03-10-19 Bulletin

March 10, 2019 10:30AM Worship Service Though children of all ages are always welcomed in our worship services, child care (Infants-toddlers), FP Kids (preschool-5th) and Sunday Discussions (6th-12th) are available during worship. For assistance, please ask an usher. Prelude Trad. Xhosa /arr. Michael Barrett Thixo Onothando God of Love, Here I am before you, God of Love, Give me love to witness about You. Hosanna on high, Hosanna in the highest, Lord, Here I am, Hosanna. —traditional Xhosa Call to Worship Hymn 275 (Please rise in body or spirit, and sing.) EIN FESTE BURG A Mighty Fortress is Our God stanzas 1-2: all; stanza 3: choir; stanza 4: all Gathering Prayer God Most High, thank you for signs of your power and grace, shown to us even in the wilderness. Give us courage to stand firm in your Word in every time of trial and testing, that we may enter the land of your freedom and receive the salvation you so generously give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Good News Response (Please remain standing and join in singing.) CRUCIFER Lift High the Cross Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name. Words of Welcome

anthem Enrico Miaroma Light, My Light Light, my light, the world-filling light, the eye-kissing light, heart-sweetening light! Ah, the light dances, my darling, at the center of my life; the light strikes, my darling, the chords of my love; the sky opens, the wind runs wild, laughter passes over the earth. The butterflies spread their sails on the sea of light. Lilies and jasmines surge up on the crest of the waves of light. The light is shattered into gold on every cloud, my darling, and it scatters gems in profusion. Mirth spreads from leaf to leaf, my darling, and gladness without measure. The heaven’s river has drowned its banks and the flood of joy is abroad. —Rabindranath Tagore sCriPture Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. sermon A Closer Walk

Just a Closer Walk with Thee Invitation to the Offering Offertory Jake Runestad I Will Lift Mine Eyes Offertory Response (Please rise in body or spirit, and sing.) OLD 100th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, the Word in flesh born low, Praise Holy Spirit evermore; One God, Triune, Whom we adore. Amen. Prayer of Dedication (unison) Sovereign Lord, you call us to give generously as a way of expressing our love to you. In this Lenten season, help us to renew our spiritual commitment to you. As we reflect on this act of giving, remind us of our responsibility to use your gifts to us for your glory. May we discover opportunities to grow as your followers during this season of Lent. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Time of Prayer Alexander L’Estrange Call to Prayer Prayer through Music Lighten Our Darkness Silent Prayer Intercessory Prayer

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. hymn 547 (Please rise in body or spirit, and sing.) AR HYD Y NOS Go, My Children With My Blessing BenediCtion ClosinG voluntary African-American spiritual/arr. Marques Garrett Hold On! Worship Leaders: Jim Keck, KJ Langlais, Teresa Harms, Kimberly Goins, Baylor University A Capella Choir (Brian Schmidt, director), Plymouth Choir, Marques Garrett, and Tom Trenney Head Deacon: Kelley Beasley The Flowers in the chancel are given by Jack and Ruth Davis in loving memory of their daughter, Lisa. As we move into Lent, we prepare our hearts to share God’s love with others by continuing our commitment to increase the love of our neighbor. This year, we will pursue a collective act of generosity that will have a tangible impact in our community. On March 9 and March 10, ALL OF THE CASH collected in the offering plates will go directly to two non-profits that serve the poor in Lincoln--Clinic With A Heart and the Malone Community Center. We hope you’ll give generously to this effort! First-Plymouth Congregational Church • 2000 “D” Street • Lincoln, Nebraska 68502 402.476.7565 • www.firstplymouth.org