# Sunday Service - First Sunday in Lent: Bread of Life *Please stand in body or in spirit.* --- ## Order of Service ### 1. Gathering Song - **Song:** "This is the Day" ### 2. Unison Welcome - **Message:** "No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here" ### 3. Announcements - *Service announcements and brief welcoming notes are shared.* ### 4. Prelude - **Music:** “Nearer, My God, to Thee” - **Arrangement by:** Susan E. Geschke - **Instrument:** Bells of St. John’s ### 5. Call to Worship - **From:** Bread of Life - **Message:** > "Let us gather together, hungry and thirsty. Come, all who long to be filled with good things. > The bread of life satisfies our hunger and thirst. > Let us open our hands to receive from God’s son, our brother and friend. > The bread of life loves us and knows our needs. > Let us quiet our minds and awaken our hearts to be transformed by God’s Spirit, who redeems us. > The bread of life has come to sustain us. > Believing this promise, let us worship together!" ### 6. **I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say** Hymn #577 **Lyrics by Horatius Bonar (1846)** **Tune: KINGSFOLD (Traditional English Melody, arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906)** #### **Verse 1** I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, O weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast." I came to Jesus as I was, Weary, worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad. #### **Verse 2** I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold, I freely give The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down and drink and live." I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in Him. #### **Verse 3** I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world’s Light; Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, And all thy day be bright." I looked to Jesus, and I found In Him my Star, my Sun; And in that Light of life I'll walk Till traveling days are done. ### 7. Call to Confession - **From:** Bread of Life - **Message:** > "Because we live in a world with both hunger and unnecessary waste, let us confess our sins and seek a new path of righteousness." ### 8. Prayer of Confession - **From:** Bread of Life - **Message:** > "Holy God, even though we choose to follow Jesus, live his way, and share in the bread of life, we confess we have overlooked the hungry in our midst. We confess it is easier to avoid people and places that demand our attention and resources, and go about our days turning our eyes from those in need. But Jesus shows us a different way—a way of sharing, a way of justice. Forgive us for the times we have looked away from those who are hungry and their needs for food, clothing, friendship, or anything else. Forgive us for neglecting our neighbors and our community. Help us to be faithful to this calling. Amen." ### 9. KYRIE - **Reference:** Hymnal Companion C-4 ### 10. Assurance of Pardon - **From:** Bread of Life - **Message:** > "Paul writes, 'There is no one who is righteous, not even one.' Yet in Christ, we are forgiven, justified, and transformed to carry on in the way of love and justice. Savor the good news of this pardon and be at peace. Amen." ### 11. Glory Be to the Father - **Hymn Number:** #704 ### 12. Passing of the Peace - **Message:** > "Beneath the mantle of peace, Jesus, the bread of life, provides a bounty of fellowship, care, and connection. May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. > Take a moment to greet others with the peace of Christ, which inspires us to care for the needs of our community." ### 13. Scripture Reading - **Passage:** Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - [View on Bible.com (NRSVUE)](https://www.bible.com/bible/978/Deuteronomy.26.1-11.NRSVUE) > [!bible]+ [Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - NRSVCE](https://bolls.life/NRSVCE/5/26/) > 1. When you have come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, > 2. you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. > 3. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the LORD your God that I have come into the land that the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us.” > 4. When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the LORD your God, > 5. you shall make this response before the LORD your God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. > 6. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, > 7. we cried to the LORD, the God of our ancestors; the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. > 8. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; > 9. and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. > 10. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O LORD, have given me.” You shall set it down before the LORD your God and bow down before the LORD your God. > 11. