HOME WORSHIP RESOURCES
Sunday - March 15, 2020

MARCH 15 - THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
Late Saturday afternoon our synod bishop, Sue Briner, sent an email recommending that all congregations in our synod suspend in-person worship gatherings (including mid-week lent) after this Sunday, from March 16 until at least March 31. Our St. Peter's council agreed yesterday with my recommendation for our congregation to follow these guidelines. You can read the Bishop's letter HERE .

So, as we imagine worship in new ways during this time where were are asked to self-distance, here are some simple resources for you to worship and dwell in the Word if you choose to stay home today. This is an evolving resource, so each week will likely look a little different. Blessings as you live in gratitude and grace before our Creator.

Peace,
Pastor Vanicek
CALL TO WORSHIP (WHEREVER YOU MAY BE)
CALL TO WORSHIP FOR 3/15
God is in the water that restores our soul.
And God is in the night when we lose our way.
God is in today and tomorrow, raising up leaders, prophets and dreamers.
And God is in the wilderness with us—every step of the way.
So with confidence we declare—
If God is in those spaces, then God is surely here.
Let us worship the God of creation.
Let us worship the God of wilderness spaces.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus of Nazareth,
There are stories of you healing the blind all over scripture.
You were constantly opening people’s eyes.
So today we confess that we often choose to keep our eyes closed.
We turn away from injustice in our world,
worried you might ask us to work for change.
We close our eyes to our privilege, because the truth is uncomfortable. We avoid eye contact with those who are suffering
to avoid identifying with their pain.
Forgive us for failing to be your Church in the world.
Guide us from the depths of our wilderness into your light.
Amen.
DWELLING IN THE WORD
 Martin Luther argued that “the ears are the only organs of a Christian,” since it is through the ear that life begins, through hearing the preached Word of God.

Bible study can be intimidating for many…because we don’t think we know much about the Bible, and figure someone ought to have a seminary degree to do this kind of thing, but it doesn’t take a pastor to speak into motion sacred words and pour them into ears to give life. Bible study is simply dwelling in the Word…listening for God’s voice and life among us and for us. And, know that in reading this John passage, you are hearing the word alongside millions this Sunday across multiple denominations who also follow the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL).

THIS SUNDAY'S READING: John 4:1-42
In the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well, we encounter one whose life had been disrupted (she has to travel to the well alone at noon...who does that!). She is one who experienced social distancing, not by choice, but from her community. And, here comes Jesus, social engaging her and offering her not just any water, but living water.

1) READ THE SCRIPTURE (preferably from your Bible)
2) REFLECT ON THE QUESTIONS
  • What word or phrase stuck out to you? Why?
  • Where does this passage touch your life today?
  • How is God inviting you to change through this passage?
3) CLOSE WITH THE LORD'S PRAYER AND SILENCE
A VIDEO BIBLE STUDY OPTION
Some have been attending our Adult Sunday school study called "Ed's Story." This Sunday in class we watch the video "MY GARDEN." CLICK HERE to watch it along with us if you at home. Below are a few questions to reflect on with the video. May this nourish your faith and life for the week ahead.

"When you're not needed, you lose part of your purpose in life."
  • Reflect upon those who have needed you in the past and still need you today.
  • Take a moment to thank them for giving your life purpose.

"The paradox is that for me, the purpose was following Jesus, which I'd been trying to do all my life."
  • What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
  • How does this look different in the midst of suffering?

"Influence, one-on-one, is way more important."
  • What one-on-one relationships have impacted your journey?
  • Whose lives are you impacting?
SONGS AND HYMNS TO SING THIS DAY
Below is a link to a playlist of music to enhance your at home worship. There is a combination of instrumental hymns, vocal hymns, and choral music. I pray that in this time of solitude this creative outlet inspires you. Listen and meditate. Sing a long. Allow the music to wash over you as you worship the greatest inspiration of music. - Olivia Cheesman
PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE
Prayer is central to the life of faith. Prayer is vital because it connects us to God and each other, a reminder that we are never social distanced others in Christ. Please say these names aloud as a way of lifting them up to God this day. You are welcome in this time of prayer to include your own joys and concerns.
Jim Dipprey
Faith Trapp
Ruth Kjos
Marci Wilde
Ruby Sanders
Ken Smith
Ken Tate
Wyatt Crouse
Jerry Braeutigam
Jenny Braeutigam
Vondean Schmidt
Vince Wesch
Sandra Conners
Jake Boyd
Laverne Pullin
Dick Schroer
Jolene Williams
Carolyn Selman
Annie Woods
Nik Schappe
Doris Tate
Linda Williams
Mary Posey
Harold Brueckner
Mary Langehennig
Lincoln Cortez
Jackie Meagher
Wayne Rhoades
Marnie Casteneda
Wade Herrington
Wanda Center
Charles Butler
Diane and Bill Burke
Amanda Morris
Crysta Guzman
Virginia Whatley
Pete Davis
Danette DeMont
Shane Carpenter
Mae Watson
Anne Hunnafin
Greg Schoonmaker
Bob Lenz
Toby Green
Tammy Whitman
Sibi & Don Kraemer
Brayden Ybarra
Larry Stahl
Margo Stahl
Bob & Kris Ward
Ann Huebner
Ron Burke
Greg Butler 
OFFERINGS AND GIFTS TO GOD
Your continued generosity toward our operating budget will be more important than ever during this time.  This is especially true as we seek to take care of our amazing staff who will be working in this time on new and creative ways to worship together in Spirit but not able to gather in the same place, to grow in faith, and to serve our neighbors.  If you’re not using electronic giving, you can still mail your offering to the church at 1803 Highway 1431 West, Marble Falls, TX 78654 . And if you’re not already a sustaining member of our ministry through our Consecration Sunday process, I can’t think of a more important time to step in. A commitment of $5 or $10 a week can make a huge difference in this ministry we share.

CLICK HERE   to give online one time, 
or to set up a reoccurring offering.

Or, simply text the amount 
you want to give to 830-460-5757.
BLESSING FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
A Home Filled with God
by Ruth Burgess of the Iona Community in Scotland

May God the maker blessing you,
may you delight in the sunlight
and starlight and surprises
of the turning earth.

May Jesus the carpenter bless you,
may you celebrate life together
in all its struggles and joy.

May the Holy Spirit bless you,
may you dance with the saints and the angels
in the wisdom and the wildness of her love.

May your house be a shelter of strength and of welcome;
a laughter of music and stories,
a safe space to ask questions,
an engine whistle of exhilaration,
a smooth stone of stillness,
a warm hug in the darkness,
a home filled with God.
GO IN PEACE...TOGETHER, BOLDLY LIVING AND SHARING GOD'S GRACE WITH ALL!