Lent - homilies by e-mail · lesson. As always, Lent begins with the story of the temptation of Jesus, which in Mark also covers the baptism of Jesus. Mark does not give us any contents

Lenta season of preparation

Lent 1B Lectionary Readings

Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-101 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15

Homilies By Email

[email protected] by Bass Mitchellhttp://www.homiliesbyemail.com/

Lectionary ReadingsRCL Readings:

Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10

1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15

Light from the Lectionary

Themes in Today’s Readings

A GOD OF THE COVENANT. This is a central theme in the Genesis reading. In fact, if you will look ahead at the Hebrew Scriptures

for Lent, most of them do have covenant as a main theme. You might wish to consider a series of studies and/or sermons on the theme of Covenant. Our God is a covenant God, a God who seeks, in other words, communion with us. That in itself is astounding, isn’t it? Lent is a time when we can refocus our time and attention on that relationship with God. How are things between you and God? This and the future passages tell us how God wants them to be and has acted already so that they can be.

STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION. This is a theme in the Noah-covenant story as well that we can easily overlook. The rainbow is a part of creation and is itself a sign of God’s concern for all creation, not just human beings. Maybe one of the best things we could do this Lent is to become more thankful for and caring of the creation around us. Imagine that as a spiritual discipline this Lent - becoming better stewards of God’s good earth.

RAINBOWS is a another theme in the Genesis passage. To me, it is really seen as a sign of hope, a reminder that God is involved in the world, even in the midst of storms (as rainbows seldom appear without

Notes

a storm, do they?) Our world seems on the verge of many storms, of much fear with terrorism and war threatening. Where is the rainbow in the midst of these storms? How might we seek God’s presence even now? What signs of hope do we see?

THE AWESOME LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST is a theme I see in the epistle lesson (God’s steadfast love is a theme in the Psalm for today). God’s love is such in Christ that it even reached the dead! This strange

Lent 1B

and much misunderstood verses in 1 Peter provide an opportunity to talk about the depth of God’s love and grace. In fact, it connects with the Noah story, as I think one of the questions heard even in Peter’s day (I have heard it as well) was, “What happened to all those people who died in Noah’s time and the others before Christ?” Peter’s answer, so it seems to me, is that they, too, got a chance to hear the Gospel. Is this one of the passages on which the phrase, “He descended into hell” got into the Apostles’ Creed? Most likely.

WILDERNESS WANDERING is a theme in the Gospel lesson. As always, Lent begins with the story of the temptation of Jesus, which in Mark also covers the baptism of Jesus. Mark does not give us any contents of the temptations or testings, only that they took place over 40 days, a tie in with the 40 days of Lent. My sermon for this day is an invitation to also fi nd a wilderness to seek a closer walk with God, but warning that we, too, will be tested there.

Genesis 9:8-17

9:8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him,9:9 “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you,9:10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.9:11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all fl esh be cut off by the waters of a fl ood, and never again shall there be a fl ood to destroy the earth.”9:12 God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:9:13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.9:14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,9:15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all fl esh; and the waters shall never again become a fl ood to destroy all fl esh.

Notes

9:16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all fl esh that is on the earth.”9:17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all fl esh that is on the earth.”

These verses describe God’s Covenant with all creation. Usually when we hear of covenant we think of the one made with Abraham or the one between God and Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai, or the one with David. But this is the fi rst one. It is like the one with Abraham and David in that it is an unconditional promise by God. God promises to never again destroy creation with water. Noah, nor the creation, must act in any way to insure this. God takes the initiative and is the only one who makes promises. This covenant of God’s care and protection is made not only with Noah and his children but with all generations, all their descendants. This means you and me.

Not only is this promise made to humanity, but to all the creatures of the earth and with the earth itself. We must not think, as we often do, that we are the only creatures God cares for. Everything living thing, even the earth itself, is loved and cared for by God. There is a powerful stewardship theme in this. God watches over the earth and all living things. God created human beings to have dominion over the earth, to tend and care for it as beings made in God’s image, not to use it in anyway we wish.

The important theological point here is that God’s being committed to us and the whole earth. God is being obligated to look out for the earth and all its creatures. God is not going to be distant, uncaring, but present to provide for the ongoing needs of all that God has created. We are called to be partners with God in taking care of God’s good earth.

Notes

Every agreement or covenant which we enter is sealed or fi nalized in some. If you are wearing a wedding ring, that is a sign of the covenant you have made in marriage. It’s to remind you of what you have promised and what’s been promised to you. We human beings need constant reminding, don’t we? If you enter into a contract for a loan with a bank, the sign of it is a legal piece of paper that you sign along with the bank. It’s a way of saying, “The deal is done.” The sign or seal for this promise God makes with all creation is a rainbow. It’s not like God creates it just for this, as it already existed. But now God infuses it with a new meaning. It is both a reminder to God and especially to us of God’s protecting and providential care.

Why a rainbow?

First, rainbows are present when clouds are gatherings, that is, in the face of storms. So when one is seen, a storm is on the way. But it’s presence is to be a reassurance or reminder of God’s promise, especially when it seems like storms are going to wash us away. This was a powerful message of comfort, especially to people in the past who were much more aware than we often are of how susceptible we are to the harmful forces of nature. The world can be a scary and hostile place. But no matter what, no matter if the storms come, God is with us.

Second, the rainbow probably represents the end of God’s wrath, that is, the judgment God said would come through the fl ood is over. The rainbow looks like a bow, that is, a weapon of war. God has waged war with creation (see Psalms 7:12-13; 18:14; 144:6; Lam 2:4; 3:12; Hab 3:9-11 where God’s judgment is poetically seen as God taking up a bow and lightning as God’s arrows). The image that comes to mind to me is when the good guy, having done in the bad guys in those old western movies, goes into the house and hands his guns up on the wall.

Third, the rainbow is a sign of the grace, goodness, and patience of God. God forbears with creation (see this theme in Romans 3:25). God’s response to evil in the world is to be restrained from total destruction. So God is slow to anger, for God’s love is so great. God keeps believing in us, hoping we will live up some day to the potential for good and right that’s been placed within us. Indeed, God would try again and again – soon with Abraham, then with all Israel through Moses, through David, through the prophets and fi nally through a new covenant – one of sheer grace – whose sign is a cross in the sky, not a rainbow.

