Today marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent, a period of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. “Lent” comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, meaning “lengthens,” and refers to the lengthening days of spring. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptations of Satan and preparing for his ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting, and preparation for the coming of Easter. It’s a time of self examination and reflection. This year’s sermon series is called “The Last Words of Jesus.” Each sermon will focus on one of the seven final utterances of Jesus from the cross as recorded by the Gospel writers. Today’s last word is “Father, forgive them.” The main point is that our ability to forgive others is grounded in the fact that we’ve been forgiven by God through our faith in Christ.
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude – “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” – Arr. by George Blake
*Call to Worship (written by Bruce Prewer)
- L: Lent is not a time for being miserable, but for taking stock and resetting our aims for following Christ.
- P: Loving God, in you we trust, let us never fool ourselves.
- L: Lent is an opportunity for healthy repentancerepentance for our indifference in face of the permeating evil of the world, repentance for personal sins which we have glossed over as “mere foibles.”
- P: According to your loving kindness, remember us, God of goodness and saving grace.
- L: Lent is a time for joy; the exhilaration that comesfrom defying temptations, from turning our face to the light that shines on the narrow path of Christ Jesus, from walking into adverse winds and enjoying small victories day by day.
- P: Make each of us to know your ways, O God; teach us your paths, for you are the God of our salvation and our true happiness.
*Hymn – “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” – UMH #365
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!
- Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
(Refrain) - Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
(Refrain) - Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.
(Refrain) - Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?
(Refrain)
Time with Children and Youth
Anthem – “See Now His Glory” – By Mary McDonald
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading – Luke 23:32-34
32They also led two other criminals to be executed with Jesus. 33When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing.
- L: The Word of God, the Word of Life.
- P: Thanks be to God!
Sermon – “Father, Forgive Them”
*Hymn – “Jesus Paid it All” – W&S #3100
Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow
- I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.” [Refrain] - Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone. [Refrain] - For nothing good have I
Where-by Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. [Refrain] - And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat. [Refrain]
Anthem – “Deep, Deep Love” – Dengler/Frombach
Invitation to Give
Doxology and Prayer of Dedication
*Closing Song – “Freely, Freely” – UMH #389
Chorus
He said: ‘Freely, freely, you have received,
Freely, freely give;
Go in My name, and because you believe
Others will know that I live.’
- God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to. [Chorus] - All power is given in Jesus’ name,
In earth and heaven in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His power as He told me to. [Chorus]
*Benediction
*Postlude
Lyrics to Special Music
See Now His Glory
He cried for them. He cried, “Forgive them.” He hung upon the tree, on Calvary. The sky grew cold, the day grew old. The dawn of Heaven’s gain, His Kingdom now to reign! See now His glory, behold the Lamb. See now a new day, a victory for man. See now His coming, behold the angels sing. See now His glory our risen Lord and King! Rejoice, O victory, praise, King of glory the sun reflects new day. A Holy Day rise up and follow Him! Alleluia to the Lamb! Rejoice the angels sing. Our risen Lord and King! See now His glory behold the Lamb. See now a new day. A victory for man. See now His coming behold the angels sing. See now His glory our risen Lord and King! See now His glory. Behold the Lamb. Behold the Lamb, see now a new day, a victory for man. See now His coming. Behold, the angels sing! See now His glory, our risen Lord and King, see now His glory, our risen Lord and King!
Deep, Deep Love
Deeper than the nails driven into His hands, is the love of a Father who gives His only Son. Deeper than the thorns pressing into His brow, is the love of a Son who dies for ev’ryone. Love, so amazing, deep, deep love. Love, so divine, deep, deep love. Love never failing to hear my call demands my soul, my life, my all. Deeper than the spear piercing into His side, is the love of God who takes away my sin. Deeper than the pain of the mob’s bitter words is the love of the Savior who only says “forgive.” Love, so amazing, deep, deep love. Love, so divine, deep, deep love. Love never failing to hear my call demands my soul, my life, my all. Love so amazing demands my soul, my life, my all.
Helping Lead Today’s Worship
- Pastor: Rev. Drew Hart
- Liturgist: Bernie Schneider
- Choir Director: Steve Grattan
- Organist: Kathy Cay
- Audio Tech: Klare Carr
- Streaming Tech: Brian Miller
- Computer Tech: Ellen Hoover
Thanks for sponsoring the radio today:
In memory of Nancy “Nana” Osborn from the Kaidan family