Sermon Sunday March 30, 2025 Rev. Norman A. Michaud Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32 This Sunday’s reading from Luke is exclusive to Luke’s Gospel. This parable known and loved by Christians is highlighted in the Lectionary for the fourth Sunday in Lent. If there exists a “top-10” list of parables, this parable would most likely be on that list. Sarah and I have experienced the “parable of the prodigal son” for three years. I share this story knowing that many families have experienced the suffering of loved ones who succumb to addictions and other diseases. I share Sarah’s and my experience so that we may bring hope to those who remain confounded and grieve for those who have been and may remain victims of disease. We

Order of Worship March 30th, 2025 (The Fourth Sunday in Lent) 10:00 AM *If you are able, please stand. Prelude: “Here I Am” Alison Willis WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: MISSION STATEMENT: (Let us say our Mission Statement together) “To welcome and inspire All through faith, love, and fellowship according to Christ’s example.” Introit: “Listen to Your Savior Call”   William Cowper/Richard Redhead *Call to Worship (Responsive) Leader: How blessed we are that God forgives us and loves us! People: Even when we become self-absorbed, we are still God’s beloved children. Leader: Remember the eternal love of God which has been poured out for you through Christ. People: Our hearts rejoice at the wondrous ways in which God loves and forgives us. Leader: Remember that in all your

Sermon Sunday March 23, 2025 Rev. Norman A. Michaud “We Feel Fortunate, Till We Don’t” Isaiah 55: 1-9 &Luke 13:9-12 Jesus knew well Isaiah’s words. “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! . . . Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. . . . I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David” (Isa. 55:1-3). Isaiah’s appeal to his people in exile asks to find God near his people. Isaiah also proclaimed the good news, for God answers him. “‘For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion, I will bring you back. In a surge of anger, I hid

Order of Worship March 23rd, 2025 (The Third Sunday in Lent) 10:00 AM *If you are able, please stand. Prelude: “I Bind Unto Myself Today”  John Hebden Schaffner                 “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”    Sarah MacDonald WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: MISSION STATEMENT: (Let us say our Mission Statement together) “To welcome and inspire All through faith, love, and fellowship according to Christ’s example.” Introit: “Listen to Your Savior Call”   William Cowper/Richard Redhead *Call to Worship (Responsive) Leader: We have come this day to learn about what God expects of us. People: Sometimes we really don’t want to know what God wants. We are afraid to make the commitments God seeks. Leader: God is persistent. God will

Sermon Sunday March 9, 2025 Rev. Norman A. Michaud “Turning Point in the Wilderness Luke 4: 1-13 Solitude can nurture but can also terrify us. The wilderness can be a frightening landscape that whispers from the shadows, “You are alone.” In Hebrew, “wilderness” means “the wordless place.” Luke’s Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent is not wordless. Jesus dialogues with the devil, or adversary, who offers him wealth and power so that he may rule the material world. Last Sunday, in Luke 9, Jesus changed or transfigured on a mountaintop. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus become ignited and surrounded by light. Ancient Hebrew prophets Moses and Elijah sat with him. God’s voice commanded the disciples to “Listen to Him!” This first Sunday of

Order of Worship March 9th , 2025 (The First Sunday of Lent) 10:00 AM *If you are able, please stand. Prelude: “Sonata II”   Elisabetta de Gambarini   WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: MISSION STATEMENT: (Let us say our Mission Statement together) “To welcome and inspire All through faith, love, and fellowship according to Christ’s example.” Introit: “Jesus Took the Bread”   Ruth Duck/Randall Sensmeier *Call to Worship (Responsive) Leader: When Jesus was in the wilderness, he was tempted to save himself. People: We often look for the good things for ourselves first, before the well-being of others. Leader: Jesus was offered salvation if he turned stones to bread; if he accepted wealth and power; if he tested God’s commitment to him. People: In all these things, Jesus remained strong in his