Tenebrae, from the Latin word for "shadows," has been observed in the church of Jesus Christ since the fourth century on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. During the service, different readers will recall the events that led Jesus to the cross, and we will extinguish fourteen candles, one by one, dramatizing the suffering and death of Jesus. The diminishing light symbolizes the fading devotion of the disciples and the sin of the world. At the end of the service the sanctuary will be dark. During the service, the chimes will toll thirty-three times to signal Jesus' thirty-three years. The Christ candle will then return, symbolizing the hope of his promised resurrection. At the conclusion of the service, please leave silently, contemplating Christ's crucifixion. Jesus, the Son of God, was dead.
0 Comments
Good Morning!
Happy Palm Sunday! We're so glad you're joining us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to think about the past week, and any prayer requests you may have. If you would like, you can share them in the comments. When you are ready, use the prayer below, based on a prayer from crosswalk.com, to get started.
Father,
Palm Sunday is here, and the past two years has brought tumultuous times and flashes of fear that none of us have experienced in our lifetimes. The very real fallen state of our world and frailty of life have been put front and center in our lives in a visceral way. We look to you, Father, to guide us out of our fear and remind us of our Savior. We do not need to be afraid. You have given us the wisdom we need to live each day of our lives to the full purpose You have designed for us to live. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Matthew 26:17-30.
Good morning!
We are so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to consider any prayer requests you have from the past week. If you have any you would like to share, you can add them as comments to this post. When you are ready, use this prayer (source) to get started.
I bow to the sacred in all creation.
May my sprit fill the world with beauty and wonder. May my mind seek truth with humility and openness. May my heart forgive without limit. May my love for friend, enemy, and outcast be without measure. May my needs be few and my living simple. May my actions bear witness to the suffering of others. May my hands never harm a living being. May my steps stay on the journey of justice. May my tongue speak for those who are poor without fear of the powerful. May my prayers rise with patient discontent until no child is hungry. May my life's work be a passion for peace and nonviolence. May my soul rejoice in the present moment. May my imagination overcome death and despair with new possibility. And may I risk reputation, comfort, and security to bring this hope to the children. Amen
Today's lesson is on Matthew 21:1-11.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Matthew 4:1-11
BIRTHDAYS Mason Miklic, Steve Jackson, Meghan Dyson, Dennis Marton, Doug King, Jim Westfall, Cody Clifford, Gary Donaldson
ANNIVERSARIES Ed & Dorothy Caffrey JOYS AND CONCERNS - SYMPATHY Family of Emma Jean Loughry Family of Tom Teagarden Family of Dayle Esther McCoy Kelley Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, June and Keith McGill, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Diane Bednarski, Matt Petrola, Laura Davis, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Robin Durila, Bill Poland, Amy Ward, Don Matthews, the Warlow Family, Pat Haggerty, Norma Kelso, Jean Westfall, and Nancy Youmans. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Women’s Missionary Group will meet this Tuesday, March 8th at 9:30 AM in the social hall downstairs. Please come join us as we gather in fellowship. Remember the Trustees Work Day this coming Saturday March 12th from 9:00 - 12:00. If you have an hour or two to spare they will have a job for you. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Remember our Food Collection. - And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6: 37. Please let Betty Fisher know if you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. We welcome you to our joint Thanksgiving Eve Service with Upper Buffalo. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. Gathering Around the Word
Prelude ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Winds blow, rains fall, storms rage, People: God is our strength and sanctuary. Leader: Floods rise, waves batter, wars ravage, People: God is our strength and sanctuary. Leader: Violence threatens, hunger abounds, diseases flourish, People: God is our strength and sanctuary. All: We are safe here in this Spirit place, for God’s sustaining and nourishing Spirit surrounds and affirms us. Today’s guest speaker is Don Herschell. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. INTROIT: WELCOME AND GREETING CALL TO WORSHIP: LEADER: God invites us to greatness. PEOPLE: We are ready to go. LEADER: God calls us to greatness through following in the footsteps of Jesus. PEOPLE: We will follow Jesus into the greatness of His reign. LEADER: God calls us to greatness through serving. PEOPLE: We will serve God in all we do. LEADER: God calls us to serve the poor the rejected and the outcasts. ALL: They are children of God and we will serve them gladly. INVOCATION *HYMN: “The Church’s One Foundation” Page 547 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION: You have called us, O God, to follow Your Son Jesus of Nazareth. We have not willingly followed His example of love. We are more apt to seek revenge on those who hurt us rather than to serve and care for them. We want the greatness that the world promises: wealth, popularity, material goods and position. We are less ready to look for greatness in serving others as their slave. We have even tried to turn Jesus into a gloating conqueror rather than the Servant He truly was. Forgive us and by the power of Your Holy Spirit so fill us with the love of Jesus that we may truly follow in His footsteps and serve all we encounter. Amen. *Time of silent prayer. *ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Gloria Patri CHILDREN’S CHAT PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 23: 1 - 12 Matthew 23:1-12 SERMON: “Leaders and Servants” *HYMN: “O To Be Like Thee” Page 480 APOSTLE’S CREED PRESENTATIONS OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY DOXOLOGY PRAYER OF DEDICATION JOYS AND CONCERNS BIRTHDAYS Ashyton Miklic, Billie Wilson, Doug Ward, Grant Molinaro, Kenny Phillips ANNIVERSARIES Karen and Don Hanes SYMPATHY The Family of Eileen Yerace The Family of Evan Pfeifer The Family of John Durila The Family of Donna Bryner The Family of Betty Matthews Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Lisa Phillips, Dixie Avoila, Chuck Dicks, Karen Eisiminger, Ed Horne, June and Keith McGill, Glenn Miles, Roger Riggs, Doug Ward, Deron Wood, Marge McWreath, Tim Knabenshue, Bill Stewart, Adam Moore, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Michael Durila, Jr., Michael Durila Sr., Justin Hagon, Marlene Huffman, Frank Huffman, Cory Patrick, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Donald Potts, Marlene McFeely, Suzy Smith, Elaine Belcascro, Lisa Marshall, and Emmy Higgins. REMEMBER OUR FOOD COLLECTION: And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37. July’s collection is boxed potatoes, pancake mix and syrup, and baked beans. Please remember our food pantry is available to anyone in need. Replenish with your hands and listen for the need with your ears. Contact Becky Phillips with any need in the community or to donate. PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER *HYMN: “My Wonderful Lord” Page 368 *BENEDICTION: POSTLUDE We welcome all who have come to join us in the worship of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please come again. If you are visiting with us today, please let us know that we might welcome you into our church family.
