercy, Christ of light and life, Spirit of compassion and joy, forgive us when our compassion runs short; forgive us when we worship in word but not in truth;   
P: forgive us when we side with the powerful rather than the poor and meek.   
L: Shine into the dark places of our lives and into the shadowy depths of our souls.  
P: Loosen the bonds of sin and selfishness within us, that we might loosen the bonds of injustice and oppression in our world.     
L: In your grace and mercy, transform us into vessels of light, that we might be lamps shining on a hill with compassion and kindness, justice and mercy. 
P: Christ, have mercy upon us. Wondrous God, who freely pours out the Holy Spirit, have mercy upon us.   
L: Hear us now as we silently confess our personal sins (time for silent prayer)  . . . . . . in     
P:Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
 
Prayer  song (The pianist will play it once alone; then Marty will sing twice.) You may sing to yourself.
SILENCE
 
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
L:  When we accept Christ’s gift of grace, God releases us from the yoke of sin and sorrow, and we are able to live as God’s chosen ones. Rejoice, sisters and brothers, in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven.  Alleluia, praise God!  … Now, forgiven, we are living vessels of light and love. May our light shines before others.
 
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION:                                  
P: O Lord, may your word be a light for our path, showing us where to walk and how to talk. Shine your light into the darkness of our hearts and world. Amen.
 
A  Reading  of the GOSPEL  (Listen and meditate during silent pauses)                       Gospel Mark 8:31-38
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”    …. He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Response  of  Praise   (The pianist will play it once alone; then Marty will sing twice.) You may sing to yourself.
Glory to the Father
Silence
Meditation                        set our mind on divine things
 
