ORDER OF WORSHIP February 18, st Sunday of Lent

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1 0 ORDER OF WORSHIP February 18, st Sunday of Lent Please sign and pass the Friendship Book ( pew pad ) where you can also record any prayer requests. Our prayer is that you will experience the presence of the Living God as we worship together. We invite you to focus your heart and mind in worship. * indicates please stand as you are able. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Misty Rowley PRELUDE Just As I Am Organ & Flute arr. Lani Smith Misty Rowley The eternal Father, who loved us and set us free from our sins, who loves us still with that love that will not let us go, and who will love us forever, calls us to worship him today as the only true lover of our souls. The Lord stoops to receive the love of our poor hearts. He calls us to remember the depth of his love for us in Christ. God seeks our love! Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources CALL TO WORSHIP *SONGS OF WORSHIP: COME, YE SINNERS POOR AND NEEDY (Hymn #451 sung to the tune of #578) (VERSE 1) Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, full of pity, love, and power (REFRAIN) I will arise and go to Jesus; he will embrace me in his arms; in the arms of my dear Savior, O, there are ten thousand charms.

2 TIME OF PRAYER (VERSE 2) Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God s free bounty glorify; true belief and true repentance, every grace that brings you nigh. (REPEAT REFRAIN) (VERSE 3) Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream; all the fitness he requireth is to feel your need of him. (REPEAT REFRAIN) (VERSE 4) Come, ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; if you tarry till you re better, you will never come at all. (REPEAT REFRAIN) Judy Potter Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources Call to Confession The psalmist testifies: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you. from Psalm 32:1-6, NRSV 1

3 Prayer of Confession Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against you. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease you. Forgive our sins, and help us to live in your light and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. [Silent Prayer] Assurance of Pardon May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep you in eternal life. Amen. SONG OF WORSHIP: Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources PLEASE REMAIN SEATED WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS (Hymn #212) (VERSE 1) What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul, what wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul! (VERSE 2) 2

4 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, when I was sinking down, sinking down; when I was sinking down beneath God s righteous frown, Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul, Christ laid aside his crown for my soul! (VERSE 3) To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing, to God and the Lamb I will sing! To God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM, while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing, while millions join the theme, I will sing! (VERSE 4) And when from death I m free, I ll sing on, I ll sing on, and when from death I m free, I ll sing on! And when from death I m free, I ll sing and joyful be, and through eternity I ll sing on, I ll sing on and through eternity I ll sing on. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OFFERING OF OURSELVES & OUR GIFTS Rev. Don Meekhof Bill Colvin Reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word worship Companion Invitation to the Offering Because we believe that in Jesus Christ, God s time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near, we respond in tangible ways. By doing acts of justice and compassion and by sharing our resources, we bear witness to the good news of the gospel. The offering is received in gratitude to God. *Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below Praise him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. 3

5 Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication God of steadfast love and faithfulness, we are humbled as we try to do what is right and to walk in your ways. Receive, we ask, these offerings, and use them for your own good purposes in the church and in all creation. We pray in Jesus Christ. Amen. Reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word worship Companion You may bring your offering and/or light a candle at the front or back of the sanctuary. The children are excused at this time to attend Junior Chapel. Offertory Blessed Jesus (Pie Jesu) Organ (from the Requiem ) Gabriel Fauré READING OF THE SCRIPTURES Camille Troxel Psalm 32:1 5 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD. And you forgave the guilt of my sin. 4

6 Luke 15:11 24 (NIV) 11 Jesus continued: There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, How many of my father s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate. MESSAGE Jenny Edminster Repentance: Doorway to Joy 5

7 *SONG OF WORSHIP: RISE UP, O SAINTS OF GOD! (Hymn #670) (VERSE 1) Rise up, O saints of God! From vain ambitions turn; Christ rose triumphant that your hearts with nobler zeal might burn. (VERSE 2) Rise up, O saints of God! His kingdom s task embrace; redress sin s cruel consequence; give justice larger place. (VERSE 3) Give heed, O saints of God! Creation cries in pain; stretch forth your hand of healing now, with love the weak sustain. (VERSE 4) Commit your hearts to seek the paths which Christ has trod, and, quickened by the Spirit s power, rise up, O saints of God! LITANY OF THANKSGIVING FOR PASTOR DON MEEKHOF S MINISTRY AND RETIREMENT (Pastor Don and Laverne go to first pew in front of lectern and stand together) Elder Tom Tiffany (handheld mic): For twelve years, Pastor Don Meekhof has served as pastor and Spiritual Leader of Knox Presbyterian Church. He has offered his gifts and has worked diligently for the building up of the church in this place. By the grace of God, he has served us well. C: Thanks be to God. Teaching Elder (Pulpit): Pastor Don, in the fall of 2005 you came to Knox as a parish pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church 6

