February 26th 2023 – “Why Forty Days?”

2023-02-26 "Why forty days?" 11 AM

Dear Friends,

This Sunday Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship. 

This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Lent, where we commemorate the 40 days our Lord spent in the wilderness being tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).  The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). “When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ’s case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work”, adds one commentator.  Jesus Christ alone is the “Lamb without blemish”.  In this season of Lent may we pray for ourselves and for one another, that our faith, hearts and minds may be renewed and made whole, and may we delve deeper into relationship with God. 

Everyone is invited to join us downstairs after the service on Sunday to enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation.


Order of Service

Prelude
Welcome
Lenten Liturgy
Hymn 197: “Forty days and forty nights”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Anthem: Homeward Bound (Arr. Henry Cobb Howes)
Children’s Time
Hymn: “One person’s sin changed every life”
Responsive reading: Psalm 32
Gloria Patri
Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7 (en français – English on the screen)
Romans 5: 12-19
The Gospel – Matthew 4: 1-11
Sermon: “Why forty days?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn: “Our Lord you were sent”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 205: “O love, how deep how broad how high”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude