March 20, 2022 – Calamity (Lent III)
THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD
The Brick Church / The Brick-less Church
Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
March 20, 2022 – Lent III
PRELUDE
Pastorale G. Sammertini
Dr. Thomas Pousont – organ
CALL TO WORSHIP
from the Lorica of Saint Patrick
I arise today
through the strength of heaven;
light of the sun,
splendor of fire,
speed of lightning,
swiftness of the wind,
depth of the sea,
stability of the earth,
firmness of the rock.
I arise today
through the mighty strength
of the Lord of Creation.
HYMN
How Firm A Foundation
Karen, vocalist
READING
Psalm 46
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
WORD OF ASSURANCE
The God who created you is both just and merciful, abounding in steadfast love.
Hear then the good news: we are forgiven, and beloved.
RESPONSE
Loving Spirit
Loving Spirit, loving Spirit, you have chosen me to be,
you have drawn me to your wonder, you have set your sign on me.
READING
The Gospel According to Luke 13: 1-5
read by Ben
SERMON
Calamity
Rev. Liza B. Knapp
THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord’s Prayer
Liz, vocalist
OFFERING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS
We are uniting to help our neighbor, Father Andriy Krip and his parishioners at Ukrainian churches in South Deerfield and Ludlow, MA in their efforts to help the people of Ukraine. Monetary contributions may be by clicking HERE and choosing “Ukrainian Support” from the drop down menu.
OFFERTORY MUSIC
We Are Pilgrims
Andrea & Dorothy, vocalists
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise God all creatures here below
God’s praise ye hosts on high proclaim, Who doth create, redeem, sustain.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
We offer our gifts to you, loving God; teach us how to use them
to care for your people, to promote peace and justice,
and to make your graceful presence known
in the places where it is needed most. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The people of the church request prayers for:
Liza’s sister Jennifer, for her recovery from Covid
Those celebrating birthdays this week:
Denham, Henry, Betsy, David B., Carol V., Carl, and Dorothy
Those under attack and forced to leave their homes — may they find refuge
The people of Mariupol who defended it by night,
and, according to news reports, went to church today.
These are the prayers of the people; let the people say, AMEN.
HYMN
Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days
Marc, Nancy, & Thomas, vocalists
from the Lorica of Saint Patrick
May you arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot you;
God’s might to uphold you,
God’s wisdom to guide you,
God’s eye to look before you,
God’s ear to hear you,
God’s word to speak for you,
God’s hand to guard you,
God’s way to lie before you,
God’s shield to protect you,
God’s hosts to save you,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
May you arise today
through the mighty strength
of the Lord of Creation.
Amen.
POSTLUDE
Tiento de Falsas Pablo Bruno