March 30, 2025 Order of Worship

Pastorale on "Rockingham" (setting by Norman Gilbert) – Geoffrey Liu

Welcome – Annette Bailes

Opening Prayer – Margaret Harto

Leader: Lord you have searched me and know me.

People: You know everything about me and all my ways.

Leader: Before a word is on my tongue, you know what I am thinking and what I will say.

People: You know me from the inside out.

Leader: Even when I want to, there is nowhere I can go to flee from your loving presence.

People: In the highest heavens, the farthest reaches of the sea, the depths of the earth, there is no escaping you, God.

Leader: In my best moments, when I am most like you, and in my worst moments when I break all my promises with you and my neighbors,

People: You are always with me. You lead me and hold me fast.

Leader: When the darkness wraps itself around our hearts and all hope is lost,

People: You, God are the bright light that shines in the darkness.

Leader: Search me, Lord, and know me. Test my thoughts and my heart.

People: Then, so fill me with your Holy Spirit’s presence that I become your light and your hope for all those who live in fear.

All: In Jesus’ name and for the well-being of all our neighbors, we pray. Amen!

God of Grace and God of Glory – UMH #577

Time with Young Disciples – Stephanie McIlwain Miller

In the Quiet (Stephen DeCesare) – Men’s Ensemble

Scripture Readings – Margaret Harto

Introduction to the Scripture Reading

Second only to Jesus, King David is mentioned more than any other person in the Bible. David wasn’t the obvious choice for king. His trust in God, courage, and talent are matched with humility and honesty that makes him Israel’s all-time favorite king. In our first scripture reading from 2 Samuel, the prophet shares with David God’s promise that his kingdom would last forever.

2 Samuel 7:8b-13 and 16

Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel, and I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place and be disturbed no more, and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel, and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever… Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.”

Introduction to the Second Scripture Reading

When the angel comes to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, he tells her that her son will be the Son of God and the inheritor of the throne of his ancestor, David. Jesus will reign over the God’s kingdom forever and ever. Here’s the story as Luke tells it in his gospel…

Luke 1:26-33

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Message – A Forever Promise – Pastor Jim

I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me – TFWS #2153

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

Offering Our Gifts to God

Offertory – Geoffrey Liu

Doxology – How Shall I Come Before the Lord – W&S #3124, vs.1

Prayer of Dedication

Pastor: All that we have, we have from you, Creator and Preserver of all.

People: Accept these gifts which we now offer.  Help us to make the whole of life an offering and every thought a prayer.

There’s a Spirit in the Air – UMH #192, vss.1-6

Blessing – Pastor Jim

God of Grace and God of Glory (setting by Paul Manz) – Geoffrey Liu

Resources for Worship

Opening Prayer is by Rev. Jim Head-Corliss for worship at Kent UMC, March 30, 2025, with images from Psalm 139.