Neillsville,
Wisconsin
Pastor Jacoba Koppert
Church 715-743-2147
Pastor's Office
715-743-2117
February 18, 2018
10:00 a.m.
First Sunday of
Lent
All who are comfortably able are invited to
stand at those
places in the service indicated by an
asterisk*
We ask you to please turn off all telephones
and electronic devices.
Gathering Together to Worship God
PRELUDE Karen Mohr
ÒPrelude & Fugue in CÓ (J.S. Bach)
RINGING OF THE BELL
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING MUSIC ÒCome and Pray in UsÓ Senior Choir
PRAYING TOGETHER
PRAYER RESPONSE
Come and pray in us, Holy Spirit, come and pray in us.
Come and visit us, Holy Spirit, Spirit, come, Spirit
come.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: To you, O God we lift up our souls.
People: O God, we trust you fully without
shame.
Leader: Help us as we begin our Lenten journey together to grow in right relationship with Jesus.
People: Teach us. Show us. Guide us
in your paths.
Leader: All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep GodÕs covenant and decrees.
People: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near.
Pastor: Repent and believe the good news.
*HYMN
ÒSavior, When in Tears and
DustÓ (Insert)
Confessing
Our Sin, Receiving GodÕs Forgiveness
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF
CONFESSION
Creator God and Renewing God. Clear my mind of
distractions that take my focus off of following Jesus. Forgive my apathy; help
me to let go of my excuses; free me from my fears; give me courage to stand
strong in the face of temptation. Increase my words and works of compassion for those who
struggle in these days. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
*PERSONAL
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Brothers and Sisters
in Christ, God hears our confession and knows our sin. God calls us to change
our hearts and minds. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God guides us toward
faithfulness. Through the love of Jesus, we are forgiven and restored to
relationship with God. I dare to announce that through GodÕs faithful love, we
are forgiven of our sin.
*PASSING THE PEACE
Turning away from temptation is hard work.
We need the help of God in Jesus Christ and
one another.
Let us work toward peace with one another so that we are open to the help we can give to each other.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
(All are
invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying to them ÒThe peace of Christ be with youÓ and
responding, Òand also with you.Ó)
*SONG OF FAITH ÒUbi CaritasÓ (Sing twice in Latin)
Copyright © 1991, Les
Presses de Taize (France) Used by permission of GIA Publications, Inc.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-723900
Listening Together for the Word of God
THE CHILDRENÕS TIME ÒWhat is Lent?Ó
CHOIR
ANTHEM ÒGod is So GoodÓ (John Coates Jr.)
SCRIPTURE READING Mark 1:9-15
SERMON ÒLenten CourageÓ Pastor Jacoba Koppert
Enacting Our Faith
*HYMN Senior Choir
ÒMark
How the Lamb of GodÕs Self-OfferingÓ
1.
Mark how the lamb of GodÕs self-offering our human
sinfulness takes on In the birth waters of the Jordan as Jesus is baptized by John. Hear how the voice from heaven thunders,
ÒLo, this is my beloved Son.Ó See how in dove-like form the Spirit descends on GodÕs anointed One.
2. From this assurance of GodÕs favor Jesus goes to the wilderness,
There to endure a time of testing that readied him to teach and bless.
So we, by water and the Spirit baptized into ChristÕs ministry,
Are often led to paths of service through mazes of adversity.
3. Grant us, O God, the strength and courage to live the faith our lips declare;
Bless us in our baptismal calling; ChristÕs royal priest-hood help us share.
Turn us from every false allegiance, that we may trust in Christ alone;
Raise up in us a chosen people transformed by love to be your own.
Words Copyright © 1990 by Hope Publishing co., All
rights reserved. Used by
permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net
A-723900
Enacting Our Faith
AFFIRMATION OF MINISTRY1
GREETING
Grace, mercy and peace to you from Jesus Christ, the head of the church in heaven and on earth.
To God, be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all
generations, for ever and ever.
INTRODUCTION
PRESENTATION
COVENANT
Pastor: Sisters
and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted with responsibility for
particular service in the ministry of the church
whether gathered or scattered. Having prayerfully considered the duties and
responsibilities of your ministry,
are
you prepared to serve with the help of God in Christ's name and for the glory
of God?
Lay Leaders: I am.
Pastor: Do you promise to exercise your
ministry diligently and faithfully, showing forth the love of Christ?
Lay Leaders: I do,
relying on God's grace.
Pastor: Members
of this household of faith, you have heard the promises of our brothers and
sisters in Christ who have answered Gods
call to service. Let us
affirm our intention to live in covenant with them. Will those who are able
rise and witness to the commitment we now
make?
People: We gather in
celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners with you in the service of Jesus
Christ. We promise to love you,
honor your leadership, and assist you that together we may be a faithful church
of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER DECLARATION
GREETING OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORDÕS PRAYER
Our 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 debts, as we forgive our
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY Karen Mohr
ÒGuide Me Ever, Great RedeemerÓ (Dale Wood)
*THE DOXOLOGY
Praise
God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise
God, all creatures here below;
Praise
God for all that love has done;
Creator, Christ and Spirit One. Amen.
*HYMN
ÒTeach Me, O Lord, Thy Holy WayÓ #194
*THE
BENEDICTION
*THE RESPONSE "Lead Us from Death to Life"
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,
from
despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead us from hate to love, from
war to peace; let peace fill our hearts,
let peace fill our world, let peace fill our universe.
*POSTLUDE
Karen Mohr
Led by the Love of Christ We Depart to Serve
1Reprinted from Book
of Worship © 1986 by permission of the United Church of Christ Local Church
Ministries
Announcements
We welcome you to this service of
worship. We hope you will experience
the love of God and your neighbors. You are invited to join us in the
Fellowship Hall downstairs for coffee/refreshments and conversation. Whoever you are and where ever you are on lifeÕs journey, you are welcome
here.
Note: You will find the attendance folders in the pews on the center racks of every pew - please take time to fill out the attendance sheet including your full address and return them to the side aisles, ushers will collect them during the last hymn. Thank you.
Radio Broadcast Sponsors – The radio broadcast portion of todayÕs worship service is given by Bob and Ruth Schmidt in memory of sister, Lois Mendenhall and mom, Luella Mohr.
Announcements
Calendar
Monday, February 19 –6:30-7:30 Nar-Anon.
Tuesday, February 20 – 12 Noon 2nd Half Group meeting;
5:30 p.m. Trustees; 6:30 p.m. Deacons/Deaconesses;
7:30 p.m. Church Council.
Wednesday,
February 21 – 3:30 p.m. CDÕs & Confirmation;
7:00 p.m. LENTEN SERVICE at Calvary Lutheran; 6:00 p.m. Soup Supper.
Lenten Service
February 21 -
7:00 p.m.
Calvary
Lutheran
Pastor Jacoba
Koppert – ÒMary, the Mother of
JesusÓ
6:00 p.m. Soup
Supper served
Needed Donations for
Bars/Milk for our Soup Suppers.
There are sign-up sheets on the
bulletin board. Thanks for helping
out.
Lenten Offering – DonÕt forget your Lenten Offering – these
offerings go for local missions.
Second Half Group Meeting – Tuesday, February20 –
12 Noon – M&M catered lunch -
$7.50 plus tip; Program presented by Kathy Levac: ÒHealth and Wellness.Ó Sign-up on the bulletin board. All are
INVITED.