Third Sunday in Lent Everyone Is Welcomed Freely BEECHER 8.7.8.7.D (“Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”) Everyone is welcomed freely; everyone can come and pray. There is room for all God’s people in the house of God today. We confess with pain and sorrow times we’ve closed the door to grace, Now we stand here as a witness: All are welcome in this place! Christ, you turned the tables over when the leaders strived for gain, When they crowded out outsiders, seeking wealth and causing pain. When we tolerate divisions— walls we build by greed or pride— God, remind us that your mercy welcomes everyone inside. Everyone is now invited; turning from them is a sin. Refugees, you are our brothers! Wounded sisters, come on in! All you rich who bow in serving: Greet and welcome in the poor! No one waits who longs for welcome; In God’s house, there’s room and more. Biblical Reference: Mark 11:15-19 Tune: John Zundel, 1870 Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey … [Read more...]

Second Sunday in Lent What Does It Mean to Lose One’s Life? GERMANY LM “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What does it mean to save one’s soul? How are we called to follow Christ? What does it mean to be made whole? What does it mean to stand for good? What will we risk to turn from wrong? How can we, in this neighborhood, Serve humbly, knowing God is strong? What is the heart of Jesus’ Way? What does it mean to bear his cross? Will we have courage to obey When we know there will be a cost? What is the cost to stand for truth Here in this world where hatred thrives? We pray, Lord: make us living proof That love can heal and change our lives! Christ, teach us how we’re called to live; Show us the risks we need to take. May all we seek and do and give Be done, Lord, for your gospel’s sake. Biblical Reference: Mark 1:9-15 Tune: William Gardiner's Sacred Melodies, 1815 Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn … [Read more...]

First Sunday in Lent On the Day When Christ Was Baptized 8.7.8.7.D RUSTINGTON (“Out of Deep, Unordered Water”) On the day when Christ was baptized, He looked up to heaven above. There God’s Spirit came descending, Resting on him like a dove. Jesus, cast into the desert, Felt the weighty power of sin. God’s own angels came around him To protect and wait on him. So the Lord, our friend and Savior, Did not bow to pride and greed. He proclaimed the good news message: God is near! Repent! Believe! With a focus on compassion, He proclaimed God’s wondrous reign. Jesus loved the poor and served them; They found healing in his name. God, when this world twists the gospel, Saying what is wrong is good, And when evil and oppression Come to land and neighborhood— May we cling to your love’s teaching And resist what’s surely wrong; As we seek to serve your kingdom, May your Spirit keep us strong. Biblical Reference: Mark 1:9-15 Tune: C.Herbert H. Parry, … [Read more...]

Easter Sunday Thank You, God, for Easter’s Story HOLY MANNA 8.7.8.7.D (“Brethren, We Have Met to Worship”) Thank you, God, for Easter’s story: Christ is Risen! Love has won! Death with all its power and fury Can’t defeat what you’ve begun! Thank you, God, that there is nothing Stronger than the love you give. We rejoice: A new world’s coming; In our risen Christ, we live! When the women reached the garden, They found Jesus had been raised. Someone dressed in white spoke to them, Saying, “Do not be afraid. You are looking here for Jesus, He is risen. He’s not here!” We are told they fled in terror; Can we blame them for their fear? God, we know our own reluctance To proclaim what we’ve received. We admit to our own silence, Wondering if we’ll be believed. Yet, O Lord, the gospel teaching Doesn’t end with nothing said! Help us all to live the message: Christ is risen from the dead! Through the years, the church has witnessed— Christ is risen! Love … [Read more...]

Sing out! We’re made of common dust; One day, to dust we shall return! Yet, God, you’ve placed your mark on us And so for you our spirits yearn. This gift of ashes we receive Reminds us we belong to you. You call us to repent, believe, and seek your Way in all we do. The dust and dirt of children’s play, of youthful times, of working years Are part of life— and life’s decay; We wash the dust with sorrow’s tears. We sing, O God, of what you give: This ash reminds us we are yours. In life we’re claimed, in death we live! In Christ our life, your love endures. CANONBURY LM (“Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak”) Biblical Reference: Genesis 3:19 Tune: Robert Schumann, 1839 Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to return to the hymn order page … [Read more...]

Between the manger and the morn poor shepherds kneel to the newborn, wise men approach from lands afar, a mother wonders at a star. Between the birthing and the day a cord is wound that will not fray, a breath begun that will not end, a world new-welcomed as a friend. Between the darkness and the bright see, a new source of endless light, all shadows fade before this child as he leads home the lost and wild. Between the manger and the May a man will tread a weary way, a tree will bear its heavy load, a tomb be turned into a road. Between the stable and the stars he brings us life that knows no bars, and free, eternal hopes arise between the manger and the skies. Text: J. Barrie Shepherd Tune: 9.8.9.8 O WALY WALY (English folk melody) Content owned by the Presbyterian Outlook. All rights reserved. Click here to return to the hymn order page.    … [Read more...]