250316-Worship Bulletin
So he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.
Morning Worship Service on The Lord's Day, March 16, 2025
Morning Worship Service on The Lord's Day, March 16, 2025
Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. (Psalm 25:6)
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
The Voluntary for Silent Prayer
*Call to Worship: Psalm 145:1-10
Minister: I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
People: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
Minister: One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
People: They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Minister: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
Unison: All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!
*Hymn of Adoration: “God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory” (No. 122)
1 God, all nature sings thy glory,
and thy works proclaim thy might;
ordered vastness in the heavens,
ordered course of day and night;
beauty in the changing seasons,
beauty in the storming sea;
all the changing moods of nature
praise the changeless Trinity,
2 Clearer still we see thy hand
in man whom thou hast made for thee;
ruler of creation's glory,
image of thy majesty.
Music, art, the fruitful garden,
all the labor of his days,
are the calling of his Maker
to the harvest feast of praise.
3 But our sins have spoiled thine image,
nature, conscience only serve
as unceasing, grim reminders
of the wrath which we deserve.
Yet thy grace and saving mercy
in thy Word of truth revealed
claim the praise of all who know thee,
in the blood of Jesus sealed.
4 God of glory, power, mercy,
all creation praises thee;
we, thy creatures, would adore thee
now and through eternity.
Saved to magnify thy goodness,
grant us strength to do thy will;
with our acts as with our voices
thy commandments to fulfill.
CCLI 3036374
*Prayer of Adoration and Congregational Invocation
Unison: God of Mercy: We praise you! For we were dead in our trespasses and sins. We were following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, and we were by our nature children of wrath. But you, God, are rich in mercy! Because of your great love for us, even while we were dead in our trespasses, you made us alive together with Christ. By grace we have been saved! And you raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places, so that in the coming ages you might show the immeasurable riches of your grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For this, Father, we thank you and we praise you. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
From Ephesians 2:1-7
*Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 60
Minister: How are you righteous before God?
People: Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them, and am still inclined to all evil, yet God, without any merit of my own, out of mere grace, imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ. He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me, if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.
Unison: Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
*Gloria Patri (Tune: “Regent Square”)
Glory be to God the Father, glory be to God the Son,
Glory to the Holy Spirit, ever Three and ever One,
One in might, and One in glory, while unending ages run.
Psalter Reading: Psalm 86
Minister: Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
People: Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
Minister: You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.
People: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Minister: Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
People: You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Minister: Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.
People: In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Minister: Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
People: All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Minister: For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
People: you alone are God.
Minister: Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
People: give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Minister: I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
People: For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Minister: The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life—men without regard for you.
People: But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Minister: Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.
People: Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Hymn of Preparation: “Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord” (No. 465)
1 Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
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.
2 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]
3 Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]
Congregational Prayers
Unison: Glorious Jehovah, My Covenant God: All your promises in Christ Jesus are yes and amen, and all shall be fulfilled. You have spoken them, and they shall be done, commanded, and they shall come to pass. Help me to leave my concerns in your hands, for you have power over evil, and bring from it an infinite progression of good, until your purposes are fulfilled. Bless me with Abraham’s faith that staggers not at promises through unbelief. Give me the confidence I ought to have in you, for you are worthy to be praised, and are blessed for evermore. Amen.
Adapted from “Divine Promises” in The Valley of Vision
Minister: Father, we pray for your people throughout the world; for our denomination; for this church; and for all ministers and missionaries. We pray especially for the Mahands in England, the Mays in Peru, the Lees with RUF, and the Mugaris in Zimbabwe.
People: We pray for the leaders of our nation and all who hold authority, that they would govern according to your truth, and especially that they would resolve to protect the lives of the unborn and defenseless.
Minister: We pray for the world, especially that you would bring peace and justice and deliverance to nations and peoples oppressed by war, by disaster, by tyranny, and by evil. We pray for our brothers and sisters in these places as they offer the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ amid great danger and opposition.
People: We pray for our brothers and sisters who live in these nations where worshiping you and proclaiming your gospel brings great persecution. Please grant them grace and peace, protection and boldness as they serve you.
Unison: And Father, we pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Words of Assurance
Minister: He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. (Psalm 72:12-14)
People: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! (Psalm 72:18-19)
Hymn of Thanksgiving: “Jesus Shall Reign” (No. 441)
1 Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does his successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
2 To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name, like sweet perfume, shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
3 People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song;
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
4 Blessings abound where'er he reigns;
the pris'ner leaps to lose his chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all the sons of want are blest.
5 Let every creature rise and bring
peculiar honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen!
Worship of God through Tithes and Offerings
*Doxology Tune: Old Hundredth
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
*Reading of the Holy Scriptures: Acts 17:22-34
Minister: This is the Word of God.
Unison: Thanks be to God for his Word!
*The Prayer for Illumination
Sermon: “Taking the Gospel of God to Our Public Spaces” (Rev. Jorum Mugari)
*Hymn of Response: “My Heart Is Filled” (SH No. 17)
1 My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who bore my pain;
Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace
And gave me life again.
Who crushed my curse of sinfulness,
And clothed me with His light,
And wrote His law of righteousness
With power upon my heart.
2 My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who walks beside;
Who floods my weaknesses with strength
And causes fears to fly;
Whose every promise is enough
For every step I take,
Sustaining me with arms of love
And crowning me with grace.
3 My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above;
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace,
Whose every thought is love.
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King.
So I will give my life, my all,
To love and follow Him.
CCLI 3036374
*The Benediction
Postlude
*Denotes congregation standing, if able.
If you would like someone to pray with you, an Elder will be available at the front of the sanctuary following the service.
