We have been having some technical difficulties with streaming our services from the church. We apologize and are attempting to find a solution.
Sunday February 26 is the first Sunday in the season of Lent. Since the season of Lent is generally a more sober time with emphasis on repentance and contemplation of Jesus’ suffering and death, we also make some adjustments to the liturgy. We will be following the order of Divine Service 3 beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal, but dropping alleluias and the Hymn of Praise (Gloria in Exclesis). We are also going to be chanting the psalms, and before reading the gospel we will use a Lenten response from Divine Service 1 (page 157) rather than the alleluia and verse. Return to the Lord Your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2:13
The theme for the day has to do with temptation and sin. In the gospel lesson, after Jesus is baptized and before He begins His public ministry, the Holy Spirit forces Him out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Where Adam and the people of Israel frequently gave into such temptation and sinned against God, (we too often do the same), Jesus remains obedient to God’s Word, resists temptation, avoids sin, and overcomes the devil. The good news is, Jesus shares His victory with us.
Scripture lessons are Psalm 91, Genesis 3:1-21; Romans 5:12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11.
Hymns chosen for the day are #560 Drawn to the Cross; #562 All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall; #424 O Christ You Walked the Road; and those present for communion will sing #613 To Thee, Omniscient Lord of All.
COLLECT: O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them safely to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church, that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come,; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or concerns about the service. Pastor