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house. %% #Deuteronomy26 %% ### 14. Responsive Reading - **Text:** Excerpted from Pablo Neruda’s *Ode to Bread* > "Because we plant its seed and grow it not for one man but for all, > there will be enough: there will be bread for all the peoples of the earth. > And we will also share with one another whatever has the shape and the flavor of bread: > the earth itself, beauty and love - all taste like bread and have its shape, the germination of wheat." ### 15. **My Song is Love Unknown** **Setting by:** Carl Schalk **Lyrics by:** Samuel Crossman (1664) **Tune:** LOVE UNKNOWN by John Ireland (1918) #### **Verse 1** My song is love unknown, My Savior’s love to me, Love to the loveless shown, That they might lovely be. Oh, who am I, that for my sake My Lord should take frail flesh and die? #### **Verse 2** He came from His blest throne Salvation to bestow, But men made strange, and none The longed-for Christ would know. But, oh, my friend, my friend indeed, Who at my need His life did spend! #### **Verse 3** Sometimes they strew His way, And His sweet praises sing, Resounding all the day Hosannas to their King. Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, And for His death they thirst and cry. #### **Verse 4** Why, what hath my Lord done? What makes this rage and spite? He made the lame to run, He gave the blind their sight. Sweet injuries! Yet they at these Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise. #### **Verse 5** They rise and needs will have My dear Lord made away; A murderer they save, The Prince of Life they slay. Yet cheerful He to suffering goes, That He His foes from thence might free. #### **Verse 6** Here might I stay and sing, No story so divine: Never was love, dear King, Never was grief like Thine. This is my friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend. ### 16. Children's Message - **Presented by:** Roxanne Davenport ### 17. Children's Corner - *Note:* Children's Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message. ### 18. Scripture Reading - **Passage:** John 6:25-40 - [View on Bible.com (NRSVUE)](https://www.bible.com/bible/978/John.6.25-40.NRSVUE) > [!bible]+ [John 6:25-40 - NRSVCE](https://bolls.life/NRSVCE/43/6/) > 25. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” > 26. Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. > 27. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” > 28. Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” > 29. Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” > 30. So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? > 31. Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” > 32. Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. > 33. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” > 34. They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” > 35. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. > 36. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. > 37. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; > 38. for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. > 39. And this is the will of him who sent me, that <mark style="background: #D2B3FFA6;">I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.</mark> > 40. This is indeed the will of my Father, <mark style="background: #ADCCFFA6;">that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day</mark>.” %% #John6 %% ### 19. Sermon ### 🗒 **Sermon Analysis: "Trust in the Bread of Life"** ## Theme This lecture explores the metaphor of Jesus as the bread of life, emphasizing his role in providing spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Key themes include the necessity of belief in Jesus, the significance of miraculous signs, and the dual importance of spiritual and physical nourishment. The lecture also highlights the transformative power of faith and the call to care for others as an expression of faith. ## Takeaways 1. Jesus as the bread of life 2. Belief in Jesus as a requirement from God 3. Miraculous signs as a means to signify Jesus’ identity 4. The metaphor of bread in illustrating Jesus’ identity 5. The concept of seeing is believing versus believing is seeing 6. Jesus as the incarnation of God 7. The importance of both spiritual and physical nourishment 8. The role of faith in transforming perspective 9. Jesus’ concern for the whole person 10. The call to care for one another as an expression of faith ## Highlights - `"Trust in the bread of life."