13 Mar Worship Bulletin: 3/13/22
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
The McPherson Church of the Brethren Leadership Team approved unanimously to open the church building to all functions with masks being
optional at the discretion of each individual beginning March 6, 2022.
Sunday, March 13, 2022 | Second Sunday of Lent | “Waiting for the Light”
Sometimes darkness seems to last forever. We gaze toward the horizon for any gleams of light, rays of hope.
This is the nature of Lent, a season . . . given to wilderness wandering and discernment, prayer and preparation . . .
embrace the journey, but keep an eye on the horizon. The light is coming. Walt Wiltschek
Gathering Hymn
Video Welcome
Centering Music | “I Believe” | arr. Dan Coates
Karlene Tyler, piano
Sharing Joys and Concerns | LeRoy Weddle
Opening Prayer | Christian Aid (adapted)
God of Light – stronghold of our lives;
when we would shut our eyes because we are afraid to see,
when we would hold on tightly because we are afraid to share,
when we would close our doors because we are afraid to get involved.
Extend to us the courage to find the goodness in creation – the land of the living;
to be unafraid in the company of Your people, learning with them to;
open our eyes, our hands, our homes and our hearts.
May we be strong and take heart – and wait upon You, God of All that is and was and will be forevermore.
Opening Song | “Longing for Light”
Verse 1
Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.
REFRAIN
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness, Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Verse 2
Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow’r to save us. Make us your living voice. REFRAIN
Verse 3
Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed. REFRAIN
Verse 4
Longing for shelter, many are homeless. Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others, walls made of living stone. REFRAIN
Verse 5
Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to be long.
Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come. REFRAIN
Noisy Offering
Coins donated toward the goal of paying for an Oak Harbor Cottage sponsored by the McPherson Housing Coalition.
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Musical Offering | “The Lord is My Light” | David Haas
Wylene Lengel and Carol Ward, vocals; Marta Moorman, piano
REFRAIN
The Lord is my light and my salvation, of whom shall I be afraid?
Verse 1
The Lord is my light and my help; whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom should I shrink? REFRAIN
Verse 2
There is one thing I ask of the Lord; for this I long;
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. REFRAIN
Verse 3
I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living;
hope in God and take heart, hope in the Lord! REFRAIN
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Scripture Focus | Psalm 27 | NIV
Of David
1 God is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
God is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me to slander me –
it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from God – this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of God all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of God and to seek
God in the temple.
5 For in the day of trouble I will be kept safe in God’s dwelling; God will hide me in the shelter of the sacred
tent and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at God’s sacred tent I will sacrifice with
shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to God.
7 Hear my voice when I call, God; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek God’s face!” Your face, God, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, God will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, God; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me,
sprouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.
14 Wait for God; be strong and take heart and wait for God.
Message | “Do Not Be Afraid” | Kathryn Whitacre
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message
Sending Song | “Siyahamba” (We are Singing, for the Lord is our Light)
REFRAIN
We are singing for the Lord is our light, we are singing for the Lord is our light (repeat)
We are singing (singing we are singing), oo-ooh, we are singing for the Lord is, for the Lord is our light (repeat)
Verse 1
The Lord is the strength of our lives; of whom shall we be afraid?
Though foes may be near to destroy, the Lord will be our light. REFRAIN
Verse 2
One thing have we asked of the Lord, yes, this is the thing we seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord;
to live with God forever. REFRAIN
Verse 3
When burdens are heavy to bear, our shelter is God alone.
Our feet are lifted high; yes high upon a rock. REFRAIN
Verse 4
We walk in the strength of the Lord, God’s love is ever sure.
We shout that the world may hear, we sing a joyful song. REFRAIN
Sending Words
Sending Music
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming