Trinity Presbyterian Church Online Worship Service
for March 7, 2021 – Third Sunday of Lent
Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to Trinity Presbyterian Church’s online worship service!
If you prefer, you can view this service on our Worship Service Player. In the player, the service plays from start to finish without interruption. To try that version of the worship service, click HERE.
Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
2024/10/07-02:56:17-UTC 49th ols; 34woc; 16waro
Trinity has returned to Indoor Worship at 10AM on Sundays. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested but not required. To help set your expectations, please read our Guide to Indoor Worship.
Trinity will soon provide a LIVE STREAMING worship service instead of this online worship page. One significant difference will be our email announcement will be sent at 9:30 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. The email will contain a link for you to “click” that will take you to the broadcast of the live service. Both the Live Service and the Live Stream will begin at 10:00 a.m. If you visit the link before 10 a.m., a countdown timer will assure you that you are in the right place! If you are not available during the 10 o’clock hour, you can visit the same link anytime after the service ends to watch a recording of the service.
Trinity’s Bible Study is available online. Visit our website or Facebook page to view a video from Rev. Beebe whenever it is convenient for you. You can also ‘catch-up’ anytime at the Bible Study archive. To be included in our weekly email, simply subscribe to the website or join our Facebook group. Links to subscribe and join are at the bottom of our webpage.
Portions of the liturgy we use in the service are provided by Sanctified Art. Where used, they are identified with a superscript 2 and the copyright acknowledgment is at the bottom of this worship page.
Briefly, a word concerning the technical presentation of this service. If you are having difficulty reading the words, look for your web browser’s “Zoom” settings. The keystrokes are typically ‘Ctrl-Shift-+’ to increase the zoom or ‘Ctrl-Shift-(minus)’ to decrease the zoom. Other devices may have a different mechanism (‘finger pinch’), but most support zoom.
Although you could not be with us in-person today, we hope you will have a meaningful Sunday worship experience!
This week’s bulletin is available at any time by clicking this link (or the thumbnail image). The bulletin will open in a separate tab or window.
The order of service on this page closely follows the bulletin, but there are additional items in the bulletin that may be of interest to you and that are not included on this page.
Today’s service contains:
Prelude “How Great Thou Art”
Call to Worship
Hymn #213 “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Forgiveness
Anthem “Blessed Assurance”
Faith Formation Moment
Affirmation of Faith
Responsive Reading
Prayer of Illumination
New Testament Reading
Hymn #729 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
Gospel Lesson
Meditation “A Perfect Flip”
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Charge and Benediction
Congregational Response (Hymn #306)
Offering
Postlude “Lift High the Cross”
Prelude “How Great Thou Art”
Heasuk Che, organist.
arr. Che
Call to Worship
Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
Provided by A Sanctified Art2
One: Again and again, All: We come to this space.
One: Again and again, All: We gather as a community.
One: Again and again, All: We move closer to God.
One: And again and again, All: God is here.
One: We are met. All: We are heard.
One: We are shown the way. All: So again and again, let us worship holy God.
Hymn #213 “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”
Barbara Davis, Kathy Link, Julie Pearson, Judith Spurrell, and Lillian Warner. Accompanied by Jillian Koenig (flutist) and Heasuk Che (pianist).
Verses 1, 3, and 5.
1 In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.
3 When the sun of bliss is beaming light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming adds more luster to the day.
5 In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
Provided by A Sanctified Art2
One: God of Justice, we are guilty of building tables. All: We have built tables that oppression dines on, Sexism thrives on, and racism lives on.
One: God of Justice, we are guilty of forgetting where we are, All: Of turning faith into a negotiation tool and the church into a place for insiders.
One: God of Justice, we are guilty of ignoring the point; All: For you taught that the temple was for worship and your message was for all.
One: God of our hearts, All: Be in our decision making.
One: Draw near to our choices. All: Forgive our mistakes.
One: And as you do, All: Flip every table, habit, belief, or point of view that needs adjusting.
One: With hope we pray for a better day. Amen.
Declaration of Forgiveness
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Anthem “Blessed Assurance”
Jillian Koenig, flute, accompanied by Heasuk Che, piano.
Faith Formation Moment
Brooke Tucker, Director of Faith Formation.
