Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church
Order of Worship
Sunday March 9, 2025 – 1st Sunday in Lent
Holy Communion
Prelude
Words of welcome, announcements
Lighting the Christ Candle
As we journey towards the darkness of the cross, we light a candle to remind us of the Light that can not be put out. May this light remind us that we are not alone, in all the changing scenes of life. We do not make this journey from death to resurrection alone, for God is with us.
Choral Introit
Call To Worship
When Jesus was ready to begin his ministry to the world, he was first led by the Spirit into the wilderness. He spent time in contemplation and prayer to prepare himself for his challenging ministry. In those forty days Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt and temptation. As we journey with Jesus on our Lenten journey, we also seek to be led by the Spirit, for we too face many temptations and challenges in our lives. In the wilderness moments of our lives, we seek to find the presence of our God, who is our refuge, our rock, in whom we trust. So come, let us make this journey together, for it leads to life everlasting.
Hymn Morning Has Broken VU 409
- Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
- Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.
- Ours is the sunlight! Ours is the morning
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!
Prayer of Approach
Loving God, it is good to be here with you today. We seek to draw closer to you. Yet we know there are many things that stand in our way of being reconciled with you. For this reason, most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have sinned by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. Have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways. Be with us in this time of worship, so we may be fed by your mercy and your love. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
We Confess Our Faith: A New Creed VU 918
THE NEW CREED
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Scripture Reader: Linda Boldt
Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13
Hymn Jesus, Tempted in the Desert VU 115
- Jesus, tempted in the desert,
lonely, hungry, filled with dread:
“Use your power,” the tempter tells him;
“turn these barren rocks to bread!”
“Not alone by bread,” he answers,
“can the human heart be filled.
Only by the Word that calls us
is our deepest hunger stilled!”
- Jesus, tempted at the temple.
high above its ancient wall:
“Throw yourself from lofty turret;
angels wait to break your fall!”
Jesus shuns such empty marvels,
feats that fickle crowds request:
“God, whose grace protects, preserves us,
we must never vainly test.”
- Jesus, tempted on the mountain
by the lure of vast domain:
“Fall before me! Be my servant!
Glory, fame, you’re sure to gain!”
Jesus sees the dazzling vision,
turns his eyes another way:
“God alone deserves our homage!
God alone I will obey!”
- When we face temptation’s power,
Lonely, struggling, filled with dread,
Christ, who knew the tempter’s hour,
come and be our living bread.
By your grace, protect, preserve us
lest we fall, your trust betray.
Yours, above all other voices,
be the Word, we hear, obey.
Homily “The Evil Within”
Special Music
The offering
We give thanks for everyone who continues to support TSA and our many ministries. Your gifts of support and encouragement mean a lot to us. You can get more information about making a donation by contacting the church office or by visiting our website. There are also many opportunities to volunteer in our different ministries. For all the gifts you share, for all the people you bless by your serving and giving as a disciple of Jesus, we give thanks.
Offering Song Know That God is Good MV 104
Know that God is good, (3x)
God is good, God is good.
Offering Prayer
God of the wilderness, and God of the journey, We give these offerings in a spirit of gratitude. We rejoice in the abundance of your gifts to us. We give these offerings in faith, trusting that you will provide for our needs. We give these offerings in hope, knowing you can use them to spread your love in this world. And with these offerings, we give ourselves; May these gifts and how we live our lives open hearts, open minds, and open doors for your spirit to enter in. Bless the givers and these gifts for this purpose. Amen.
Hymn Shout for Joy VU 482
- Shout for joy! The Lord has let us feast;
heaven’s own fare has fed and last and least;
Christ’s own peace is shared again on earth;
God the Spirit fills us with new worth.
- No more doubting, no more senseless dread;
God’s good self has graced our wine and bread;
all the wonder heaven has kept in store
now is ours to keep for evermore.
- Celebrate with saints who dine on high,
witnesses that love can never die.
“Hallelujah!” – thus their voices ring.
Nothing less in gratitude we bring.
- Praise the Maker, praise the Maker’s Son,
praise the Spirit, — three yet ever one;
praise the God whose food and friends avow
heaven starts here! The kingdom beckons now!
Service of Holy Communion
Invitation to the Table
May the Lord of the journey be with you.
And also with you.
We are Pilgrims who seek God, so lift up your hearts.
We offer our hearts to the Holy One who gives us life.
Let us Sing songs of thanksgiving to our God who is faithful.
May our lives be an anthem of joy for the gifts we find here.
Dear friends, we are are on a spiritual journey to Jerusalem with Jesus. For he is our pardon, our healing, and our peace! We will suffer the trial with him, resisting evil. With him, we will walk the path to life. But come first to the table where there is food for the journey. With hearts full of joy we come, giving thanks to God, our maker.
We praise you, faithful God! You answer sin with grace. You guide our wayward steps toward home. You are mending for the broken, safety for the poor, belonging for the outcast, strength for the weak, and pardon for the sinner. You reveal your kindness in every sorrow, your mercy even in death. All your creatures see your works; they sing your steadfast love. We too declare your wonder and grace as with angels and saints we sing:
Sanctus and Benedictus
Holy, holy, holy, vulnerable God.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest!
Gracious God, we remember the example given to us by Jesus. He fasted and prayed; he was tempted and tried. He relied on you for everything. He was obedient to you and scorned by the powers of this world. He confounded the mighty. He gave hope to the humble. He was betrayed and deserted. He died between thieves and was buried in a borrowed grave. You gave him new life. He lives even now. He is our healer and friend. He loved us well, loved us to the end, and loves us still. May our lives embody his spirit. May we share in the mystery called faith.
Memorial Acclamation
Remembering the death and celebrating the resurrection,
we await with hope the coming again of compassion and justice to the earth.
Even on the night of betrayal, Jesus ate supper with his friends. He gave thanks for bread and broke it. Jesus took on the role of a servant and shared the gift of bread with all who would journey with him. Feed us for the journey we make through this life, we pray. Then Jesus took the Cup, which is the promise of salvation. He gave thanks for the gift of new life and shared it. He poured out his love and his spirit to bless all who would journey with him. Bless us for the journey we make through this life, we pray.
Distribution of the Elements
Words of Institution
Holy Spirit, come! Make all things new. Bless this bread which you have given and human hands have made.
May it be for us the bread of life.
Bless also this cup, fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
May it be for us the cup of salvation.
Bless all who eat and drink, that in this sharing we may know the living Christ who is with us now, and to the end of the age. Renew us by these gifts to be willing servants of your world until your kingdom comes, and every creature beholds it. AMEN
Sharing of the Bread and Cup
Prayer After Communion
Thank you, merciful God, for the gladness we find in this bread and cup. For love that cannot die, for peace the world cannot give, for joy in the company of friends, for the splendours of creation, and for the mission of justice you have made our own. Give us the gifts of holy communion — oneness of heart, love for neighbours, forgiveness of enemies, the will to serve you every day, and life that never ends. Renew us we pray, we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn I, the Lord of Sea and Sky VU 509
(Here I Am, Lord)
- I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Who shall I send?
Refrain: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
- I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain,
I have wept for love of them; they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send? Refrain
- I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them; my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send? Refrain
Benediction
Whatever wilderness trials you may face, walk in boldness, for the Holy Spirit is your companion and guide. Whatever temptations you may face, walk in peace, for you are under the shelter of the Most High. Whatever challenges you may face in the coming weeks, walk in faith, and know that Christ walks with you. Amen.
Choral Amen Go Now in Peace VU 964
Go now in peace, go now in peace.
May the love of God surround you everywhere,
everywhere you may go.
Postlude
The Evil Within. Text: Luke 4:1-13. First Sunday of Lent, March 9 2025
by Rev. James Murray at Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church, Renfrew.
A few years ago my sons tried to teach me how to play Texas Hold’em poker just for fun. I didn’t last very long in the game. They said they could tell exactly what my cards were, because it was written all over my face. After I lost my poker chips so quickly, I wondered if Jesus had a poker face or not. Now if you or I were to have a powerful experience of God’s presence like Jesus has at his baptism, I think it would be written all over our faces. We would shine like Moses did when he received the ten commandments. We would want to go out and tell everyone we know about what has happened. It is a natural desire to want to share our life changing good news with the whole wide world. Yet instead of telling everyone he meets, Jesus tells no one. He removes himself from society so he won’t even be tempted to tell another soul what has just happened. Jesus reacts to this momentous event by spending forty days fasting and praying, alone in the wilderness. There he faces a silence so profound most of us would not be able to handle it.
When Jesus is tested in the wilderness, Satan is testing to see what Jesus is willing to do and not do in order to achieve his goals. Each time Satan is foiled because Jesus has no intention of trying to save the world all by himself. Jesus knows he needs God’s help if he is to accomplish anything. Satan is offering him the keys to all the kingdoms of the world, which will make his work so much easier. The problem is Satan’s ways are not God’s ways. It is a common problem in our world today to think that the troubles in this life are all up to us to resolve on our own. So we forget to share our burdens with God. All too often we blame God for our troubles instead of asking God to help us. The truth is God is active in our lives in ways that many of us don’t always recognize. And we need God, because we all face lots of challenges that weigh us down. We face losses and deaths which can wound us deeply. We get angry when we are hurt like this. We feel overwhelmed and powerless when we are confronted with the evil that is all around us.
