THE LORD’S DAY SERVICE

MARCH 7, 2010

THE GATHERING

Ephesians 2: 14

‘The Walls We Build’                                                                     Noel McInnis

The Walls

we place between ourselves and others

have many textures:

self-pity

cynicism

busy-work

saving the world

and many more.

We Build Walls

to keep out criticism

hurt, disappointment, let-downs

and the like … but to no avail.

One day we may discover that our defenses

meant to keep others out

only keep us in.

And then we’ll pound against our walls

For our understanding of walls is only half.

We cannot get out until we understand

that our walls yield to us from the other side.

There is no getting out without a letting in.

An Assurance of God’s Grace                                                   1 Peter 5: 6 - 11

Prelude          “Elevation No 47” — Lenten Meditation       Dom Paul Benoit

Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice et St. Maur

The Call to Worship

®Hymn # 145                                                             “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart”              

®Affirmation of Faith                                       ‘The God in Whom I Believe’

The  God  I believe in was born in a cave  as the child of Jewish parents who

 knew well  the misery and  suffering  of  the oppressed.  The God I  believe

 in  was  a  companion  and  a  mentor  who mixed with the poor; gave bread

 to those  who hungered;  light  to  those  in  darkness;  freedom  to  those  in

bondage; and peace to those who prayed for justice.  The God I believe in affirmed Israel’s wisdom and prophetic tradition and spoke of the law as well as love.  The God I believe in is Jesus of Nazareth — who attempted to make peace among all of God’s children — by breaking down the walls of hatred that can too easily separate us.  I believe Jesus of Nazareth preached peace to those of us who are far from God and those of us who are near to God … so each of us can come to God by the same Spirit.

®Hymn # 299                                                                        “Amen, Amen”

Soloists Sing Verses 1 - 6

Congregation Sings Verse 7 and the Refrain

The Passing of God’s Peace

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 2: 19 - 22

SERMON

“The Giving Puzzle”

Violin Solo                     “Three Hymns by Handel”               Hans Graetzer

Chancel Choir                 “God So Loved the World”                          Stainer

THE LORD’S SUPPER

Words of Invitation and Institution

Sharing of the Loaf and the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord’s Prayer

®Hymn # 151                                           “Crown Him with Many Crowns” 

Offertory                      “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”              Robert Elmore

®Doxology # 592                                                                Offertory Prayer                                    

®Hymn # 508                              “For the Bread Which You Have Broken”

Benediction and Response                                                       

Postlude                   “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”            Alexandre Guilmant

®Please stand as you are able.               No Children’s Church today,  nursery is available.