ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME Rise in body or spirit. Please join in reading or singing the words in bold. PRELUDE What Wondrous Love is This Carter As you open your mind and your heart to God’s presence in our midst, we invite you to prepare for today’s service as you listen to the prelude, which marks the beginning of worship. LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES CONGREGATIONAL INTROIT When Morning Guilds the Skies v.1 #487 CALL TO WORSHIP The law of the Lord is perfect, Ps. 19:7–11 reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, and sweeter than honey. In keeping them is great reward. GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS During this time the friendship pads will be passed out. We ask that visitors please leave contact information for the pastor. PASSING OF THE PEACE HYMN OF PRAISE For The Beauty Of The Earth #473 CALL TO CONFESSION (LEADER) Despite all that God has taught us, we still act foolishly; we are still weak. In the cross of Christ, we find forgiveness and grace. We confess our sins, trusting in God’s wisdom and strength rather than our own. PRAYER OF CONFESSION (CONGREGATION) Merciful God, how fickle we are; we sin against you without even knowing it. Clear us, we pray, of any unknown sin, and save us from willfully ignoring your way. Let your commandments rule and guide us. Forgive us for worshiping anyone or anything except you; keep us faithful. Forgive us for failing to honor all our relationships—with those closest to us and those who are distant neighbors. Help us to speak words of blessing and kindness, rather than words that belittle or destroy. Turn us away from violence, falsehood, and selfishness. Forgive us for thinking everything depends on our efforts and power, for you are the God who made us, led us out slavery, and has brought us into the community of faith. Help us to depend on you alone and to rest in your peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Silent Reflection ASSURANCE OF NEW BEGINNINGS (LEADER) Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God. SHARING FAITH WITH THE CHILDREN Children ages 3-9 may go to Children’s Church PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD HYMN OF PREPARATION Take My Life And Let It Be v. 1-4 #391 PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22 Congregation O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy. People: Thanks be to God. CHORAL ANTHEM For God So Loved The World Stainer SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2: 1-10 NT #192 Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Rev. David Fuentes HYMN OF RESPONSE Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed #78 AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Brief Statement of Faith Congregation We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Transcript
ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME Rise in body or spirit.
Please join in reading or singing the words in bold.PRELUDE What Wondrous Love is This Carter
As you open your mind and your heart to God’s presence in our midst, we invite you to prepare for today’s service as you listen to the prelude, which marks the beginning of worship.
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES CONGREGATIONAL INTROIT When Morning Guilds the Skies v.1 #487CALL TO WORSHIP
The law of the Lord is perfect, Ps. 19:7–11reviving the soul;the decrees of the Lord are sure,making wise the simple;the precepts of the Lord are right,rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the Lord is clear,enlightening the eyes;the fear of the Lord is pure,enduring forever;the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.They are more desirable than gold, and sweeter than
honey. In keeping them is great reward.
GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
During this time the friendship pads will be passed out. We ask that visitors please leave contact information for the pastor.
PASSING OF THE PEACE HYMN OF PRAISE For The Beauty Of The Earth #473 CALL TO CONFESSION (LEADER)
Despite all that God has taught us, we still act foolishly; we are still weak. In the cross of Christ, we find forgiveness and grace. We confess our sins, trusting in God’s wisdom and strength rather than our own.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (CONGREGATION) Merciful God, how fickle we are; we sin against you without even knowing it. Clear us, we pray, of any unknown sin, and save us from willfully ignoring your way. Let your commandments rule and guide us. Forgive us for worshiping anyone or anything except you; keep us faithful. Forgive us for failing to honor all our relationships—with those closest to us and those who are distant neighbors. Help us to speak words of blessing and kindness, rather than words
that belittle or destroy. Turn us away from violence, falsehood, and selfishness. Forgive us for thinking everything depends on our efforts and power, for you are the God who made us, led us out slavery, and has brought us into the community of faith. Help us to depend on you alone and to rest in your peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Silent ReflectionASSURANCE OF NEW BEGINNINGS (LEADER)
Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
SHARING FAITH WITH THE CHILDREN Children ages 3-9 may go to Children’s Church
PROCLAIM GOD’S WORDHYMN OF PREPARATION Take My Life And Let It Be v. 1-4
#391 PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22 Congregation
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy. People: Thanks be to God.