8 to come alongside and support Pastor Paul Seebeck. In 2009 you became temporary supply Pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church and have served us well by proclaiming Gods Word, baptizing new members into the church of Jesus Christ, to announce God's forgiveness to Knox s members, and to preside at celebrations of the Lord's Supper. With the Gospel you have comforted these members in times of sickness and trouble, and at the death of their loved ones. Sharing their joys and sorrows, both you and Laverne have been important to the Church of Jesus Christ at Knox and in the service to the communities around. On this day we celebrate you and your twelve years of ministry and service at Knox and your almost sixty years of service since your ordination. As you begin your retirement, though your role will change, we at Knox Presbyterian Church invite you to continue to receive and share God's wondrous gifts of grace and to work beside us as servants in God's kingdom. May God's richest blessings be upon you and Laverne in your new journey. Elder Carole Stuart (hand held Mic): Previous to his call to Knox Presbyterian Church, Pastor Don served congregations at Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church in South Seattle WA, First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins, CO, First Presbyterian Church in Ellensburg WA and First Presbyterian Church in Spokane. He was ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament in September 1958 at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle Washington. He attended the University of Washington and Princeton Theological Seminary where he received a bachelor s of divinity in Don spent a year of study at Edinburgh Scotland. John Meekhof (In the Pulpit): In the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher writes the following verses: 7

9 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV) A Time for Everything 3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace And we, out of reverence for God and the author of Ecclesiastes add And a time for retirement in the Lord s peace, grace and Sabbath rest. Elder Clerk of Session Dick Raymond (hand held Mic): Next Sunday will be your last Sunday as our pastor. As your retirement begins, it is a time to mark the ending of your ministry here at Knox Presbyterian Church as our Temporary Supply and Spiritual Leader and to take on the role of Pastor Emeritus. It is a time to look back and a time to look forward; a time for joy and a time for sadness. It is a time to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for what Pastor Don has given us in our lives together. Blessed be God. C. And blessed be his holy name. 8

10 The Lord makes everything beautiful in its time. C. Whatever God does endures forever. Bless the Lord, O my soul. C. And forget not all his benefits. Teaching Elder (at pulpit): In this pulpit and others like it, you have proclaimed the saving gospel of Jesus Christ over 200 times throughout these past 12 years. You have challenged God s people and us to live out the Gospel mission in our daily lives. You have offered up the Prayers of the People over a 1000 times and on every Sunday. Every Sunday you walk to this pulpit at the end of the first hymn to say a welcoming word and to offer a prayer. You have greeted and welcomed your congregation as well as the strangers in our midst. C. We thank you for your Spiritual Leadership and your ministry. Elder Misty Rowley (at baptismal font): At this font and fonts in other congregations, you have baptized infants, teens, and adults. The gift of new life in Christ comes from God and is administered by faithful pastors like you Don. C. We thank you for presiding at the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Elder John McCallum (behind the communion table): At this table and others like it, you have presided at the sacrament of Holy Communion. The meal in remembrance of Jesus Christ is the Lord s Supper, and this congregation has been a provider and you have been the server of this meal so that young and old could be fed with the living presence of Christ. You have presided over this meal for the remembrance of our Lord and so it could be served in an orderly and welcome fashion to all who believe. 9

11 C: We thank you for presiding at the sacrament of Holy Communion. Elder Clerk of Session Dick Raymond (standing center of sanctuary in front of the communion table): Standing in front of sanctuaries you have presided at services where many gave thanks for the lives of people who had died. You walked with us in the midst of grief. You proclaimed the good news of the resurrection and led us in prayers for comfort and strength. C: We thank you for being with us in the time of loss and celebration of their lives. Deacon Pat Tucker (standing center and in front of Sanctuary): Don we would be remiss if we did not recognize you for all the visits you have made to members and friends of Knox over these past years. You have put a lot of mileage on your silver Volkswagen bug. The prayers, the jokes, the love and communion you have provided is so much appreciated not only by us at Knox but others in the community. You have truly been the leader of pastoral care and guide to our Deacons. C: We thank you for love and care for us and our neighbors. Elder Judy Potter: (standing on floor of sanctuary): Laverne, we recognize that you have been greatly involved in support of Pastor Don s ministry and in your own ministries. You have been a member of Knox and an Elder on Session serving on the worship commission. You have supported and participated in the Women s Bible Study group and a constant steadfast supporter of our Knox Congregation and our Shared Ministry Teams. C: We give thanks to God for your active participation in the life and ministry of Knox Presbyterian Church and all the other pastorates over the past almost 60 years and for your love and support of Pastor Don at Knox and his other pastorates. 10

