March 15, 2009, 11:00 AM
Third Sunday in Lent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
Come among us, living Lord, we come to hear your living Word.
We meet together in the name of Christ to share your mission and your sacrifice; to receive the power that only you can give, that we might live!
Come, fill this time of silence.
(Silent Prayer of Reflection)
All God’s people said, “Amen.”
*Opening Praise – 373:1,4,7 “Lift High the Cross”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
           “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship”
           “Shout to the North”
           “He Is Lord”
Call to Confession
We cannot come before God unless we are first honest with ourselves about who we are, about the mistakes we make, and about how well or poorly we care for others.  In this spirit, let us prepare our hearts so we can offer our prayers to God.   
Song of Preparation – “Carry You” – Paige Vermaat       
Prayer of Confession –
Eternal and merciful God, you have loved us with a love beyond our understanding, and you have set us on paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.
Yet we have strayed from your way; we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, through what we have done and what we have left undone.
As we remember the lavish gift of your grace, we praise you and give you thanks that you forgive us yet again.
Grant us now, we pray, the grace to die daily to sin, and to rise daily to new life in Christ, who lives and reigns with you, and in whose strong name we pray.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
           Listen to these words of victory:
           God assures us of our triumph in Jesus.
           Sin has met defeat!
           Know that the battle belongs to the Lord and be at peace.           
*Song of Response – 387:2,4 “Alleluia, Christ Is Risen!”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Colossians 2:6-15
Message – “Jesus the Victor”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 467:1,5,6 “At the Name of Jesus”
The Offerings- First:  General Fund
                        Second:  CRWRC Food Resource Bank
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 388:3,5 “Lives Again Our Glorious King”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The second offering today is for Christian Reformed World Relief Committee and the Food Resources Bank.  The bulletin insert last Sunday gave information about this way in which we can partner with farmers in other areas to grow food which then is made available to hungry people in other communities around the world. 

Because the worship team meeting was postponed a week, you still have time today to fill in your “worship time survey.”  Extra copies are on the coffee serving table, next to the box where they are to be returned.

Council needs your input in suggesting names of adult members who you believe have the spiritual qualifications to serve as elder or deacon.  We need to replace one elder and two deacons this year.  If you have a completed form, please put it in Paul Peterson’s mail slot today.  If not, grab a cup of coffee after the service and fill out one of the extras that are on the table in the entry and give it to Paul when you have finished.

Tuesday, 7:00 PM Elders meet
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s Breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
                    9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at Ruth Giese’s home(study ???????)
        7:30 PM Aerobics class meets
Thursday, 7:30 PM Worship Ministry Team meets

There are still some of the baby bottles for the Life Choices Center that have not been returned.  Please do so, either full or empty, as soon as possible.

Save Saturday, May 9 for the Celebration Tea.

Also, repeat announcement for women’s retreat at Baldwinsville on Apr. 25.

Volunteer help needed:  Meals on Wheels in Chenango Bridge needs more volunteers to either drive or be a “visitor” (the person who brings the meals to the door) as the number of persons receiving this vital service keeps increasing.  Help is needed between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM Monday thru Friday – you may select any day or days you wish to help.  Contact Sandy at 648-4571 or stop in during those hours at the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church in Chenango Bridge.

Youth Announcements:
The March youth activity will be an overnighter on Friday, March 2, starting at 6:30 PM.  It will included a scavenger hunt, so if you live within a five mile radius of the church and don’t mind having your home invaded by a group of teens doing goofy things, please tell Erin Peterson of your willingness to participate.

NEXT SUNDAY, March 22, 2009

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Sunday School classes for all ages meet.  The adult class continues with its study of Philippians “Paul’s Thank You Letter”.  All are encouraged to take part in discussing and applying this practical and personal letter.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM  Pastor Gelder brings the next message in the Lenten series on the atonement, “Jesus the Ransom”, based on Mark 10:45 and I Corinthians 6:20.