         Long ago, one of my responsibilities as the company nurse was to organize and recruit donors for the company’s annual blood drive. We had a blood drive every six months. My goal was always to get two or three more people than the time before. There were basically three groups of people. One group always gave and were happy to sign up. Another group couldn’t give blood because they took certain medications, or they had a medical history that did not allow them to give. It never failed to surprise me how many people were in the third group: the people who just didn’t want to give blood. I certainly heard numerous excuses: I think I might be too underweight to give; I’m allergic to pain; I don’t like needles; I don’t like to look at blood. Those who thought they were underweight, said it with a wink, and I could see that they weighed more than 100#, so I knew that wasn’t true. I gently reminded people that no one likes pain, needles or looking at blood. The biggest complaint was the painful finger stick at the beginning of the process to check hemoglobin. Well, they were right; the needlestick was painful. But really? The pain lasted less than a minute. The benefits of blood donations literally meant they could save lives, with their donation; but some just couldn’t get past the pain of the finger stick.
          One year, I was especially motived to get a big number of donors, after watching a short video about a mother to be in labor who nearly died along with her newborn because of a bleeding problem. About that same time, I heard today’s gospel lesson. As I asked people to donate blood, if they had an excuse, I would share the story of the mother in labor AND, I would tell them that it was their sacrifice of a sore finger that might save a life! It sounds kind of silly doesn’t it – a finger stick is a sacrifice; but in this situation I think it was true. These people were giving of themselves for the life of another. Often we are called in big and small ways, to give of ourselves for others. How might a change in our perspective help us more closely follow Jesus?
          The Disciples couldn’t understand why Jesus was talking about suffering, after hearing that Jesus was the Messiah, the one to save Israel. Most likely the Disciples had their minds on earthly things, just as Peter did. Things like winning for Israel; a powerful and successful king, like King David; and a position of power for themselves. Jesus had his mind on heavenly and divine things: sacrificing self for others; working toward God’s kingdom, where all  people are respected and empowered; regardless of their race, religion, socio-economic background or sex; where all people have enough to eat and safe housing. As one writer says, “Jesus came to agitate!”
          You might remember seeing an agitator in a top loading washing machine. The agitator twists back and forward, to mix the water and soap and to loosen the dirt on the clothes. Kinda like this: (Pastor steps forward and does some gentle twisting.) No; Jesus did not come to create a new dance. Jesus came to make big changes; changes so that the least important, the least valued people will be fed, clothed, healed and empowered to do and to be more. Changes that said the mighty will lose their power; they will step down or fall down, so ALL people will have enough. No wonder the Temple officials and the government officials were concerned and even afraid of Jesus and His message. Jesus was talking about a redistribution because in God’s eyes, all people are equal. The Roman and Temple leaders were upset; they did not want to let go of their power, their privilege and their prestige. They preferred to continue to lord over others.
          Jesus was telling the Disciples that His message would surely end in His suffering and death. The Disciples either couldn’t hear this or didn’t want to hear this. They expected Jesus to conquer by force and power. Jesus had a different plan; to conquer with love and forgiveness.
          Of course, Jesus was right. His message of freedom, equality and enough for everyone led to His suffering and His death. But death and destruction did not have the final word. Now Jesus reigns in heaven. Now Jesus calls on us to agitate – to share the love and peace and message of enough for everyone. Sometimes that it a difficult message to share with others and to hear for ourselves. We don’t think we are “that” rich and powerful. We don’t see ourselves as part of the problem. We hope; we want to be part of the solution – giving small bits and pieces of our time, talent and treasure.
          Jesus is calling us to do and to be more. So right now, let’s take a moment and stand up. Come on – whether you are here or watching online: stand up right now for Jesus. That’s it; good. Now, follow my lead: twist to the right; then twist to the left. Now repeat several times! Yes. Jesus is calling us to agitate! (Ok, you can sit down.) We are to look for and to FIND ways to be more willing, more generous with ourselves and our possessions. We are to have a changed attitude – one where our mind is set on divine things not earthly things. We are to live with an mindset of having less, of letting go and giving more. We are to live in a new way; not figuring out how this or that might work into our lives, with little inconvenience. Rather we are to think how we can help others first; then to go about doing this or that, regardless of the cost to us. Doing, regardless of the cost – that is sacrificial living. That is taking up the cross and following Jesus.
          For my work colleagues years ago, it was having a painful finger stick and giving a pint of blood. For some, that might a worthy sacrifice today. Our church has a history and a reputation of helping others. In 2011, a group of us went to Joplin to help after a massive tornado hit the town. For several years Sue has gone to Costa Rica; and in some years, some of us have gone with her, to serve the poor there. One year Chuck and I joined with a group of Lutherans to participate in home repairs in Kentucky. Many of you have your own stories of service, whether it was service here or service elsewhere. The Riverview Optimists take care of the backpack program in the Le Claire area.
They give of their time and talent to agitate the world for some students who would be hungry without this program. Right now, we are gathering mittens, gloves, socks and hats to others. There are so, so many ways to be an agitator – to make changes. Jesus is calling us to do and to be a change agent in small and powerful ways.
What other ways can we join Jesus in agitating, in turning the world upside by doing things first because it helps someone; secondly, doing things without worrying what the cost is to us. For some, that might mean helping in our Wednesday Night Program, once we resume that. For others, it might be giving a generous amount of money, while NOT wondering or worrying how that donation will affect everyday life. For all of us, it is a change in attitude. With God’s help, we can become more engaged in social justice – that is speaking up and speaking out for people who have less and for people who are considered to be less than worthy. That means we are to see, REALLY SEE people of color; see what is going on in their lives and consider how we can sacrificially respond. And then, make and BE the change. For example, we might start by joining with others in the video study the Presbytery is doing. There is a small group participating in the 5-week program on Wednesday evenings at 4 pm, right here in the sanctuary. Yes; the title might not sound interesting or “be your cup of tea”. And, yes; the time of day might be inconvenient, but Jesus is talking about sacrifice! Can you make a commitment to come to the four remaining classes, for the next for Wednesdays? If not, can you make a commitment to participate in a book study about social justice and racism in April. Jesus is asking us to follow Him, by putting our minds on divine things and living sacrificially. How and when will you agitate this day, this week and this year?
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
 
Silence
AFFIRMING OUR FAITH           
 
Silence
Offering   Happy are those who love the Lord! It is well with those who share generously and conduct their lives with justice and mercy. God of light and love, shine through these offerings, so our love may radiate throughout the world.
 
