a series of special services for lent
TRANSCRIPT
JONAHThe Sign Of
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CREATIVE JONAHThe Sign Of
CREATIVE The Sign Of
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JONAHThe Sign Of
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JONAHThe Sign Of
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JONAHThe Sign Of
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3 JH-U
JONAHThe Sign Of
A Series of Special Services for LENTby Dr. Reed Lessing
By Dr. Reed Lessing. Art by Sally Beck. © 2010 by Creative Communications for the Parish. 800-325-9414. creativecommunications.com. JH-U
Index
About The Sign Of Jonah .................................................................................................. 4-6
Ash Wednesday • God Is Calling ....................................................................................7-27
First Week Of Lent • Saved In The Storm ............................................................. 28-49
Second Week Of Lent • Our Providing God ........................................................ 50-69
Third Week Of Lent • Praying In The Belly Of The Great Big Fish ................70-89
Fourth Week Of Lent • The God Of The Second Chance ...........................90-109
Fifth Week Of Lent • About Face! .......................................................................... 110-131
Music Guide ....................................................................................................................132-160
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Index
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Index
.................................................................................................. 4-6
CREATIVE .................................................................................................. 4-6
....................................................................................7-27
CREATIVE ....................................................................................7-27
............................................................. 28-49
CREATIVE ............................................................. 28-49
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Index
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Index
.................................................................................................. 4-6
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.................................................................................................. 4-6
....................................................................................7-27
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....................................................................................7-27
............................................................. 28-49
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............................................................. 28-49
........................................................ 50-69
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........................................................ 50-69
hird Week Of Lent • Praying In The Belly Of The Great Big Fish
COMMUNICATIONS hird Week Of Lent • Praying In The Belly Of The Great Big Fish ................70-89
COMMUNICATIONS ................70-89
...........................90-109
COMMUNICATIONS ...........................90-109
.......................................................................... 110-131
COMMUNICATIONS .......................................................................... 110-131
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About The Sign Of Jonah
SAMPLES
About The Sign Of Jonah.................................................................................................. 4-6
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.................................................................................................. 4-6
h Wednesday • God Is Calling
SAMPLES
h Wednesday • God Is Calling
irst Week Of Lent • Saved In The Storm
SAMPLESirst Week Of Lent • Saved In The Storm
eek Of Lent • Our Providing God
SAMPLESeek Of Lent • Our Providing God ........................................................ 50-69
SAMPLES........................................................ 50-69
hird Week Of Lent • Praying In The Belly Of The Great Big Fish
SAMPLEShird Week Of Lent • Praying In The Belly Of The Great Big Fish
ourth Week Of Lent • The God Of The Second Chance
SAMPLESourth Week Of Lent • The God Of The Second Chance
4 JH-U
About The Sign Of Jonah
Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and Jesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
Ash Wednesday • God Is Calling (Jonah 1:1-3)
First Week of Lent • Saved in the Storm (Jonah 1:4-16)
Second Week of Lent • Our Providing God (Jonah 1:1-17)
Third Week of Lent • Praying from the Belly of the Great Big Fish (Jonah 2:1-10)
Fourth Week of Lent • The God of the Second Chance (Jonah 3:1-4)
Fifth Week of Lent • About Face (Jonah 3:5-10)
For each service the kit contains: sample bulletins with complete orders of service • sermons • prayers • music for the accompanist.
JONAHThe Sign Of
A Series of Special Services for LENTby Dr. Reed Lessing
CREATIVE
About The Sign Of Jonah
CREATIVE
About The Sign Of Jonah
Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for
CREATIVE Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of
CREATIVE a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services
CREATIVE the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and
CREATIVE explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and Jesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
CREATIVE Jesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
CREATIVE
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About The Sign Of Jonah
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About The Sign Of Jonah
Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for
COMMUNICATIONS
Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of
COMMUNICATIONS
a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services
COMMUNICATIONS
the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and
COMMUNICATIONS
explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and Jesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
COMMUNICATIONS
Jesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
• God Is Calling (Jonah 1:1-3)
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• God Is Calling (Jonah 1:1-3)
Saved in the Storm (Jonah 1:4-16)
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Saved in the Storm (Jonah 1:4-16)
Our Providing God (Jonah 1:1-17)
COMMUNICATIONS Our Providing God (Jonah 1:1-17)
Praying from the Belly of the Great Big Fish (Jonah 2:1-10)
COMMUNICATIONS Praying from the Belly of the Great Big Fish (Jonah 2:1-10)
The God of the Second Chance (Jonah 3:1-4)
COMMUNICATIONS The God of the Second Chance (Jonah 3:1-4)
For each service the kit contains: sample bulletins with complete orders of service •
COMMUNICATIONS For each service the kit contains: sample bulletins with complete orders of service •
COMMUNICATIONS
SAMPLES
Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for
SAMPLES
Jonah … for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of
SAMPLES
a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services
SAMPLES
the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and
SAMPLESexplores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey … and Jesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
SAMPLESJesus on his way to the cross. Written by seminary professor Dr. Reed Lessing.
Ash Wednesday
SAMPLESAsh Wednesday • God Is Calling (Jonah 1:1-3)
SAMPLES • God Is Calling (Jonah 1:1-3)
Saved in the Storm (Jonah 1:4-16)
SAMPLESSaved in the Storm (Jonah 1:4-16)
Our Providing God (Jonah 1:1-17)
SAMPLESOur Providing God (Jonah 1:1-17)
Praying from the Belly of the Great Big Fish (Jonah 2:1-10)
SAMPLESPraying from the Belly of the Great Big Fish (Jonah 2:1-10)
5 JH-U
Ordering Information
Additional resources are available from Creative Communications for the Parish. Contact us for current pricing and availability. Call us at 1-800-325-9414. Or visit our website: www.creativecommunications.com.
Bulletins For This Kit:
Code JH-P • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Code JH-2 • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” Code JH-T • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Add These Holy Week Services To Complete The Series:
Those who desire may supplement this series with other services that continue the series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
Maundy Thursday • On The Same Page (Jonah 4:1-2)Code JH-4 • Maundy Thursday Kit
Code JH-F • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Code JH-G • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” Code JH-H • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Good Friday • The Answer! (Jonah 4:3-11)Code JH-5 • Good Friday Kit
Code JH-J • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Code JH-K • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” Code JH-M • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Easter Sunday • The Sign Of Life! (Matthew 12:41)Code JH-6 • Easter Sunday Kit
Code JH-O • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Code JH-R • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” Code JH-S • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Code JH-9 • Kit Of All Three Services
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JH-2 • CREATIVE
JH-2 • Code CREATIVE
Code JH-TCREATIVE
JH-T • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”CREATIVE
• Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Add These Holy Week Services To Complete The Series:
CREATIVE
Add These Holy Week Services To Complete The Series:
Those who desire may supplement this series with other services that continue the
CREATIVE
Those who desire may supplement this series with other services that continue the series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide
CREATIVE
series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in
CREATIVE
features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
CREATIVE
RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
On The Same Page (Jonah 4:1-2)
CREATIVE On The Same Page (Jonah 4:1-2)
• Maundy Thursday Kit
CREATIVE • Maundy Thursday Kit
• Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
CREATIVE • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
CREATIVE Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
COMMUNICATIONS
Add These Holy Week Services To Complete The Series:
COMMUNICATIONS
Add These Holy Week Services To Complete The Series:
Those who desire may supplement this series with other services that continue the
COMMUNICATIONS
Those who desire may supplement this series with other services that continue the series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide
COMMUNICATIONS
series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in
COMMUNICATIONS
features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
COMMUNICATIONS
RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
Maundy Thursday •
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Maundy Thursday • On The Same Page (Jonah 4:1-2)
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On The Same Page (Jonah 4:1-2) • Maundy Thursday Kit
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• Maundy Thursday Kit
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• Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
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• Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
COMMUNICATIONS
Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
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• Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
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The Answer! (Jonah 4:3-11)
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The Answer! (Jonah 4:3-11) • Good Friday Kit
COMMUNICATIONS
• Good Friday Kit • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
COMMUNICATIONS
• Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
COMMUNICATIONS Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
• Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
COMMUNICATIONS • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
The Sign Of Life! (Matthew 12:41)
COMMUNICATIONS The Sign Of Life! (Matthew 12:41)
SAMPLES
series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide SAMPLES
series format and theme. Each is ordered separately and includes all the Leader’s Guide features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in SAMPLES
features described above. Orders for all three kits include a CD-ROM (Mac/PC) in RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
SAMPLES
RTF format with text of services and of bulletins, plus PDF files of the kit.
