Identity Tests

The first Sunday in Lent  and Spiritual Sunday

Today we begin our journey through Lent. Our service this Sunday will be led by Sarah Jessop Street, a seminary student at PLTS currently serving at Saint Matthew in Walnut Creek as an intern. Today we are also featuring the rich tradition of African American spirituals. These were melodies that were originally part of an oral tradition that passed through generations. They were rooted in the Gospel, memorized, and translated into song.

Sarah’s sermon this Sunday is entitled: “Identity Tests” based on the Gospel text from Luke 4:1-13. This text describes the story of Jesus’ temptation by the devil in the wilderness, where after 40 days of fasting, Satan presented Jesus with three temptations, which Jesus resisted by quoting scripture, ultimately demonstrating his complete reliance on God and his victory over evil. This passage signifies the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry after successfully withstanding these trials.Our Sermon text for today is Luke 6:27-38. In this passage, Jesus continues to address a crowd of his disciples. He invites his followers to shower radical love, blessing, forgiveness, generosity, and trust even to enemies and outsiders. Living in harmony with God’s intent brings the reward of overflowing blessing.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”, Arranged by Marianne Kim

Welcome and Announcements

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Hymn: “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”

Apostolic Greeting

Prayer of the Day First

Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13

Sharing Hymn: Wade in the Water

Children’s Time

Gospel: Luke 4: 1-13

Sermon: “Identity Tests”, Sarah Jessup Street

Sermon Hymn: “There is a Balm in Gilead”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church

Lord’s Prayer

Offertory: “He Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word”, arranged by Anthony Giamanco

Offering Response: “He’s God the Whole World in His Hands”

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “My Lord, What a Morning”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Lenten Recessional on Llangloffan”, Franklin D. Ashdown