Psalm 25:1-10

25:1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.25:2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let

Notes

my enemies exult over me.25:3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.25:4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.25:5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.25:6 Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.25:7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!25:8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.25:9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.25:10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Perhaps this Psalm was chosen because ofvv 6ff which call upon God to “remember” not sins and to be “mindful” of God’s own mercy and steadfast love. The rainbow was to be a reminder of these very things.

This song is an acrostic, that is, its form is based on the Hebrew alphabet so that each verse begins with the next letter. It would be like you writing a poem with the fi rst line beginning with a word that starts with an “A,” the second a word that begins with “B,” etc., right through the alphabet. The best example of an acrostic in the Bible is Ps 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. The acrostic form was used probably because it was just a popular way to compose and a way to fully express one’s feeling about a subject or theme. It may well have also been used in order to help students learn and recite each song more easily. The theme in Ps 119, for example, is the Psalmist’s love for God’s law, so the acrostic form uses all the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet to express this love. The theme of Ps 25 is a petition or cry for help, based on the steadfast love and character of God. The Psalmist asks for deliverance from enemies (vv 2-3, 19-21), for relief from distress (vv 16-18, 22), for forgiveness (vv 6-7, 11, etc), for guidance and instruction (vv 4-5).

The Psalmist entrusts his life (lifts up his soul” or “life” in vs 1) to God because he believes that God does love him and seeks his good. God is the one in whom he can trust completely in times of trouble and distress (of times of storm like in the Noah story). The Psalmist, in other words, is expressing faith in God here. He will wait upon God to act,

Notes

believing God will act in God’s own good time and way for his benefi t. The Psalmist places his hope in God, and this makes a nice connection to the Genesis reading, as the rainbow is a sign of hope, a source to give encouragement in the midst of tough times. There are times that arise that make the Psalmist realize that his only hope and help must come from God.

I don’t know about you, but I fi nd myself in situations all the time when I am quickly at the end of my rope, the limit of my strength and intelligence. Life has a way of making us realize we cannot depend ultimately on ourselves, that we need a Higher Power to see us through. I love that poem about footprints in the sand. It speaks of a person who knew God was walking with her because there were two sets of prints in the sand. But it seemed like when she was going through tough times, there was only one set. Did God leave her during those times? No. She discovers that the single footprints are not hers at all but those of God who carries her during those times. I can sure identify with that. So could the Psalmist.

1 Peter 3:18-22

3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the fl esh, but made alive in the spirit,3:19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison3:20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.3:21 And baptism, which this prefi gured, now saves you--not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

In these verses Peter describes what God has done for all humanity in Christ.

First, echoing 2 Corinthians 5:21 which we read last Sunday, Peter talks about the atoning suffering of Christ. What seems to be in the background here is the Temple sacrifi cial system and beliefs. Animals, usually ones without any defects, were sacrifi ced in order to cover the sins of the people. But this had to be done repeatedly. Now, in Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, sacrifi ced on the cross, all sin for all time is atoned. Jesus was the “righteous” who suffered for the “unrighteous.” In other words, he was right with God, perfect in his obedience to God. I wonder here in saying this if Peter is not thinking back to the day Jesus

Notes

died, especially how the crowd was asked to choose between Jesus and Barabbas. They chose Barabbas, of course. Jesus, innocent and righteous, literally took the place of the unrighteous. But not for this one only but for all of us.

What was the purpose of this? Yes, to forgive us our sins, but to bring us back to God. It is as if there was a great chasm dug out my human sin between humanity and God. There was no way to span it. Even the Law could not do this, for human beings were too weak. So God sent the Christ to be the bridge that crosses this great divide, to bring us back into the loving fellowship with God for which we were created.

Second, this great saving work of Christ was not just for the living but even the dead! Here are some of the most startling and diffi cult verses in the New Testament (vss 19-20). What we seem to have here is an answer to some questions asked among the early Christians, “Where was the spirit of Jesus when he was in the tomb those three days?” and “What about all those people before Jesus came? Have they missed out on this wondrous saving work of God in Christ?”

Well, the answer to both questions is that Jesus, in the spirit, descended to “prison,” which is most likely a fi gurative way of referring to the place of the dead, to Hades. In other words, Jesus went and preached to all those who had died, even back to the time of Noah. The implication is that they were also given the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Now the theology behind this is most interesting and wondrous. It is this: the love of God in Christ was so powerful that it could even reach into hell, to those dead! There is nowhere, no place you can that the love of God cannot reach down

Notes

and lift you up. (By the way, this is mostly likely where we get the phrase “He descended into hell” which is part of the Apostles’ Creed). (See also Ephesians 4:9 and I Peter 4:6).

Third, baptism is a sign that God has done all of this and more for us in Christ. Like the ark in Noah’s day, which saved Noah and his family through the waters, baptism means we too have been saved from sin and given abundant and eternal life. Peter sees the experience of Noah and his family as a kind of baptism, one that prefi gures the baptism which removes our sins through Christ. (It’s interesting that one of the favorite images for the church was that of an ark, safely plowing through stormy waters and rescuing drowning sinners).

Fourth, though Jesus died on the cross, he arose from the dead. The realm of death could not keep him. He arose and he ascended so that he now sits at the right hand (side of power) to make intercession for us. We have, in other words, a friend in very high places.

Mark 1:9-151:9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.1:10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.1:11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”1:12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.1:13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.1:14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfi lled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Mark tells us nothing about the early life of Jesus, not even about his birth. That’s left to Matthew and Luke. Jesus, fully an adult, suddenly comes from Nazareth where we presume he grew up. Why does he come out at this time? Apparently because of the work of John the Baptist, who is seen in the Gospels as the kind-of Elijah fi gure who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus is then baptized in the

Notes

Jordan by John which has caused the church some diffi culties, the chief ones being does this mean John was greater and that Jesus was also a sinner? Mark has no apparent interest in these questions. His emphasis is on the baptism as confi rming the messiahship of Jesus. Matthew gives the reason for the baptism of Jesus as his desire to fulfi ll all righteousness, that is, to do the right thing and/or set an example for others to follow.The baptism of Jesus tells us several important things about Jesus and these are the things we should concentrate on…

First, his baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry. It was his coming out party. What he had been doing in Nazareth up to this time (maybe 30 some years), we do not know. But now it was time to begin his ministry.

