WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE         “Jesus, Priceless Treasure”         A.W. Leopold

SERVICE FOR THE LENTEN CANDLES

LITANY – from Psalm 126:4-6

We should continually ask for God’s blessings

because like a desert stream, we are thirsty.

We struggle in planting seeds of love and faith,

but we rejoice as we see God multiplying what 

   we have sown.

SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER 

*HYMN 263              All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                     

Almighty God, we grow comfortable with the way things are in our lives, in the church, and in the world.  We do not always welcome the new life you offer in Christ, for you overturn our notions of power and protocol.  Sure of our own righteousness, we are critical of others.  Forgive us, we pray, and help us bend our lives toward your own life of self-giving and sacrifice. In Christ’s name, we pray…

Silent Prayers of Confession

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS 

The Lord has indeed done great things for us, as “our righteousness is one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.” (Phil.3: 9) The good news therefore is this: In Jesus Christ we are accepted, we are loved, we are forgiven. 

Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI        

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14

SERMON                  “Knowing What Counts”             

*HYMN 213              In the Cross of Christ I Glory  

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        The Apostles’ Creed             pg. 35

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM       “Bless the Lord, My Soul”  

                                                                                      Hal Hopson

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 826               Lift High the Cross    

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE                   “Recessional in C”                 John S. Dixon  

                        *Those who are able are invited to stand.