March 21, 2010
10:30 AM
Fifth Sunday in Lent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – Isaiah 43:1,2, 4-7
*Opening Praise – 482:1-4 “Man of Sorrows – What a Name”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
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Sacrament of Baptism
Instruction
Our Shared Faith – Apostles’ Creed
Vows
Prayer
Baptism
Presentation and Congregational Vow
Some of us will have the privilege of encouraging Maverick often, over the course of many years.  Others of us may not be able to do so.  Yet we all speak words of promise and welcome, speaking on behalf of Christ’s whole church in time and space, and committing ourselves to live lives of Christian encouragement, wherever God calls us.
With joy and thanksgiving, we now welcome you into Christ’s church; for we are all one in Christ.  We promise to love, encourage, and support you and to help you know and follow Christ.
Musical Testimony – “Be Thou My Vision”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Matthew 27:27-37
Message – “Symbols of Suffering:  A Crown of Thorns”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Thanksgiving– 383:1-2 “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  CRWRC
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Call to Service
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God;
he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.  (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Remember your baptism and be thankful.
We will remember our baptism. 
We will give thanks and live thankful lives.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – 383:3 “What Language Shall I Borrow to Thank You”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our worship this morning includes the baptism of Maverick Charles De Voe.  Adam’s uncle Robert Heinle, a licensed Presbyterian pastor, will also be participating in the service.  We welcome all who are here today to join Adam and Cheryl in claiming God’s covenant promises for Maverick.  We all have a responsibility too as part of the family of God to pray for them and to encourage them as they lead Maverick in God’s ways.

The second offering this morning is for Christian Reformed World Relief Committee and the Food Resource Bank program, which raises funds in the US through volunteer community “growing projects.”  Farmers raise a portion of a crop and sell it, donating the proceeds to the FRB, which then makes grants available to support food-security programs in some of the world’s poorest places.  Your generous support is needed and appreciated.

Monday, 7:30 PM Growth and Renewal team meets
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
Wednesday, 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study meets at Ruth Giese’s home
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel
Thursday, 7:00 PM Council meets

Council reminds you that they genuinely desire your input into the process of selecting people to serve as elders and deacons at Valley Church.  Return your completed nomination forms to Florence Doller today, if possible, and no later than March 24.  Extra copies of information about the duties of elder and deacon are on the coffee table in the narthex.  Also, an extra copy of the nomination form is included as an insert in today’s bulletin.

It’s not too late to become part of a Valley Church co-ed, slo-pitch softball team that hopes to play in a church league this summer.  For more information and to express your intention, talk with Adam De Voe today.  We need to have a commitment by of enough players by April 4 in order to field a team.

Holy Week services include the children’s pageant on Palm Sunday at 10:30 AM, a Maundy Thursday communion service here at Valley at 7:00 PM, the Chenango area Good Friday service at 7:00 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal in Chenango Bridge, and on Easter Sunday, an early service on the lawn at 7:30 AM, breakfast from 8:30 – 10:00 AM, and regular Easter worship at 10:30 AM.  Plan to participate in these special observances of our Lord’s death and resurrection.

Continue to pray for the Kellers.  Bill has been moved to a hospice house for more care.  Include Vivian and the rest of the family in your prayers as they face Bill’s final days here on earth.

NEXT SUNDAY, March 28, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages meet.  The adult class continues the study of the book of Romans titled “While We Were Still Sinners.”  All are welcome
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder continues the Lenten series of messages on “The Symbols of Suffering”.  Being Palm Sunday we will read from John 12 and see how the palm branches are also a symbol of Jesus’ suffering.
At this service, the children will be presenting an Easter pageant written by Ron Crawford, as well as leading our reenactment of Palm Sunday entering with palm branches.  Thanks to all who help prepare this special presentation.  Please be sure your child is here at 9:15 during Sunday School time for the final practice.