Worship Bulletin: 2/11/24

Worship Bulletin: 2/11/24

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.

Sunday, February 11, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m.

Gathering Music | “Psalm XIX” | Benedetto Marcello | Psalm 19:1-2 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of God’s hand.” 
Ellen Gilbert, organ

Video Welcome

Sharing Time | Joys & Concerns | Deb Wagoner

Centering Music | “Give Thanks to the Lord” | Steve Angrisano and Brian Green
Worship Band

REFRAIN  2x
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; he is good, he is good.       

Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy is forever.”
My strength, my courage, is the Lord, my God, my Savior. I shout to God with joy. REFRAIN

The stone rejected now becomes the cornerstone.
By God has this been done, so let his wonder now be known.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice, rejoice now and be glad. REFRAIN


Responsive Opening Words

In the waters of baptism – we find the Mystery that is God.
In the waters of baptism – we are made God’s children.
In the waters of baptism – we are called to serve one another as we have been served. 
Out of the waters of baptism – we arise to go forth in God’s name


Opening Song | “Oceans” (Oceanos)

Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner

Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460

Musical Offering | “Two Spirituals” | arr. Eugene Butler
Ellen Gilbert, piano    


Scripture Focus | Mark 1:9-15

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 
10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 
11 And a voice came from heaven:
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, 
being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.


Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God
15 “The time has come,” he said. 
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”


♫Scripture Song | “When We Are Tested” | Ruth Duck

Responsive Prayer of Confession | “Wilderness”

Forty days alone, a wilderness of thoughts, tempting and inviting thoughts,
which could so easily have distracted Jesus from his task, his mission, his vision.
Yet he emerged, stronger and more attuned to all that had to be done, despite a time constraint that to us would have seemed hopeless.

We too live in stressful times. Demands are made of our time that leave so little for the important things of life.
We are easily distracted in the wilderness of our lives, by every call to go this way or that, to turn stone to bread, leap from mountains,
and do all that would keep us from the truth.
We listen to the voices of this world, and ignore the one who endured all this and so much more

Forgive us, God, when we get distracted from our task.
Forgive us those times when we try to be all things to all people, and fail to be anything to anyone.
Be with us God as we dwell in the wilderness. We pray to be more like Jesus. AMEN


Message | “Water, Wilderness, and . . . ” | Kathryn Whitacre
(Water, Wilderness, and the Good News)

♫Sending Song | “Guide My Feet” | #546

Sending Words

♫Sending Music | “Go Make a Difference” | Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek
Worship Band

REFRAIN
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.

Verse 1
We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see the love of God in you and me.
We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen. Go make a diff’rence in the world. REFRAIN

Verse 2
We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see.
We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a diff’rence in the world. REFRAIN

Verse 3
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the spirit of Christ will be with us as we go. Go make a diff’rence in the world.  REFRAIN

LAST REFRAIN – The congregation is invited to sing the last refrain with the Worship Band.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Go make a diff’rence in the world.


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