Evil is not something we have an easy time of describing these days. Not a lot of people believe that Satan is a real figure anymore. Many people don’t even believe that evil is a real force at work in our world. For Jesus, Satan is real. His name means “The Tester”. In the Bible it is Satan’s job to test people to reveal the evil that is within all of us. Over time we came to view Satan as the source of all the evil in the world. To say that ‘the devil made me do it’ lets us off the hook. It also allows us to blame others for our problems. In Jewish mysticism, Satan’s nickname is Mastema. Mastema means ‘hatred’. So Satan works by the power of hatred. And God works by the power of love. These names remind us how every human being is capable of a vile hatred that can destroy others. We are also capable of a compassionate love that can build people up. We are all capable of great good and great evil. For we are all both saints and sinners. The challenge for us is to learn how to deal with the capacity for evil that is within each of us. The first step in facing your demons is to name then. Only then can you learn to tame the evil within.
In the Christian tradition we are given a helpful list of the worst kinds of evil that we are all capable of. We call this list the Seven Deadly Sins. The seven deadly sins are: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Pride is considered the worst of the bunch because it is so hard to handle. That’s because pride is also a virtue. Pride can be a good thing as it is a measure of your self esteem. But we get into trouble when your sense of pride overshadows your sense of humility, since you are no longer grounded. The sin of pride happens when you have an excessive sense of satisfaction with who you are. It can lead to a sense of contempt for other people who don’t measure up to your greatness.
The second deadly sin is Greed. Greed is the excessive desire to acquire more than you need. When we are greedy it always results in someone else getting less. For this reason the Bible says “The love of money is the root of all evil.” This is a hard one for us because we live in such a consumer oriented society. We can’t live without money, but it is a real challenge to live with it in a responsible way.
Next on this hit parade of vices is Wrath. Wrath is expressed through those uncontrolled feelings of anger, rage, and even hatred. To be angry is turn your heart away from love. After Greed, the green eyed monster of Envy is next on our little list. Envy is what happens when you want what other people have. That’s why even the Ten Commandments warns us against coveting what others have. Envy leads us to toxic emotions like jealousy and resentment. A sense of Greed also drives one of the most famous of the Seven Deadlies, which is of course Lust. Lust is that excessive desire for sex, money or power that comes at someone else’s expense or well being.
Then there is Gluttony. Gluttony one of the most dangerous of sins that we rarely take seriously in our consumer society. The sin of Gluttony happens when we over indulge and over consume something to the point of being wasteful. We can over indulge with food, with alcohol and with drugs. We can even be gluttons for entertainment. In modern times we have learned how over consumption also has a harmful impact on our economy and our environment. Then there is last of the Seven Deadlies, which is the misunderstood sin of Sloth. Sloth has often been described as being lazy. There is much more to it than that. To be slothful means you don’t care about anything, and you don’t care that you don’t care. It is the apathetic lack of caring about anything. Sloth often happens when we are so overwhelmed that we feel we cannot do anything that is meaningful or worthwhile.
These seven emotions are part of our lives every day. They are something we all have to learn how to control. If they get out of control, they can cause real harm to us and to those around us. And when someone is acting out one of those seven deadly sins, we all pay the price.
Jesus knew all too well the power these seven deadly sins have. This is why he goes into the wilderness for 40 days. He needs to figure out how to tame those demons before his ministry will stand a chance of succeeding. He knows that the world will only be changed when we all learn how to face the evil that lies within each of us. The world will only be changed when we learn how to embrace the good that also lies within each of us. Jesus knows the Kingdom of God will not come if we rely upon the power of hatred because it creates a divide between us. The Kingdom of God will only come through the power of love that unites us.
Over these coming weeks we are going to be exploring these challenges that can prevent us from being fully connected with God. Our goal is for us to be transformed and set free so we can fully share in the celebration of Easter. This is why we are kicking off the season of Lent with a communion service. Since we are all both saints and sinners, we need to practice being in communion with God. Communion is how we come together as one with God. Communion reminds us that we do not have to face our burdens single handed. We don’t have to keep a poker face and hide what we are facing. We do not have to face our trials and troubles by ourselves. You see it’s not all up to us. We don’t have to battle the evil that is within us on our own. For God is with us. Jesus has already walked this lonesome valley. And Christ is willing to show us the way.
So come to the table and be filled by the bread of life which is the love that unites us.
This bread we break together will strengthen you for this journey.
Come share with all your brothers and sisters the cup of God’s blessing,
which is the forgiveness of sins and the life that is everlasting. Amen.
