March 22, 2009, 11:00 AM
Fourth Sunday in Lent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
The trumpet of the Lord sounds, calling us to examine our souls,
for we have not only met temptations, we have felt its grip.
The trumpet of the Lord sounds, calling us to mend our ways,
for we have not only committed sin, we have felt its sting.
The trumpet of the Lord sounds, calling us to rend our hearts,
for we have not only witnessed forgiveness, we have felt its power.
O come, let us worship the Lord!
*Opening Praise – 4081,2,4 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
           “The Nails in Your Hand”
           “All in All”
           “Give Me Jesus”
Call to Confession – Psalm 130:1-4, 7-8
Prayer of Confession –
Master, we confess that sin imprisons us.  We abuse alcohol and other drugs, are addicted to pornography, and are ensnared by online gambling and convenience store lottery terminals.  Some times the temptation to under-report our income or to over-report our deductions combines with greed and fear to put us in jeopardy of an IRS audit.  We fail to control our anger or our sharp tongue and hurt those closest to us.  You hold the keys to our chains; set us free from the bondage we confess now.
(Time of silence)
Lord Jesus, set us free.  And God’s people said,
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
          Jesus assures us of our freedom with words found in John 8:36:
           “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!”
          Thanks be to God, we are no longer enslaved to sin.”
           Know that Christ has set you free and be at peace.
*Song of Response – 335:1,2 “Hark the Glad Sound!  The Savior Comes”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45
Message – “Jesus the Ransom”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 267:1-3 “And Can It Be”
The Offering - General Fund
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 – 479:1,2 “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

It’s not too late to provide input to council regarding your suggestions for nominees for elder and deacons.  There are extra forms on the coffee table in the entry.  Please return your completed form to Paul Peterson’s mail slot.

Thank you for the many responses to the “worship time survey”.  Council will be receiving your input when they meet April 2.  We’ll keep you informed on any recommendations.

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 ???????)
       11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel
        7:30 PM Aerobics class meets
Thursday, 7:00 PM Growth and Renewal Team meets

The youth group needs your help in gathering supplies to put into the Easter baskets they are preparing for families in our community.  A list of supplies they can use is available from Erin Peterson or from the table in the entry.  Thanks in advance for your generous support.

Save Saturday, May 9 for the Celebration Tea.

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

Youth Announcements:
The March youth activity is an overnighter this Friday, March 27, starting at 6:30 PM.  Along with a movie marathon, ping-pong, making Easter baskets, food and sleep(??), it will include 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.  Also tell her today if you and your friends will be participating in the overnighter so there will be enough food and other supplies.. 

NEXT SUNDAY, March 29, 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 Our Example”, based on I Peter 2:21.

The second offering next Sunday is for Project Concern, our local community service program in Chenango Bridge that provides quality used clothing and household goods at minimal cost for people who are experiencing hard times in providing for themselves and their families.