CHORAL ANTHEM For God So Loved The World StainerSECOND SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2: 1-10
NT #192 Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Rev. David Fuentes
HYMN OF RESPONSE Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed#78
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Brief Statement of Faith Congregation
We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
GLORIA PATRI #579Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost;As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen. Amen.GIVE THANKS TO GOD
PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE We invite you to be in prayer for the needs of the community, and you may use the white space in the bulletin to record prayer requests shared in worship.
THE 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; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERTORY He Never Said A Mumblin’ Word DOXOLOGY #592
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.PRAYER OF DEDICATION
GO IN GOD’S NAME CLOSING HYMN Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing #538 BENEDICTION CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE The Trees of the Field
#2279 STF POSTLUDE Christ, The CornerstoneWilson
Question for ReflectionWhat does the light of God’s truth reveal about your life? Are there parts of your life that you want to hide from God? Can you imagine what it would be like to live completely transparent to God’s piercing light?
Household Prayer: Morning Loving God, draw me to your light, that I may avoid the dangers of sinand receive the freedom of your grace in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Household Prayer: EveningLord Christ, as shadows of night draw near, sustain me by the light that banishes the fearful claim of death. Help me believe in you with all my heart that I may know the freedom of salvation and at last receive the joy of eternal life. Amen.
Reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2014
SERVICE SCHEDULEWeek of March 11, 2018
Elder of the Week Jeff Chittick Liturgist Lily Cedars 1/Eric Cedars 2Ushers Beth Doran
Peggy CuddingtonWhit Morgan
Mike KelleyAcolyte Teresa Wah
UPCOMING CALENDAR
Food Donation Offering March 18Neuse River Bridge Run March 24Book Club March 27
LENT: We have intergenerational Lent devotions available in the Narthex. We will also have a Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. on March 30th.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Are you in need of cleaning out your shed? We are collecting gardening tools of all sorts for our community garden. Please contact the church if you’d like to donate any gardening tools you no longer use.LUNCH GROUP: The Lunch Group will meet on Wednesday, March 21st (3rd Wednesday each month) Place TBD, Point of Contact: Gerry Teple (637-7337).FACEBOOK PAGE: We now have an official Facebook page for the church. Check in with the church when you are here for an event or tag photos! You can also share the site with your Facebook friends and invite them to like us, too!LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: Here’s an idea that will add interest for the LFL. If you read a book you like (or don’t like) leave a sticky note on the inside cover about your impressions. If you wish, sign your initials. You may find that someone will look for your choices to guide their selections. Cool! A reading buddy!BOOK CLUB: Book Club will meet March 27th at 7 p.m. We are reading The Last Days of Nights by Graham Moore.
CHURCH DRIVERS: If you need a ride to church the following people would like to be of service:
Ric & Sarah Evans (633-1323)Fred & Sally Cornford (514-0515) Trudy Nelson (633-2780)Whit & Pat Morgan (635-5059) Jim & Web Slaughter (637-4754)
SERMONS ONLINE: If you miss a Sunday, you can listen to the sermon online on our website, www.westnewbernpc.com under Sermon Archives!OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY:
RCS: Every 3rd Saturday each month. On Saturday, March 17th, meet at RCS at 6pm to provide a meal to the residents of the homeless shelter at Religious Community Services (RCS). If you would like to assist contact Jen or Paul Miller, 876-5457.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S Spring Project will be to collect “Spring Cleaning” items for the Coastal Women’s Shelter. Some of the items needed are:
Cleaners, Dust Wipes, Detergents, Clothes Detergent, Bar Sop, Tissues, Hand Soap, Bleach, Paper Towels, Toilet Tissue, Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets, Trash Bags and Air Freshener. We will collect these items March through May. You may put your donations in the laundry baskets in the Narthex.
Neuse River Bridge Run-March 24, 2018 at 6:45 am, Union Point Park, New Bern. The Annual Neuse River Bridge Run includes a half-marathon, 10K or 5K race. Participants who wish to walk may choose the 5K route only. All courses are USATF certified and runners are chip-timed. RCS is a beneficiary of proceeds raised from this amazing event. More
information available online at www.bridgerun.org or www.runtheeast.com.
WEST NEW BERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1701 LUCERNE WAYNEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA
(252) 638-1005
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAYSUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018
10:30 A.M.
“The West New Bern Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) exists to invite people to enter a relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in
their faith, and go out in the world to share that faith.”