Maundy Thursday •
SAMPLES
Maundy Thursday • Code
SAMPLES
Code JH-4
SAMPLES
JH-4Code
SAMPLES
Code JH-F
SAMPLES
JH-F • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
SAMPLES
• Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Code
SAMPLESCode JH-G •
SAMPLESJH-G • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
SAMPLESBlank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
Code
SAMPLESCode JH-H
SAMPLESJH-H • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
SAMPLES • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Good Friday •
SAMPLESGood Friday •
SAMPLESThe Answer! (Jonah 4:3-11)
SAMPLESThe Answer! (Jonah 4:3-11)
JH-5
SAMPLESJH-5 • Good Friday Kit
SAMPLES • Good Friday Kit • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
SAMPLES • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
SAMPLESBlank bulletins • 8.5” x 11”
SAMPLESBlank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
SAMPLES • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
The Sign Of Life! (Matthew 12:41)
SAMPLESThe Sign Of Life! (Matthew 12:41)
6 JH-U
The Ash Wednesday Kit Can Be Ordered Independently:
Ash Wednesday • God Is Calling (Jonah 1:1-3)Code JH-3 • Ash Wednesday Kit
Code JH-B • Pre-printed bulletins • 8.5” x 11”Code JH-D • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 11” Code JH-E • Blank bulletins • 8.5” x 14”
Take Home Prayer Cards:
A set of Prayer Cards incorporatse bulletin art and prayers from the series. Hand them out at each service, or before them to publicize the services.
Code JH-A • Prayer Cards For Six-Service KitCode JA-3 • Maundy Thursday Prayer Card
Code JA-4 • Good Friday Prayer CardCode JA-5 • Easter Sunday Prayer Card
Code JA-2 • Ash Wednesday Prayer Card
Other Resources:
Code JH-7 • Promotional Bulletin InsertCode JH-8 • A Display Poster • 11” x 17”
Code PHA-X • Cloth Banner Suitable For Worship
Bible Study Resources:
Code JB-S • The Sign Of Jonah Student GuideCode JB-L • The Sign Of Jonah Leader Guide
Devotional Resources:
Code SJ-1 • Daily Devotional Prayers For LentCode ST-M • Children’s Daily Sticker Activity For Lent
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Take Home Prayer Cards:CREATIVE
Take Home Prayer Cards:
A set of Prayer Cards incorporatse bulletin art and prayers from the series. Hand them CREATIVE
A set of Prayer Cards incorporatse bulletin art and prayers from the series. Hand them out at each service, or before them to publicize the services.
CREATIVE
out at each service, or before them to publicize the services.
Prayer Cards For Six-Service Kit
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Prayer Cards For Six-Service KitMaundy Thursday Prayer Card
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Maundy Thursday Prayer CardGood Friday Prayer Card
CREATIVE
Good Friday Prayer CardEaster Sunday Prayer Card
CREATIVE
Easter Sunday Prayer Card
CREATIVE
• Ash Wednesday Prayer Card
CREATIVE
• Ash Wednesday Prayer Card
• Promotional Bulletin Insert
CREATIVE • Promotional Bulletin Insert
• A Display Poster • 11” x 17”
CREATIVE • A Display Poster • 11” x 17” • Cloth Banner Suitable For Worship
CREATIVE • Cloth Banner Suitable For Worship
COMMUNICATIONS
A set of Prayer Cards incorporatse bulletin art and prayers from the series. Hand them
COMMUNICATIONS
A set of Prayer Cards incorporatse bulletin art and prayers from the series. Hand them out at each service, or before them to publicize the services.
COMMUNICATIONS
out at each service, or before them to publicize the services.
Code
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Code JH-A •
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JH-A • Code
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Code JA-3 •
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JA-3 • Code
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Code JA-4 •
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JA-4 • Code
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Code JA-5 •
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JA-5 • Easter Sunday Prayer Card
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Easter Sunday Prayer Card
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JA-2
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JA-2 • Ash Wednesday Prayer Card
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• Ash Wednesday Prayer Card
Other Resources:
COMMUNICATIONS
Other Resources:
• Promotional Bulletin Insert
COMMUNICATIONS
• Promotional Bulletin Insert
COMMUNICATIONS
• A Display Poster • 11” x 17”
COMMUNICATIONS
• A Display Poster • 11” x 17” • Cloth Banner Suitable For Worship
COMMUNICATIONS
• Cloth Banner Suitable For Worship
• The Sign Of Jonah Student Guide
COMMUNICATIONS • The Sign Of Jonah Student Guide • The Sign Of Jonah Leader Guide
COMMUNICATIONS • The Sign Of Jonah Leader Guide
SAMPLES
CodeSAMPLES
Code
Code
SAMPLES
Code JH-7
SAMPLES
JH-7 • Promotional Bulletin Insert
SAMPLES
• Promotional Bulletin InsertCode
SAMPLESCode JH-8
SAMPLESJH-8
SAMPLES • A Display Poster • 11” x 17”
SAMPLES • A Display Poster • 11” x 17”
PHA-X
SAMPLESPHA-X • Cloth Banner Suitable For Worship
SAMPLES • Cloth Banner Suitable For WorshipPHA-X • Cloth Banner Suitable For WorshipPHA-X
SAMPLESPHA-X • Cloth Banner Suitable For WorshipPHA-X
Bible Study Resources:
SAMPLESBible Study Resources:
SAMPLES • The Sign Of Jonah Student Guide
SAMPLES • The Sign Of Jonah Student Guide • The Sign Of Jonah Leader Guide
SAMPLES • The Sign Of Jonah Leader Guide
7 JH-U
JONAHThe Sign Of
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
Order Of Service ..................................................................................................................8-11
Complete Script For Worship Leaders .....................................................................12-20
Scripture Readings ...................................................................................................................21
Homily: God Is Calling ....................................................................................................22-25
Prayers ..........................................................................................................................................26
Study Prompts ..........................................................................................................................27
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JONAHCREATIVE
JONAHJONAHCREATIVE
JONAHCREATIVE Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
CREATIVE Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
..................................................................................................................8-11
CREATIVE ..................................................................................................................8-11
.....................................................................12-20
CREATIVE .....................................................................12-20
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JONAHCOMMUNICATIONS
JONAHCOMMUNICATIONS
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
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Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
..................................................................................................................8-11
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..................................................................................................................8-11
.....................................................................12-20
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.....................................................................12-20
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...................................................................................................................21
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...................................................................................................................21
....................................................................................................22-25
COMMUNICATIONS ....................................................................................................22-25
..........................................................................................................................................
COMMUNICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................27
COMMUNICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................27
SAMPLES
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
SAMPLES
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
..................................................................................................................8-11
SAMPLES
..................................................................................................................8-11
ript For Worship Leaders
SAMPLESript For Worship Leaders .....................................................................12-20
SAMPLES.....................................................................12-20
SAMPLES...................................................................................................................21
SAMPLES...................................................................................................................21
....................................................................................................22-25
SAMPLES....................................................................................................22-25
8 JH-U
JONAHThe Sign Of
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
Order Of Service
+++P For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you
have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
C The appointed time has come. (Psalm 102:9-13)
Hymn ................................................................ Jesus, I Will Ponder Now
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;Let your Spirit now endow me for meditation.
Grant that I in love and faith may the image cherishOf your suff’ring, pain, and death, that I may not perish.
Make me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,Bonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
Make me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,How you died for those, O God, who with thorns had crowned you.
Yet, O Lord, not thus alone make me see your Passion,But its cause to me make known and its termination.For I also and my sin wrought your deep affliction;
This the shameful cause has been of your crucifixion.
CREATIVE
Ash Wednesday: God Is CallingCREATIVE
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
Order Of ServiceCREATIVE
Order Of Service
+++
CREATIVE
+++For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you
CREATIVE
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like
CREATIVE
have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
CREATIVE
grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
CREATIVE
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
us, I Will Ponder Now
CREATIVE us, I Will Ponder Now
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
CREATIVE Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
COMMUNICATIONS
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you
COMMUNICATIONS
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like
COMMUNICATIONS
have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
COMMUNICATIONS
grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
COMMUNICATIONS
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.(Psalm 102:9-13)
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(Psalm 102:9-13)
................................................................ Jes
COMMUNICATIONS
................................................................ Jes
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
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Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;Let your Spirit now endow me for meditation.
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Let your Spirit now endow me for meditation.Grant that I in love and faith may the image cherish
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Grant that I in love and faith may the image cherishOf your suff’ring, pain, and death, that I may not perish.
COMMUNICATIONS
Of your suff’ring, pain, and death, that I may not perish.
Make me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,
COMMUNICATIONS Make me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,
Bonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
COMMUNICATIONS Bonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
Make me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,
COMMUNICATIONS Make me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,How you died for those, O God, who with thorns had crowned you.
COMMUNICATIONS How you died for those, O God, who with thorns had crowned you.
SAMPLES
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you SAMPLES
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like SAMPLES
have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. SAMPLES
grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
SAMPLES
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.The appointed time has come.
SAMPLES
The appointed time has come.
................................................................ Jes
SAMPLES
................................................................ Jes
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
SAMPLESJesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;Let your Spirit now endow me for meditation.
SAMPLESLet your Spirit now endow me for meditation.
Grant that I in love and faith may the image cherish
SAMPLESGrant that I in love and faith may the image cherish
Of your suff’ring, pain, and death, that I may not perish.
SAMPLESOf your suff’ring, pain, and death, that I may not perish.
Make me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,
SAMPLESMake me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,
SAMPLESBonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
SAMPLESBonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
Make me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,
SAMPLESMake me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,
9 JH-U
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C And with you also.
Prayer of the Day
Confession
P Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your Word:
C Dust we are and to dust we shall return. (Genesis 3:19; Psalm 90:3) P Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all.
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes. C Dust we are and to dust we shall return. P Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
C Dust we are and to dust we shall return.P Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As we repent we put on dust and ashes.
C Dust we are and to dust we shall return.P People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
earnest confession unto the Lord.C Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods.
We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment, but for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive and renew us. Amen.
+++P You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus
began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore, as you have made repentance, now hear the gospel. I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ, announce to you the grace of God. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CREATIVE
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we CREATIVE
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your CREATIVE
are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
CREATIVE
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all.
CREATIVE
Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all. Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes.
CREATIVE
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
CREATIVE
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
CREATIVE
Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own
CREATIVE
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
CREATIVE
plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
CREATIVE Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble
CREATIVE expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
CREATIVE ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
CREATIVE People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
CREATIVE People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
COMMUNICATIONS
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we
COMMUNICATIONS
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your
COMMUNICATIONS
are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your Word:
COMMUNICATIONS
Word: Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
COMMUNICATIONS
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all. Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes.
COMMUNICATIONS
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
COMMUNICATIONS
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own
COMMUNICATIONS
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
COMMUNICATIONS
plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
COMMUNICATIONS
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble
COMMUNICATIONS
expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
COMMUNICATIONS
ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
COMMUNICATIONS
People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
COMMUNICATIONS
People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods.
COMMUNICATIONS
Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods. We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and
COMMUNICATIONS
We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve
COMMUNICATIONS things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment,
COMMUNICATIONS nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment, but for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive and renew us
COMMUNICATIONS but for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive and renew us. Amen.
COMMUNICATIONS . Amen.
You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus
COMMUNICATIONS You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore,
COMMUNICATIONS began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore,
SAMPLES
Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must SAMPLES
Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own SAMPLES
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes. SAMPLES
plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
SAMPLES
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
SAMPLES
Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble
SAMPLES
expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
SAMPLES
ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As we repent we put on dust and ashes.
SAMPLESwe repent we put on dust and ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
SAMPLESDust we are and to dust we shall return.
SAMPLESPeople of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
SAMPLESPeople of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods.
SAMPLESAlmighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods. We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and
SAMPLESWe are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve
SAMPLESthings we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment,
SAMPLESnothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment, but for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive and renew us
SAMPLESbut for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive and renew us
10 JH-U
Hymn ................................................................ Jesus, I Will Ponder Now
Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grievingNor you crucify anew by unholy living.
How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasureSince for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
First Reading .............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3
Holy Gospel ..........................................................Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The Creed
Hymn ............................................... Hark, The Voice Of Jesus Calling
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
Take the task he gives you gladly; let his work your pleasure be.Answer quickly when he calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!”
The Sign Of Jonah: “God is Calling!”
CREATIVE
Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.CREATIVE
Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.CREATIVE
If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,
CREATIVE
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
CREATIVE
Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,
CREATIVE
May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
CREATIVE
That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
.............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3
CREATIVE
.............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3
..........................................................Ma
CREATIVE ..........................................................Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
CREATIVE tthew 6:1-6, 16-21
, The Voice Of Jesus Calling
CREATIVE , The Voice Of Jesus Calling
COMMUNICATIONS
Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
COMMUNICATIONS
Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
COMMUNICATIONS
If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,
COMMUNICATIONS
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
COMMUNICATIONS
Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,
COMMUNICATIONS
May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
COMMUNICATIONS
That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
.............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3
COMMUNICATIONS
.............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3
..........................................................Ma
COMMUNICATIONS
..........................................................Ma
The Creed
COMMUNICATIONS
The Creed
, The Voice Of Jesus Calling
COMMUNICATIONS
, The Voice Of Jesus Calling
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
COMMUNICATIONS
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
COMMUNICATIONS
Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheave
COMMUNICATIONS
Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?”
COMMUNICATIONS
s away?”Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
COMMUNICATIONS Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
COMMUNICATIONS Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
COMMUNICATIONS Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
COMMUNICATIONS While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
SAMPLES
First ReadingSAMPLES
First Reading .............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3SAMPLES
.............................................................................. Jonah 1:1-3
y Gospel
SAMPLES
y Gospel ..........................................................Ma
SAMPLES
..........................................................Ma
The Creed
SAMPLES
The Creed
............................................... Hark
SAMPLES............................................... Hark
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
SAMPLESHark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
SAMPLESFields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheave
SAMPLESFields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaveLoud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
SAMPLESLoud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
SAMPLESWho will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
SAMPLESLet none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
11 JH-U
Offering and Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer (If Holy Communion is celebrated, it may take place here.)
The Blessing
Closing Hymn ................................................................. Abide With Me
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
For Next Week
Read Jonah 1:4-16.
1. Even when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels, refusing to hearken to him?
2. How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?3. How was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
CREATIVE
................................................................. ACREATIVE
................................................................. A
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,CREATIVE
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
CREATIVE
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
CREATIVE
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
CREATIVE
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
CREATIVE
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
CREATIVE
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
CREATIVE
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
CREATIVE
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
CREATIVE when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
COMMUNICATIONS
Closing HymnCOMMUNICATIONS
Closing Hymn
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
COMMUNICATIONS
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
COMMUNICATIONS
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
COMMUNICATIONS
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
COMMUNICATIONS
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
COMMUNICATIONS
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
COMMUNICATIONS
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
COMMUNICATIONS
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
For Next Week
COMMUNICATIONS
For Next Week
Read Jonah 1:4-16.
COMMUNICATIONS
Read Jonah 1:4-16.
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
COMMUNICATIONS
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?
COMMUNICATIONS
How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
COMMUNICATIONS
was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
SAMPLES
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;SAMPLES
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;SAMPLES
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
SAMPLES
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Read Jonah 1:4-16.
SAMPLESRead Jonah 1:4-16.
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
SAMPLESwhen God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
refusing to hearken to him?
SAMPLESrefusing to hearken to him?How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?
SAMPLESHow has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
SAMPLESwas Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
12 JH-U
JONAHThe Sign Of
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
• You may consider creating a Lenten Cross to light. It would be analogous to an Advent Wreath. It could be made out of two logs forming a cross with six candles in it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle as a reminder that Holy Week is coming.
• If you are using a Lenten Cross, all six candles may be lit at this time.
• This Call To Worship is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
P For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
C The appointed time has come. (Psalm 102:9-13)
• The Hymn Jesus, I Will Ponder Now, is sung by the congregation to the tune Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 D:
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;Let your Spirit now endow me for meditation.
Grant that I in love and faith may the image cherishOf your suff’ring, pain, and death, that I may not perish.
Make me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,Bonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
Make me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,How you died for those, O God, who with thorns had crowned you.
CREATIVE
Ash Wednesday: God Is CallingCREATIVE
Ash Wednesday: God Is Calling
Complete Script For Worship LeadersCREATIVE
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
Lenten Cross
CREATIVE
Lenten Cross to light. It would be analogous to an
CREATIVE
to light. It would be analogous to an Advent Wreath. It could be made out of two logs forming a cross with six candles in
CREATIVE
Advent Wreath. It could be made out of two logs forming a cross with six candles in it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle
CREATIVE
it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle as a reminder that Holy Week is coming.
CREATIVE
as a reminder that Holy Week is coming.
, all six candles may be lit at this time.
CREATIVE
, all six candles may be lit at this time.
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
CREATIVE is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you
CREATIVE For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like
CREATIVE have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
CREATIVE grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
CREATIVE You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
COMMUNICATIONS
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
COMMUNICATIONS
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
ou may consider creating a
COMMUNICATIONS
ou may consider creating a Advent Wreath. It could be made out of two logs forming a cross with six candles in
COMMUNICATIONS
Advent Wreath. It could be made out of two logs forming a cross with six candles in it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle
COMMUNICATIONS
it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle as a reminder that Holy Week is coming.
COMMUNICATIONS
as a reminder that Holy Week is coming.
Lenten Cross
COMMUNICATIONS
Lenten Cross, all six candles may be lit at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS
, all six candles may be lit at this time.
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
COMMUNICATIONS
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you
COMMUNICATIONS
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like
COMMUNICATIONS
have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
COMMUNICATIONS
grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
COMMUNICATIONS
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
COMMUNICATIONS
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
COMMUNICATIONS
is sung by the congregation to the tune
SAMPLES
it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle SAMPLES
it. Light the whole cross on Ash Wednesday and then each week extinguish a candle as a reminder that Holy Week is coming. SAMPLES
as a reminder that Holy Week is coming.
If you are using a
SAMPLES
If you are using a Lenten Cross
SAMPLES
Lenten Cross
Call To Worship
SAMPLES
Call To Worship is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
SAMPLES
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you
SAMPLES
For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like
SAMPLEShave taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
SAMPLESgrass. But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
SAMPLESYou will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
SAMPLESYou will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her.
(Psalm 102:9-13)
SAMPLES(Psalm 102:9-13)
is sung by the congregation to the tune
SAMPLES is sung by the congregation to the tune
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
SAMPLESJesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
13 JH-U
Yet, O Lord, not thus alone make me see your Passion,But its cause to me make known and its termination.For I also and my sin wrought your deep affliction;
This the shameful cause has been of your crucifixion.
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C And with you also.
• The Prayer Of The Day may be offered from your own liturgical tradition.
• This Confession Of Sins is offered by the congregation and the pastor:
P Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your Word:
C Dust we are and to dust we shall return. (Genesis 3:19; Psalm 90:3) P Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all.
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes. C Dust we are and to dust we shall return. P Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
C Dust we are and to dust we shall return.P Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As we repent we put on dust and ashes.
C Dust we are and to dust we shall return.P People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
earnest confession unto the Lord.C Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods.
We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment, but for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive and renew us. Amen.
CREATIVE
may be offered from your own liturgical tradition.CREATIVE
may be offered from your own liturgical tradition.
Confession Of SinsCREATIVE
Confession Of Sins is offered by the congregation and the pastor:CREATIVE
is offered by the congregation and the pastor:
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we
CREATIVE
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your
CREATIVE
are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
CREATIVE
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. (Genesis 3:19; Psalm 90:3)
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(Genesis 3:19; Psalm 90:3)
Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all.
CREATIVE
Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all. Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes.
CREATIVE
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes.
CREATIVE Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
CREATIVE Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own
CREATIVE rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
CREATIVE plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
CREATIVE Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble
CREATIVE expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
CREATIVE ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with COMMUNICATIONS
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. COMMUNICATIONS
you all. CCOMMUNICATIONS
C And with you also. COMMUNICATIONS
And with you also.
The
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The Prayer Of The Day
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Prayer Of The Day
This
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This Confession Of Sins
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Confession Of Sins
Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we
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Gracious Lord, ashes remind us of our human frailty and mortality. You are eternal, but we are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your
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are limited in our days. Someday we will return to dust and ashes. You remind us of this in your
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
COMMUNICATIONS
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all. Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes.
COMMUNICATIONS
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes.
COMMUNICATIONS
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
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Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own
COMMUNICATIONS
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
COMMUNICATIONS
plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
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Dust we are and to dust we shall return.Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble
COMMUNICATIONS
expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
COMMUNICATIONS
ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
COMMUNICATIONS
People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
COMMUNICATIONS
People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods.
COMMUNICATIONS Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods. We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and
COMMUNICATIONS We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and
COMMUNICATIONS things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve
COMMUNICATIONS things we have left undone. We are but dust and ash of the ground and we deserve nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment,
COMMUNICATIONS nothing more than to return to the dust. Though we deserve your stern judgment,
SAMPLES
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. SAMPLES
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all. SAMPLES
Ashes speak of condemnation for sin. When Adam fell into sin, judgment and death came to all. Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes. SAMPLES
Since we all are born into sin, we are marked for death and ashes. SAMPLES
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
SAMPLES
Dust we are and to dust we shall return. Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must
SAMPLES
Ashes speak of our total dependence upon you, O God. We are but frail human beings who must rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own
SAMPLES
rely upon you, dear Father. We think we are capable of taking care of ourselves and make our own plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes.
SAMPLES
plans for greatness. However, so often these plans fail and crumble into ashes. Dust we are and to dust we shall return.
SAMPLES
Dust we are and to dust we shall return.Ashes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and
SAMPLESAshes speak of our humiliation and repentance. As people in the Bible humbled themselves and expressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble
SAMPLESexpressed their repentance and mourning in the signs of sackcloth and ashes, we also humble ourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
SAMPLESourselves before you, O God, as we ask you to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As
SAMPLESDust we are and to dust we shall return.
SAMPLESDust we are and to dust we shall return.People of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
SAMPLESPeople of God, as we see the meaning of ashes and dust for us as Christians, we now make our
Almighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods.
SAMPLESAlmighty God, you have always warned your people against trusting in false gods. We are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and
SAMPLESWe are sinful and this nature has given birth to sinful deeds: things we have done and
14 JH-U
• If your congregation observes an Imposition Of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, you may perform the rite at this time. Worshipers are invited to come up quietly to the front of the church and receive ashes on their foreheads with the words from Mark 1:15: “Repent and believe the gospel,” as a token of their repentance in the Lord. Worshipers who choose not to come up for the ashes are invited to meditate quietly in their seat. During the rite, special music may be presented.
• After a moment of silent reflection, this Absolution Of Sins is proclaimed by the pastor:
P You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore, as you have made repentance, now hear the gospel. I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ, announce to you the grace of God. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
• The final three verses of the Hymn Jesus, I Will Ponder Now, are sung by the congregation to the tune Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 D:
Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grievingNor you crucify anew by unholy living.
How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasureSince for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
• The First Reading, Jonah 1:1-3, is read:
P Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
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You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus CREATIVE
You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore,
CREATIVE
began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore, as you have made repentance, now hear the gospel. I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ,
CREATIVE
as you have made repentance, now hear the gospel. I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ, announce to you the grace of God. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the
CREATIVE
announce to you the grace of God. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the
Jesus, I Will Ponder Now,
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Jesus, I Will Ponder Now,Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 D
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Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 D:
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:
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Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grieving
CREATIVE
Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grievingNor you crucify anew by unholy living.
CREATIVE Nor you crucify anew by unholy living.
How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasure
CREATIVE How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasure
Since for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
CREATIVE Since for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,
CREATIVE If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
CREATIVE Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
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in their seat. During the rite, special music may be presented.COMMUNICATIONS
in their seat. During the rite, special music may be presented.
•COMMUNICATIONS
• After COMMUNICATIONS
After a moment of silent reflection, this COMMUNICATIONS
a moment of silent reflection, this pastor:
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pastor:
You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus
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You have heard the Word of the Lord, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” With these words, Jesus began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore,
COMMUNICATIONS
began his ministry and now directs us to make repentance and hear his good news. Therefore, as you have made repentance, now hear the gospel. I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ,
COMMUNICATIONS
as you have made repentance, now hear the gospel. I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ, announce to you the grace of God. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the
COMMUNICATIONS
announce to you the grace of God. Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
final three verses of the
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final three verses of the Hymn
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HymnJesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 D
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Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 D
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Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grieving
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Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grievingNor you crucify anew by unholy living.
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Nor you crucify anew by unholy living.How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasure
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How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasureSince for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
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Since for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,
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If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
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Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.
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Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
COMMUNICATIONS
If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,
COMMUNICATIONS
Grant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
COMMUNICATIONS Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,
COMMUNICATIONS May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
COMMUNICATIONS That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that
COMMUNICATIONS Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that
SAMPLES
final three verses of the SAMPLES
final three verses of the to the tune SAMPLES
to the tune Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 DSAMPLES
Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein 76 76 DSAMPLES
Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grieving
SAMPLES
Grant that I your Passion view with repentant grievingNor you crucify anew by unholy living.
