Sunday, March 16, 2025 – Second Sunday in Lent, Year C

Lent Theme

Follow Jesus on the Journey: Open our Hearts to Reconciliation

Theme Write-up written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries

Follow Jesus on the Journey: Open Our Hearts to Reconciliation

The season of Lent invites us to embark on a sacred journey with Jesus, walking the path of repentance, renewal, and grace. As we follow Him through the wilderness, His teachings, and ultimately to the cross, we are called to open our hearts to the transformative power of reconciliation. Just as Christ extends His mercy to us, we are urged to seek healing in our relationships—with God, with others, and within ourselves. This journey is not one of mere reflection but of action, as we humbly acknowledge our need for forgiveness and embrace the call to be instruments of peace in a broken world.

Through prayer, fasting, and acts of love, we allow God’s grace to soften our hearts and lead us toward true reconciliation. The Lenten journey is a time to let go of burdens that hinder our relationship with God and to seek restoration in areas where division and hurt have taken root. As we walk with Jesus, may we be reminded that reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel—a gift freely given and a mission to which we are called. In opening our hearts to God’s mercy, we are empowered to extend that same mercy to others, drawing ever closer to the promise of Easter’s new life.

Call to Worship

Throughout the season of Lent, the worship service begins with a spoken Call to Worship. We will use the a series written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, September 2024.

Ardor (Worship Musicians)

The musicians rehearse from 9:00 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning. All are welcome! The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week of the month. Contact the office if you plan to help lead worship.

Sunday School

The Sunday class will be taking a break for the foreseeable future. Keep checking the publications for when the class will return.

Worship Information

Join us in-person for the weekly Worship Service at 10:00 am in-person or via Facebook Live if you are unable to attend in person (https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsdavenport/). The service will later be uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@allsaintslutheranchurchdav1987) for your viewing. We will receive new members during worship.

If you would like the words for the worship service, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.

Introduction

Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”

Prayer of the Day

God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Scripture

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 The covenant with Abram and his descendants

God promises a childless and doubting Abram that he will have a child, that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, and that the land of Canaan will be their inheritance. Abram’s trust in God is sealed with a covenant-making ceremony, a sign of God’s promise.

Psalm 27 In the day of trouble, God will give me shelter. (Ps. 27:5)

Philippians 3:17—4:1 Our citizenship is in heaven from where we expect a Savior

Although Paul’s devotion to Christ has caused him to be persecuted, he does not regret the course he has taken. Writing from prison, he expresses confidence in a glorious future and encourages other Christians to follow in his footsteps.

Luke 13:31-35 I have desired to gather Jerusalem as a hen gathers her brood

Neither Herod’s plotting nor Jerusalem’s resistance to maternal love will deter Jesus from his sacrificial mission.

Fellowship Time

You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.