12 Elder Karen Colvin: (Calling up Don and Laverne s Children: John, Christine and Marla and grandchildren) We thank you for the years of service as preacher s kids and being loving and supportive of your father Don and you mom Laverne. What a rich heritage you have and what a blessing you have been to them. May the Lord s blessing and peace be upon each of you and your families as you are now in the Lord s service and ministry. C: May the Lord Bless you and Keep you in his perfect peace. Teaching Elder Let us pray: Gracious God you have called us in our baptism to be your servants. You have enabled us to respond to your call as a community of believers. Thank you for the partnership in the gospel we have enjoyed with Pastor Don and Laverne. Now Pastor Don at the end of February moves forth as Pastor emeritus to enjoy Pastor s retirement and for Don and Laverne to continue their ministries in a new way and we at Knox want you to continue to be part of our congregation as the Lord wills and leads. May you enjoy this new journey knowing our love and appreciation for your excellent work in the service of God. We pray In Jesus' name. Amen. Teaching Elder: Don you have completed your active service as a minister of the Word and Sacrament. Your sisters and brothers in this presbytery rejoice with you in the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your work. We thank God for your dedicated ministry in the church of Jesus Christ, and we praise God for the grace that has allowed your ministry to touch many lives. Now we come to mark with you the fulfillment of your calling, as the presbytery confers upon you the status, Honorably Retired and as suggested by COM Pastor Emeritus. While we know this begins a time of rest and the enjoyment of other callings, we value the experience you have gained and the skills you have acquired throughout your years of ministry. Therefore, we 11

13 welcome your continued participation in the life of the church, using your gifts in meaningful ways. You remain a colleague in ministry, and we will continue to seek your wisdom and your fellowship. Together with the whole church, you will find new opportunities to fulfill your baptismal calling, as one marked by the Holy Spirit, a disciple of Jesus Christ. May God continue to bring joy and peace to your life, just as you have blessed the Presbyterian Church with your ministry to us and the gospel of Jesus Christ. May you continue to be a blessing to all as you travel this new journey of retirement. Let us pray: Eternal God, Through all the years of our lives your love protects and guides us. By your Spirit you call us to varied ministries in the service of Jesus Christ. We praise you for your gifts to your servant Don for his faithful proclamation of your Word, his administration of the holy sacraments of Jesus Christ, And his pastoral care and leadership at Knox Presbyterian church and his four other pastorates. Grant to Pastor Don, time for refreshment and rest, reflection and rejoicing, and the fullness of your peace. Through your Holy Spirit bless each of us that we may remember the love of Jesus Christ which unites us in the service of our Lord. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. 12

14 *SONG OF WORSHIP: BY GRACIOUS POWERS (words by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, music by Benjamin Brody) By gracious pow rs so wonderfully sheltered, and confidently waiting come what may, we know that God is with us night and morning and never fails to greet us each new day. Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented, still evil days bring burdens hard to bear. O give our frightened souls the sure salvation for which, O Lord, you taught us to prepare. And when this cup you give is filled to brimming with bitter suff ring, hard to understand, we take it thankfully and without trembling, out of so good, and so beloved, a hand. Yet when again, in this same world, you give us the joy we had, the brightness of your sun, we shall remember all the days we lived through, and our whole life shall then be yours alone. We shall remember all the days we lived through, and our whole life shall then be yours alone. Text 1974 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music: Benjamin Brody, 2017 by Gia Publications. All rights reserved. Reprinted under ONE LICENSE # A. BENEDICTION Jenny Edminster POSTLUDE Promenade Organ (From Pictures at an Exhibition ) Modeste Moussorgsky * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In the pulpit today: Jenny Edminster has spent the past 35 years here in Spokane at Knox. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Nurse Practitioner. Jenny enjoys 13

15 gardening and loves to read Church History and biographies of saints. Today s Lectionary Readings Genesis 9: Peter 3:18 22 Psalm 25:1 10 Mark 1:9 15 Question for Reflection The phrase kingdom of God occurs fourteen times in the Gospel of Mark. Though Jesus is described at the Gospel s opening as being from Nazareth of Galilee (Mark 1:9), at Jesus baptism it becomes clear whence he comes and to whom he belongs. Jesus is God s beloved Son, and his baptism signals the only realm to which he owes allegiance. His baptism, then, not only is a religious act, but also is a political and economic one. In what ways does your baptism into Christ make claims on your political, social, and economic practices as well as your religious practices? Household Prayer: Morning God of ancient covenants, your steadfast love and faithfulness are still new every morning. I thank you that I can begin this day in the confidence of your abiding love and unending mercy. Help me to treat others family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and even strangers with love and mercy in our encounters today. When I disappoint or am discordant, help me to show love to others. Open my eyes to the places, people, and circumstances in which your kingdom has come near. 14

16 I pray in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.. Household Prayer: Evening God of peace, as the day draws to a close and the evening draws in around me, I think of the creatures of the earth that also seek rest in the hours of the night. You love them even as you love me, and your covenant faithfulness covers all of us. So, with the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, and the tiny ones who burrow in the ground, I offer you all thanks and praise: for your unending goodness; for the beauty of our home, the earth; for your gift of life instead of a deserved destruction. As your colorful bow now rests in the clouds, so may we color the earth with the ways of peace until all creation rests with you in completeness. In Christ s name I pray. Amen. The Morning & Evening Household Prayers and Questions for Reflection are reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion