First Sunday in Lent

This week is the first Sunday in Lent. Something noteworthy about the language here. In other seasons we would say, “The first Sunday of Advent,” but for Lent we say it is a Sunday in Lent. Sundays are in Lent, but not of Lent. That is because Sunday is always a feast day, even in the season of fasting. Sunday is always a celebration of the resurrection!

Below you will find resources to be incorporated during worship.

Call to Worship: One: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins; Many: His mercy endures for ever. One: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Many: Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord Your God, One: for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Many: Come, let us worship the Lord.

Collect: Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Benediction: One – Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to trust fully in God knowing that God sustains and keeps you. Go in grace and peace to love and serve the Lord and neighbor. Many – Thanks be to God.