*A word about Communion...
Communion is open to all true believers in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, including those from other
congregations that are a part of the true Church. We remember that access to the table is not a right
conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come to faith, repentance, and
love. Normally, we receive Communion using the method of intinction, that is we tear off a piece of bread
and dip it into the cup, rather than drinking directly from the cup.
(A gluten- and soy-free Communion option is available from the elders on the right side of the sanctuary.)
A note to Parents...
During 10:30am worship we do not have Sunday morning programs for children ages 3 and above. It is
our conviction, because of the promises of God, that our children are as much a part of the church as
everyone else, and that they should participate in worship along with their families as much as they are
able. We also understand that this may be a tall order for those families whose kids are not accustomed
to being in the service the whole time. Generally speaking, children tend to be a bit noisy and squirmy.
Please know that this is something we, as a church, expect, and that there is no reason to feel
embarrassed if your children have some trouble adjusting. We are all engaged in the blessed struggle of
training our children to participate in worship. You are not alone!
God welcomes your children into this worship service on His terms, and so do we!
Songs in today’s service:
Hallelujah For the Cross by Ross King & Todd Wright; from the album “This Hope will Guide Me” by
Ross King
How Great Thou Art hymn Stuart K. Hine
Came To My Rescue by Marty Sampson, Dylan Thomas & Joel Davies; from the album “United We
Stand” by Hillsong United
The Solid Rock hymn by Edward Mote & William Batchelder Bradbury; arrangement by Kevin Smith
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross hymn by Isaac Watts & Lowell Mason; arranged by Kevin Smith
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go hymn by George Matheson, music by Christopher Miner; from the
album “Indelible Grace” by Indelible Grace Music
River Community Church
The First Sunday of Lent - March 5, 2017
GOD GATHERS HIS PEOPLE FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
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Leader:! Behold, I am doing a new thing;
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now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
The wild beasts will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself
that they might declare my praise.! !
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Isaiah 43:19-21
Song of Worship
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Hallelujah For the Cross
Prayer of Invocation
Hymn of Adoration
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How Great Thou Art
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S PRESENCE
Call to Lament
River Community Church is a congregation of redeemed sinners
who exist to boldly declare and demonstrate
the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
36367 Perkins Rd. Prairieville La 70769
(225) 744.4367 www.rivercommunity.org
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Leader:! Search me, O God, and know my heart!
People:! try me and know my thoughts!
Leader:! And see if there be any grievous way in me,
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and lead me in the way everlasting! ! !
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Prayer of Lament
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Leader:! Where are you, O God?
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We are lost in the night; have you cast us from your presence?
Have mercy on us, O God.
Psalm 139:23-24
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Leader:! Temptations surround us; their masks grin through the darkness.
We run from them, but which way should we go?
Where can we hide when all lies in shadow?
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Have mercy on us, O God.
Leader:! Our eyes are swollen from tears; our bones are cold with fear;
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our souls have been broken—do you not hear, Lord?
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Save us! According to your steadfast love, answer us!
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Do not hide your face, but draw near and redeem us!!
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Prayer for Illumination
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Sermon!
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Leader:! How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath. !
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(Hosea 11:8-9)
Through Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
In Christ we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
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(from Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7)
Know that in him your sins are forgiven, and be at peace.
In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thanks be to God!
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Rev. Bob Vincent
Leader:! The Lord be with you.
People:! And also with you.
Leader:! Lift up your hearts.
People:! We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader:! Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People:! It is right for us to give thanks and praise.
Leader prays.
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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven;
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Leader:! Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. Hallelujah!
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Hallelujah!
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Communion is taken.
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Passing of the Peace
Leader:! The peace of Christ be with you. !
People:! And also with you.
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Communion Hymn
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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Song of Assurance
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Came To My Rescue
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WE CELEBRATE HOLY COMMUNION*
Assurance of Grace!
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WE ARE SENT TO BE GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
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Greeting & Announcements
Prayer for the Offering
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Closing Hymn
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O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Benediction
Offertory Hymns! !
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The Solid Rock
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Doxology
WE RECEIVE GOD’S WORD FOR US
Reading of the Scripture
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Reader: !The Word of the Lord.
People:! Thanks be to God!
All scripture is from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.