ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday, March 7, 2021 1235 Summer Hill Road, Auburn, PA 17922 Church Office: 570-754-7225 Rev. Ken McDowell, Pastor: 610-207-4783 Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday; 9am–12pm email: [email protected]website: www.summerhillucc.com www.facebook.com/summerhillucc
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ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Sunday, March 7, 2021
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Pastor: Let us sing praises to our Crucified and Risen Lord. Amen.
OPENING HYMN NO. 255……………………………………………………………….“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
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Beneath the cross of Jesus I gladly take my stand–
the shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land,
a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
Upon that cross of Jesus my eye at times can see
the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
and from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess–
the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face,
content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.
CALL TO CONFESSION
CONFESSION OF SIN (Unison)
When we set up barriers that prevent others from knowing the truth of your love, forgive us and break
down those walls. When we set up barriers in our own minds and lives that keep us from knowing the
truth of your love, break down our walls with your grace. When we are confused by the world’s wisdom,
break through our muddled minds and shine the clarity of your teachings. Draw us ever closer to you, to
one another, and to the beauty of your wisdom and your love. Amen.
MOMENT OF PERSONAL CONFESSION
KYRIE
Pastor: Lord, have mercy upon us.
People: Lord, have mercy upon us.
Pastor: Christ, have mercy upon us.
People: Christ, have mercy upon us.
Pastor: Lord, have mercy upon us.
People: Lord, have mercy upon us.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Pastor: Christ reduces the barriers we set up to dust and ashes,
People: that blow away to nothing in the power of his mercy and his grace.
Pastor: We are no longer divided or separated, but are united in the wisdom and the love of God! Amen.
THE GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall
be, world without end. Amen.
The congregation may be seated.
ENGAGING THE WORD
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
READING OF THE WORD:…...…………………………………………………………………Lector, Mike Fessler
Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm: Psalm 19 (read responsively)
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Lector: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
People: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
Lector: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
People: yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the
heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
Lector: which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with
joy.
People: Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from
its heat.
Lector: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the
simple;
People: the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
Lector: the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
People: More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and
drippings of the honeycomb.
Lector: Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
People: But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Lector: Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be
blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
People: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock
and my redeemer.
Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Gospel Lesson: John 2:13-22
Lector: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
SCRIPTURE RESPONSE........................................................................................“Let Thy word abide in us, O Lord.”
SERMON..................................................................................................................................“Missing the Big Picture”
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
The congregation may remain seated.
HYMN OF REFLECTION NO. 51…………………………..…..…………………………....…“How Great Thou Art”
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
how great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
how great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. [Refrain]
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And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin. [Refrain]
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
and there proclaim, "My God, how great thou art!" [Refrain]
The congregation may stand.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) ....................................................................………………..The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
The congregation may be seated.
PASTORAL PRAYER
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray.
SILENT PRAYER
PRAYER RESPONSE
Hear our prayer, O Lord; Hear our prayer, O Lord; Hear our prayer, O Lord, And grant us Thy peace. Amen.