Second, his baptism shows us something of who Jesus felt called to be, that is, the kind of messiah he would be. He is baptized in the same waters as sinners, with sinners. He identifi es with sinners. This is what he would do his whole ministry. Baptized with sinners and crucifi ed between two sinners. Jesus saw himself, not as the military kind of messiah who would come to kick out the Romans, but as that portrait of the suffering servant in Isaiah who gives his life for sinners.Third, his baptism was a divine confi rmation of his sense of calling. The voice of God affi rms him as God’s own son, saying how please God is with him. In other words, his understanding of his calling, of how he would carry out God’s work with sinners was right on! It was exactly what God willed.

An interesting point in Mark’s telling of this story is that he seems to tell it in such a way that it is a subjective experience of Jesus, that is, Jesus hears the voice of God. In Matthew and Luke it is told in such a way that others could hear the voice as well.

Fourth, his baptism was an empowerment to carry out that mission. The Spirit came upon him like a dove, fi lling him with what he needed to begin and carry out his mission.

Fifth, the Spirit immediately “drives” (the Greek here is almost “casts”) Jesus into the wilderness – a place where Israel long ago had been tested and had failed miserably. The wilderness, you see, had long been associated with testing and temptation. But nothing is said whatsoever about the content of that temptation. From Matthew we learn it was mostly to get Jesus to change his understanding of how he would be the Messiah, to use his power to enrich and promote himself, to be the kind of Messiah everyone wanted. This temptation would continue to confront Jesus throughout his ministry.

An interesting little detail Mark adds is that Jesus was in the

Notes

wilderness with the wild beasts. The wilderness was known for its dangerous beasts. But Jesus was among them and went unharmed. Could it be that Mark has his readers in mind here? Many scholars believe Mark wrote this Gospel in Rome or even for the Christians there. Christians there were also facing wild beasts in the coliseum. It would be not small comfort to them to know that the One they followed had also faced testing among the wild beasts.

What’s also interesting is that no sooner is Jesus baptized and empowered than he fi nds himself in the wilderness of temptation. And you can believe that when God calls you and empowers you for some mission, that will also be the track for you – to, and hopefully, through wilderness. Obstacles will arise. Situations and temptations will come up that would divert you from that path. I told you about my friend who went to medical school to be a medical missionary. But he felt very much the temptation to take another route – to join a lucrative practice where, he was assure, he could make lots of money and then go to the mission fi eld. He withstood that temptation. So did Jesus, who then, after John was arrested, began to preach virtually the same message as John – repent for the kingdom of God (rule of God) was at hand. That kingdom was already coming in him. The “time was fulfi lled,” that is, kairos time, time ripe with potential. The image is like that of a birth when a pregnant woman says, “It’s time!” Likewise, it was time for the rule of God to come as never before, for a new kingdom to be established, made up of those who repented, who turned away from sin and back to God and service to God. Citizens of the kingdom are those who have heard the Good News, responded, and submitted their who lives to the rule and will of God. This kingdom was not geographical or ethnic. It crosses all borders and boundaries, even time itself. It comes in Jesus but still awaits full consummation.

Notes

Study Guide

A. Genesis 9:8-17. How do you most need a new beginning in your life right now?

B. As you look back over your life, what are the new beginnings you can see that God has give you?

C. What is a covenant?

D. Why does God also include animals and the earth in this covenant?

E. Who’s the best swimmer in your family? Who’s the most afraid of water?

F. Have you ever experienced a fl ood?

G. Why do you think God chose a rainbow as a sign of this covenant?

H. Where and what was the last sign of hope, of God’s promises you have seen?

I. What sign of God’s love and protection do you most need now?

J. Ps 25. Read through these 10 verses. What are the things the Psalmist asks for from God?

K. If someone asked you to explain what it means to “trust” in God, what would you say?

L. What does it mean to not “be put to shame”?

M. What do you most need to ask for from God right now?

N. If you were to do an acrostic with the world trust, what would it look like?

O. It seems that the press and much of the public are obsessed with the “sins of the youth” of those running for public offi ce? What do you think about this?

P. When tough times come, how do you look for and fi nd God?

Q. What gives you the most hope during tough times?

R. 1 Peter 3:18-22. Has anyone every suffered something for you or in your place, when you were, in fact, the guilty one?

S. What does the statement in the Apostles’ Creed, “he descended into hell” mean to you? How does it possible relate to this passage?

T. If you tried to explain to someone else what Christ has done for you, what would you say?

U. What situation to you seemed hopeless only to fi nd God there?

V. What comfort can we fi nd in this passage?

W. Mark 1:9-15. Do you remember your baptism? What stands out in your memory? If you don’t remember it, what did your parents or others tell you about it?

X. Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized?

Y. How do you think Jesus felt when he heard the voice and saw the dove?

Z. What spiritual wilderness have you most recently been through or are you still in it? What hope do you draw from this story for your wilderness encounters?

AA. What does it mean to “repent”?

BB. What does it mean to “believe in the good news”?

Complete Worship ServiceAdvent 1B

ENTRANCE

Prelude

Lighting of Candles

GreetingDear brothers and sisters in Christ:the early Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection,and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation.During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to participation in the life of the Church.In this way the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith.I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's Holy Word.

*Hymn # Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days

*We Welcome Our Guests

*Passing the Peace(Please Welcome One Another)

Announcements

Opening PrayerLord God, you led your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide now the people of your Church, that, following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Children's Message God Loves All Creation

Text: Genesis 9:8-17

Objects: If you have a favorite pet and can bring it to church, do so.

God morning, boys and girls.

Do any of you have pets or a favorite animal? (Let them answer)

Do your pets take care of themselves or do you have to do some things for them? (Let them answer)

Why do you do these things? (Let them answer)

I see. It’s because you care for them. You love them.

In the story today about Noah we often do see how, not only does God care for us, God cares for animals and the whole earth. God promises to protect and care for them, so God gives all this earth – the sunshine, the air, the food to provide for the animals and for us, too.

But God also wants us to help take care of animals and all the world.

How can we do this? (Let them answer)

We can make sure we do not take too much of the resources, but share and save them for the animals.

That we do not pollute God’s world. If we dump trash everywhere, make the water and air unclean, we hurt ourselves and all living things.