Morning Worship Service on The Lord's Day, March 16, 2025
Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. (Psalm 25:6)
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
The Voluntary for Silent Prayer
*Call to Worship: Psalm 145:1-10
Minister: I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
People: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
Minister: One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
People: They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Minister: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
Unison: All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!
*Hymn of Adoration: “God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory” (No. 122)
1 God, all nature sings thy glory,
and thy works proclaim thy might;
ordered vastness in the heavens,
ordered course of day and night;
beauty in the changing seasons,
beauty in the storming sea;
all the changing moods of nature
praise the changeless Trinity,
2 Clearer still we see thy hand
in man whom thou hast made for thee;
ruler of creation's glory,
image of thy majesty.
Music, art, the fruitful garden,
all the labor of his days,
are the calling of his Maker
to the harvest feast of praise.
3 But our sins have spoiled thine image,
nature, conscience only serve
as unceasing, grim reminders
of the wrath which we deserve.
Yet thy grace and saving mercy
in thy Word of truth revealed
claim the praise of all who know thee,
in the blood of Jesus sealed.
4 God of glory, power, mercy,
all creation praises thee;
we, thy creatures, would adore thee
now and through eternity.
Saved to magnify thy goodness,
grant us strength to do thy will;
with our acts as with our voices
thy commandments to fulfill.
CCLI 3036374
*Prayer of Adoration and Congregational Invocation
Unison: God of Mercy: We praise you! For we were dead in our trespasses and sins. We were following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, and we were by our nature children of wrath. But you, God, are rich in mercy! Because of your great love for us, even while we were dead in our trespasses, you made us alive together with Christ. By grace we have been saved! And you raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places, so that in the coming ages you might show the immeasurable riches of your grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For this, Father, we thank you and we praise you. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
From Ephesians 2:1-7
*Confession of Faith: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 60
Minister: How are you righteous before God?
People: Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them, and am still inclined to all evil, yet God, without any merit of my own, out of mere grace, imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ. He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me, if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.
Unison: Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
*Gloria Patri (Tune: “Regent Square”)
Glory be to God the Father, glory be to God the Son,
Glory to the Holy Spirit, ever Three and ever One,
One in might, and One in glory, while unending ages run.
Psalter Reading: Psalm 86
Minister: Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
People: Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
Minister: You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.
People: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.
Minister: Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
People: You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Minister: Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.
People: In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
Minister: Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
People: All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Minister: For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
People: you alone are God.
Minister: Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
People: give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Minister: I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
People: For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Minister: The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life—men without regard for you.
People: But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Minister: Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant.
People: Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Hymn of Preparation: “Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord” (No. 465)
1 Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
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.
2 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]
3 Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]
Congregational Prayers
Unison: Glorious Jehovah, My Covenant God: All your promises in Christ Jesus are yes and amen, and all shall be fulfilled. You have spoken them, and they shall be done, commanded, and they shall come to pass. Help me to leave my concerns in your hands, for you have power over evil, and bring from it an infinite progression of good, until your purposes are fulfilled. Bless me with Abraham’s faith that staggers not at promises through unbelief. Give me the confidence I ought to have in you, for you are worthy to be praised, and are blessed for evermore. Amen.
Adapted from “Divine Promises” in The Valley of Vision
Minister: Father, we pray for your people throughout the world; for our denomination; for this church; and for all ministers and missionaries. We pray especially for the Mahands in England, the Mays in Peru, the Lees with RUF, and the Mugaris in Zimbabwe.
People: We pray for the leaders of our nation and all who hold authority, that they would govern according to your truth, and especially that they would resolve to protect the lives of the unborn and defenseless.
Minister: We pray for the world, especially that you would bring peace and justice and deliverance to nations and peoples oppressed by war, by disaster, by tyranny, and by evil. We pray for our brothers and sisters in these places as they offer the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ amid great danger and opposition.
People: We pray for our brothers and sisters who live in these nations where worshiping you and proclaiming your gospel brings great persecution. Please grant them grace and peace, protection and boldness as they serve you.
Unison: And Father, we pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Words of Assurance
Minister: He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. (Psalm 72:12-14)
People: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! (Psalm 72:18-19)
Hymn of Thanksgiving: “Jesus Shall Reign” (No. 441)
1 Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does his successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
2 To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name, like sweet perfume, shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
3 People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song;
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
4 Blessings abound where'er he reigns;
the pris'ner leaps to lose his chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all the sons of want are blest.
5 Let every creature rise and bring
peculiar honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen!
Worship of God through Tithes and Offerings
*Doxology Tune: Old Hundredth
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
*Reading of the Holy Scriptures: Acts 17:22-34
Minister: This is the Word of God.
Unison: Thanks be to God for his Word!
*The Prayer for Illumination
Sermon: “Taking the Gospel of God to Our Public Spaces” (Rev. Jorum Mugari)
*Hymn of Response: “My Heart Is Filled” (SH No. 17)
1 My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who bore my pain;
Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace
And gave me life again.
Who crushed my curse of sinfulness,
And clothed me with His light,
And wrote His law of righteousness
With power upon my heart.
2 My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who walks beside;
Who floods my weaknesses with strength
And causes fears to fly;
Whose every promise is enough
For every step I take,
Sustaining me with arms of love
And crowning me with grace.
3 My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above;
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace,
Whose every thought is love.
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King.
So I will give my life, my all,
To love and follow Him.
CCLI 3036374
*The Benediction
Postlude
*Denotes congregation standing, if able.
If you would like someone to pray with you, an Elder will be available at the front of the sanctuary following the service.
March 12, 2025