Silence
Our lighted candles remind us that Christ is the Light of the World. In Christ, we too, are the light of the world. Your light joins with the light of the others as together we are the body of Christ. (The pianist will play it once alone; then Marty will sing twice.) You may sing to yourself.
                                                      Wait for the Lord -  James 5 and Psalm 26 (27)
(The pianist will play it once alone; then Marty will sing twice.)
In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful – Isaiah 12:2
           
Silence
INTERCESSIONS
L:  Lord Christ, reveal the presence of your Kingdom in our midst.
P:  O God, keep watch over the gate of our lips; May every hurt of this day be buried in your forgiveness.
L:  O Christ, by your life offered to God, show us the road to life.
P:  O Christ, remain alongside all who are undergoing a time of suffering: the dying, the ill and the homeless.  Be with those we name in our hearts.
L:  O Christ, keep us from the snares of discouragement and worry.
P:  Our eyes are turned to you, Lord; our soul finds rest in you.
L:  O Christ, you gave peace and comfort to the tax collector and the adulterous woman;
P:  may we also find peace and comfort in you.
L:  O Christ, in you, our resurrection has already begun;
P:  may we live in this new way, loving all; giving all glory to you.
L: Living God, at times, we are like strangers on the earth, distressed by the violence and the harsh challenges of life. Yet, you breathe on us and the Spirit of peace comforts like a gentle breeze. Transform our doubts; prepare us to be bearers of reconciliation, wherever you place us, until Peace comes fully to our world.  You called us to follow the steps of Your Son in ministering to the sick and suffering. Grant us the same spirit of compassion that by gentleness and love, in faithfulness and patience, we may serve those in need. Support us in our work, giving us wisdom and skill, empathy and generosity for one another. Hear our prayers for our friends and family: . . .  hear us as we pray together
 
THE  LORD’S  PRAYER   
 
Silence
Benediction                                                                                                                                                     
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and, God, our God of love and peace will be with you.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you, be with your family and be with all of God’s family. Alleluia. Amen.
 
~ Music       CCLI 1259100
 
Today: Congregational meeting directly after worship for the sole purpose of voting to purchase new video equipment.
          Unholy Ghost, 6pm
This Week:        
Tue   Chair aerobics, 10 am
Wed Unholy Ghost, 4 pm
Thu      Chair aerobics, 10 am
Sat    Men’s Group at church, 7:30 am;
 
 
PRAYER REQUESTS   Pray for these: our members and friends in nursing homes, all veterans, 
our members and friends in nursing homes, all veterans, service men & women & their families; all who have been sentenced to life without parole; all fire, law enforcement, & EMS personnel; June L; Pat and Jim Collins; Kaye Hale; Phyllis Dearing; Jessie Borgman; Tom Bloomingdale; Donna Luchman; Sue and Steve Rodgers; Jan and Kirk Barkdoll; Sally Hackett; Gary Martin, L.C. Chamberlin, Wes and Joyce Kuehl; Paul Glispie; Abbas; Pryce Boeye; Ken Stinson; Betty Penry’s daughter, Amy; Wes and Joyce’s daughter, Anna; Marilyn’s son, Brad; Marilyn’s daughter, Candy; Jan’s and Kirk’s daughter, Amber; Chris’ and Colleen’s aunt, Joan; Duane’s and Pastor Melody’s daughter, Shannon; Rose’s and Bruce’s friends, Bill and Linda; Kari Long; Randy Goslin; Marty; Mission Starfish, Haiti. 
 
Musician: Stacy          Worship Leader: Marty                 AV: Duane and Wendi   
Counters Today: Joyce and Diane                 
Counters Next Week: Colleen and Chris
 

The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Le Claire is to continue to be a warm and welcoming church that actively shows the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

youtu.be/THeHdck7SaU​
 
Feb. 21, 2021   

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  
Thy Word    CCLI 1259100

Refrain:
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path
 

1 When I feel afraid
Think I've lost my way
Still you're there right beside me
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
(Refrain)
 
2 I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end
(Refrain)

Words of Praise(Written by Rev. Karen Horst, permission granted by PCUSA)
Marty: Change is coming, for God’s plans are unfolding. Each day is filled with new possibilities.   Pastor Melody: All creation is in God’s hands so we put our trust in God.
M: Change is a part of God’s plan; out of nothing, God created all & called it good.                                    
PM: As our lives unfold, God is with us. We need not fear.
M: God has good plans for us. Plans to bring us wholeness and peace.
PM: God is with us in our journey of becoming, guiding our steps all the way.
M: Let us pray: Creator God, we begin our Lenten journey trusting that you are actively involved in our lives. Whatever circumstance comes our way, we can remain secure in your steadfast love; we can be courageous as we venture into the new life you have in store for us. Change is very much a part of life as you have created it. Help us to navigate each day, seeking your ways through the power of your Holy Spirit, honoring Christ in all that we do. In His name we pray, Amen.
 
 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name             CCLI 1259100

1 All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

2 Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!

3 Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!