That we take really good care of our pets.

I know one friend who even works at an animal shelter, giving his time free, for he loves animals. He tries to fi nd good homes for them.

God loves all creation, all creatures, and asks us to love them and help provide for them too.

Prayer

God,you love all your creation.Help us love like you do.Help us take good care of your creatures and your good earth.Amen.

(You may wish to sing or teach them the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful.)

Bible Reading Mark 1:9-14 L: This is the word of God for the people of God. P: Thanks be to God!

Musical Offering

Sermon Find Yourself a Wilderness

(Note: power point slides are available in the members section at homiliesbyemail.com)

I'm thinking about writing the bishop or faxing the Pope or whoever I need to contact in order to make a recommendation - that we postpone or reschedule Lent, or maybe do away with it altogether.

(slide) Lent, as you may know already, comes this time every year. It's a period of forty days, not counting Sundays, before Easter. Lent has been a part of the church for many centuries. It begins Ash Wednesday (February 18) and lasts to Maundy Thursday (April 2). It's modeled after the forty days of self-denial and prayer that Jesus spent in the wilderness.

Lent calls us, you see, to join Jesus in the wilderness, to prepare ourselves over these next forty days for Easter through taking on some spiritual discipline like fasting, prayer, Bible study.

But it seems to me that maybe it's poor timing to have it when we do. Bad planning. A book by a wise pastor I read once said that when you plan any event or program in the church make sure you plan it at a time when you will have the best chance of it being successful. In other words, when there will be little competition and distractions.

Well, I can't think of a time of the year when Lent has greater competition than right now. (slide) The ACC Tournament or "March Madness" as some call it begins this very week, as do college basketball tournaments in other conferences across the country. Every other commercial on television is calling us to get on "The Road to the Final Four" - the NCAA Tournament that will last well into April. And if that isn't distraction enough for us, there's always other things going on, the apparent ever impending war with Iraq. When you add all the other distractions that we have in our busy, hectic lives at this time of the year, Lent just doesn't stand much of a chance.

Just too many distractions. The competition is too great.

Yeah, surely the bishop will see the wisdom of rescheduling it or maybe doing away with it altogether.

(slide) Do we really need Lent, anyway?

Well, for the sake of argument, let's at least consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, it's not bad timing or outdated. Maybe Lent comes just at the right time - when there are so many voices screaming for our time and attention...

When we can refocus and re-center our lives on Who and what's most important...

In the midst of a noisy, chaotic world, Lent comes as an opportunity to seek out solitary places where we can listen for God's voice and new direction for our lives...

You feel the need for that, don't you?

I do.

John Killinger writes,

(slide) "I need the wilderness, don't you? I need the desert experience. I need a special time of the year when I redouble my efforts to pray and rethink my faith, when I seek the Holy with extra zeal and devotion. I need God in order to return to sanity and clarity and wholeness" (p.39 in PULPIT DIGEST, March/April 1995).

Lent is such a time. It calls us to fi nd our own wilderness, (slide) to seek out quiet places and times to be with God. This is the supreme blessing, you see. It's what we need more than anything else - that renewed sense of God's presence - that God is with us - loving, protecting, providing for us. When we know God is with us, we can face anything life brings.

Jesus sets the example. Killinger goes on to say that he believes Jesus did not go into the wilderness primarily to be tempted and tested but to seek solitude, to be (slide) "alone with the Father, to concentrate for forty days and nights on the Divine Presence, to focus his life completely on spiritual things" (p.37).

If you read the Gospels carefully, you will see that Jesus would continue to do this throughout his life.

In Luke chapter 5 not to long after his temptation in the wilderness, we read: (slide) "And he (Jesus) withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."

(slide) Mark 1:35 reads: "In the morning, whole it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayer."

(slide) "And when he had sent them away, he (Jesus) departed to a mountain to pray" (Mark 6:46).

If Jesus needed the wilderness, the desert places to be alone with God, then how much more do we need them!

Traditionally, Lent has encouraged us to take on some commitment to our spiritual lives: (slide) prayer, daily Bible study, our weekly Lenten study; or commitment to your physical life like fasting, or giving up something, or exercise...It could be a commitment to your (slide) relationships: taking more time to be with your family, or (slide) forgiving someone with whom you have been at odds.

You are free to do any one or more of these.

But let me make a recommendation. This Lent, (slide) fi nd yourself a wilderness. Find a place, a time each day just for you and God. Fence off some corner or closet of your life, some path you can walk, just to be with God.

Let me refer you to the purple bookmark in your bulletin for today. It contains a Bible reading for each day of Lent. While you are in your special place and time with God, read the suggested passage and then have a time of prayer.

But I must warn you: (slide) the wilderness is not always an easy place to get to or to stay in. Like Jesus, you just might fi nd yourself being tested and tempted. In fact, we have already, and we aren't even near the wilderness! For already we feel the struggle within that tells us need to do this but how are we going to add one more activity to an already packed schedule?

And even if we fi nd a wilderness, even if we make the commitment to a time and place each day during Lent to seek God, there will be distractions and interruptions...tests, temptations that would tell us we have more pressing things to do.

At fi rst, it will be diffi cult to fi nd and go back to your wilderness. It's like most disciplines and activities that are good for us. Take dieting, for example. Those fi rst few days and weeks are tough. But if you can stick to it, it becomes a little easier each day, especially when you start seeing its benefi ts - feeling better about yourself, when you physically begin feeling better, when you can wear clothes that have been hanging in the closet for sometime.

Finding your own wilderness, your own time and place for God each day during Lent will not be easy at fi rst. But if you hang in there, it will get easier, especially when all the blessing it brings begin to fl ow into your life...

(slides) a growing sense of God's presence...

profound insights into God's will and Word just when you need them...

a renewed sense of purpose and direction...

a feeling of peace and wholeness...

I am constantly amazed at how God teaches me things in the most unexpected times and places, and through the most unexpected persons.

