Asbury
United
Ash Wednesday
February 17,
2010 7:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday
is the first day of Lent. Lent is the 40
days (not counting Sundays) that precede Easter. The name "Ash
Wednesday" comes from the ancient practice in both Judaism and
Christianity of using ashes as a sign of repentance. Tonight we begin anew our Lenten journey as a congregation.
Prelude Entreaty Raymond
H. Haan
"Give
ear to my prayer, O God; hide not thyself from my supplication." Psalm
55:1
My Faith
Looks Up To Thee Hal
H. Hopson
Λ Call to Worship
Leader: We gather to affirm that Jesus Christ
is the center of our lives.
People: We
celebrate places and spaces where the love of Christ is found.
Leader: We gather to walk the road that Jesus walked
before us.
People: We
stop, look around, become mindful of the extraordinary in
the ordinary. We find the holy as we walk.
Λ Hymn 375 (UMH) There
Is a Balm in Gilead Balm
In Gilead
Λ Prayer
God, open us. Break forth your light in the dark
places. Confront our
secrets and our sins, all those things that keep us in the dark.
Open
us:
our preoccupation with ourselves, our ambitions, our buried
grudges,
our bitterness about loss, our private comforts, our fear of
failure,
our pessimism, our self-righteousness all call for your light of
healing.
We give thanks for the grace of healing light. Amen.
Scripture Lesson: Joel 2:12-17
The Word of the
Lord. Thanks be to God.
Anthem Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee
17c English Tune
(Our
anthem is based on Psalm 130.) arr. K.
Lee Scott
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The
Gospel of our Lord. Praise to You, Jesus Christ.
Sung Response 2195 (FWS) In the
Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful Itlibet
Meditation Extraordinary
in the Ordinary The Reverend Lisa Withrow
Sung Response 2007 (FWS) Santo,
Santo, Santo Santo
Service of the Imposition of the Ashes
And Holy Communion
Those who
wish may come forward and receive the mark of the ashes as a sign of repentance
and forgiveness, as well as partake in Holy Communion.
In the
you do not
need to be a member of this church or a United Methodist to partake
of Holy
Communion. If you care to participate,
please come forward down the
aisle to your
left, receive the bread, dip it in the chalice (grape juice) and return to your
seat on your right.
Invitation to the Table
Receiving the Mark of Ashes, the Bread and Cup
Λ Prayer after Communion
God
of compassion, through your Son Jesus Christ you reconciled
your
people to yourself. Following his example of prayer and fasting,
may we
obey you with willing hearts and serve one another in holy
love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Λ Hymn 292 (UMH)
What Wondrous Love Is This Wondrous Love
Λ Benediction
Postlude Wondrous Love Samuel Barber
We thank the Reverend Dr. Lisa Withrow
for serving as tonight's preacher.
Lisa is a clergy member of Asbury and is
Profesor of Christian Leadership
in the Dewire Chair at the Methodist
Theological School in Ohio.
She also directs the Doctor of Ministry
program.
UMH refers
to United Methodist Hymnal; FWS refers to The Faith We Sing. Λ Please stand, if you are able.
Congregation responds with bold words.
Church Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Monday
Friday.
Church
phone: 740-363-3611
Parsonage:
740-363-8454
Website: www.asburyohio.org E-mail: church@asburyohio.org
Pastor
Phils E-mail: pastorphil@asburyohio.org
Assisting
the congregation in its ministry are:
Pastoral Ministry Education
Reverend Philip Wilden
Reverend Jean Woods
Reverend William McCartney
(Minister of Visitation)
Music
Ministry
Youth Ministry
Emily Dietz (M.A.P.
Youth) Robert Nims (Choir Director)
Sarah Brook (Alleluia Choir Director)
Lay Leadership
Chris Meadows (Teen Choir Director)
David Hejmanowski (Lay
Leader)
Support Staff
Van Ayers (Custodian)
Assisting
in Worship Today
Greeters
..Roy
and Nancy Reed
Acolytes
...
Liturgist.
...
..Ashley
Hejmanowski
February Usher
Captain
.
....Vicki Lefevre
Communion
Servers.......................................Jeanette Kraus and Larry Proper
Vicki Lefevre and Jenny Carroll
Lenten Devotional Books
The church is providing Lenten Devotional books for
your use. The Sanctuary for Lent by Robert Dodd is being provided as a
gift from the church. They include a message for each day from Ash Wednesday to
Easter Sunday. Daily scripture readings, commentary, and prayer are based upon
the miracles of Jesus and how they relate to the kingdom of God. Pick up one at
the foyer table and let the readings inspire you as you journey through Lent.
Prayers for Lent
An assortment of prayers will be available for your
use each week from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Please take a copy from the
foyer table each Sunday.