Worship Bulletin for 3rd Sunday in Lent – 23 March 2025

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
Women’s History Month
03-23-2025 10:00AM “Hybrid” Worship

+ Repentance Through God’s Mercy +

CONFESSION OF OUR SINS / DECLARATION OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS: Pastor Gwen
L Seek the Lord where he may be found; call upon him while he is near.
C Let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, who will abundantly pardon.
L The Scriptures call us to turn from our sinful ways. The Scriptures assure us that God is patient and merciful.
Let us confess together…
C O God, we are tired of being blind to your grace and dead to your love;
and we are tired of breaking relationship with God and our neighbor;
and we are tired of being so driven by our desires for the things of this world;
and we are tired ~ OH, SO TIRED ~ of all our sinning;
and we are also tired of looking and longing for an easier gospel, a lighter cross,
a less demanding Savior, and a cheaper ticket to heaven.
Be merciful, Lord, for I have sinned. Be merciful, Lord, for we have all sinned.
L Saint Paul warns us, “So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.” But Paul also encourages us, “God
is faithful, and God will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing God will also provide the way out.”
My sisters, my brothers, the Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. And
the “way out” that St. Paul speaks of… that God provides… is found in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus
Christ [+]. Hear and believe that you are loved, you are forgiven, you are empowered, and you are assured this very
moment. While you have a breath, while you have a mind, choose to live the new life of humble faith in Jesus! Amen.
OPENING SONG: “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” Brown #150
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY (together) :
Steadfast, faithful, covenant God:
We seek you in printed and preached and prayed word, and we seek you in your Living Word, Jesus Christ.
Fill our thirsty souls as in a dry and weary land.
We want to praise you with joyful lips and bless you with daily lives of justice, service, and love. Amen.

+ Renewal Through God’s Word +

FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:1-9 Judy Echols
[God freely invites – but will we refuse?]
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Trudi Wright
[God is ever faithful – but will we fall away?]
95th ANNIVERSARY TEMPLE TALK: St. Peter’s Women’s History Carol Chatman
GOSPEL VERSE: “Lord, let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your word.
Lord, let my heart be good soil, where love can grow and peace is understood.

When my heart is hard, break the stone away.
When my heart is cold, warm it with the day.
When my heart is lost, lead me on your way.
Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart be good soil.”

THE GOSPEL: Luke 13:1-9 Darrell Hudson
[God is patient and merciful – but will we wait too long?]
SONG SELECTION: ALL SAINTS CHOIR
THE SERMON: Pastor Gwen or Pastor Neil

SONG RESPONSE: “Down at the Cross” Brown #72
THE PRAYERS… We pray that THE WAY OF THE CROSS will impact our lives and transform the world! Pastor Bob Holum

+ Revival Through God’s Meal +

TITHES (10% giving) AND GIFTS… We have been blessed by GRACE to be a blessing of GRATEFUL GENEROSITY!
Those in the Sanctuary can put their offering in the offering plate to share their gratitude and their
generosity in response to Christ’s love. Those farther away can: mail a check or money order to
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2169 74th Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138… or
contribute online through bit.ly/stpetersgiving and set up a one-time donation or a recurring
weekly gift to the categories you select… or text Give+ at 833-914-0896 and follow instructions
for your contribution. God commands, expects, and celebrates our caring and sharing!
SONG SELECTION: ALL SAINTS CHOIR.
THE OFFERTORY SONG: “I Know It Was the Blood”
(1) I know it was the blood… I know it was the blood… I know it was the blood for me.
One day when I was lost, he died upon the cross… I know it was the blood for me.
(2) It was my Savior’s blood… (3) They pierced him in the side… (4) He’s coming back again…
OFFERING PRAYER (from PSALM 51) by the Communion Assistant: Bernadette Hassan
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain me with your bountiful spirit.
Then I will teach other sinners your ways; and I will eagerly sing of your goodness. Amen.
THE PREFACE:
L The Lord be with you. C And also with you.
L Lift up your hearts! C We lift them up in love for God!
L Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give God our thanks and praise.
L The Lord delivers us from sin and death… C … and grants us salvation and eternal life!
THE EUCHARISTIC WORDS by the Celebrant, who recalls and re-enacts Jesus’ Holy Meal.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (spoken)
COMMUNION AND BLESSINGS… All believers in Christ are welcome at the Lord’s Table! We will have “continuous
distribution” with wafers and either wine or grape juice. CHRIST OFFERS YOU FORGIVENESS, NOURISHMENT, UNITY,
AND PROMISE TO SAVE YOU FROM A BROKEN WORLD AND A SINFUL LIFE!
COMMUNION SONGS: “Now Behold the Lamb” Brown #128
“All to Jesus I Surrender” Brown #235

THE COMMUNION BLESSING by the Celebrant after all have communed.
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER by the Communion Assistant. Judy Echols
+ Righteousness Through God’s Spirit +

THE BENEDICTION by the Pastor… God calls us to “return home” to faithful discipleship!
CLOSING SONG: “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” Brown #66
(1) I want Jesus to walk with me… I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
(2) In my trials, Lord, walk with me… In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
(3) When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me… When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
You have a choice and a chance. Until it’s too late. Repent and return to the Lord.