First Christian Church Fourth Sunday in Lent Sunday, March 14, 2021

GATHERING MUSIC I Stand Amazed in the Presence by Jeff Bennett

Tune: My Savior’s Love by Charles H. Gabriel Copyright © 2004 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

WORDS OF WELCOME Rev. Jake M. Caldwell

PRELUDE Amazing Grace J. William Greene

(Canonic Pastorale) (b. 1956) Tune: New Britain from Virginia Harmony, 1831 Copyright © 2018 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, who is good;

All: God’s steadfast love endures forever. GATHERING HYMN (Verses 1, 3 and 5 we listen; Verses 2 and 4 we speak)

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy; Baptist Hymnal 1991 25; Words: Frederick W. Faber, 1814 - 1863; MUSIC (WELLESLEY 8.7.8.7): Lizzie S. Tourjee, 1858 - 1913

2

INVOCATION PRAYER (Unison) Elder Sonya Barnes

Steadfast God, you reach out to us in mercy even when we rebel against your holy call and prefer to walk in disobedience rather than in the way of your divine truth.

Soften our hearts with the warmth of your love, that we may know your Son alive within us, redeeming us and raising us up into your eternal presence.

We pray these things in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray by saying: (The Lord’s Prayer)

GLORIA PATRI PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Victoria R. Wick PRAYER RESPONSE (We listen)

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me; United Methodist Hymnal 361; Words: Augustus M. Toplady, 1776; Music (TOPLADY 77.77.77): Thomas Hastings, 1830

THE LORD’S SUPPER Rev. Wick

3

INVITATION TO COMMUNION Rev. Wick

To gather at this table each week is an exercise of faith. We acknowledge our need to receive God’s grace, and we are reassured of God’s forgiveness. As our trust in God grows deeper, we are empowered to practice the gospel, and to strengthen our investment in the kingdom of God. Though the gifts of this table may seem small, we know that God can move mountains with the faith they inspire. So come, let us eat and drink together, and be nourished once more at the table of our Lord.

COMMUNION HYMN (Verses 1 and 4 we listen; Verse 2 we speak)

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; United Methodist Hymnal 298; Words: Isaac Watts, 1707 (Gal. 6: 14); Music (HAMBURG LM): Lowell Mason, 1824

PRAYER FOR THE ELEMENTS Elder Barnes WORDS OF INSTITUTION Rev. Caldwell PARTAKING OF THE ELEMENTS

Individually packaged communion elements are provided for your safety and convenience. To open, gently bend the tab down to separate the clear film and peel it back to expose the wafer. Carefully pull the remaining foil tab to open the juice cup. You may partake of the elements at the same time as the minister.

SPECIAL MUSIC In Christ Alone

(My Hope Is God) by Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty; arrangement by Bill Wolaver; Copyright © 2018 Word Music a division of The Lorenz Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

SCRIPTURE & SERMON Ephesians 2: 1 - 10 Rev. Caldwell

“A Brutal Obituary”

4

HYMN OF DEDICATION (Verses 1, 3 and 6 we listen; Verses 2 and 4 we speak)

Amazing Grace; United Methodist Hymnal 378: Words: John Newton, 1779; st. 6 anon; phonetic transcription Cherokee, Kiowa, Creek, Choctaw as sung in Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference; Navajo phonetic transcription by Albert Tsosi (1 Chr. 17: 16 - 17)

Music (AMAZING GRACE, CM): 19th cent. USA Melody; harm. by Edwin O. Excell, 1900 INVITATION TO STEWARDSHIP

People of God, let us offer our sacrifice of thanksgiving, telling of God’s deeds with songs of joy. As you go forth from this place today, you are invited to make your offering in the basket provided at the back of the sanctuary.

BENEDICTION

May the love of God, the grace of Christ, and the light of the Spirit bless you and keep you in the way of truth. Amen.

POSTLUDE Postlude in A Minor by George Calkin

Copyright © 1900 Oliver Ditson Company. All Rights Reserved.

After the clergy have recessed, you will be dismissed by row beginning at the back. Please take your empty communion cups with you and deposit them in the trash can

provided as you leave the Sanctuary.