03 Apr Worship Bulletin: 4/3/22
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, April 3, 2022 | Fifth 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
Sharing Joys and Concerns | Dan Lichty
Centering Music | “Andante,” from Fantasie Pastorale Hongroise | Albert Franz Doppler
Lillian Oeding, flute; Jean Hendricks, piano
Opening Words | because | © Thom M. Shuman
Inspired by John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50)
because we have preserved our joy in manna jars for the long winter of despair –
storing them in the dark corners of our souls – we have forgotten its gritty taste;
because we have put a tight lid on our joy, and put it in the back of the pantry,
we have forgotten how it can tickle our noses;
because we are so busy prattling pious platitudes about the poor, the least, the lost,
we ignore your words which anoint them as your children;
because we have put up the shutters and storm doors to keep your future from sneaking in,
we have missed the sweet breeze carrying your hope to us;
because we are who we are – restore us, Holy Grace, – and make us a fragrant offering to the world
Opening Song | “Je louerai l’Eternel” (Praise, I will praise you, Lord) | #76
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Musical Offering | “Carol,” from Five Bagatelles | Gerald Finzi
Kento Aizawa, clarinet; Jean Hendricks, piano
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Scripture Focus | John 12:1-8
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner
was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint
of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the
fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume
sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because
he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was
intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always
have me.”
Message | “How are we to Know?” | Jerry Bowen
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message
Sending Song | “Anoint us, Lord” | #631
Sending Words
Please remain seated for the Sending Song
Sending Music | “Praise the Lord on High” | Rachel Sawyer
Ellen Gilbert, organ
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