COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2025
10:00 A.M.
Our Gathering Music
“He Takes Away the Sins of the World”
Our Meditation of Preparation
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
The Peace of Christ
L: The Peace of Christ be with you all.
P: And also with you.
Our Welcome and Announcements
The Ringing of the Bells
The Choral Introit
“Festive Praise”
Our Prayer of Invocation
The Call to Worship (Responsively)
L: God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross.
P: You opened for us the path to eternal life.
L: Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit.
P: May joyfully serve you in newness of life.
L: And faithfully walk in your holy ways.
P: Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
L: Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
P: One God, now and forever. Amen.
Our Opening Hymn #12
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
The Call to Confession
The proof of God's amazing love is this: while we were sinners Christ died for us. In faith and penitence, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Our Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O God, our God, the law of love you remind us of makes us know the gravity and number of our faults. You have summoned us to follow the holy and righteous One on the way of renunciation, but we have preferred to walk the easier way of self-seeking and of doing our own will. We have been proud, ambitious, hard, haughty, and full of ourselves. And here, now, we have come to ourselves, not happy, but empty-hearted, frustrated, and troubled.
O God, have pity on us. Break the pride that makes us slaves; set us free from the egoism that is destroying us. Sanctify us by your Holy Spirit, so that we may live for you and walk in the communion of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to love as he loved us. Amen.
Our Silent Prayers
The Assurance of Pardon
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgiven all of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
The Gloria Patria #581
Our Prayer for Illumination
The First Scripture Readings
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 (p. 20) and Psalm 27 (p. 864).
The Choral Anthem
“Cross Medley”
The Second Scripture Readings
Philippians 3:17-4:1 (p. 1829) and Luke 13:31-35 (p. 1621).
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
The Message “Citizenship in Heaven”
By: Dr. Paul Koch
Our Hymn of Response #51
“To Abraham and Sarah”
Affirmation of Faith (The Apostle's Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come 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.
The Sharing of Joys and Concerns
(After each request for prayer the leader will say “We lift this prayer to the Lord” and the people will respond “Lord hear our prayers”. Following each praise the leader will say “We lift this praise to the Lord” and the people will say “Thanks be to God”)
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; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The Choral Amen
The Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
The Doxology #606
Our Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
Gracious God, we ask for your blessing on these gifts, that they might be used to advance Your Kingdom in this community and around the world. Amen.
Our Closing Hymn #306
“Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
The Sending and Blessing
The Postlude