Sunday Service … March 9, 2025 @ 10am

1st Sunday in Lent… Sunday, March 9, 2025  at 10am 
Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.

R E A D I N G S
Psalm 91,   1 Peter 2, Deuteronomy 26:1-13,  Luke 4:1-13 

S E R M O N
“Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness”  by The Reverend Dr. Max Lynn 

M U S I C 
PRELUDE … “Vor deinen Thron tret ich hiermit” J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
INTROIT … “Lass dich nur nichts nicht dauren” (Let nothing disturb thee) Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
HYMN … “Within Your Shelter, Loving God”
ANTHEM … “Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz”  (Create in me a pure heart, O God) Johannes Brahms 
HYMN … “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”  
OFFERTORY … “Miserere’” William Byrd (1540-1623)
HYMN … “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley ”
POSTLUDE …  “Passacaglia”  Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)

FOR THE WEBPAGE:
Join us for Coffee Hour immediately after the service.

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A N O U N C E M EN T S

Saturday, March 8 …      International Women’s Day
Sunday, March 9 …        1^st Sunday in Lent
                                                Sunday Forum: “The Eyes of the Heart”
Wednesday, March 12 …   5-week series of Lenten Meditation:
                                                March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
Saturday, March 15 …    Annual Snow Trip: depart at 7:30am, One day trip.
Sunday, March 16 …     2^nd Sunday in Lent
                                                Transfiguration of the Lord
Sunday, March 23 …       3^rd Sunday in Lent
                                                Sunday Forum: “The Eyes of the Heart”
Sunday, March 30 …       4^th Sunday in Lent
                                                Sunday Forum: “East Bay Sanctuary Covenant”
Sunday, April 6 …           5^th Sunday in Lent 
                                                Sunday Forum: “The Eyes of the Heart”
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

Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent

Ash Wednesday (March 5) is a solemn, contemplative day as we reflect on our human finitude and fallibility, and trust in the power and grace of God to fortify, nourish and sustain us. Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of Lent, reflective of Jesus’ forty 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. Jean Bertrand Aristide notes the options of resignation and violence and speaks of a third path.

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 9: Meet in the front yard
March 16: Meet in the Sanctuary
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 9 … Eyes of the Heart, Chapters 1, 2, 3
March 23 … Eyes of the Heart, Chapters 4, 5, 6
April 6 … Eyes of the Heart, Chapters 7, 8, 9

Lenten Meditation starts March 12 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 12, 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.