We are at King's Dominion, out in the parking lot, looking for s place to picnic with others from our church. Suddenly, we all stopped in our tracks as a small (slide) woman, obviously foreign from her dress, stepped beside a tree and unrolled a small mat. Our fi rst thoughts were that she was going for a picnic too. But it was different nourishment she was seeking. We watched and listened as she knelt on the mat and began to whisper something in a foreign language, bowing down several times. Then I realized she was of the Islamic faith and this was one of the four or fi ve times every day that no matter where they were they would pray. Here, in the midst of teaming crowds, hurrying for entertainment and paying well for it, knelt this woman who felt a deeper need. I noticed a quietness among our group. For though we did not understand or agree with all the tenets of her religion, we were touched by her example, her discipline, her faith. You see, she carried the wilderness around with her, inside her. She was able to shut out all those distractions around her, and, with no hint of shame or self-consciousness, kneel right there in the grass at King's Dominion as countless people streamed by and seek God, seek the dominion of the real King!

(slide) Lent comes again - calling, challenging us to fi nd our own tree, our own place, some wilderness somewhere to lay down the prayer mat and fall on our knees each day before our King...and to arise refreshed, renewed, forgiven, blessed...

I can't speak for you, but I sure need that. Lent comes just in time for me. Guess I'd better tear up that letter to the Bishop...

*Hymn # As the Deer

Morning Prayer

The Lord’s PrayerOur 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 trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

OfferingLord, we bring these tithes and offering because we know that from you all blessings fl ow and upon you we must depend for all things. We come, Lord, giving what you have given us. Help us to give with cheerful hearts for we know how very much you have given to us.

*Doxology

SENDING FORTH

*BlessingThis is a day of new beginnings,Time to remember and move on.Time to believe what love is bringing,Laying to rest the pain that’s gone.For by the life and death of Jesus,God’s mighty Spirit, now as then,Can make for us a world of difference,As faith and hope are born again.Then let us, with the Spirit’s daring,Step from the past and leave behindOur disappointment, guilt, and grieving,Seeking new paths, and sure to fi nd.Christ is alive and goes before usTo show and share what love can do.This is a day of new beginnings;Our God is making all things new.(from the hymn by Brian Wren).

*Postlude (*Please stand, as you are able)

Sermon StartersLent 1B

A violent earthquake shook Anchorage Alaska during the early morning hours on Good Friday in 1964. Homes were smashed, streets were torn apart and tidal waves ravaged the coast. When the earth stopped moving 117 people died and $750 million in property was destroyed. In the aftermath, sociologists were amazed by the resilience of the Alaskans to pick up the pieces and rebuild. The scientist determined that the pioneer spirit required to survive the harsh conditions of the state had prepared them to handle adversity. They also discovered that those who stayed through the six months of the aftershocks had few problems. Families who left the state soon after

Lent1BRCL Readings:

Genesis 9:8-17Ps 25:1-101 Peter 3:18-22Mark 1:9-15

I recently came across this and thought it might make a good sermon seed about the importance of facing the wilderness, especially the spiritual ones, head on…

#1Topic: Face the WildernessText: Mark 1:9-15

the initial quake suffered higher divorce rates and emotional instability. The Alaskans who stayed and faced their wilderness were better able to overcome their fears and restore the broken pieces of their lives. from Phillip Yancy, Where is God When it Hurts?, (Grand Rapids MI: Zondervan, 1977), 145.

You know, I have sometimes heard people say, “I don’t need to go to church to fi nd God. I can go out in nature.” Every heard that? Every said that?

Well, you know, I have often heard that as a cope out for just not wanting to attend church, and it can be. But is there truth in it?

Yes, there is. There is something about nature, being out of the house, out away from the lights and trappings and noise of civilization. It’s helps to clarify things, to hear and see and think things you haven’t for a while…and when you do, chances are you just might hear, see, think, or run into God.

Isn’t it interesting that the Genesis reading today is about nature? God makes a covenant with nature, and using something in nature, a rainbow, to help remind us that God is here, that God loves us and provides for us. You can fi nd God in a rainbow.And in the Gospel lesson Jesus is way out in nature after his baptism, out in the wilderness. Yes, it is a stern place, a testing place, but there he also found God, he found new strength and determination to go out and do the work to which he was called.

This Lent, let’s all take some time to go out into nature, to seek God, to listen afresh for God’s voice and direction in our lives, for God is surely there. Of course, I also expect to see you in church!

This passage from Mark is a good one to help persons understand Lent and observe it.

Here’s a two point outline to develop:

A. Repentance. What does this really mean for us this Lent? How do we do it?

B. To believe in the Good News. What does this mean for us this Lent? How do we do it?

A. In the Genesis reading today we see a kind of new beginning for humanity through Noah.

B. We gain a new beginning, a new life through baptism.

C. Lent is a time for us, too, to make a new beginning in our walk with God.

#3Repent & Believe the Good NewsText: Mark 1:9-15

#2Finding God in NatureTexts: Genesis 9:8-17; Mark 1:9-15

#4A New BeginningTexts: All

IllustrationsLent 1B

Years ago in the Hebrides, I remember an old man who walked every morning on the gray stones to the shore of baying seals, who would press his hat to his chest in the blustering soft waves and say his prayer to the turbulent Jesus hidden in the water.

And I think of the story of the storm and everyone waking and seeing the distant yet familiar fi gure far across the water, calling to them.

And how we are all preparing for that abrupt waking,

And that calling, and that moment we have to say yes, except it will not come so grandly, so biblically, but more subtly and intimately in the face of the one you know you have to love,So that when we fi nally step out of the boat toward them, we fi nd everything holds us, and everything confi rms our courage, and if you wanted to drown you could, but you don’t because fi nally after all this struggle and all these years, you don’t want to anymore. You’ve simply had enough of drowning and you want to live and you want to love and you will walk across any territory and any darkness however fl uid and however dangerous,To take the one hand that belongs in yours.”

#1

#3

#2

Genesis – the covenant was with the animals, tooAnd every bird and every beast shall share the crumbs broke at the feast. (from John Masefi eld's book/poem, _The Everlasting Mercy)

The True LoveBy David Whyte“There is a faith in loving fi ercely, the one who is rightfully yours, especially if you have been waiting years and especially if part of you never believed you could deserve this love and beckoning hand held out to you this way. I’m thinking of faith now and the testament of loneliness and what we feel we are worthy of in this world.

Peter T. Forsythe once said, “The fi rst duty of every soul is to fi nd not its freedom but its Master”.from Online: www.sermonillustrations.com quoting Warren W. Wiersbe, The Integrity Cri-sis, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991), 22.

