sunday, February 20, 2022

Fruitland United Methodist Church
February 20, 2022
Communion Sunday

Prelude

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude
*Call to Worship
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Calling Song “He Has Made Me Glad” TFWS #2270
I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart,
I will enter his courts with praise.
I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice, for he has made me glad.
He has made me glad, he has made me glad.
I will rejoice, for he has made me glad.
He has made me glad, he has made me glad.
I will rejoice, for he has made me glad

Responsive Reading from Psalm 37
Leader: Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious  of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
People: Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the  desires of your heart.
All: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.

Unison Invocation
Heavenly Father, we come in the name of Jesus, asking that as we gather this morning, your presence will touch us in some way. Use the songs, the scriptures, the sunlight, or anything you can find to lead us deeper into your kingdom. Amen.

Hymn “We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding” TFWS #2103
We have come at Christ's own bidding
to this high and holy place,
where we wait with hope and longing
for some token of God's grace.
Here we pray for new assurance
that our faith is not in vain,
searching like those first disciples
for a sign both clear and plain.

Light breaks through our clouds and shadows,
splendor bathes the flesh joined Word,
Moses and Elijah marvel
as the heavenly voice is heard.
Eyes and hearts behold with wonder
how the Law and Prophets meet:
Christ with garments drenched in brightness,
stands transfigured and complete.

Strengthened by this glimpse of glory,
fearful lest our faith decline,
we, like Peter, find it tempting
to remain and build a shrine.
But true worship gives us courage
to proclaim what we profess,
that our daily lives may prove us
people of god we bless.

Old Testament Reading - Numbers 21:4-9
Gospel Reading - Matthew 9:9-13

Message “Invitations” John 3:1-21 - The Chosen – Season 1,  Episode 7
This Sunday's sixteen minute clip (The Chosen – Episode 7) dramatically portrays two invitations. The first happens in a private meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus. The second is the very public calling of Matthew.
​
Get your Bible and read about these two events. You will find the private meeting with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21. It will require about 3 minutes of your time to read it. Then you can read how Matthew describes Jesus calling him in Matthew 9:9-13. That takes about 45 seconds to read out loud.

Ponder these questions:

• What do Nicodemus and Matthew have in common?
• What don't Nicodemus and Matthew have in common?
• What reasons might there have been for the meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus to be held at night?
• What conclusions did you reach when you read the “guest list” for the dinner Matthew hosted to honor Jesus?
• What were the possible sacrifices each of these men would have to make in order to follow Jesus?

My prayer is that this exercise will bless and challenge you as you prepare for this Lord's Day.

Be not afraid,
Pastor Jim

 The Communion Service
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy universal church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

Communion Hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” UMH #298 (Vs 1& 2)
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

Our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Prayer of Confession and Pardon
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart 
Our faith has been tested and we have stumbled.
Forgive us, we pray.
Our feet have strayed from the path of Christ and we have wandered from you.
Forgive us, we pray.
We have put our faith in the loud voices of this world, ignoring your whispers.
Forgive us, we pray.
We do want to follow Jesus, the Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.

Hear the good news;
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love for us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!

Bread and Cup

Please pray:
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Strengthen us in mind, body and soul for the days ahead.
May your Spirit fill us as we live and pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” UMH #298 (Verse 4)
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Unison Benediction*
May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
                                                              *from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Postlude
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ ​

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