Affirmation of Faith
Please join us in an affirmation of faith2 …
We believe in a God who knows holy rage— A God who stands with the underdog, Who passionately protects the suffering, And who overturns systems of corruption. We believe in a God who leads by example— Feeding the hungry, welcoming the children, Offering water to the Samaritan, eating with the tax collector, healing the sick, preaching from the mountaintop, and offering second chances. We believe in a God who knew that we would lose our way, and still said, “This is my body broken for you.” We believe in a God who knew our capacity for mistakes, And still said, “I’m going to prepare a place for you.” And because of this love, we believe that God shows us the way, Again and again and again. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Responsive Reading
Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Prayer of Illumination
Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
Provided by A Sanctified Art2
Creator God,
We don’t just want to listen. We want to hear you. We want to read scripture aloud and know that you are as close as you have always been. We want to read scripture aloud and feel your word resonating inside our bones. We want to read scripture aloud and have your words stuck in our heads like a melody, falling off our lips like a love song.
Creator God,
We don’t just want to listen, We want to hear you. So turn our hearts toward you, just as you turned strangers into disciples. Turn our ears toward you, just as you turned tables in the temple. We are listening. Amen.
New Testament Reading
Mimi Baruch, lay reader.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – Christ the Power and Wisdom of God. Listen for God speaking to you today.
18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Hymn #729 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
Barbara Davis, Kathy Link, Julie Pearson, Judith Spurrell, and Lillian Warner. Accompanied by Jillian Koenig (flutist) and Heasuk Che (pianist).
1 Lord, I want to be a Christian
in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.
In my heart, (In my heart,) in my heart (in my heart,)
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.
2 Lord, I want to be more loving
in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart.
In my heart, (In my heart,) in my heart (in my heart,)
Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart.
3 Lord, I want to be more holy
in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart.
In my heart, (In my heart,) in my heart (in my heart,)
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart.
4 Lord, I want to be like Jesus
in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.
In my heart, (In my heart,) in my heart (in my heart,)
Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.
Gospel Lesson
Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
New Revised Standard Version
John 2:13-22 – Jesus Cleanses the Temple. Listen for God speaking to you today.
13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Meditation “A Perfect Flip”
Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
Invitation to the Lord’s Supper
We invite you now to spiritually unite with all the members and friends of Trinity Presbyterian Church and with all the saints of the church in heaven and on earth, and partake of the Lord’s Supper. According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
Communion Prayer
Holy God, we praise you. Let the heavens be joyful, and the earth be glad. We bless you for creating the whole world, for your promises to your people Israel, and for Jesus Christ in whom your fullness dwells. Born of Mary, he shares our life. Eating with sinners, he welcomes us. Guiding his children, he leads us. Visiting the sick, he heals us. Dying on the cross, he saves us. Risen from the dead, he gives new life. Living with you, he prays for us. With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup and proclaim the death and resurrection of our Lord. Receive our sacrifice of praise. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us that this meal may be a communion in the body and blood of our Lord. Make us one with Christ and with all who share this feast. Unite us in faith, encourage us with hope, inspire us to love, that we may serve as your faithful disciples until we feast at your table in glory. We praise you, eternal God, through Christ your Word made flesh, in the holy and life-giving Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Sharing the Bread
This is the body of Christ, the bread of life—given for you. Amen.
Sharing the Cup
This is the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation—shed for you. Amen.
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray: We thank you, O God, that through Word and Sacrament you have given us your Son, who is the true bread from heaven and food of eternal life. We lift up to you, this day, the joys and concerns of our hearts. Strengthen us in your service that our daily living may show our thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Charge and Benediction
Rev Dr Jeffrey Beebe
Again & Again, A Lenten Refrain2
As you leave this space, may your mouth speak of God’s goodness. May your arms hold those in need. May your feet walk toward justice. May your heart trust its worth. May your soul dance in God’s grace. And may this be your rhythm—again and again and again, Until God’s promised day. In the name of the Lover, the Beloved, and Love itself, go with courage, go with heart, go in peace. Amen.
Congregational Response
Heasuk Che, organist.
Hymn #306
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Offering
Please continue to give your offering.
God calls us to give all of who we are, and all of what we have to be used in and thru the Church. So let us present our lives. Let us present our gifts unto God. Offerings can be received in the church by mail or you may use online banking options.
You can click the image to the right or this link to give online now. At the online Giving site, select “2021 Pledge” as the Fund to fulfill your 2021 pledge or use another fund if you’re directing your gift elsewhere. Note, the church must pay a small processing fee to receive your contribution via online giving. Increasing your gift would help cover the cost of processing and would be greatly appreciated.
If you’d like to see alternatives to online giving, please take a look at our Contribute page.
Postlude “Lift High the Cross”
Heasuk Che, organist.
arr. Che
The Service has Ended
May the Peace of Christ be with you!
Thank you for joining us online! We hope you will join us again as long as we need to be apart. We pray for the day when we can all meet again and worship God in the sanctuary and Trinity Presbyterian Church.
1 ALL COPYRIGHTS ACKNOWLEDGED
2 Prayer by Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org Cover Art: Graphic Design by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | Original photography by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity