John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a | Beginnings are often associated with excitement and anticipation. But often, for there to be a beginning there is also an ending. In our readings today, we hear Jesus invite Nicodemus to begin again – or to be “born again”, and we hear God call Abram and Sarai to begin again as they leave their home, their family, and their land to seek what God has promised them. For Nicodemus, Abram, and Sarai, to embrace a new beginning was a risk. And yet, by doing so, they opened themselves to the fullness of God’s promises for them. As you find yourself on your own journey of seeking this Lent, join us for worship as we consider the beginnings God is calling us into, and as we dare to take the risk to begin again and be born again in God’s grace.
Sunday, March 5, 2023, Second Sunday in Lent Bulletin
Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Prelude: More Love To Thee O Christ. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Spirit of the Living God. Text and Music: Daniel Iverson. Text and Music: © 1935. Renewed 1963 Birdwing Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: This is a Day of New Beginnings. Text: Brian Wren. Music: Carlton R. Young. Text: © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 1984, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual; arr. hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Amazing Love. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and Music: © 1986 Make Way Music, admin. Integrity Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Lowell Mason, Chris Tomlin, and Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music, Vamos Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.