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung once wrote about the ways in which people create mechanisms of de-nial and defense – and compared it to wearing a mask. "The darker the shadow inside," said Jung, "the more polished the mask we must wear." There is a cost to a life spent polishing our masks. from the sermon Repent, by William Willimon, dean of the Duke University chapel.

#4

#5

In China's later Han era, there lived a politician called Yang Zhen, a man known for his upright character. After Yang Zhen was made a provincial governor, one of his earlier patrons, Wang Mi, paid him an unexpected visit. As they talked over old times, Wang Mi brought out a large gold cup and presented it to Yang Zhen. Yang Zhen re-fused to accept it, but Wang Mi persisted, saying, "There's no one here tonight but you and me, so no one will know." "You say that no one will know," Yang Zhen replied, "but that is not true. Heaven will know, and you and I will know too. "Wang Mi was ashamed, and backed down. Subsequently Yang Zhen's integrity won increasing recognition, and he rose to a high post in the central govern-ment. Human nature is weak, and we tend to yield to temptation when we think nobody can see us. In fact, if there were no police force, many people would not hesitate to steal. This is not to say that when we do something bad, we feel no compunc-tion at all, just that humanity is weak and prone to yield to temptation. But even if nobody witnesses our sins, and not a soul knows of them, we cannot hide the truth from the eyes of our God.

from Online: www.sermonillustrations.com quot-ing Konosuke Matsushita, founder of Panasonic in his book Velvet Glove, Iron Fist (PHP Institute, Tokyo), Bits & Pieces, June 25, 1992.

#6 Covenant In modern times we defi ne a host of relations by contracts. These are usually for goods or services and for hard cash. The contract, formal or informal, helps to specify failure in these relationships.

The Lord did not establish a contract with Israel or with the church. God created a covenant. There is a difference. Contacts are broken when one of the parties fails to keep his promise. If, let us say, a patient fails to keep an appointment with a doctor, the doctor is not obligated to call the house and inquire, “Where were you? Why didn’t you show up for your appointment?” He simply goes on to his next patient and has his appointment secretary take note of the patient who failed to keep the appointment. The patient may fi nd it harder the next time to see the doctor. He broke an informal contract.

According to the Bible, however, the Lord asks: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isa. 49:15) The Bible indicates the covenant is more like the ties of a parent to her child than it is a doctor’s appointment. If a child fails to show up for dinner, the parent’s obligation, unlike the doctor’s, isn’t canceled. The parent fi nds out where the child is and makes sure he’s cared for. One member’s failure does not destroy the relationship. A covenant puts no conditions on faithfulness. It is the unconditional commitment to love and serve. - Bruce ShelleyI.H. Marshall, Jesus the Savior, IVP, 1990, p. 275ff

#7

#8

#9

It was a bright Sunday morning in 28th century London, but Robert Robinson’s mood was anything but sunny. All along the street there were people hurrying to church, but in the midst of the crowd Robinson was a lonely man. The sound of church bells reminded him of years past when his faith in God was strong and the church was an integral part of his life. It had been years since he set foot in a church—years of wandering, disillusionment, and gradual defection from the God he once loved. That love for God—once fi ery and passionate—had slowly burned out within him, leaving him dark and cold inside.

Robinson heard the clip-clop, clip-clop of a horse-drawn cab approaching behind him. Turning, he lifted his hand to hail the driver. But then he saw that the cab was occupied by a young woman dressed in fi nery for the Lord’s Day. He waved the driver on, but the woman in the carriage ordered the carriage to be stopped.

“Sir, I’d be happy to share this carriage with you,” she said to Robinson. “Are you going to church?” Robinson was about to decline, then he paused. “Yes,” he said at last. “I am going to church.” He stepped into the carriage and sat down beside the young woman.

As the carriage rolled forward Robert Robinson and the woman exchanged introductions. There was a fl ash of recognition in her eyes when he stated his name. “That’s an interesting coincidence,” she said, reaching into her purse. She withdrew a small book of inspirational verse, opened it to a ribbon-bookmark, and handed the book to him. “I was just reading a verse by a poet named Robert Robinson. Could it be…?”

He took the book, nodding. “Yes, I wrote these words years ago.”“Oh, how wonderful!” she exclaimed. “Imagine! I’m sharing a carriage with the author of these very lines!”

But Robinson barely heard her. He was absorbed in the words he was reading. They were words that would one day be set to music and become a great hymn of the faith, familiar to generations of Christians:Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,Tune my heart to sing Thy grace’Streams of mercy, never ceasing,Call for songs of loudest praise.His eyes slipped to the bottom of the page where he read:Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it—Prone to leave the God I love;Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,Seal it for Thy courts above.

He could barely read the last few lines through the tears that brimmed in his eyes. “I wrote these words—and I’ve lived these words. ‘Prone to wander…prone to leave the God I love.’”The woman suddenly understood. “You also wrote, ‘Here’s my heart, O take and seal it.’ You can offer your heart again to God, Mr. Robinson. It’s not too late.”

And it wasn’t too late for Robert Robinson. In that moment he turned his heart back to God and walked with him the rest of his days. Ron Lee Davis, Courage to Begin Again, (Harvest House, Eugene, OR; 1978), pp. 145-147

Two fellows opened a butcher shop and prospered. Then an evangelist came to town, and one of the butchers was saved. He tried to persuade his partner to accept salvation also, but to no avail. “Why won’t you, Charlie?” asked the born-again fellow.“Listen, Lester,” the other butcher said. “If I get religion, too, who’s going to weigh the meat?”James Dent of Charleston, W. Va., Gazette

There’s little difference in ethical behavior between the churched and the unchurched. There’s as much pilferage and dishonesty among the churched as the unchurched. And I’m afraid that applies pretty much across the

#10

#11

#12

In his book I Surrender, Patrick Morley writes that the church’s integrity problem is in the misconception “that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior.” He goes on to say, “It is revival without reformation, without repentance.” Quoted in John The Baptizer, Bible Study Guide by C. Swindoll, p. 16 Wabush, a town in a remote portion of Labrador, Canada, was completely isolated for some time. But recently a road was cut through the wilderness to reach it. Wabush now has one road leading into it, and thus, only on one road leading out. If someone would travel the unpaved road for six to eight hours to get into Wabush, there is only way he or she could leave—-by turning around. Each of us, by birth, arrives in a town called Sin. As in Wabush, there is only one way out—a road built by God. But in order to take that road, one must fi rst turn around. That complete about face is what the Bible calls repentance, and without it, there’s no way out of town. Brian Weatherdon