SAMPLES
Nor you crucify anew by unholy living.How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasure
SAMPLES
How could I refuse to shun ev’ry sinful pleasureSince for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
SAMPLES
Since for me God’s only Son suffered without measure?
If my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,
SAMPLESIf my sins give me alarm and my conscience grieve me,
Let your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
SAMPLESLet your cross my fear disarm, peace of conscience give me.
Grant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.
SAMPLESGrant that I may faithfully lean upon your Passion.
If his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
SAMPLESIf his only Son loves me, God must have compassion.
SAMPLESGrant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,
SAMPLESGrant that I may willingly bear with you my crosses,Learning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.
SAMPLESLearning humbleness of you, peace mid pain and losses.May I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,
SAMPLESMay I give you love for love! Hear me, O my Savior,That I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
SAMPLESThat I may in heav’n above sing your praise forever.
15 JH-U
• The Holy Gospel, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, is read:
P “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
• The Creed is offered according to local custom.
• The Hymn, Hark, The Voice Of Jesus Calling, is sung by the congregation to the tune Galilean 87 87 D:
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
Take the task he gives you gladly; let his work your pleasure be.Answer quickly when he calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!”
• The Homily, entitled The Sign Of Jonah: “God is Calling!” is delivered by the pastor. Please note that page numbers appear occasionally in the text. These are references to Lessing, Jonah [St. Louis, CPH, 2007]. If you wish, you may refer to this Bible commentary for additional background material for the homily:
P ((Pantomiming telephone conversation:) “Hello?” (Pause for other end to answer.)
“You’re kidding! It can’t be!” (Hold phone to your chest as though to keep the person on the other end from hearing and whisper to the congregation ...) “It’s God!”
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they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so CREATIVE
they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father CREATIVE
that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
CREATIVE
who sees in secret will reward you. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth CREATIVE
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in
CREATIVE
consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
CREATIVE
heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For
CREATIVE
consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
CREATIVE
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
is offered according to local custom.
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is offered according to local custom.
, is sung by the congregation to the tune
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, is sung by the congregation to the tune
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
CREATIVE Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheave
CREATIVE Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?”
CREATIVE s away?”
Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
CREATIVE Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
CREATIVE Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
CREATIVE Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
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others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your COMMUNICATIONS
others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your COMMUNICATIONS
left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.COMMUNICATIONS
Father who sees in secret will reward you.hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you,
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hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so
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they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father
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that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
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who sees in secret will reward you.and rust
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and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in
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consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
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heaven, where neither moth nor rustwhere your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
is offered according to local custom.
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is offered according to local custom.
Hark, The Voice Of Jesus Calling
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Hark, The Voice Of Jesus Calling
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
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Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheave
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Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaveLoud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
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Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
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Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
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Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
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While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.Take the task he gives you gladly; let his work your pleasure be.
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Take the task he gives you gladly; let his work your pleasure be.Answer quickly when he calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!
COMMUNICATIONS
Answer quickly when he calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!
is delivered by the pastor.
COMMUNICATIONS is delivered by the pastor.
COMMUNICATIONS Please note that page numbers appear occasionally in the text. These are references
COMMUNICATIONS Please note that page numbers appear occasionally in the text. These are references to Lessing, Jonah [St. Louis, CPH, 2007]. If you wish, you may refer to this Bible
COMMUNICATIONS to Lessing, Jonah [St. Louis, CPH, 2007]. If you wish, you may refer to this Bible
SAMPLES
is offered according to local custom.SAMPLES
is offered according to local custom.
HymnSAMPLES
Hymn, SAMPLES
, Hark, The Voice Of Jesus CallingSAMPLES
Hark, The Voice Of Jesus CallingGalilean 87 87 D
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Galilean 87 87 D:
SAMPLES
:
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
SAMPLES
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheave
SAMPLES
Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaveLoud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.
SAMPLES
Loud and long the master calls you; rich reward he offers free.Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
SAMPLESWho will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I. Send me, send me”?
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
SAMPLESLet none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
While the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
SAMPLESWhile the multitudes are dying and the master calls for you.
Take the task he gives you gladly; let his work your pleasure be.
SAMPLESTake the task he gives you gladly; let his work your pleasure be.Answer quickly when he calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!
SAMPLESAnswer quickly when he calls you, “Here am I. Send me, send me!
The Sign Of Jonah: “God is Calling!”
SAMPLESThe Sign Of Jonah: “God is Calling!”
Please note that page numbers appear occasionally in the text. These are references
SAMPLESPlease note that page numbers appear occasionally in the text. These are references
16 JH-U
Now wouldn’t it be something if God actually did call?
I don’t know how it is at your house, but I find one of the most irritating sentences in the English language to be, “The phone is ringing!” This infuriating announcement usually comes from someone in my home who prefers that I attend to the task of answering the phone. I’ve actually had the experience of hearing three voices call out at once, “The phone’s ringing!”
The idea is that we don’t want to waste our energy if the call is not for us, and there are even times when we don’t want to answer calls that are for us!
Continuing on with this little “fun with the phone” routine, have you ever answered the phone and then said to your mom or dad or son or daughter or husband or wife, “It’s for you.” Then the reply comes, “Who is it?” Amazing how many people simply want to avoid responsibility for their calls!
Welcome to the world of Jonah! Let’s begin at the beginning! The narrative of Jonah actually begins in 2 Kings 14:23-27 (pp. 64-65):
“In the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter; there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Joash.”
From this passage, we find that even in Israel, a sinful nation in the sight of God—a nation under the reign of an unfaithful king, Jeroboam, who “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord”—the prophet Jonah was successful: God did not destroy unfaithful Israel while his prophet Jonah was speaking the word of God.
In the book bearing his name, Jonah was also a successful prophet: the people of Nineveh heard and heeded the word of God. They repented.
Yet Jonah, son of Amittai (a name that means “faithful,” or “truth”—Jonah was “the son of faithfulness ... the child of truth”), while successful, proves to be anything but faithful. He turns tail and runs when God calls him. And even when he does tell the truth—proclaiming the true word of God to the Ninevites—he does so begrudgingly. Deep down he doesn’t want those nasty outsiders to know God’s truth. Even so, God’s faithful and true word succeeds!
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on with this little “fun with the phone” routine, have you ever answered the phone and CREATIVE
on with this little “fun with the phone” routine, have you ever answered the phone and then said to your mom or dad or son or daughter or husband or wife, “It’s for you.”
CREATIVE
then said to your mom or dad or son or daughter or husband or wife, “It’s for you.”comes, “Who is it?” Amazing how many people simply want to avoid responsibility for their calls!
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comes, “Who is it?” Amazing how many people simply want to avoid responsibility for their calls!
elcome to the world of Jonah! Let’s begin at the beginning! The narrative of Jonah actually
CREATIVE
elcome to the world of Jonah! Let’s begin at the beginning! The narrative of Jonah actually
the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of
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the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of
CREATIVE
Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to
CREATIVE
the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according
CREATIVE sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the
CREATIVE to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter;
CREATIVE prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter;
CREATIVE there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he
CREATIVE there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
CREATIVE would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
COMMUNICATIONS
had the experience of hearing three voices call out at once, “The phone’s ringing!”COMMUNICATIONS
had the experience of hearing three voices call out at once, “The phone’s ringing!”
The COMMUNICATIONS
The idea is that we don’t want to waste our energy if the call is not for us, and there are even times COMMUNICATIONS
idea is that we don’t want to waste our energy if the call is not for us, and there are even times when we don’t want to answer calls that are for us!
COMMUNICATIONS
when we don’t want to answer calls that are for us!
Continuing
COMMUNICATIONS
Continuing on with this little “fun with the phone” routine, have you ever answered the phone and
COMMUNICATIONS
on with this little “fun with the phone” routine, have you ever answered the phone and then said to your mom or dad or son or daughter or husband or wife, “It’s for you.”
COMMUNICATIONS
then said to your mom or dad or son or daughter or husband or wife, “It’s for you.”comes, “Who is it?” Amazing how many people simply want to avoid responsibility for their calls!