4 O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Call to Confession:        
Prayer of Confession: 
Holy God, lover of our souls, we often lack the courage and strength to resist the temptations in our path. It is so hard to live and love like Jesus did. Sometimes we fail to hear your call in our lives. We often prefer to do the wrong before us instead of re-turning to you. Forgive us when we are self-serving, petty and neglectful. Help us to do better, to be better. Have mercy on us as we confess our personal sins silently . . .  (time for silent prayer). . . Help us love as you love, to sacrifice as Jesus sacrificed.  Amen
 
Assurance of Pardon:                  
L: In and through his life, death and resurrection, Jesus Christ offers us repentance and new life. Rejoice, I say; rejoice, for we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
 
  Gloria Patri                                   
 
Passing of The Peace                                            
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another.  The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
 
Children’s Moment       
 
Prayer of Illumination:                              
M: Let us pray.  O Lord, may Your word be a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. Help us to hear and obey, so we will know which way to go. Amen.

Old Testament Reading Jeremiah 29:1, 3b-14 Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. This is what Jeremiah’s letter said:

 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem:  “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.  Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away!  And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams,  because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord.

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.  For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Response:    L:  This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
 
The Gospel Reading  Mark 1:9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

L: This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.
Sermon:      in the wilderness 
 
          In today’s scripture, Jesus is driven out into the desert by the Holy Spirit. He was there forty days, with nothing to eat and he was tempted by Satan. I’m not sure which of these is the worst. I think it is a personal choice. Some of us don’t mind being alone for extended periods. Others do not enjoy or even like the idea of being alone. Some people wouldn’t do well, going without food; others would be fine with little or nothing to eat for forty days. I’m sure all of us have been tempted by Satan – and we know that is perhaps the most difficult challenge! Part of the problem of these challenges, is that we don’t know when any of these things might happen. We work hard to make sure they don’t happen! Still, I imagine there are times when you might find yourself in some kind of wilderness. I know I have been in a wilderness a time or two. And, so has my friend, MJ.  Recently she shared that she moved into a new arrangement. It is a three-tier retirement home; there is independent living, assisted living and nursing care. She is enjoying it for the most part. But she also feels like she is in a bit of a wilderness because of the Covid-19 virus. There is no one around; and no place to meet or greet others. Like most places, the independent living condos have new restrictions to protect the residents. No one can go into anyone else’s place. All dining areas and exercise areas are closed. My friend said she feels like she is living in a wilderness! Many of us might agree with her – because, since last March, we have been put in our place, separated from others by social distancing and masks. Not quite the wilderness that Jesus found Himself in, but a wilderness none the less.

       Sometimes a wilderness can seem like a deserted island; with no one around; and few resources. Other times, we might be in a wilderness that feels more like a jungle, with too many distractions and too many choices. Regardless of the situation, it feels like a wilderness because the path ahead is unclear. We aren’t sure why we are here, where to go or how to get to the next place: we see no clear way or too many different ways. We just don’t know what to do.

     Long, long ago, the Israelites found themselves in a new place; they were sent to live in a new country; in Babylon, where no one had heard of the Israelites or their God. It probably felt something like a wilderness. The Babylonians had different customs about marriage, families, gardening and nearly everything else. The Israelites didn’t know what to do. They wondered how they could be faithful to God in this strange new place and they wondered how they would manage with all these new and very different customs. The prophet Jeremiah, sent a letter to them, telling them to build homes and plan to stay for seventy years. Plant gardens, eat the foods there, marry and have children; encourage your children to have your  grandchildren. Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where you now live. God said, “For I know the plans I have for you.” They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

     God is good and generous when we find ourselves in a wilderness. We may feel lost and abandoned, but God knows right where we are. God sent Jesus, who survived a long, challenging wilderness experience Jesus knows what we are suffering. The Holy Spirit is with us; we are not alone. God has a plan for us, to give us a future and hope, just like the plan for the Israelites. When Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, God led the way, as a pillar of fire each day, so they would know which way to go. When Elijah was on the run from Queen Jezebel and King Ahab, God sent angels to minister to him. Likewise, when Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days, today’s Gospel lesson tells us that the wild beasts and the angels were with Him. Jesus used God’s word, the Scriptures, to turn Satan away. We can do the same.
 
      In 1993, we moved to Oklahoma, which felt like a wilderness to me – so far from family and from our green, green home in Iowa. Like Jesus and like the Israelites, we counted on God to help us in this new place; a place where people were more likely to wear cowboy hats than baseball caps and where they said funny words like ya’ll and fixin’. We found a good Presbyterian church which helped keep us grounded and in God’s word.