Temptation Have you heard the folk story of the bandit Jose’ Rivera, who became notorious in several little towns in Texas for robbing their banks and businesses? Finally the townsfolk, weary of the constant plundering, hired a ranger to track down Jose’ Rivera in his hideout in Mexico and retrieve the money. The ranger at last arrived at a desolate, ramshackle cantina. At the counter he saw a young man enjoying his brew. At one of the tables, hands over his ample stomach, hat over his eyes, snored another patron. With much gusto, the ranger approached the young

board: religion, per se, is not really life changing. People cite it as important, for instance, in overcoming depression—but it doesn’t have primacy in determining behavior. George H. Gallup, “Vital Signs,” Leadership, Fall 1987, p. 17

man at the bar and announced that he was on a mission to bring back Jose’ Rivera, dead or alive. “Can you help me fi nd him?” he asked. The young man smiled, pointed to the other patron, and said, “That is Jose’ Rivera.”

The ranger shifted his southern girth and ambled over to the sleeping bandit, tapping him on the shoulder, “Are you Jose’ Rivera? he asked. The man mumbled, “No speak English.” The ranger beckoned to the young man to help him communicate his mission.

The ensuing conversation was tedious. First the ranger spoke in English and the young man translated it into Spanish. Jose’ Rivera responded in Spanish, and young man repeated the answer in English for the ranger.

Finally, the ranger warned Jose’ Rivera that he had two choices; the fi rst was to let him know where all the loot he had stolen was hidden, in which case he could walk away a free man. The second choice was that if he would not reveal where the money was stashed, he would be shot dead instantly. The young man translated the ultimatum.

Jose’ Rivera pulled himself together and said to the young man, “Tell him to go out of the bar, turn to the right, go about a mile, and he will see a well. Near the well he will see a very tall tree. Beside the trunk of that tree is a large concrete slab. He will need help in removing it. Under the slab is a pit in the ground. If he carefully uncovers it he will fi nd all the jewelry and most of the money I have taken.”

The young man turned to the ranger, opened his mouth...swallowed...paused—and then said, “Jose’ Rivera says...Jose’ Rivera says...’Go ahead and shoot!’”

Children’s MessagesLent 3B

#1Topic: God Loves All CreationText: Genesis 9:8-17Object: If you have a favorite pet and can bring it to church, do so.

God morning, boys and girls.

Do any of you have pets or a favorite animal? (Let them answer)

Do your pets take care of themselves or do you have to do some things for them? (Let them answer)

Why do you do these things? (Let them answer)

I see. It’s because you care for them. You love them.

In the story today about Noah we often do see how, not only does God care for us, God cares for animals and the whole earth. God promises to protect and care for them, so God gives all this earth – the sunshine, the air, the food to provide for the animals and for us, too.

But God also wants us to help take care of animals and all the world.

How can we do this? (Let them answer)

We can make sure we do not take too much of the resources, but share and save them for the animals.

That we do not pollute God’s world. If we dump trash everywhere, make the water and air unclean, we hurt ourselves and all living things.

That we take really good care of our pets.

I know one friend who even works at an animal shelter, giving his time free, for he loves animals. He tries to fi nd good homes for them.

God loves all creation, all creatures, and asks us to love them and help provide for them too.

Prayer

God,you loveall your creation.Help us lovelike you do.Help ustake good careof your creaturesand yourgood earth.Amen.

(You may wish to sing or teach them the hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”)

#2 Topic: The PromiseText: Genesis 9:8-17Object: A rainbow you have drawn or picture of one you can show. Also, you should be able to fi nd rainbow pens or craft items. Get enough to give one to each child. If you can’t fi nd them, give the children a piece of paper and let them draw their own rainbows to keep. Something else you could do, if you have face painters in your church, is have them ready to paint little rainbows on the children – on their hands or faces. Children love this. Face paint can be purchased at many stores.

A friend of mine said that on Mother’s Day she got a nice letter from her 10 year old son. In it he promised to make up his bed and to help do the chores around the house. Do you ever do that – help with the chores? (Let them answer)

Well, this little boy then went to the refrigerator and put that letter on it. I wonder why he did that? (Let them answer)

He did it because he did not wish to forget his promise to his mother. He would see that letter and be reminded of his promise.

(Show the rainbow)

In the story from the Bible today we see that God made a promise – to watch over and protect all of creation – you, me, all the animals, every living thing, even the earth itself.

Does anyone know what God put up in the sky to be a reminder to God and to us of this wonderful promise? (Let them answer)

That’s right. A rainbow.

I have a rainbow that I want to give each of you. Take it home. Put it on your wall or, of it’s okay with your parents, on your refrigerator, some place you will see it often. Let it remind you that God is watching over you, always there for you.

Prayer

God of rainbows,how you love us.You give usthis wonderful worldin which to live.You give usall we needto live.Best of all,you give usyourself and your love.Help usto believein youand inyour promises.Amen.

#3 Topic: Just Say NOText: Mark 1:9-15Object: A piece of paper with NO written in large letters

Today we read a story about Jesus in the wilderness. He was tempted there.

What does it mean to be tempted? What is temptation? (Let them answer)

Temptation is when we want to do something, or say something that we know isn’t right or pleasing to God.

Jesus was tempted to try to be the kind of person everyone else wanted him to be in stead of who God wanted him to be. To each temptation Jesus said (hold up the sign), “NO!”

Jesus is there to help us with our temptations too.

If we are in a store and a little voice inside us tells us that we can take something without paying for it, well, that’s temptation.So, what would Jesus have us say? (hold up the sign)

Or we are at school and taking a test. We can see the answers that a friend is giving who is sitting next to us. It’s tempting to look at those answers. So what would Jesus help us say? (hold up the sign).

Someone tells us that it’s okay to take drugs. They might even offer us some. But with Jesus what can we say? (hold up the sign)

(You can add other examples of temptations that would children can expect to face)

Throughout the day, temptations will come our way. But what are we going to say?(hold up the sign)

Good!