COMMUNICATIONS
comes, “Who is it?” Amazing how many people simply want to avoid responsibility for their calls!
elcome to the world of Jonah! Let’s begin at the beginning! The narrative of Jonah actually
COMMUNICATIONS
elcome to the world of Jonah! Let’s begin at the beginning! The narrative of Jonah actually begins in 2 Kings 14:23-27 (pp. 64-65):
COMMUNICATIONS
begins in 2 Kings 14:23-27 (pp. 64-65):
the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of
COMMUNICATIONS
the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of
COMMUNICATIONS
Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to
COMMUNICATIONS
the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according
COMMUNICATIONS
sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the
COMMUNICATIONS
to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter;
COMMUNICATIONS
prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter;
COMMUNICATIONS
there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he
COMMUNICATIONS
there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
COMMUNICATIONS
would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
this passage, we find that even in Israel, a sinful nation in the sight of God—a nation under
COMMUNICATIONS
this passage, we find that even in Israel, a sinful nation in the sight of God—a nation under the reign of an unfaithful king, Jeroboam, who “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord”—the
COMMUNICATIONS
the reign of an unfaithful king, Jeroboam, who “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord”—the prophet Jonah was successful: God did not destroy unfaithful Israel while his prophet Jonah was
COMMUNICATIONS
prophet Jonah was successful: God did not destroy unfaithful Israel while his prophet Jonah was
the book bearing his name, Jonah was also a successful prophet: the people of Nineveh heard
COMMUNICATIONS the book bearing his name, Jonah was also a successful prophet: the people of Nineveh heard
et Jonah, son of Amittai (a name that means “faithful,” or “truth”—Jonah was “the son of
COMMUNICATIONS et Jonah, son of Amittai (a name that means “faithful,” or “truth”—Jonah was “the son of faithfulness ... the child of truth”), while successful, proves to be anything but faithful. He turns
COMMUNICATIONS faithfulness ... the child of truth”), while successful, proves to be anything but faithful. He turns
SAMPLES
the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of SAMPLES
the fifteenth year of King Amaziah son of Joash of Judah, King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of SAMPLES
Israel began to reign in Samaria; he reigned forty-one years. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to
SAMPLES
the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according
SAMPLES
sin. He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the
SAMPLES
to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter;
SAMPLES
prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. For the Lord saw that the distress of Israel was very bitter;
SAMPLES
there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he
SAMPLES
there was no one left, bond or free, and no one to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
SAMPLESwould blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
this passage, we find that even in Israel, a sinful nation in the sight of God—a nation under
SAMPLESthis passage, we find that even in Israel, a sinful nation in the sight of God—a nation under
the reign of an unfaithful king, Jeroboam, who “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord”—the
SAMPLESthe reign of an unfaithful king, Jeroboam, who “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord”—the prophet Jonah was successful: God did not destroy unfaithful Israel while his prophet Jonah was
SAMPLESprophet Jonah was successful: God did not destroy unfaithful Israel while his prophet Jonah was
the book bearing his name, Jonah was also a successful prophet: the people of Nineveh heard
SAMPLESthe book bearing his name, Jonah was also a successful prophet: the people of Nineveh heard
17 JH-U
Jonah must have been successful as a prophet in his native Israel. We can figure that out because he was able to hire the sailors and pay for the use of the ship (pp. 76-77). The opening sentences of Jonah’s book have him not only paying a fare for his passage, but in fact financing the entire ship and its crew—an expensive endeavor, especially considering all of this money is being spent to disobey the command of the Lord. The last call Jonah wants to answer is that one from the LORD!
Just like other Israelites, Jonah is called to go beyond his borders (p. 82). Abram was sent from his homeland. Moses led God’s people from their homes. Balaam was sent to prophesy to Moab. Elijah had been sent to the Gentile town of Zarephath. God’s prophets had a history of speaking God’s word beyond traditional borders.
But this call was to Nineveh, “the chief of sinners” (pp. 85-89). The very word “Nineveh” would cause a prophet to blanch—such was the city’s reputation! Isaiah wrote about it. So did Nahum and Zephaniah. A place of deceit and moral degredation, the nation was also renowned for its bloody and inhumane warfare. When the armies of Nineveh arose (and they arose OFTEN!) the wake of their destruction was utterly complete.
When Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to this enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in Afghanistan or Tehran in Iran or to Mogadishu in Somalia.
Jonah received a call that he would rather not get! You know the feeling. The phone rings and you just know it is your aging aunt who wants to come over and check her mailbox for the third time today. Or maybe you’ve had the experience of being “between jobs” and both the car payment and the mortgage are a few days late. You screen your calls with an answering machine; or if you are fortunate you have caller ID!
Calling Jonah to go to the Ninevites was like asking a Jew in 1942 to go from New York to Hitler, and tell him that God loved him, and that everything he did would be forgiven if he would but repent. So the Jew got on a train, all right, and went to San Francisco, then got on a ship to Antarctica! He wanted nothing to do with it.
So Jonah actually hung up on God! Have you ever had someone hang up on you? It doesn’t feel very good, and you likely experience a bit of anger. Who in the world would want to hang up on God and make God angry?
CREATIVE
Elijah had been sent to the Gentile town of Zarephath. God’s prophets had a history of speaking CREATIVE
Elijah had been sent to the Gentile town of Zarephath. God’s prophets had a history of speaking God’s word beyond traditional borders.CREATIVE
God’s word beyond traditional borders.
this call was to Nineveh, “the chief of sinners” (pp. 85-89). The very word “Nineveh” would
CREATIVE
this call was to Nineveh, “the chief of sinners” (pp. 85-89). The very word “Nineveh” would cause a prophet to blanch—such was the city’s reputation! Isaiah wrote about it. So did Nahum
CREATIVE
cause a prophet to blanch—such was the city’s reputation! Isaiah wrote about it. So did Nahum and Zephaniah. A place of deceit and moral degredation, the nation was also renowned for its
CREATIVE
and Zephaniah. A place of deceit and moral degredation, the nation was also renowned for its bloody and inhumane warfare. When the armies of Nineveh arose (and they arose OFTEN!) the
CREATIVE
bloody and inhumane warfare. When the armies of Nineveh arose (and they arose OFTEN!) the wake of their destruction was utterly complete.
CREATIVE
wake of their destruction was utterly complete.
Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on
CREATIVE
Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making
CREATIVE
stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them
CREATIVE pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten
CREATIVE around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys
CREATIVE holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to
CREATIVE Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to
CREATIVE this enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in
CREATIVE this enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in
COMMUNICATIONS
Just COMMUNICATIONS
Just like other Israelites, Jonah is called to go beyond his borders (p. 82). Abram was sent from COMMUNICATIONS
like other Israelites, Jonah is called to go beyond his borders (p. 82). Abram was sent from his homeland. Moses led God’s people from their homes. Balaam was sent to prophesy to Moab.
COMMUNICATIONS
his homeland. Moses led God’s people from their homes. Balaam was sent to prophesy to Moab. Elijah had been sent to the Gentile town of Zarephath. God’s prophets had a history of speaking
COMMUNICATIONS
Elijah had been sent to the Gentile town of Zarephath. God’s prophets had a history of speaking God’s word beyond traditional borders.
COMMUNICATIONS
God’s word beyond traditional borders.
this call was to Nineveh, “the chief of sinners” (pp. 85-89). The very word “Nineveh” would
COMMUNICATIONS
this call was to Nineveh, “the chief of sinners” (pp. 85-89). The very word “Nineveh” would cause a prophet to blanch—such was the city’s reputation! Isaiah wrote about it. So did Nahum
COMMUNICATIONS
cause a prophet to blanch—such was the city’s reputation! Isaiah wrote about it. So did Nahum and Zephaniah. A place of deceit and moral degredation, the nation was also renowned for its
COMMUNICATIONS
and Zephaniah. A place of deceit and moral degredation, the nation was also renowned for its bloody and inhumane warfare. When the armies of Nineveh arose (and they arose OFTEN!) the
COMMUNICATIONS
bloody and inhumane warfare. When the armies of Nineveh arose (and they arose OFTEN!) the wake of their destruction was utterly complete.
COMMUNICATIONS
wake of their destruction was utterly complete.
Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on
COMMUNICATIONS
Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making
COMMUNICATIONS
stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them
COMMUNICATIONS
pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten
COMMUNICATIONS
around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys
COMMUNICATIONS
holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to
COMMUNICATIONS
Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to
COMMUNICATIONS
this enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in
COMMUNICATIONS
this enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in Afghanistan or Tehran in Iran or to Mogadishu in Somalia.
