Third Sunday of Lent — 52nd Online Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic
We have suspended on-site church activities until further notice. Remember: This crisis is an opportunity for us to be "little Christs".
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We extend a cordial welcome to each person worshipping with us online. We realize that during this time of separation, it is critical for us to be connected. We hope the service will leave you feeling renewed, fulfilled, and challenged. God bless you all!
Ministers:
Rev. Billy Hester Rev. Bob Chvatal Ray Ellis, Minister of Music
The flowers for today’s service are given in memory of James Gordon Newton and Thelma Hyde Newton’s 100th wedding anniversary on March 5, 2021. The Newtons are the maternal grandparents of Dr. Gordon Baker and Dr. Tom Lewis.
Special Thanks:
Every Sunday during this period of virtual services due to the pandemic, there are people who work behind the scenes to help make the service meaningful and wonderful for all of us and our online visitors. We thank those heroes of our faith — videographers, video editors, sound editors, and font editors.
Licensing
Copyright License #2291323 Streaming License #20116968 Short clips of music used with permission from The Worship Design Studio.
Worship Service Video (synopsis below)
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Synopsis
PRELUDE: "Spirit of the Living God" Sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir, directed by Ray Ellis. Piano: Kay Deffley. [recorded April 2, 2017]
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rev. Billy Hester
CALL TO WORSHIP: Rev. Billy Hester (based on Psalm 63:1-8)
LENTEN MEDITATION: designed by Dr. Marcia McFee, presented by Pam Sears, a prayer reading by David Alley, and the Asbury Memorial Church Choir in a video montage by Ray Ellis.
SONG OF PREPARATION: "Make Us Holy, Make Us Whole" by Mark Friedman, sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir in a video montage by Ray Ellis.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Rev. Claire Marich
SCRIPTURE: John 2:13-22 used with permission from Lumno Videos
HYMN: "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" led by Rev. Billy Hester. Piano: Ray Ellis. Organ: Kay Deffley.
SERMON: "The Arms of a Holy Fool" — Rev. Billy Hester
INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION
RECEIVING OF ELEMENTS COMMUNION MUSIC: "Forgiveness and Healing," written and sung by Danny Beam on piano.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING: Rev. Billy Hester
INTVITATION FOR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: "Jesus Loves Me"
OFFERTORY: "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy" by Paul Langford and Frederick W. Faber, sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir in a video montage by Ray Ellis.
DOXOLOGY
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: Rev. Claire Marich
HYMN: "Holy Vessels" by Chuck Bell & Dr. Marcia McFee sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir
BENEDICTION: Rev. Billy Hester
CHORAL RESPONSE: "Here I Am, Lord" led by Cheri Hester
POSTLUDE: "Sent Out in Jesus' Name" Sung by the Asbury Memorial Church Choir, directed by Ray Ellis. Piano: Kay Deffley. Bass: Doug Povie [recorded January 12, 2017]
TAG: Asbury Altar with introduction of "Holy Vessels" by Chuck Bell.