Prayer

Loving God,thank youfor sending Jesusto help usjust say NOto temptationsand YESto youand allyou wishfor us to do and be.Amen.

Worship ResourcesLent 3B

PRAISE SONGSIn the Midst of New DimensionsWe Are A RainbowCry of My HeartSpirit SongMy Song Is Love UnknownThis Is the DayCome, Be BaptizedLord, I Lift Your Name on HighJesus, Tempted in the DesertHoly GroundThe Steadfast Love of God

HYMNSDear Lord, Lead Me Day by DayStanding On the PromisesGod of the SparrowO Love That Wilt Not Let Me GoFaith, While Trees Are Still in BlossomLead Me, LordAh, Holy JesusHail, Thou Once Despised JesusCome, Thou Almighty KingWhen Jesus Came to JordanO Love, How DeepLord, Who Throughout These Forty DaysSpirit SongCome Sinners to the Gospel FeastThy Holy Wings, O SaviorAll Creatures of Our God and King

CALLS TO WORSHIP/GREETINGSDear brothers and sisters in Christ:the early Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection,and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation.During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith

were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to participation in the life of the Church.In this way the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith.I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's Holy Word.[Note: this text is public domain and comes from the Book of Common Prayer]

OR

L: Have you come seeking a sign of hope?P: Yes, a sign that God still loves and cares for us.L: Then you have come to the right place, for as we worship, sing, pray and praise together there will be many signs of hope for you, if you look, for rainbows are everywhere.P: We will look for God’s rainbows. We will remember all God’s blessings of the past and trust in God’s continued favor in the present and future.L: Look not for rainbows in this place only but each step of your journey. They are there for those who look through eyes of faith.P: Yes, we are always living under God’s rainbows. Let us not to forget this.ALL: Thanks be to God!

OR

To You, O God, I lift up my soul.In You, O God, I trust.Let me know Your ways, O God - teach me your paths.So that I may walk the journey that leads to everlasting life.

OPENING PRAYERSLord God, you led your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide now the people of your Church, that, following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

OR

O God, in mystery and silence you are present in our lives,bringing new life out of destruction,hope out of despair, growth out of diffi culty.We thank you that you do not leave us alone but labor to make us whole.Help us to perceive your unseen hand in the unfolding of our lives,and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit,that we may know the joy you give your people. Amen.(RUTH DUCK, U.S.A., 20TH CENT.)

CONFESSIONS/PARDONSO merciful God,we confess that we have not acknowledged you as the source of our successes, our substance, our selves.We have been far more ready to complain when things go wrongthan to praise when all is well.We have fed our bodies a rich diet while neglecting to feed our souls.Power and wealth have assumed greater importance to usthan sensitivity and service.We have allowed religious words and forms to substitutefor living encounters with the persons you have called us to love.Forgive us, compassionate Redeemer,and grant us the opportunity to start over again.Keep us from repeating the mistakes of the pastor from new evils that could mislead or destroy.In the name of Christ,we offer our earnest prayers for pardon and deliverance. Amen.(LAVON BAYLER, U.S.A., 20TH CENT., ALT.)

OR

Lord, we stand in need of your cleansing, for sin has soiled us.YES, LORD, CLEANSE US.

We stand in need of your grace. May it fl ow through us, washing away our sin.YES, LORD, CLEANSE US.

Lord, we need your cleansing mercy.YES, LORD, CLEANSE US.

For the things we have done,CLEANSE US, O LORD.

For the things we have left undone,CLEANSE US, O LORD.

For hurtful words spoken,CLEANSE US, O LORD.

For soothing words left unspoken,CLEANSE US, O LORD.

For attitudes unbefi tting your children,CLEANSE US, O LORD.

For lack of faith and vision,CLEANSE US, O LORD.

Cleanse us and restore us, Lord, so that we can help be builders of your kingdom.YES, LORD, CLEANSE US AND RESTORE US.AMEN.

DEDICATION OF OFFERINGLord, we bring these tithes and offering because we know that from you all blessings fl ow and upon you we must depend for all things. We come, Lord, giving what you have given us. Help us to give with cheerful hearts for we know how very much you have given to us.

INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNIONBehold, my friends, the love of God in the broken body and she blood of the Christ. Here is the new covenant, a whole new relationship with our God, not based on our works or our goodness, but offered totally in grace. For Christ came to bring us to God. He laid down his life on a cross to be the bridge over which we can once again come fully into God’s presence. Take, eat this bread, drink from this cup. Renew this sacred covenant. Receive again the love and communion of God.

PASTORAL PRAYERSGod of rainbows, we come into your presence knowing that you love us. We come with all our needs and our sins. We can hide nothing from you nor will we try. We need to bring all of our lives into your presence, so that we might be set free by your grace and goodness.

We come out of storms, Lord, giving you thanks for seeing us through. Thank you for (here name names of persons who have been through storms or sickness, etc)…

We come to you, God of rainbows, on behalf of (name names here)… who are going through many storms right now, fearful they will be overwhelmed. Show them a rainbow, Lord. Shower on them rays of light and hope.

We come to you, God of rainbows, for those who see storms clouds gathering on the horizons, who know stormy times are ahead for them, who wonder if they will make it through. Show them your rainbow, Lord, in the midst of the storm.

God of rainbows, help us keep our eyes on you. Let us make a stand on your promises. Let us not be shaken though the earth quakes. For you, Lord, are our rock and our salvation. On you we stand. In you we trust. So let the storms come and the fl oods rage. You are a God of rainbows. Amen.

BENEDICTIONSGo out and look for the rainbows.They are there, if you look.Let them remind you that God is out there, everywhere.Walk always under God’s rainbows and in God’s loving care.

OR

You are people of the covenant,People of the promise.Stand on those promises.Renew them each day.You are God’s beloved children.

OR

This is a day of new beginnings,Time to remember and move on.Time to believe what love is bringing,Laying to rest the pain that’s gone.For by the life and death of Jesus,God’s mighty Spirit, now as then,Can make for us a world of difference,As faith and hope are born again.Then let us, with the Spirit’s daring,Step from the past and leave behindOur disappointment, guilt, and grieving,Seeking new paths, and sure to fi nd.Christ is alive and goes before usTo show and share what love can do.This is a day of new beginnings;Our God is making all things new.(from the hymn by Brian Wren).