Critical Decision Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Critical Decision Reflection
Mark tells us of Jesus’ Baptism, Temptation and Preaching. The common factor is one that touches all of us; the Kingdom of God is near. The “Kingdom of God is near” is the magic phrase (terms of art) that brings Jesus near to us in the Gospel messages. Through Him, in Him and with Him, we hope and pray to bring all to be right in this world. Mark, in his colorful and apocalyptic manner, demonstrates how Jesus rightfully should, and does, permeate our lives. Mark wants to deliver us into a world of kairos, time of critical decision. This is more than chronos, time of self-deprivation “giving up” something for Lent. Please Listen and enjoy the Word of God today.
In Genesis today, God communicates the promise of the covenant to Noah (yes, the Ark), his sons, and every person for all time. Of course God addresses our human need for divine reassurance, but the message goes well beyond this. Every living creature is entitled to the fulfillment of the rainbow.
The message within Psalm 15 is, Who Belongs to God? Simple answer, everyone and everything for God created all. Who is Loved by God? We all are! What do we do? It is our choice to live within His presence and do His will. Here comes the rub. Do we choose to turn toward God or away from Him? Lent reminds us that God is gracious and we are saved by Grace. The Grace is Gods gift, not our choice.
We assume the author of the Book of Peter is Peter the Apostle. Today Peters letter addresses the exiles of dispersion. Peter wants them, and us, to know that all Are Gods children and to provide guidance on how to weather difficult times.

God of the Sparrow
Jaroslav Vajda (1983).
First Plymouth Church

Scripture:
Old Testament: Genesis 9:8-17.
Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10.
New Testament: 1 Peter 3:18-22.
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15.

Amazing Love
Graham Kendrick

Prayer: God of wilderness and water,
your Son was baptized and tempted as we are.
Guide us through this season,
that we may not avoid struggle,
but open ourselves to blessing,
through the cleansing depths of repentance
and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Isaac Watts (1707).

Prayer Intentions:
Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing,
we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others,
offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.
Prayers of the People;
Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires
and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart, making that critical decision to follow you. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).

Our Father
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn

I Danced in the Morning
Lord of the Dance
Sydney Carter (1963).

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).

Communion

Prayer: God of our salvation, your rainbow in the clouds proclaims your covenant with every living creature. Teach us your paths and lead us in your truth, that by your Holy Spirit, we may remember our baptismal vows and be keepers of your trust with earth and its inhabitants. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.