SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2008
MORNING WORSHIP 8:45 A.M.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent

(Please pass the red pew pads now. If you are a guest this Sunday, we would love to
greet you following the service or at coffee hour in the Social Hall.)

THE PRELUDE My Song is Love Unknown Callahan

CHIMES AND TOWER BELLS

THE CHURCH GATHERS

WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Robert J. Brink

Minister: Jesus said: I am the light of the world.
People: Jesus said: Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
Minister: We gather as people who walk and live in the light!
People: We come with eyes wide open to see the goodness of the Lord!

*HYMN 553 Gather Us In

*THE PRAYER OF THE DAY AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (unison)

Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Give us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, no weakness keep us from doing it; that in your light we may see light clearly, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, and who taught us to call upon you saying:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*ASCRIPTION OF GLORY (Hymn 560) Be Thou, O God, Exalted High

Be Thou, O God, exalted high;And as Thy glory fills the sky,
So let it be on earth displayed, Till thou art here, as there, obeyed.

THE CHURCH HEARS THE WORD

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Ephesians 5:8-14 Bible, page 1067

THE INVITATION TO SUNDAY SCHOOL

*THE PSALMODY (Psalm 23) The Lord is My Shepherd Hymnal, no. 55
[Children go to Sunday School during the Psalmody]

THE GOSPEL LESSON John 9:1-41 Bible, page 976
Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.

THE COMMUNION MEDITATION “The Gift of Sight” Dr. Peay

THE ANTHEM Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Thiman

THE CHURCH OFFERS PRAYER AND THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

THE CALL TO PRAYER and SILENT MEDITATION

THE PRAYER OF PEOPLE AND MINISTERS (responsive)

Minister: Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom. Hear our intercessions. For your church around the world,
People: we ask new life.
Minister: For all who carry out ministries in your church,
People: we ask grace and wisdom.
Minister: For people who have accepted spiritual disciplines,
People: we ask inspired discipleship.
Minister: For Christians of every land,
People: we ask new unity in your name.
Minister: For Jews and Muslims and people of other faiths,
People: we ask your divine blessing.
Minister: For those who cannot believe,
People: we ask your faithful love.
Minister: For governors and rulers in every land,
People: we ask your guidance.
Minister: For people who suffer and sorrow,
People: we ask your healing peace.
[After an additional brief silence, the minister concludes the prayer.]

THE CHORAL RESPONSE TO PRAYER

THE OFFERTORY

THE ANTHEM Jubilate Deo Sanders

*THE RESPONSE (Hymn 438, verse 1) We Give Thee but Thine Own

We give Thee but Thine own, What e’er the gift may be:
All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee. Amen.

THE INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE AND THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
[The Minister invites us to prepare for the Lord’s Supper by confessing our sins.]

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost and to open the eyes of the blind. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. Have mercy, O God, give us spiritual sight and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
[The Minister assures us of God’s pardon and of our welcome to the Table.]

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

Minister: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Minister: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
[The Minister continues the Prefatory prayer, following “sing to the glory of your name:” we all say:]

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, 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.
[The Ministers continue the prayer.]

THE BREAKING OF BREAD

THE COMMUNION

THE PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

THE CHURCH IS SENT FORTH TO LOVE AND SERVE

*HYMN 354 Open My Eyes, That I May See

*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*THE POSTLUDE Theme and Variation on Lobe Den Herren

Our Communion Service is adapted from The Book of Common Worship of the Presbyterian Church-USA.

*Indicates where the congregation is asked to stand.

Today’s Chancel flowers are given in memory of Dr. Philip A. Muth from the Muth family.

CARE FOR CHILDREN

A nursery for infants and toddlers is available during the 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. services.
Sunday School at 8:45 and Godly Play at 11:00.

Worship Preview for Sunday, March 9 8:45 A.M.
Rev. Robert J. Brink will offer the message entitled “God Makes Dry Bones Dance.”
Thomas Gregory is the organist.
Lee Jacobi directs the Pilgrim Choir.
Kimberly Williams directs the Jubilation Ringers