NEXT SUNDAY, August 15th is Worship at the Fair at 11:00 a.m. in the show tent. There will be golf carts to take you from the parking lot to the church site and remember this is your FREE ticket into the fair for the day. The Choir for the Fair will be rehearsing again on Saturday, August 14th at 10:00 AM. ♫♫♫
Welcome!
We're so happy you've decided to join us today!
When we met in person, we were able to share our joys and concerns with each other. Take some time to think about your past week. What joys and concerns do you have? If you would like, you can share them in the comments so that we can all pray. When you are ready, use the prayer below (from Flagstaff Federated Community Church) to get started.
Gracious and Eternal God,
As your redeeming work brings together what is scattered and mends what is broken, unite us with the scattered and broken people of our community, nation, and world. Bind up all of our wounds, and heal us in spirit, that we may return refreshed and renewed as disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we met in person, we shared joys and concerns together. As you think about the last week, what joys and concerns do you have? What about for the upcoming week? If you would like, you can share these in the comments. When you are ready, use the prayer below from Woman's Day to get started.
Dear God, I know that the first step in all spiritual healing is to believe. I believe! I open my mind and heart believing in your infinite power and possibility. I believe that healing is a dynamic and reachable experience, a reality that can be experienced right now. I maintain a patient and loving attitude, for I believe that your healing activity is now at work in my mind and body. I look forward, with joyful expectation, to the perfect wholeness that you are now bringing into manifestation through me. I believe in your constant expression of perfect good in and through me. I rest in the certainty of your healing power. I know that with you all things are possible. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
Good morning!
We're so glad that you've joined us today!
When we meet together in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other before we focus on our Sunday school lesson. Think about your needs and concerns right now, and if you like, you can share them in the comments.
Today’s lesson is about how Jesus calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee when his disciples were afraid. In the United States, it seems, we are just emerging from a year like no other, when we had to isolate for fear of sickness or even death. Now many people are going through personal crises involving loss of income and unknown futures. At our church, we are beginning the search for a new pastor. All these uncertainties can inspire fear. But today’s lesson calls us to trust God in the midst of fearful situations. Identify what your fears are today. Then ask God to give you peace in the midst of the storm and to know that God is able and willing to help us. The prayer below may serve to guide us in our opening prayer. It is from the My Redeemer Lives website.
O God who is greater than the most powerful forces in this world, enable us to be still and know that You are God. O Lord who answers out of the whirlwind of everyday life, breathe in us Your Holy Spirit to strengthen, comfort, and guide us in the midst of the storm. O still, small voice, speak to us this hour, that we might become makers of Your peace in our homes, in our communities, in our world. We pray all this in the name of the One who calmed the raging sea. Amen.
Good morning!
We're so happy that you've decided to join us today!
When we met in person, we shared our joys and concerns together. Take some time to think about your past week, and your upcoming week. What joys or concerns do you have? If you would like, you can share those as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the Prayer for Inner Peace below to get started.
Lord, please put Your peace in my heart.
I'm worried and anxious. My mind races and obsesses. I can't help thinking about my problems. And the more I think about them, the more depressed I become. I feel like I'm sinking down in quicksand and can't get out. Calm me, Lord. Slow me down, put Your peace in my heart. No matter what problem I have, Lord, You are bigger, You are more powerful than it is. So I bring my problem to You. I know what I want. I know my will. I do not know Yours. I do not know how You will use this problem for my salvation. I do not know what good You will workout from this evil. But I trust You. I trust Your goodness and Your wisdom. So I place myself in Your hands. Please fill my heart with peace. Amen. |
AuthorWe are a small, rural Presbyterian church in southwestern Pennsylvania. Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|