Worship Service
March 7, 2021
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
SONG – O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
Gracious God.
I pray this prayer for myself, for everyone joining us this morning, and for the world.
Let us treat ourselves and all of humankind as tender beings born out of your love for us.
Let us not seek approval from that which is not you.
Let us know ourselves through you and live not in expectations of others, but in your knowing of us.
Let us be courageous enough to follow you and kind enough to pardon ourselves when we make mistakes.
Let us love ourselves as you love us and show ourselves your grace when we doubt our worth.
Let us learn to forgive others.
I pray this all to you, Holy One with love and a grateful heart.
Amen.
SONG – Jesus, Tempted in the Desert (Faith We Sing, black Hymnal, # 2105)
CHILDREN’S TIME
SONG – Jesus Lead On
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of Jesus Christ
Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
GOOD NEWS – The Power of God’s Word
When you get tempted to do something sinful and harmful, where do you get the power to overcome the temptation? Let us learn it from Jesus Christ!
SONG – I Need Thee Every Hour (UM, blue Hymnal # 397)
THE HOLY COMMUNION
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE (OFFERING)
Pastor: God wants our love more than God wants our offerings; God cares about our hearts not the amounts of our offerings. (Hosea 6:6).
All: As we count all the blessings God has already given to us, we cheerfully give our offerings to God, the Provider, with grateful hearts. Amen! (2 Corinthians 9:7).
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We are SENT in the Power of the Holy Spirit
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING AND SENDING
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you, my friends.
Go and share the love of God, love that never ends.
CLOSING SONG – Heavenly Day