First Congregational Church of Montague, Trinitarian

February 28, 2010    Second Sunday of Lent

Meditation: Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.                             

Corrie Ten Boom, 20th century                                                

Prelude

Announcements

Invitation to Worship

L: We are on a journey of faith. Jesus is our leader and our guide.
P: We place our trust in him.
L: As the daylight hours grow longer, our journey takes on an urgency.
P: We must prepare our hearts for Jerusalem
L: Do not fear! God goes before us, into Jerusalem, into the world.
P: Amen!

Prayer of Invocation

Lord, we come to you this morning with so many concerns and issues that demand our attention. Our lives are burdened; our spirits are tired. Guide our lives and our steps as we walk this Lenten journey, inward and outward. Help us to discern what you would have us do, that others may be healed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.
Hymn: #14R The God of Abraham Praise

Children’s Church           

Prayer of Confession

There is a certain winter in our spirits today, O Lord. We feel that the journey on which we have embarked will demand too much of us. There are so many other things in our lives, which claim our spirits, our energy, our hopes and fears. It is easy to be like Jerusalem, turning our backs on those whom you send. The world shouts its solutions to us and then deserts us when we are in need. Forgive us for the many times in which we have strayed from your pathway of life; when we have chosen not to hear the cries of those in need; when we have belittled the gifts and skills you have given us in order to avoid serving others. Heal us, O Lord. Place us back on your path to Jerusalem, to live, for we ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
When God called your name, God called you to a journey of faith. Do not be afraid to look inside to see those things, which are holding you back from being who God created you to be. Place your trust in God who is always with you, loving you into wholeness. AMEN.

Gloria Patri

Choral Anthem

Unison Reading: Psalm 27

Scripture Lessons

Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Epistle: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Sermon: Division and Desertion

Hymn: Stay With Me (Taize)

Prayers

Joys and Concerns

L: Let us join in prayer.  The Lord be with you.

P: And with your spirit

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Lord’s 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever Amen.

Prayer Response

Offering

Invitation to Giving

Offertory Anthem

Doxology #514

Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self

Giver of all good gifts, we thank you for the way you love us, care for us, and bless us. Help us to understand the joy of giving to others. Bless the gifts that we now give to you that they may be symbols of your love in a world that has so many needs. Thank you for the privilege and the ability to give in your name. Amen.

Affirmation of Faith: We Covenant with the Lord and one with another; and do bind ourselves in the presence of God, to walk together in all the ways which are revealed unto us in the Blessed word of truth. (Salem Covenant)

Hymn: #218R O Jesus I Have Promised

Benediction

Benediction Response

Postlude

February Lenten Exhibit: The Psalms by Rev. Andrea Ayvazian and Ellen Augarten (With us from Feb 10^th-April 5^th)

Lenten Meditation: Wed 2pm; Thurs 7pm

Lenten Spiritual Practice See our calendar at montaguechurch.org or email Pastor Barb for details

TODAY February 28 Taizé service of prayer and song 7pm (come at 6pm if you want to learn the songs)

Mar 3^rd 7pm In Transition the Transition Town movie

Mar 4^th 6:30 Meet the Artist  Ellen Augarten

Prayer Garden

Scott Cromack, Kevin Clark, Leslie Brown, Dean Brooks, George and Mike Wells, Kay Martin, Cheryl Lussier, Joshua Barber, John Hurd, Cheryl Hebert, Roy Housman, Larry and Cy Emond, David Martin, Francie Garanin, “A beautiful young woman,” Ida Westover, Robert Kilburn, Terry Desautels, Rau/Zaniewski families, Jean O’Hara, Karen and Joe O’Hare

Community Meals   THIS WEEK Mar 1    HELP NEEDED

5:30pm at First Congregational Church of Turners Falls. Across the street from Our Lady of Peace. Please contact Dianne Dolan at 978-544-8430 or ddolan@mass.rr.com if you are willing to help. Please volunteer. Deacon of the month for February is Brenda O’Gara

**Please fill out the pew card or let a deacon or Pastor Barb know if you would like a visit or have a prayer concern. **

                First Congregational Church of Montague                         

                                         Trinitarian

                           Pastor Barbara E. Turner Delisle

                             Music Director Ann Cenzano