      A year or two later, I joined a Bible study, which was like a bright light in this “strange” new place! As the Bible study group worked our way through the Bible, we spent a considerable time on the Hebrews, first waiting for Moses to lead them out of Egypt; then traveling through the wilderness. In the next eleven years, as I continued to study the Bible with my new friends, I often said that I felt like I was walking through a wilderness; step after step, waiting for something significant to happen. Like time in a real wilderness, I wasn’t sure where I was going or why I was on a wilderness experience. Finally, it occurred to me, through a number of revelations, that God was calling me to Seminary! Before long, we moved to Austin and, with God’s and my family’s help, I completed that work. Then, joy! Pure joy, as I was called to parish ministry in a bit of heaven, called Le Claire Iowa. It has been a good match! And, whenever I think of wilderness, I think of my study time in Oklahoma and in Austin. God helped me and led me through that time of struggle, dryness and wonder.

      I tell you my story again, to remind you … and to remind me that God is with us. Whether we are having a grand time right now, or, we find ourselves walking through a wilderness, God is with us. When we are in any wilderness, God is with us, just as God was with Jesus, Elijah, Jeremiah, and the Israelites. The Israelites taught us to keep our eyes on God, who led their ancestors to the Promised Land, just as God will lead us to the Promised Land. Elijah reminds us to have faith; that God will not desert us, but will provide, according to our needs. Jeremiah reminds us that God has a plan for us. And, Jesus, the Son of God, reminds us that all of us will have times of trial; times in the wilderness, when we feel lost, lonely and overwhelmed. Yet, God will be there, both soothing our souls, as well as giving us courage and strength to survive, even to thrive.

      Jesus, our Lord and Savior, knows trial and tribulation. Jesus is our comfort and our companion, in our times in the wilderness. We can follow His lead, remembering God’s word, using scripture to succeed against Satan. The Gospel of Mark is the only gospel to mention angels and wild beasts. While I don’t think Christ’s time in the wilderness was a Disney movie, like Bambi, complete with dancing and talking animals, I do think Jesus was ministered to by the wild beasts and the angels in ways we can’t imagine. And, I think this because I know how much pets can mean to us; dogs, cats and other pets can fill a void and give comfort to us. Likewise, our family and friends, our neighbors, and even strangers at time can seem like angels, who minister to us, with a kind word, a gentle smile or some other expression of kindness.

      Wherever you are in your wilderness journey, know that you are not alone. Our Savior has been on a similar wilderness journey. He knows how to comfort, encourage and strengthen you. So, as you continue on, in the wilderness, or elsewhere, rest; rest in His love. Now and forevermore. Amen.
 
Spirit of the Living God    (sing twice)                CCLI 1259100   
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me
Melt me, mold me,
Fill me, use me
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
 
Affirmation of Faith:   Apostles’ Creed – Traditional         
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.  Amen.
 
Offering: Gracious God, you call us to do more than worship, you call us into action as your disciples. Help us to take action, by sharing our gifts and treasure.
 
   Doxology                                             
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
P: Awesome God, experiencing the dazzling light of your glory and the joy of your love, we want to stay on the mountaintop and worship you. Yet, we know we are to follow Jesus. Through these gifts, may we shine the transforming light of your love into all the world. Use our gifts and our lives, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE   
Almighty God, gracious Father, in the presence of your blessings, keep us humble,
in the presence of all people’s needs make us compassionate and caring.
Give us faith in our praying and love in our serving, knowing that by your power,
all people may find a new balance in living and a new victory in adversity.
We pray for all unhappy lives, those who are bitter and resentful, feeling life has given them a raw deal, those who are sensitive to criticism and quick to take offense, those who desire their own way, whatever the inconvenience or cost to others. May your judgment and mercy be for their healing.
We pray for those who are lonely, who are shy and self-conscious, who find it hard to make friends; those who are nervous and timid, who ever feel themselves strangers in a world they can scarcely understand. May your presence inspire confidence and ensure companionship.
We pray for those who live with bitter regrets, for loving relationships brought to ruin, for opportunities freely given and woefully abused, for the bitterness of defeat or betrayal at another’s hand, or for failure in personal integrity. May your grace give new hope to find victory in the very scene of failure.
We pray for all in illness and pain, weary of the day and fearful of the night. Grant healing, if it be your will, and at all times through faith the gift of your indwelling peace. Bless these we pray:
Bless the church in every land. Make her eager in worship, fearless in proclamation of the gospel, and passionate for caring.
Bless our country. Bless our leaders. Bless our children and grant us peace within our borders. Grant us a nation to be found effective in establishing peace throughout the world.
Bless us, each one, in the communion of the saints, and keep us ever mindful of the great cloud of witnesses that, following in their steps, as they did in the steps of the Master, we may with them at the last receive the fulfillment promised to your people.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
THE LORD’S PRAYER          Pastor Melody and Marty