COMMUNICATIONS
Afghanistan or Tehran in Iran or to Mogadishu in Somalia.
received a call that he would rather not get! You know the feeling. The phone rings and you
COMMUNICATIONS
received a call that he would rather not get! You know the feeling. The phone rings and you just know it is your aging aunt who wants to come over and check her mailbox for the third time
COMMUNICATIONS
just know it is your aging aunt who wants to come over and check her mailbox for the third time Or maybe you’ve had the experience of being “between jobs” and both the car payment and
COMMUNICATIONS
Or maybe you’ve had the experience of being “between jobs” and both the car payment and the mortgage are a few days late. You screen your calls with an answering machine; or if you are
COMMUNICATIONS the mortgage are a few days late. You screen your calls with an answering machine; or if you are
Jonah to go to the Ninevites was like asking a Jew in 1942 to go from New York to
COMMUNICATIONS Jonah to go to the Ninevites was like asking a Jew in 1942 to go from New York to
Hitler, and tell him that God loved him, and that everything he did would be forgiven if he would
COMMUNICATIONS Hitler, and tell him that God loved him, and that everything he did would be forgiven if he would
COMMUNICATIONS but repent. So the Jew got on a train, all right, and went to San Francisco, then got on a ship to
COMMUNICATIONS but repent. So the Jew got on a train, all right, and went to San Francisco, then got on a ship to
SAMPLES
wake of their destruction was utterly complete.SAMPLES
wake of their destruction was utterly complete.
Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on SAMPLES
Assyrians took over a town in battle, they would take any survivors and impale them on stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making
SAMPLES
stakes in front of the town. After a battle they would pile up the skulls of their enemies making pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them
SAMPLES
pillars out of them. Their leaders would often remove the heads of their enemies and wear them around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten
SAMPLES
around their necks. This is not a friendly nation or a friendly city, not exactly on the top ten holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys
SAMPLES
holiday destinations of the day! In fact this is the nation that eventually invades and destroys Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to
SAMPLES
Israel in 722 BC (cf. 2 Kings 17). And it’s to this group of people, to this great enemy nation, to
SAMPLESthis enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in
SAMPLESthis enemy city that God calls Jonah to go. That’s right, it’s an overseas assignment to Kabul in Afghanistan or Tehran in Iran or to Mogadishu in Somalia.
SAMPLESAfghanistan or Tehran in Iran or to Mogadishu in Somalia.
received a call that he would rather not get! You know the feeling. The phone rings and you
SAMPLESreceived a call that he would rather not get! You know the feeling. The phone rings and you
just know it is your aging aunt who wants to come over and check her mailbox for the third time
SAMPLESjust know it is your aging aunt who wants to come over and check her mailbox for the third time Or maybe you’ve had the experience of being “between jobs” and both the car payment and
SAMPLESOr maybe you’ve had the experience of being “between jobs” and both the car payment and the mortgage are a few days late. You screen your calls with an answering machine; or if you are
SAMPLESthe mortgage are a few days late. You screen your calls with an answering machine; or if you are
18 JH-U
The answer is in Jonah’s name (pp. 80-81). The name “Jonah” means “dove.” When we hear that word we think of peace ... or perhaps an image of the Holy Spirit. That is not what an ancient Hebrew thought when hearing the word “dove.” In that culture a dove was a flighty and brainless creature—something not to be trusted ... unreliable. A dove flies from one place to another, avoiding confrontation ... seeking refuge ... and then moaning and lamenting when in distress. Sound familiar? Like flighty, moaning Jonah, perhaps?
So Jonah, the dove, flies off, boarding a ship going to Tarshish, which is not only Tarsus, the hometown of St. Paul (p. 72), but represents a pleasant place of security, a “distant paradise” (p. 73). Tarshish was on important trade routes, and was recognized as a place of gold and gems. Imagine what the Spaniards thought about the new world—a place of exotic Aztec gold—and you’ll have an idea of Jonah’s image of distant Tarshish.
That having been said, a ship bound for Tarshish is bound to have enormous problems (cf. p. 76). Scripture speaks of the ships of Tarshish being buffeted by winds and shattering. Boarding a ship to Tarshish would be akin to buying a ticket to the Titanic!
Jonah’s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
And this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or to flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed from his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees from the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he has been called to do. This is what Jonah is doing—he is refusing to serve God, even though he knows what his word says (cf. 73-74). As a prophet, Jonah should have longed to be in God’s presence (as David so often yearned for God’s presence). But Jonah hid from God’s presence. It is like Jonah was on Mission Impossible, and he smashed the message device instead of accepting the mission!
But God’s word will have its way (pp. 77-78). The book of Jonah begins with God’s word. It ENDS with God’s word, as well. In the words of Martin Luther, God’s word forever shall abide!
How will God’s word win the day? The answer is in another prophet’s name – Jesus. He willingly goes beyond his borders (p. 82) for us! Jesus often traveled beyond traditional and expected boundaries—meeting with Samaritan women ... touching lepers illegally. Is that a surprise, considering Jesus traveled past the boundaries of heaven to be born, to live and to die among us, a foreign and rebellious people? In his resurrection from the dead the boundaries between life and
CREATIVE
(p. 73). Tarshish was on important trade routes, and was recognized as a place of gold and gems. CREATIVE
(p. 73). Tarshish was on important trade routes, and was recognized as a place of gold and gems. Imagine what the Spaniards thought about the new world—a place of exotic Aztec gold—and CREATIVE
Imagine what the Spaniards thought about the new world—a place of exotic Aztec gold—and you’ll have an idea of Jonah’s image of distant Tarshish.
CREATIVE
you’ll have an idea of Jonah’s image of distant Tarshish.
having been said, a ship bound for Tarshish is bound to have enormous problems (cf. p. 76).
CREATIVE
having been said, a ship bound for Tarshish is bound to have enormous problems (cf. p. 76). Scripture speaks of the ships of Tarshish being buffeted by winds and shattering. Boarding a ship
CREATIVE
Scripture speaks of the ships of Tarshish being buffeted by winds and shattering. Boarding a ship to Tarshish would be akin to buying a ticket to the Titanic!
CREATIVE
to Tarshish would be akin to buying a ticket to the Titanic!
s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses
CREATIVE
s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea
CREATIVE
the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone
CREATIVE
and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
CREATIVE who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before
CREATIVE this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before
the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or
CREATIVE the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or
CREATIVE to flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed
CREATIVE to flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed from his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees
CREATIVE from his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees from the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he
CREATIVE from the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he
COMMUNICATIONS
Sound familiar? Like flighty, moaning Jonah, perhaps?COMMUNICATIONS
Sound familiar? Like flighty, moaning Jonah, perhaps?
So COMMUNICATIONS
So Jonah, the dove, flies off, boarding a ship going to Tarshish, which is not only Tarsus, the COMMUNICATIONS
Jonah, the dove, flies off, boarding a ship going to Tarshish, which is not only Tarsus, the hometown of St. Paul (p. 72), but represents a pleasant place of security, a “distant paradise”
COMMUNICATIONS
hometown of St. Paul (p. 72), but represents a pleasant place of security, a “distant paradise” (p. 73). Tarshish was on important trade routes, and was recognized as a place of gold and gems.
COMMUNICATIONS
(p. 73). Tarshish was on important trade routes, and was recognized as a place of gold and gems. Imagine what the Spaniards thought about the new world—a place of exotic Aztec gold—and
COMMUNICATIONS
Imagine what the Spaniards thought about the new world—a place of exotic Aztec gold—and you’ll have an idea of Jonah’s image of distant Tarshish.
COMMUNICATIONS
you’ll have an idea of Jonah’s image of distant Tarshish.
having been said, a ship bound for Tarshish is bound to have enormous problems (cf. p. 76).
COMMUNICATIONS
having been said, a ship bound for Tarshish is bound to have enormous problems (cf. p. 76). Scripture speaks of the ships of Tarshish being buffeted by winds and shattering. Boarding a ship
COMMUNICATIONS
Scripture speaks of the ships of Tarshish being buffeted by winds and shattering. Boarding a ship to Tarshish would be akin to buying a ticket to the Titanic!