` ## Chapters & Topics ### Jesus as the Bread of Life > The concept of Jesus as the bread of life is a metaphor used to illustrate his role as a spiritual sustenance that provides eternal life. This metaphor is rooted in the idea that just as bread is a staple food that sustains physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life. - **Keypoints** - Jesus is the bread of life, offering spiritual nourishment. - Belief in Jesus is essential for eternal life. - Jesus’ identity is signified through miraculous signs. - The metaphor of bread illustrates Jesus’ role as a sustainer. - **Explanation** In the lecture, the speaker explains that Jesus uses the metaphor of bread to communicate his identity and mission. Bread, being a staple food, represents sustenance and life. Jesus, as the bread of life, offers spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. The speaker emphasizes that belief in Jesus is crucial, as it transforms one’s perspective and leads to a deeper understanding of faith. - **Considerations** - Understanding the dual role of Jesus in providing both spiritual and physical nourishment. - Recognizing the importance of belief in transforming one’s perspective. The lecture discusses the concept of Jesus as the “bread of life,” emphasizing both spiritual and physical nourishment. Key takeaways include: 1. **Spiritual and Physical Nourishment**: Jesus is portrayed as the bread of life, providing both spiritual sustenance and meeting physical needs, similar to how God provided manna to the Israelites. 2. **Belief and Faith**: The importance of believing in Jesus is highlighted as the path to eternal life. Faith transforms perspectives, allowing believers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. 3. **Action and Care**: The lecture stresses the need for action in faith, encouraging care for the whole person, both spiritually and physically. This includes feeding the hungry and supporting those in need. 4. **Community and Love**: Emphasizes the role of community in sharing love and resources, advocating for programs that support the well-being of others. 5. **Metaphor of Bread**: Bread is used as a metaphor for Jesus’ role in sustaining life, both in a spiritual sense and through acts of love and service. Overall, the lecture calls for trust in Jesus as the bread of life and encourages believers to embody this through love and service to others. #### **🗒 Sermon Summary** The central message of the sermon is **trusting in Jesus as the Bread of Life**, emphasizing that Christ nourishes both **spiritually and physically**. The preacher connects **John 6:22-40**, where Jesus declares, *"I am the Bread of Life"*, to real-world needs, urging the congregation to **both believe and take action**—feeding the hungry, advocating for justice, and recognizing God’s provision. The sermon aligns with the **Lenten season**, focusing on **self-reflection, spiritual sustenance, and Christ’s identity**. --- #### **🎙 Preaching Style** The sermon follows a **narrative-expository** approach, combining **biblical exposition** with **storytelling** and **practical application**. ✅ **Diverse Examples Used** - A humorous **communion mishap** story. - Discussion of **different types of bread**, including gluten-free options. - **Ruth’s story**, highlighting God's provision for the marginalized. - **Modern food justice issues**, connecting faith to action. ✅ **Inclusive Learning Methods** - **Auditory Learners** → Engaging storytelling. - **Kinesthetic Learners** → Calls to action (feeding the hungry, advocacy). - **Visual Learners** → Strong imagery (bread as sustenance, gleaning fields). --- #### **🗣 Intonation and Delivery** ✅ **Welcoming and Engaging Tone** - Blends **warmth, humor, and pastoral care**. - Uses **rhythmic phrasing and repetition** (*"Trust in the Bread of Life"*) to reinforce the message. - **Balanced pace and variation in tone** to maintain engagement. ✅ **Potential Gestures/Visual Aids** - The **bread metaphor** suggests possible use of **hand gestures** (e.g., mimicking breaking bread). - The **imagery of gleaning** could have been emphasized with visual references. --- #### **📝 Content Structure** ✅ **Well-Organized Sermon** 1. **Introduction** → Jesus as the Bread of Life. 2. **Illustrations** → Communion, personal food connections, agriculture. 3. **Biblical Exposition** → Theological depth of *John 6* and *Ruth’s story*. 4. **Application** → Tangible ways to embody Jesus’ example. 5. **Conclusion** → Reaffirming trust in Christ. ✅ **Smooth Transitions** - **Personal storytelling → Scripture → Social justice → Call to action** - **Repetition** ("Trust in the Bread of Life") reinforces the theme. --- #### **👥 Engagement and Application** ✅ **Inclusive & Justice-Oriented** - **Food insecurity and advocacy** → Faith is action. - **Marginalized voices** → Ruth as a model of God’s care for the vulnerable. - **Call to justice** → Speaking against policies that harm the poor. ✅ **Clear Calls to Action** 1. **Feed the hungry** → Support food pantries, cook for those in need. 2. **Advocate for justice** → Oppose harmful policies, engage in outreach. 