Pastor Melody: Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name …
Marty: We draw near to you with all holy reverence and confidence,
coming as children to a father able and ready to help us
as we pray together and for others.
Enable us and others to glorify you in all that we do
as we live and work in the creation that displays your power and mercy,
and be pleased to dispose all things to your own glory.

PM:  Your kingdom come.
M: We pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed
and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced,
ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it,
and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
We pray that you, by your grace, would make us able and willing
to know, obey, and submit to your will in all things,
as the angels do in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
We pray that of your free gift we may receive a sufficient portion
of the good things of this life, and enjoy your blessing with them.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
We pray that you, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins--
and we are encouraged to ask this because by your grace
we are able from the heart to forgive others.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
We pray that you would either keep us from being tempted to sin,
or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever.
We take our encouragement in prayer from you only,
and in our prayers we praise you,
ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to you.
And to testify of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen. 
 
Open My Eves that I Might See        CCLI 1259100

1 Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Refrain:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes (ears, heart), illumine me,
Spirit divine!

2 Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear. (Refrain)
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3 Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share. (Refrain)

CHARGE
L:    no matter where you are, whether you are in a wilderness or elsewhere, know that God is with you, ministering to you through prayer, scripture and perhaps, via angels and animals.   
 
AND BENEDICTION
Know that, The God of steadfast love blesses you.
Jesus, the living bread, feeds you.
The Spirit of wisdom guides you.
Now, encouraged, go forth with delight to walk in God’s ways,
rejoicing in God’s faithfulness.
 
  

s the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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youtu.be/Q_w6GSONRXg
                                        The First Presbyterian Church of Le Claire
February 17, 2021         4:00 pm
Opening Prayer
Gracious and Almighty God, we humbly come to thank you for our blessings and for this opportunity to worship you in body and in spirit. We praise you for you alone are holy and worthy of praise. May this offering of our time be a blessing. Amen.

First Reading                          Joel 2:1-2, 12-13
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! 
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming, it is near — 
 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! 
Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes; 
their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.
 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, 
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. 
Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, 
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. 

Song           “Holy, Holy, Holy” (v. 4)
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION: 
Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love and abundant mercy blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly and cleanse us from our sin. For our sin is ever before us. Against you, you alone, have we sinned. You desire truth; therefore teach us wisdom. Hide your face from our sins, and blot out all our wrongdoings.
Create in us a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within us. Have mercy on us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer) . . . We love you God; you are our only hope.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON:                  
L: God’s love embraces us even when we fall short of what God desires for our lives and actions. Jesus came that our sins would be forgiven. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God.

Song                 “In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful”
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful, in the Lord I will rejoice!
Look to God, do not be afraid; lift up your voices, the Lord is near;
lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

Gospel Reading             Matthew 6:1-6 The Message
 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well.
 “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

Message     focus and … action          the Rev. Melody Oltmann
      One of my friends loves to spend time with her son. Often, in the summer, they played golf. He wasn’t that athletic but he always wins at the golf course. She explained, “It’s because his mind is so empty, that he really focuses on one thing! When I get up to the ball, and think about hitting it, I also am thinking about what to make for supper, when does church start and how is my grandmother. When Matt stands at the golf ball, ready to hit it, all he is thinking about is hitting that little ball as squarely and as hard as he can. If I am lucky, my golf ball goes 40-50 yards, mostly to the left. Matt’s golf ball goes more than 125 yards, straight down the course. He is so focused!”
The prophet, Joel, is telling the Israelites that they need to refocus. They need to turn away from sinful behavior and return to God. The people of Joel’s generation were solely focused on their pleasures, so they worshipped false idols which “approved” of selfish behaviors. The focus was on immediate good times. They did not help others who were in need; those who were homeless, sick or hungry. The Israelites chose to live enjoyable lives, meeting their own needs and desires, without thinking of others
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          Thankfully, God sent prophets - men and women to truthfully speak God’s words. People, like Joel, who had the courage to speak to his generation and to us. God shouldn’t have to remind us that death is coming - but God does. Look again at our Old Testament reading: Through Joel, God is giving warning; a day of darkness and gloom in coming: the consequences of sin and disobedience: The Israelites had sinned by worshipping idols and by neglecting those in need.
          Yet, our God - the God of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, the Israelites and the Jews - our God always merciful - God always - ALWAYS!  welcomes us back; God keeps the door open so we can come home. God gives specific directions, so the Israelites know and so we know what to do.

