mARCH 23RD, 2025

Payette United Methodist Church
March 23, 2025 – 11:00 AM
Welcome
 
Passing the Peace “Family of God”
 
Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians”           TFWS#2223 vs 1-4                     
 
 
          Call to Worship - Sharon Wada
 
One: Jesus began his ministry to the world, led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable places.
One: In those forty days, and in that place, Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt, and temptation.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit, even into uncomfortable choices.
One: Jesus left the wilderness, faithful and obedient to God, rejoicing in the One in whom he trusted.
Many: So let us be led by the Spirit on the path to faithfulness and obedience. Amen.
 
Opening Prayer (in unison) - Sharon Wada
 
God of forgiveness, during this Lenten season, enlighten us to walk in truth and love; may we use
the freedom your grace has given us to liberate those with burdens too heavy to bear; help us to love
others as you love them; and comfort us as we journey with you to the Cross. Amen.                                   
Hymn: Gloria Patri                                                            UMH#70                                                
Scripture Reading:                                              Luke 13:1-9 (CEB)
Lenten Candle Liturgy                                                     Sharon Wada                                            
Hymn: “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes”    TFWS#2138 vs 1-3                                 
Prayers of the People                                                        Danny Crego
Offering Prayer                                                                Danny Crego
Doxology                                                                                  UMH#95 
Hymn: “Change My Heart, O God”                                TFWS#2152 X1
                       
Sermon: Psalm 63:1-8 (CEB)                                     Pastor Mary Beth
 
Communion Service
 
Hymn: “In The Singing”                                              TFWS#2255 all vs.
 
Announcements   
Sending Forth/Benediction – Pastor Mary Beth
One: Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to: walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God, walk in peace, under the shelter of the Most High, walk in faith, knowing Christ walks with you.
Many: Lent reminds us that life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those we meet; so, God, transform our hearts, so we may leave this place ready to love with unhesitating kindness. Amen.

Upcoming Events
We will begin collecting food for the food bank operated by the Nazarene Church. If you are able, please bring non perishable food items on the first Sunday of every month.
 
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 12th. Please donate individually wrapped candy as soon as possible for the stuffing of eggs. Make sure the candy will fit inside the eggs. (We have plenty of eggs.) We will also need prizes for the hunt. If you can please donate prizes or money and we will buy the prizes.

In the church calendar, we have entered the season of Lent. The point of Lent is to remember the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness while he was fasting (and he was tempted). This season also recalls the events that led up to Jesus' crucifixion. Lent lasts around 40 days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday. The color for this season is purple, which symbolizes royalty. 

 Prayer List
Continue to pray for: Irene Jeffries, Lis Williamson, Grace Hammon and Jo, Ed and Sharon Parsons, Gary Olson, Shane Wright, the family of Sarah Olson, Jeanette Hall, Todd Lambert, Danny Crego, Megan Palmer