3. **Trust in Jesus** → Recognize both **spiritual and physical** sustenance. --- #### **📖 Scripture Breakdown** ##### **Primary Scripture: John 6:22-40** - Jesus states, *"I am the Bread of Life"*, shifting focus from **material provision to eternal sustenance**. - The preacher highlights that faith **requires action**, not just belief. ##### **Additional Biblical Themes** - **Exodus 16 (Manna in the Wilderness)** → God’s physical provision. - **Ruth’s Story** → Gleaning as an example of **justice and care for the marginalized**. - **James 2:14-17** → *Faith without works is dead.* --- #### **🔍 Logical Reasoning** ##### ✅ **Strong Logical Reasoning** 1. **Deductive Reasoning** - Premise 1: Jesus provides spiritual and physical sustenance. - Premise 2: Believers should follow Jesus’ example. - **Conclusion**: Christians are called to feed both **souls and bodies**. - **Why It Works**: Biblically sound, logically follows from Jesus’ teachings. 2. **Effective Analogies** - **Bread as universal sustenance** → Just as **physical bread nourishes, Jesus sustains eternally**. 3. **Use of Evidence** - **Historical and cultural context** strengthens the argument (ancient reliance on bread, Ruth’s economic struggles). ##### ❌ **Potential Logical Weaknesses** - **Minor Slippery Slope** - The sermon argues that **Christians must oppose all government food program cuts**. - While a strong ethical stance, it **doesn’t fully address alternative solutions** (community gardens, non-governmental food aid). - **Solution**: Acknowledge **multiple ways** believers can address food insecurity. --- #### **📚 References** ✅ **Biblical & Theological Sources** - The sermon is **scripturally rich**, drawing from **John, Exodus, James, and Ruth**. ✅ **Marginalized Perspectives** - **Ruth’s story** → A **feminist and justice-oriented** biblical lens. - **Suggested Enhancement**: Include **Black theologians or food justice scholars** for broader depth. --- #### **🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories** ##### **Impactful Quotes** - *“Trust in the Bread of Life.”* → A memorable refrain reinforcing the theme. - *“Faith calls for more than thoughts and prayers. It demands action.”* → Strong ethical statement. - *“Jesus doesn’t let people go hungry—not in their hearts, not in their bellies, not in their souls.”* → Rhythmic and powerful. ##### **Illustrative Stories** - **Communion Mishap** → Humor + real-life faith experience. - **Different breads & personal connections** → Makes theology tangible. - **Ruth’s story** → Highlights **God’s care for the vulnerable**. --- #### **🔄 Calls to Action** ##### **Practical Steps** ✅ **Feed People—Spiritually and Physically** - Support food pantries. - Cook for those in need. - Engage in **food justice initiatives**. ✅ **Advocate for Justice** - Speak against **harmful policies** that worsen hunger. - Get involved in **community outreach**. ✅ **Trust in Jesus as the Bread of Life** - Recognize **how Christ nourishes both soul and body**. ✅ **Accommodates Different Learning Styles** - **Hands-on engagement** (serving meals, advocacy). - **Reflective faith practices** (prayer, gratitude). --- #### **Final Thoughts** This sermon masterfully blends **biblical teaching, personal storytelling, and social justice advocacy**. It challenges the congregation to **move beyond words into tangible acts of care and justice**. ##### 🔹 **Strengths** ✔ Strong **theological grounding**. ✔ Well-organized **structure**. ✔ Inclusive and **justice-oriented**. ##### 🔹 **Enhancements** 📌 Cite additional **marginalized theological voices**. 📌 Address **alternative solutions** to hunger beyond government aid. ##### **Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A powerful and engaging sermon that bridges faith and action.** ### 20. Sharing of Joys and Concerns - *An open invitation for members to share personal joys and concerns.* ### 21. Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer (Debts) - *Community prayers and a responsive recitation of the Lord’s Prayer are offered.* ### 22. Invitation to Giving - *A call for offerings and community support is extended.* ### 23. Offertory - *During the offertory, the following response is sung:* #### Offertory Response: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (v. 4) Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all. ### 24. Prayer of Dedication - **From:** Bread of Life - **Message:** > "Generous God, we give because you have satisfied our needs with the bread of life. > Use these fruits of our labor and inheritance to bless our community with love. > Amen." ### 25. Holy Communion - *Liturgy on the screen:* > "We celebrate communion today using the pre-packaged elements. We will partake of the bread (wafer) and drink of the cup (juice) together as invited by Pastor Caroline." ### 26. **You Satisfy the Hungry Heart** **Lyrics by:** Omer Westendorf (1977) **Music by:** Robert