3rd Sunday in Lent… Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 10am
Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.
R E A D I N G S
Psalm 63:1-8, Isaiah 55:1-9 , Luke 13:1-9
S E R M O N
“The Center and the Idea” by The Reverend Dr. Max Lynn
M U S I C
PRELUDE … “Choral Prelude on ‘St. Bride’” Alec Rowley (1892-1958)
INTROIT … “Nada te turbe” (Let nothing disturb thee – Taizé)
HYMN … “O God, You Are My God”
ANTHEM … “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God” Eric Choate (b. 1990). World Premiere – Commissioned by St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Berkeley
HYMN … “Live Into Hope”
OFFERTORY … “Aria” Emma Lou Diemer (1927-2024)
HYMN … “Come to the Feast”
POSTLUDE … “Postlude pour l’Office de Complies” Jehan Alain (1911-1940)
Join us for Coffee Hour immediately after the service.
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A N N O U N C E M E N T S
Sunday, March 23 … 3rd Sunday in Lent
Sunday Forum: “The Eyes of the Heart”
Wednesday, March 26 … 5-week series of Lenten Meditation: March 26, April 2, 9, 6pm
Sunday, March 30 … 4th Sunday in Lent
Sunday Forum: “East Bay Sanctuary Covenant”
Sunday, April 6 … 5th Sunday in Lent
Sunday Forum: “The Eyes of the Heart”
Wednesday, April 9 … Lenten Meditation, 6pm
Sunday, April 13 … Palm/Passion Sunday
Thursday, April 17 … Maundy Thursday, 6:30pm
Friday, April 18 … Good Friday
Sunday, April 20 … Resurrection of the Lord/ Easter Day
Tuesday, April 22 … Earth Day
Sunday, May 18 … 50th Anniv. Celebration of the Sanctuary & north wing
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THE SEASON OF LENT
During the 40 days of Lent, we reflect on our human finitude and fallibility, and trust in the power and grace of God to fortify, nourish and sustain us. It is reflective of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Christians often choose to fast, to give up something, food or some habit, as a form of sacrifice, but also to show that with God’s power and presence, we have the will and freedom to clear unnecessary or detrimental aspects of our lives and stay centered on God. Our theme for Lent 2025 is Walking the Path with God.
BEFORE WORSHIP MEDITATION WALK DURING LENT
For five weeks, March 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6 we will be doing a meditation prayer walk at 9:45am. Our theme for Lent this year is Walking the Path with God.
March 23: Meet in the Hunter Hall
March 30: Meet in the upstairs hallway
April 6: Meet on the patio
LENTEN READING AND SUNDAY FORUMS
Pick up a copy of our book for Lenten reading: Eyes of the Heart by Jean Bertrand Aristide. It will be on the table in the Narthex. Aristide is a priest and two-time President of Haiti. He has written a short, easy to read reflection with poignant personal stories of Haitians, reflections on international involvement in Haiti, and reflections on faith. Take a break after worship for 5-10 minutes, then come back for a conversation:
March 23 … Eyes of the Heart, Chapters 4, 5, 6
April 6 … Eyes of the Heart, Chapters 7, 8, 9
LENTEN MEDITATION IN THE SANCTUARY
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. – Psalm 42:1
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. – Joel 2:12-13
Are you worried and anxious about your life, the nation, and the world? Are there acts and thoughts that get in your way between you God? Come to Wednesday night meditation, let it go, make space in your heart and mind, and listen to God. Join us for 5 weeks of Lenten Meditation on March 19, 26, April 2 ,9, from 6 to 6:45pm. You may want to bring a small pillow to help you get straight and comfortable.