Lent 2:
Deep in the woods –
called to deep commitment
ORDER OF SERVICE
Note: All hymns are from the new Voices Together hymnal
Centering chimes
Lighting of the solidarity lamp
-Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor
Prelude – A change is gonna come by Sam Cooke
Call to Worship
One: God, you ask us to set our minds on you, to walk before you and be blameless. You teach us what matters, and you do not hide your face from us.
Many: With each step along the path, we are transformed into who you made and called us to be.
One: God, you teach us that when we lose our life, we save it.
Many: With each step along the path, we hope against hope in your promises.
One: God, you say you will make us exceedingly fruitful, that you will bless us.
Many: With each step along the path, we take up our cross and follow you.
All: We believe your everlasting covenant is to be God to us, and that we will live forever. We call out to you, as you call us deeper into this covenant.
Hymn #581 – Lord Jesus, you shall be my song
Welcome & prayer
Passing the peace (break-out zoom groups)
Hymn #583 – O Christ, impart your teaching true
Scripture Video: Mark 8:31-38
Children’s story
– Song “Let the children come to me”
– The Children’s offering through TODAY (February 28) benefits Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as it celebrates its centennial year in 2020. All households are invited to set out a basket and gather an offering weekly. Donations may be sent to the FMC office at any time or can be made online (select children’s offering in “To” box)
Scripture: Romans 4:13-25
Sermon
Hymn #748 – Take, o take me as I am
Prayer of Confession and Assurance
Many: Deep calls to deep.
We call to you from the depths of our hearts.
One: We confess when we have stayed on the edges.
Not listening to each other.
Not taking the path you show.
We confess when we have strayed from the way.
Silencing suffering.
Forfeiting life.
(Silence. Or name the forces that keep us from deep commitment.)
Deep calls to deep.
You call to us from the depth of your love.
Many: Calling us to deep commitment.
We come to you, God.
Congregational Sharing & prayer
Meditation music – Keep me in your peace by Kristy Rice
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Consider giving to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.
Work of the church
Benediction Hymn #566 – We will follow
Worship Leader – Pastor Michael
Prelude – Pete Shungu
Meditation Music – Kristy Rice & Kaye Massanari
Hymns – Cindy Breeze, Story Singers (performed: “We will follow”)
Children’s Story – Janet Liechty & Phil Martens
Scripture Video – Shawn Rodriguez
Scripture Reader – Rosalee Otto
Sermon & Sharing – Pastor Deb
Technician – Bharat Patel