2.14.24 Ash Wednesday
Find out more about Ash Wednesday here:
Ashes To Go
“Ashes To Go.” A group of Clergy from Various Churches in Castle Rock will be set up at the southwest corner of Wilcox and Fourth Street from 8:00-10:00 AM, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, and 4:00-5:30 PM.
6:30 p.m. Worship Time in the Sanctuary
Order of Worship
Welcome Rev. Matt Franks
Opening Hymn: Where Are You, God? We Long to Know
Where are you, God? We long to know.
At times, our sorrows overflow.
Then others ask the question, too.
"Where is your God?" — they say of you.
We've seen the wages of our sin;
we've dreamed of things that might have been.
We've given in to hate and fear;
we've pushed away those you hold dear.
May we put feasts and games aside;
may we tear down the walls of pride.
We're sorry, Lord! We've turned from you!
So now we ask "What can we do?"
Still, you are gracious, loving, kind.
We'll turn around! Now is the time!
These Lenten days, O God, may we
become your blest community.
Use the Tune from UMH 408 Traditional English melody ("Though I May Speak")
Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Call to Worship Gail Hammond
Using THE FAITH WE SING, p. 2273 “Jesus, We Are Here”, have a soloist sing each verse as directed
L: Amid darkness, we have come.
All: Heal us, Lord Jesus.
Soloist: singing verse 1 “Jesus, we are here”
L: Save us from the darkness of our souls.
All: Save us, Lord Jesus.
Soloist: singing verse 2 “Savior, we are here”
L: Let us follow you and obey your commands
All: Direct and guide us, Lord Jesus.
Soloist: singing verse 3 “Master, we are here”
L: Brighten our lives and lift our spirits.
All: Bring us to your glorious presence, Lord Jesus.
Soloist: singing verse 4 “Spirit, we are here”
All: AMEN.
Scripture Reading: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Ashley Franks
Chancel Choir
Prayer of Confession Rev. Sarah Steidtmann
A worship leader reads the prayers that guide congregants into confession. After a time for their silent prayers, the congregants join in singing the first verse and refrain of “I Need Thee Every Hour.”
All: Lord, we confess our sins before you. We confess that we have fallen short of your glory and your intent for our lives. Open our eyes that we may see ourselves with clarity and truthfulness, that we may have eyes to see all of that within us that is not pleasing to you.
(silent prayers)
I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford.
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
All: Lord, we confess to you that we have not loved as we ought. We have been impatient with others with whom we could have been patient. We have disregarded those you have called us to serve. We have chosen the selfish way when you have called us to selflessness.
(silent prayers)
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
All: Lord, we confess that we have not tended to the care of our souls. We have been too busy to pray. We have been too quick to speak and too slow to listen for you. We have filled our lives with all kinds of noise instead of patiently waiting like sheep for our shepherd’s voice.
(silent prayers)
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
All: Lord, we confess our need of you. We need your grace. We need your patience. We need your guidance. We cannot see beyond the moment. We cannot worship you as we ought. As we begin this solemn journey toward the cross, we call upon your mercy and your love for our salvation.
(silent prayers)
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.
Chancel Choir Response: Jesus, Remember Me UMH 488
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:1-17 Sue Hust
Chancel Choir Response: Jesus, Remember Me UMH 488
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 Rev. Matt Franks
Chancel Choir Response: Jesus, Remember Me UMH 488
Sermon: Jesus, How do we practice our Religion? Rev. Matt Franks
Invitation of Lenten Practice Pat Hammond
Thanksgiving over the Ashes Rev. Sarah Steidtmann
Invitation to The Imposition of Ashes Rev. Matt Franks
Imposition of the Ashes Reflective Music
Let us now depart in thy peace, blessed Jesus. As we log off with God's love in our hearts. Let not the busy world claim all our loyalties. Keep us ever mindful, dear Lord, of thee.
Sending Forth Pastor Matt Franks
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