DUC

Great Host, you bring us to places and circumstances that we never thought possible. Yet here we are, and sometimes we feel unprepared. Help us to find the place just right, for the times are out of sort. Help us to experience the "other" and to find a place to

listen deep within our hearts. Amen.

We continue to pray with the words that Jesus taught us to pray, singing together:

THE LORD'S PRAYER (sung) V.U. 960

HYMN: "Joy Shall Come" V.U. 23

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN:

SERVICE OF LIGHTING THE CANDLE:

Almighty God, we are looking for you. May this candlelight remind us that you are here with us, as we worship you this day, and may we remember that you are always near, just a prayer away.

Amen.

ANTHEM:

WE HEAR GOD'S LOVING WORD FOR US

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

As we begin our Lenten journey, O God, we must come to terms with the times when we did not trust, when we did not act in faith, when we followed other paths. Forgive us. Show us the way once again. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

As we walk with God, we are changed day by day. God's ways can become more and more our ways. God's never-ending forgiveness washes over us, making us new, again and again.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7

This is the witness of the People of Israel. Thanks be to God.

RESPONSIVE PSALM: Psalm 32: 1-11 (V.U. 759)

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 4: 1-11

This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God.

HYMN: "To the Desert Jesus Came" V.U. 113

MESSAGE: "Resisting Temptation"

WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION

PRAYER: A Lenten Call to a Holy Fast and a Holy Feast,

by Tom Sherwood

OFFERING INVITATION: Repentance means turning. May our gifts symbolize a turning of our hearts and hands to God and to the world in response to God's mercy and grace. Let us share together in our morning offering.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE: For the gift of creation, the gift of your love, and the gift of the Spirit by which we live, we thank you and give you the fruit of our hands. May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give. V.U. 538

OFFERTORY PRAYER: Bless the gifts that we offer. Bless we who offer them. Bless those who will be touched, in turn. May this circle of blessings be pleasing in your sight, O God. Amen.

HYMN: "Jesus, Tempted in the Desert: V.U. 115

COMMISSIONING: Go in prayer. Go in hope. Go expecting resurrection. Go trusting where this Lent leads. Firmly in the promises of God our Saviour, go and be a disciple fully. Amen.

POSTLUDE LicenSing # 620168

Announcements March 5, 2017

1. Please join us for COFFEE AND A TIME OF FELLOWSHIP after the service in the lower level of the church.

2. Please keep all in our congregation who are ill or recovering from surgery in your thoughts and prayers.

3. Our LENTEN BOOK STUDY is on "He set his face to Jerusalem," by Richard B. Wilke. The book costs $15 and is available from Rev. Larry. Our sessions will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. It's not too late to join us!

4. We will be having an OYSTER AND HAM dinner here at the church on Friday, March 24.

5. THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 5, we are asked to pray for the mission and ministry of South Caradoc United Church. We are also asked to pray for the well-being, compassion, strength, and joy of Rev. Phil Schuyler. Thank you for your participation in this prayer ministry.

6. HALLELUJAH!! Praise the Lord. We have received word that our refugee family has received their clearances at long last, and will leave Lebanon on March 8, arriving in Toronto on March 9. Please keep Fateh, Wafaa, Mohamad and Douha in your thoughts and prayers as they leave their former home to come to their new home in Canada.

7. A very special event called ReVITALize is being held by Middlesex Presbytery at Metropolitan U.C. on Friday and Saturday, April 21 & 22, and is open to all. Early bird registration by March 31 is $40 for the 2 days, including lunch, and $50 after that. The wonderful list of presenters is: John Pentland, Catherine Faith MacLean, Brad Morrison, Ian Peer, Marilyn Townsend-Smith and Paula Smith, Ross Lockhart, Kimberly Heath and Jason Byassee! The purpose of this event is to explore Church Growth, Leadership and Discipleship- together! Brochures are available at on the table at the back of the sanctuary.

8. The UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER; it's time to renew your subscription or if you are not getting it, perhaps the time is now. It's a good magazine, well worth the $25.00. See me, Marj Macmillan to pay your dues, Thank you.

9. CAMP KEE-MO-KEE is embarking on an exciting new future and we need your help: if you are a keen naturalist; a children's champion, a camping crusader, a thoughtful business leader, or a fantastic fundraiser. Choose your own adventure! A little help can make a big impact. Call us today and discover how you can make a difference. Contact Mary Ann Hodge ( hodgemav@gmail.com ).