Third Sunday of Lent
7 March, 9:00 am @ St. Mark's
Lent 3
Theme: International Women's DayLeader: Gavin
Preacher: Alberta Dyer-Tucker
Principal Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.18–25 (NLT)
Read by Lynn SmithThe message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Devotional Bible Reading: Exodus 20:1-17
Read by Anna FultonThen God gave the people all these instructions:
“I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.
“You must not have any other god but me.
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
“You must not murder.
“You must not commit adultery.
“You must not steal.
“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
Prayers: JanetPrayers
Father God
Lord of all nations, we pray for our world, for Bermuda, and for all communities. We pray for frontline workers across the world, who continue to battle against the Corona Virus, especially the health care workers involved in distributing the vaccines and testing. We pray for governments and leaders across the world. Grant wisdom to those in authority, and help them lead with compassion, mercy, and equality. Bring your peace to the unrest in Myanmar, where the elected leader Ms Suu Kyi and her party members are still being detained. Develop in us the ability to form a deeper connection with you and with others in order to heal our world. Creator God, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Spirit of healing, we pray for those members of our church family who need your restorative touch. Bring wholeness to those in our community who are sick in mind or body, and comfort those who mourn. We name in our hearts now those known personally to us who are in need of your love………….Loving and gracious God, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves and for one another, and for those serving the needs of our community. Sustain our church leaders and members of our Vestry and Guild, as they continue to work tirelessly for our church family. We pray for those who are separated or isolated from their family, friends, and fellow believers. We also pray for those dealing with financial concerns in this current climate. Help us reach out and help all those we can, as often as we can, and to look to you for strength and comfort when we feel troubled. Sustaining Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Loving father, you are the Lord of all. You choose us, you love us and invite each one of us to be part of your Holy Kingdom, without discrimination. Work in our hearts and make us accepting of all, despite differences in gender, race, age, culture, and ability. Help us rid the world of prejudice, as we lead by example and ensure minority groups are not marginalised. Thank you for living in us and loving through us.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Music
Song 1: Once AgainSong 2: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
Song 3: Shine Jesus Shine
Additional Info
Notes:No Refreshments but Guild are welcomed back to The Rectory.