Worship - March 1, 2009

One:   We confess that we often stray from the paths you have
                    set for us.
           Grant us discerning hearts so that we may see the paths
                    in which you would have us go.

All: Teach us your paths, O God.

(A moment for silent prayer of confession)

by Mark Flory Steury, Union, Ohio
district executive, Southern Ohio District
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"

Prayer of Confession
(based on Psalm 25)

Be mindful of your mercy, O God, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from old. Do not remember the sins of our youth or our transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember us, for your goodness' sake, O God.

One:   Hear these words of assurance: "All the paths of God
          are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep
          God's covenant and decrees."

All: Teach us your paths, O God.

by Mark Flory Steury, Union, Ohio
district executive, Southern Ohio District
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"

For Children
"The rainbow is not just another 'Lucky Charm'"

Remembering life as a youngster himself, Ed Lewis will share a story relating to Genesis 9:8-17.

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

"Alas! and did my Savior bleed?"
"Come, we that love the Lord"
"From all that dwell below the skies"
"I sing the mighty power of God"
"Jesus shall reign"
"Joy to the world"
"O bless the Lord, my soul"
"O God, our help in ages past"
and finally,
"When I survey the wondrous cross"

What do all these familiar hymns have in common? They were all written by a young fellow named Isaac Watts, who lived in England from 1674 to 1748. An independent spirit, Isaac marched to the beat of a different drummer, so to speak. He was a poet who transformed singing in English speaking churches. His words were like a breath of fresh air in a church used to singing only psalms from the Bible. We sometimes forget that old songs like the ones I mentioned were once brand new. Often called the "father of English hymnody," Watts wrote more than 750 hymns. Our hymnal has 21 of them.

As you return your offering, why don�t you turn in your hymnal to #259 and read through the offering of his words. As we later sing the first and last verse of it, imagine what it might have been like for those who first sang the words.

Ushers?

Dedication

Living God, as we embark once more on this journey through Lent, we give thanks for the assurance of your presence with us in Jesus Christ, Savior, Redeemer and Friend. We offer these gifts and our lives with the prayer that they will be used to proclaim the story of his sacrificial love in word and deed. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

by Moira B Laidlaw, from Liturgies Online

Benediction