E. Kreutz (1977) **Tune:** FINEST WHEAT #### **Refrain:** You satisfy the hungry heart With gift of finest wheat; Come give to us, O saving Lord, The bread of life to eat. #### **Verse 1** As when the shepherd calls his sheep, They know and heed his voice; So when You call Your family, Lord, We follow and rejoice. *(Refrain)* #### **Verse 2** With joyful lips we sing to You Our praise and gratitude, That You should count us worthy, Lord, To share this heavenly food. *(Refrain)* #### **Verse 3** Is not the cup we bless and share The blood of Christ outpoured? Do not one cup, one loaf, declare Our oneness in the Lord? *(Refrain)* #### **Verse 4** The mystery of Your presence, Lord, No mortal tongue can tell: Whom all the world cannot contain Comes in our hearts to dwell. *(Refrain)* #### **Verse 5** You give Yourself to us, O Lord; Then selfless let us be, To serve each other in Your name In truth and charity. *(Refrain)* ### 27. Affirmation of Faith - **Display:** From Bread of Life (shown on screen) ### 28. Charge & Benediction - **From:** Bread of Life ### 29. Postlude - *Note (seated):* > "The 'Nursery Nook in the Narthex' quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. > All are welcome at Christ’s table. To let the church office know that you communed today, please sign the black attendance pad found in each row. If you are communing from home, please contact the church office." --- ## This Week at St. John's ### Bible Study on the Book of Daniel - **When:** Begins tonight at 8:00 pm (via Zoom) - **Focus:** Daniel Chapter 1 - [Join the Zoom Meeting](#) ### Monday, March 10 - **10:00 am:** Meditation Class — Parlor Room 104 - **1:30 pm:** “Jesus is the Question” Book Study — Conference Room 111 - **7:30 pm:** Combined ONA/Invitational/Outreach Meeting (Zoom) ### Tuesday, March 11 - **5:30 pm:** Yoga — Room 202 - **5:30 pm:** Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta — Fellowship Hall - **6:00 pm:** Ladies Bible Study (Zoom) - **6:45 pm:** Amistad Praise Band Rehearsal — Sanctuary ### Wednesday, March 12 - **7:00 pm:** Shared Mid-Week Lenten Worship — Sanctuary ### Sunday, March ? (Upcoming) - **8:45 am:** Godly Play Class — Room 119 - **8:45 am:** Spark! Elementary Church School Class — Room 115 - **8:45 am:** Teen Discussion Class — Youth Room 206 - **8:45 am:** Wired Word Church School Class — Room 116 - **10:00 am:** Sunday Service — Sanctuary --- ## Announcements - **Opportunity with RK Ministries:** Ben Raber will join the Wired Word class on Sunday, March 16, at 8:45 am in Room 116 to share insights about their youth ministry program. - **Community Engagement:** Join Pastor Caroline on Sunday evenings at 8:00 pm via Zoom for a Bible study on the Book of Daniel. Participants are encouraged to consult various translations, with Pastor Caroline using the Common English Bible. [More Info](#) - **Print Devotionals:** Devotionals are available at the Welcome Center. A suggested donation is $1 for small print and $2 for large print copies. Please contact the church office for mailing requests. - **Ticket Sales:** NS Ministry members will be selling tickets for the upcoming School Chicken Fiester with Smith’s Chicken on Saturday, March 22 (10:00 am to 1:30 pm). Tickets are $16. - **Special Screening:** ONA Ministry invites you to a group screening of the documentary "Join or Die" on Sunday, March 23, at 11:30 am in Room 116. Lunch will be provided; please RSVP to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with any dietary restrictions. --- ## Additional Content ### Service Participants - **Pastor:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Organist:** Barbara Motichka - **Deacon in Charge:** Allen Frantz - **Lector:** Lloyd Beers - **Children’s Corner Coordinators:** Susan and Harold Collier - **Media Coordinators:** Calvin Frantz and Ginny Cairns ### Special Acknowledgments - **Bulletin Cover:** "Communion/Eucharist" by Cara B. Hochhalter (from *Art in the Christian Tradition*, a project of Vanderbilt Divinity Library) - **Memorial Dedication:** The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross are offered in loving memory of our parents, Anne Coble Miller and Marjorie and Jack Nutter. ### Church Vision & Mission - **St. John's Vision:** "We are called to love, to learn, to worship, and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth." - **St. John's Mission:** "To grow in love of God and neighbor." --- ## Extras - **Scripture Resources:** - [Deuteronomy 26:1-11 on Bible.com (NRSVUE)](https://www.bible.com/bible/978/Deuteronomy.26.1-11.NRSVUE) - [John 6:25-40 on Bible.com (NRSVUE)](https://www.bible.com/bible/978/John.6.25-40.NRSVUE) - **Reminders:** - Please sign the attendance pad if you are communing today. - Children and families are invited to use the Nursery Nook in the Narthex and the infant/toddler area in the Parlor.