ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
MAYTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
THE REV. ROBERT M. LESCALLETTE, PASTOR
GLENN & CAROL BACHERT, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY
KEITH SMITH, ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER
JANIE MOHR, JR. CHOIRMASTER
JONAN SHIRK, PARISH SECRETARY
BECKY FLECKENSTEIN, PARISH SEXTON
LENT 3 MARCH 19, 2006
(Due to Keith’s hospitalization and heart issues, we have asked our Praise Band to play at both the morning and evening service this week. Next week, we return to an organ-led morning service. Thanks for your support, understanding, and enthusiasm as we worship God with a “New Song”!)
THE GATHERING SONG - “AS THE DEER”
THE INVOCATION (All rise)
THE CONFESSION OF SINS/ABSOLUTION
PASTOR: Brothers and sisters in Christ, God calls us into His holy presence this day. We who are so often un-holy are asked to approach Him whose righteousness is perfect. Let us then, in deep and genuine humility, un-burden ourselves of that which separates us from God, and ask the Lord, in the Saviors’ name, to hear us and cleanse us from our sin.
ALL: Almighty God,
We are a sinful people. We always want to control things – like the Jews in Jesus’ time who tried to control their lives by placing the temple at the center of their adoration. Jesus threatened their temple and all their customs, because He called upon them to worship only You, the One who really has control over our lives.
How many times have we tried to take control from You, by worshipping a church building, or a certain Pastor, or a certain hymnal, a particular custom or some other transient object?
And every time we do this, we set up that thing we worship for destruction, because you will tolerate no other Gods before you.
Forgive our sinfulness, God of our beginning and our end. Help us once again to bow down before you, and to submit our lives and futures to Your gentle control.
Take charge of our days. Lead us on the paths you choose, because neither the stones of temples nor the wood of churches can add even one more breath to the extent of our lives.
Only You, God, can save us, and only Christ can open the door to eternity for us.
PASTOR: Take heart, brothers and sisters, for Jesus cleansed the temple, and Jesus cleansed your souls. As a sign of His truth and power, Jesus offers us the temple of His body, that was destroyed and raised again in three days.
Rejoice and be glad, because God has given Jesus control over our destinies.
(Source: Emphasis, Vol. 35, No. 6, 2006)
THE SONG OF RESPONSE – “LORD I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH”
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY (see insert)
(All sit following the prayer.)
THE SCRIPTURE SONG – “WHAT A MIGHTY WORD GOD GIVES”
THE FIRST LESSON – EXODUS 20:1-17
THE JUNIOR CHOIR ANTHEMS
“SEEK YE FIRST” arr. Karen Lafferty
Soloist – Matthew Lehman
“WITH MY VOICE” arr. Joya Griffitts
Duet by Ben & Lauren Ross
THE SECOND LESSON – I CORINTHIANS 1:18-25
THE HALLELUJAH (sung standing) (sing twice)
THE HOLY GOSPEL – JOHN 2:13-22
THE SONG OF THE DAY – “CANTICLE OF THE TURNING”
THE SERMON
THE SONG OF RESPONSE – “AWESOME GOD” (sung standing)
THE NICENE CREED (All sit, following the Creed.)
THE OFFERTORY MUSIC
THE OFFERING
THE OFFERTORY SONG “WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BENEDICTION
THE DISMISSAL
THE SENDING SONG “TRAVELERS ON THE JOURNEY”
THE BULLETINS…
…To the Glory of God and in celebration of Jeff’s birthday, today, with love Kim Baker.
SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE TODAY
Lector – Dan Nichols
Evening Lector – Kelsey Hafer
Acolyte – Ryan Boccagno
Crucifer – David Hoffmann
Greeter – Ginny Zimmerman
Head Usher – Mark Harnish
Altar Care – Pat Kirchner
ATTENTION ALL ACTORS
If you signed up to be in the Palm Sunday play, please stay after church for a brief meeting to set up a rehearsal schedule. Meet with Pastor in the parlor.
IN KEITH’S ABSENCE…
…our neighbor, Bob Brinzer, will lead our Senior Choir and play at services from March 26 through May 2.
Marilyn Rehkugler will accompany the Junior Choir today.
Thanks to all for seeing us through this tough time!
PASTOR…
…must fly to Florida with his sister to help his dad, who is struggling with cancer therapy. He will take an emergency “vacation” from tomorrow through next Friday. The services on the 26th will be led by him (or Pastor Peirson, if the visit needs to be extended.)
WE THANK…
…our Praise Band for their willingness to help fill the void created by our organist/choirmaster Keith’s health issues. It’s great to have such willingness and talented members of our flock.
…the adult chaperones/leaders who gave so much of their tie and selves toward last weekend’s fun retreat at Camp Kirchenwald. Thanks to Glenn and Carol, Betty, Jo, Pauline and Charlie, Becky and Gene and Marilyn. Thanks also to the 7 kids who attended and all the food donors!
…to artiste exceptional, Diane, for the great new soap thermometer that shows us how we are doing on the soap drive.
…to Pastor Peirson, for preaching at both services last Sunday. What a blessing to his enchanted friend!
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE…
…for ordering Easter flowers. So far only 29 orders have been received. We depend upon this to decorate the sanctuary. Please give your order to Jo or Pastor.
BIBLE STUDY…
…on the Gospel of John begins on Wednesday (the 24th) at 10:00 am at Longwood Manor. Join us for a fine hour with God’s word and a great group of people. Pastor teaches.
THIS WEEK’S LENTEN SUPPER…
…will be hosted by the Children’s Youth Group led by Charlie and Vicki. They will serve chicken corn soup, and hot dogs. Please come! Our church’s future could depend upon it. Pat Vogel will lead the program event.
ABOUT KEITH
As this bulletin was being prepared, we know this:
Keith was admitted to Hershey Medical Center on Friday night, March 10.
On Monday, the 13th, he had a heart catharization and another diagnostic procedure.
Tests show he has a “leaky” heart valve and an aortic aneurysm that is rather large, and a blocked coronary artery.
On Thursday morning he had an operation lasting 5 hours. All problems were dealt with. As this bulletin was printed, he was in intensive care.
SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE ON 03/26/06
Morning Lector – Bob Frank
Evening Lector – Dick Shirk
Crucifer – Ryan Nell
Acolyte – Amber Smith
Head Usher – Mark Harnish
Altar Care – Pat Kirchner
Bulletins – John & Rose Leas
LAST WEEKS ATTENDANCES:
Sunday School – 16 (No Catechetical Class)
Sunday Morning Worship – 60
Sunday Evening Worship – 30
Lenten Supper - 48
THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S:
Today Noon ACFLB
4:35 pm SYG
6:00 pm Contemporary Communion
7:00 pm Food n’ Fellowship – host = Judy
Monday 6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal
7:00 pm Social Ministry Committee
Wednesday NO BIBLE STUDY
6:00 pm Lenten Supper #3
Hosts – CIA
Menu – Chicken corn soup/hot dogs
6:45 pm Children’s Choir Rehearsal
7:30 pm Senior Choir Practice
Thursday 7:30 pm Worship and Music Committee
Next Sunday 9:00am Sunday School/Catechetics
10:30 am Traditional Service with fruit juice collection
Noon ACFLB (Paul driving)
6:00 pm Contemporary Service
7:00 pm Food n’ Fellowship
host – Barb Stephens