Today is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. Lent is 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 Seven 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 “Today you will be with me in paradise.” The main point is that Jesus offers salvation TODAY to all who sit in spiritual darkness; it’s not just something we experience after we die.
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude – “O How He Loves You and Me” – Arr. by John M. Rasley
*Call to Worship
- L: In the name of God,
- P: who created us, who holds us and the whole world in his hands.
- L: In the name of the Son
- P: who came into the world, who reconciles us with God.
- L: In the name of the Holy Spirit
- P: who fills us with eternal life, who links us with all Christians and incites us to peace, we come together to offer our thanks and praise.
*Hymn – “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” – FWS #2140
Refrain:
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
- What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain] - I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain] - I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain] - There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain] - I shall go there to dwell in that city, I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And I’m happy, so happy, as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain]
Time with Children and Youth
Anthem – “When You come Into Your Kingdom, Lord” – Arr. by Lloyd Larson
Scripture Reading – Luke 23:35-43
35The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one.”
36The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine 37and saying, “If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38Above his head was a notice of the formal charge against him. It read “This is the king of the Jews.”
39One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
40Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’ve also been sentenced to die? 41We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.”
- L: The Word of God, the Word of Life.
- P: Thanks be to God!
Sermon – “Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise”
Invitation to Give
Offertory – “Oh, Lord, Your Table Now Is Spread” – Williams/ Nix
Doxology and Prayer of Dedication
Sacrament of Holy Communion
*Closing Song – “Love Lifted Me” – W&S #3101
Refrain:
Love lifted even me! Love lifted even me!
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.
Love lifted even me! Love lifted even me!
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.
- I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
from the waters lifted me;now safe am I. [Refrain] - Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves;
he will lift you by his love out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows his will obey;
he your Savior wants to be – be saved today. [Refrain]
*Benediction
*Postlude – “Love Lifted Me”
Lyrics to Special Music
When You Come Into Your Kingdom, Lord
When you come into your kingdom, Lord, remember me, remember me. I am only a sinner, Lord, but your love can make me free. You died that I might truly live, and live, and live abundantly. When you come into your kingdom, Lord, remember me. When you come into your kingdom, Lord, remember me, remember me. Though I don’t deserve it, Lord, only hear my fervent plea. You died upon a cruel cross. You died at Calvary. When you come into your kingdom, Lord, remember me. When you come into your kingdom, Lord, remember me, remember me. I’ve wasted my portion, Lord, I am lost in misery. You died to give me strength and hope, you promised victory. When you come into your kingdom, Lord, remember me, remember me, remember me, remember me.
Oh, Lord, Your Table Now is Spread
Oh, Lord, Your table now is spread, Your cup with love overflows; and those who worship in this hour all your tender mercies know. From north and south, and east and west, have come Your grateful, joyful guests, and all who gather in this place are those who journeyed here by faith. Drawn by Your quickening grace, oh, Lord, for countless ages they have come to take the cup and lift it up and celebrate the Living One, Jesus Christ, Your Son! Oh, Lord, we gather in this hour to remember the broken bread and cup. Oh, Lord, Your table here is spread, and Jesus Christ is lifted up. Oh, Lord, Your table here is spread, and Jesus Christ is lifted up.
Helping Lead Today’s Worship
- Pastor: Rev. Drew Hart
- Liturgist: Scott Crawford
- Choir Director: Steve Grattan
- Organist: Kathy Cay
- Audio Tech: Ellen Hoover
- Streaming Tech: Brian Miller
- Computer Tech: Joe Kaidan
Thanks for sponsoring the radio today:
In memory of Prudence Ecker from Mary Ecker