COMMUNICATIONS
to Tarshish would be akin to buying a ticket to the Titanic!
s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses
COMMUNICATIONS
s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea
COMMUNICATIONS
the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone
COMMUNICATIONS
and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
COMMUNICATIONS
who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before
COMMUNICATIONS
this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or
COMMUNICATIONS
the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or
COMMUNICATIONS
to flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed
COMMUNICATIONS
to flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed from his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees
COMMUNICATIONS
from his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees from the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he
COMMUNICATIONS
from the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he has been called to do. This is what Jonah is doing—he is refusing to serve God, even though he
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has been called to do. This is what Jonah is doing—he is refusing to serve God, even though he knows what his word says (cf. 73-74). As a prophet, Jonah should have longed to be in God’s
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knows what his word says (cf. 73-74). As a prophet, Jonah should have longed to be in God’s presence (as David so often yearned for God’s presence). But Jonah hid from God’s presence. It
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presence (as David so often yearned for God’s presence). But Jonah hid from God’s presence. It is like Jonah was on Mission Impossible, and he smashed the message device instead of accepting
COMMUNICATIONS is like Jonah was on Mission Impossible, and he smashed the message device instead of accepting
God’s word will have its way (pp. 77-78). The book of Jonah begins with God’s word. It
COMMUNICATIONS God’s word will have its way (pp. 77-78). The book of Jonah begins with God’s word. It
ENDS with God’s word, as well. In the words of Martin Luther, God’s word forever shall abide!
COMMUNICATIONS ENDS with God’s word, as well. In the words of Martin Luther, God’s word forever shall abide!
will God’s word win the day? The answer is in another prophet’s name – Jesus. He willingly
COMMUNICATIONS will God’s word win the day? The answer is in another prophet’s name – Jesus. He willingly
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s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses SAMPLES
s “going down” (v. 3) begins a slow decent toward death (p. 74). The author of Jonah uses the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea SAMPLES
the term “to go down” several times. Jonah is descending—heading toward the bottom of the sea and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone
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and the belly of the fish. The foreshadowing is ominous! Jonah is headed for a fall, for “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
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who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11).
this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before
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this is what happens when we run from God’s call on our lives. In the Bible, “to stand before the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or
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the Lord” is equivalent to serving him (e.g., 1 Kings 17:1; 18:15). The opposite, “to be removed or
SAMPLESto flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed
SAMPLESto flee from God’s presence,” is to refuse to serve him. It can also denote the idea of being removed from his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees
SAMPLESfrom his service (e.g., Gen. 4:16). The person who therefore “runs away from the LORD” or “flees from the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he
SAMPLESfrom the presence of the LORD” is the one who is refusing to serve God in the task he knows he has been called to do. This is what Jonah is doing—he is refusing to serve God, even though he
SAMPLEShas been called to do. This is what Jonah is doing—he is refusing to serve God, even though he knows what his word says (cf. 73-74). As a prophet, Jonah should have longed to be in God’s
SAMPLESknows what his word says (cf. 73-74). As a prophet, Jonah should have longed to be in God’s presence (as David so often yearned for God’s presence). But Jonah hid from God’s presence. It
SAMPLESpresence (as David so often yearned for God’s presence). But Jonah hid from God’s presence. It is like Jonah was on Mission Impossible, and he smashed the message device instead of accepting
SAMPLESis like Jonah was on Mission Impossible, and he smashed the message device instead of accepting
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death will be forever broken down. Jesus, the one who saves, is the boundary breaker. He will not flutter away from God’s will. He will heed God’s call, for he IS the living Word of God.
Listen, God is calling again. He is calling us to confess our sin. But all the more he is calling us to confess the name of Jesus. This is our path home from our wandering. He is our hope of survival!
(Here you may wish to have a cell phone begin to ring as a surprise reminder of the beginning of the homily.)
Amen.
• The Offering is gathered, during which time a hymn or other special music of your own choosing may be offered.
• These Prayers are offered by the pastor and an additional voice:
P Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,
1 “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”! (John 1:29) P Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to
your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they are our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it is ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his pain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We remember his life, for it was perfect before you, Father. We remember his death, for it was ours.
1 Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!P Lord, Jesus, as we begin this Lenten season and follow Jonah to Nineveh and follow you to the
cross, help us to devote ourselves to your call. In your name we pray. 1 Amen.
• The Lord’s Prayer is offered. Or, if Holy Communion is celebrated, it may take place here.
• The Blessing is pronounced by the pastor:
P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you his peace. Your God is calling you to spread his word. Amen.
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is gathered, during which time a hymn or other special music of your CREATIVE
is gathered, during which time a hymn or other special music of your own choosing may be offered.
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own choosing may be offered.
are offered by the pastor and an additional voice:
CREATIVE
are offered by the pastor and an additional voice:
Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious
CREATIVE
Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this
CREATIVE
and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time
CREATIVE
Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,
CREATIVE
we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
CREATIVE “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”! (John 1:29)
CREATIVE (John 1:29) “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”! (John 1:29) “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
CREATIVE “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”! (John 1:29) “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
CREATIVE Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to
CREATIVE Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember
CREATIVE your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they
CREATIVE his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they are our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it
CREATIVE are our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it is ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his
CREATIVE is ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his pain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We
CREATIVE pain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We
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(Here COMMUNICATIONS
(Here the homily.)COMMUNICATIONS
the homily.)
Amen.
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Amen.
Offering
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Offering is gathered, during which time a hymn or other special music of your
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is gathered, during which time a hymn or other special music of your own choosing may be offered.
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own choosing may be offered.
Prayers
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Prayers are offered by the pastor and an additional voice:
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are offered by the pastor and an additional voice:
Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious
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Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this
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and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time
COMMUNICATIONS
Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,
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we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
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“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
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Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to
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Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember
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your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they
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his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they are our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it
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are our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it is ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his
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is ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his pain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We
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pain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We remember his life, for it was perfect before you, Father. We remember his death, for it was ours.
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remember his life, for it was perfect before you, Father. We remember his death, for it was ours.Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
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Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
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Lord, Jesus, as we begin this Lenten season and follow Jonah to Nineveh and follow you to the
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Lord, Jesus, as we begin this Lenten season and follow Jonah to Nineveh and follow you to the
COMMUNICATIONS is celebrated, it may take
COMMUNICATIONS is celebrated, it may take
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Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious SAMPLES
Dear Lord, Jonah tried to flee from your grace as he said later, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this SAMPLES
and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) As we begin this Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time SAMPLES
Lenten season, we turn to your Son, Jesus and thank you for your grace for seeking us every time we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,
SAMPLES
we run from your call on our lives. Together with John the Baptist, we say,“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
SAMPLES
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”!
SAMPLES
Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to
SAMPLES
Father, we turn to your Son in repentance and sorrow for the countless times we have been deaf to your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember
SAMPLES
your call. As we begin this Lenten season with ashes, renew us to focus on Jesus and remember his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they
SAMPLES
his salvation, for by his holy cross he has redeemed the world. We remember his words, for they are our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it
SAMPLESare our light. We remember his works, for they are our example. We remember his grace, for it is ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his
SAMPLESis ours to receive. We remember his glory, for it is the brilliance of you, Father. We remember his pain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We
SAMPLESpain, for it was not deserved. We remember his sorrow, for it was for our hardness of heart. We remember his life, for it was perfect before you, Father. We remember his death, for it was ours.
SAMPLESremember his life, for it was perfect before you, Father. We remember his death, for it was ours.Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
SAMPLESBehold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
SAMPLESLord, Jesus, as we begin this Lenten season and follow Jonah to Nineveh and follow you to the
SAMPLESLord, Jesus, as we begin this Lenten season and follow Jonah to Nineveh and follow you to the cross, help us to devote ourselves to your call. In your name we pray.
SAMPLEScross, help us to devote ourselves to your call. In your name we pray.
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• The Closing Hymn, Abide With Me, is sung by the congregation to the tune Eventide 10 10 10 10:
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
• These Study Prompts may be distributed to the congregation:
Read Jonah 1:4-16.
1. Even when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels, refusing to hearken to him?
2. How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?3. How was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
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Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;CREATIVE
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;CREATIVE
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.CREATIVE
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
may be distributed to the congregation:
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may be distributed to the congregation:
Read Jonah 1:4-16.
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Read Jonah 1:4-16.
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
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when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
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How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?
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How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
CREATIVE was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
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Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
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Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
Study Prompts
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Study Prompts may be distributed to the congregation:
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may be distributed to the congregation:
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
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when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels,
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refusing to hearken to him?
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refusing to hearken to him?How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?
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How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
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was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
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Even SAMPLES
Even when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels, SAMPLES
when God, in his grace, has sought me, how have I dug in my heels, SAMPLES
refusing to hearken to him?SAMPLES
refusing to hearken to him?How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?
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How has my acting in such a fashion caused trouble for others?was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of
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was Jonah’s sacrifice similar to, as well as different from, that of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
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Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?