     God is NOT interested in grand, shallow gestures. Joel instructs the Israelites and reminds us that salvation is NOT about the biggest, the most dramatic sacrifice. Yes - we can make big sacrifices; or little ones, like putting ashes on our head, or, giving up a meal every day in Lent, but, none of it will matter - IF - . . . IF we also do NOT confess and change our ways. We are to be sincere - we are to return to God . . . with all our heart. We are not to offer silly promises or just make outward demonstrations of our sorrow. In Joel’s time, the practice for sorrow was to tear your clothes, to put ashes on your face, to look pitifully sad. Often - all of it, just an outward show - SEE how sorry I am! SEE me! Don’t I look like I am sorry!

          God is not looking for people who only look sorry; not in Joel’s time, not in 2021. God is not looking for people who only participate in public displays of remorse. Of course, we should be sad, we should say we are sorry and be filled with remorse when we live selfishly, or when we do wrong; BUT - that alone is not enough. There is only one thing the Israelites were to do; there is only one thing we can do: repent!  Although Joel uses different words, he means repent. Joel says, instead of tearing your clothes to show how sorry you are, TEAR or rend your heart. Confess and . . . CHANGE the way you are living. When we repent, it means we change our hearts; we return to the Lord, our God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; who relents from punishing. When we are honest, when we admit we were wrong, we may be sad and weep. We may be too upset to eat; we may fast. And that is fine. BUT, it is NOT enough! The change must be from the inside out. The change must be in our heart, in our mind and in our behavior.
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          God sent prophets to share this message. But, their words were not enough. Still, people continued to sin, continued to stray from God. So - our loving, our mercy-filled triune God, came as Jesus - as an infant, as a person to give us this message face to face.

     Right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives instruction similar to Joel’s. Jesus tells his disciples and tells us: worship should not be about showiness. It should not be about getting attention. True worship is only focused on God; always, only on God. Whether we are worshipping, confessing or living our lives, we are to focus on God. Only God is worthy of our praise. Only God can forgive us; only God provides for us. 

      Once, when an adult Sunday School class was studying this text, the teacher asked: if you won a million dollars through the lottery, what would be the best way to give some to the church? Do you give a quarter million dollars, with the understanding that the church will name the remodeled sanctuary and new Sunday School rooms after your mother? Or do you give it without strings attached; anonymously? As we sat there, thinking about winning money and giving it to the church, someone said, “The church will gladly accept your $250,000 and name the remodeling after your mother. Don’t let this passage keep you from donating!”

     We laughed. Of course, the New Testament passage does not say, “Do not give.” It also doesn’t say, “Do not pray in public and do not put ashes on your face.” It DOES say, what is your reason? What is your focus? Don’t be a hypocrite – saying one thing and doing another. Keep your focus on God, matching your words and actions. Are you doing this or doing that so others will see you and think, “Now there’s a great person?” Or, are you doing these things because you are focused on God? Are you doing these things because you are grateful and want to share your blessings, so you give generously? Are you doing these things because you are in need of comfort or direction, so you stop right in the middle of the store and pray? Are you doing these things because you are aware of your sinfulness, your mortality and . . . your hope in Jesus, so focused on God, you put ashes on your forehead, you take communion, you light a candle.
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     Lent - these next 40 days until Easter, not including Sundays - are about our focus. We are called to be more. One theologian says, in Matthew 6, Jesus is calling us to a higher righteousness. Lent is a time to let go of things, of possessions, titles and praise. Things - like rich foods, television shows and guilty pleasures are sometimes given up for Lent. Are you fasting this year? Giving up something? Why? Why not? What can you let go of that is distracting your focus? Is it a material pleasure? Is it the praise or pats on the back you get when others see how well you are doing? Or, is it physical comforts that keep you from focusing on God’s love, grace and call to action?

     Lent - this is the time to focus on a higher righteousness - the righteousness, the rightness of the cross. We are to look up - and see, and remember Christ’s sacrifice, high up on the cross. And, follow His lead.

     In the end, nothing else matters. Even now, we know that praise from others, fancy cars, an easy life do not last forever; they will not stop death. We are mortal. We can deny it. We can continually fret about it. Or, we can focus on God.

     When our thoughts, our actions and our very lives are focused on God, we will be closer to God. We will be filled with God’s peace, a peace that exceeds all understanding. We will be rewarded by God – here and in the hereafter.
When we keep our focus on God, we are able to love even the most difficult people because God first loved us; we are able to forgive even the greatest hurt, because we are forgiven. When we are focused on God, we can pray in public, we can give generously, we can get ashes on our foreheads. Because, our action is not about us - it is about God. And, we will be blessed; blessed with joy, peace and hope. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.

HOLY COMMUNION
L: God knows that we are hungry - hungry for love. We often seek it in all the wrong places, all the wrong ways. So, God in Jesus, came to earth, as an innocent newborn; a baby to be loved; a baby who grows up and shows us how to love. God loves us just as we are, just for who we are. Jesus shows us this love and grace in his words, his actions, his life, death and resurrection.
 
Jesus knows we are hungry - hungry for love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Christ Jesus invites us to this table. Jesus offers to share His love, a love that makes life easier. This is not a Presbyterian table; come, all are welcome here. We give thanks to you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for all our blessings - for creation, your covenant love, Jesus, forgiveness, His promise of life eternal and the Holy Spirit which empowers us to be your faithful servants. Gracious God, we pray by your Spirit, we may be one with Christ and one with all who share this feast, united in ministry in every time and place.
 
Preparation of Bread and Cup
On the night before his death, among his friends, Jesus took bread; after giving thanks, he blessed it & broke it.  He gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take, eat.  This is my body, broken and given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way, he took a cup & passed it among his friends, saying:  “This is the cup of the new covenant, sealed in my blood.  Whenever you eat this bread or drink this cup, do this in remembrance of me.”
 
Invitation and Distribution
Holy food for God’s people; Come eat, all is prepared. This is a taste, a promise or what awaits us in heaven – bread, wine, enough of the good feast for every person; for all creation.
 
Prayer of Thanks
Let us pray: Nourished at this table, O God, may we always know and remember Christ’s redemptive love. Help us to live a new life in Him. May our words, our actions and our very lives forever more point to Jesus and his amazing grace. Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes again, and we shall feast with all your saints in your eternal realm. Through Jesus Christ, all glory and honor are yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
 
Ashes – As we put ashes on our foreheads, “we remember that we are dust & to dust we shall return”. Even, as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, knowing in Christ, we have eternal life
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Hymn                   “There’s Power in the Blood”   
             
1 Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;
Would you o'er evil a victory win?
There's wonderful pow'r in the blood.

Refrain:
There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r
In the blood of the Lamb.
There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

2 Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary's tide?
There's wonderful pow'r in the blood. [Refrain]

3 Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;
Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow;
There's wonderful pow'r in the blood. [Refrain]

4 Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's pow'r in the blood, pow'r in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful pow'r in the blood. [Refrain]

Closing Prayer  
Thank you, Holy God, for the love and grace of Jesus Christ. To Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, all glory, all praise. Now and forever. Amen.
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Charge and Benediction
Our charge this evening is to be changed; more focused on God; more loving in this world.
Now, may the love of God, the peaceful power of Jesus and the hope of the Holy Spirit be with you, be with your family and be with those who have family and those who have no  family. Amen.
 
Home Devotions during Lent
Feb. 17   Ash Wednesday   Matthew 6:1-6
Feb. 24   Mark 1:9-15
Mar.  3    Mark 8:31-38
Mar. 10   John 2:13-22
Mar. 17   John 3:14-21
Mar. 24   John 12:20-33
Mar. 28   Palm Sunday   Mark 11:1-11
Apr.  1    Maundy Thursday   Psalm 31:9-16, Mark 14:1-15:47
Apr.  2    Good Friday   John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Apr.  4    Easter   John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8
 
Pray for the Holy Spirit, to help us understand God’s word.
Reflect on these questions:
What does Scripture say to those in Jesus’ time?
What does Scripture say to us today?
What is the Good News in this Scripture?
How shall I respond to God’s Word, today?
Say a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s blessings.


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