Because our need for correctness exceeds our need for truth, tree that is in the middle of the

le of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or

Quote for Reflection:
Now is the time to loosen, castaway
The useless weight of everything but love.
Malcolm Guile
-We Gather as Gods People-
HYMN Lord, Who Throughout These 40 Days UMH 269
CALL TO WORSHIP
O God, we come stumbling into the desert wilderness of Lent.
SPIRITUAL
We come lost, confused,
doubting, wondering, wandering.
OPENING TO GOD
But we come trusting the hand that made the world:
Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief.
We come trusting the Spirit that breathes life:
Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief.
We come trusting the love that will not let us go:
Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief.
We come trusting the promise of the Word made flesh.
Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief.
SPIRITUAL Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley FWS 2112
PASSING THE PEACE
YOUNG PEOPLES MESSAGE
LITANY OF CONFESSION
Because temptation is woven into the fabric of our lives,
and we know the weariness of forty days in the desert,
and our excuses preempt the cry of the wounded,
and our celebration of blessing is mindless of those displaced,
we need you, God.
We need you, God.
Because you came among us,
and breathed into our sinewy souls,
and healed our pain and let us wound you,
and loved us to the end,
and triumphed over all our hatred, we need you, God.
We need you, God.
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
Desert Prayer Jan L. Richardson
I am not asking you
to take this wilderness from me,
to remove this place of starkness
where I come to know
the wildness within me,
where I learn to call the names
of the ravenous beasts
that pace inside me,
to finger the brambles
that snake through my veins,
to taste the thirst
that tugs at my tongue.
But send me
tough angels,
sweet wine,
strong bread:
just enough . . .
-We Listen for Gods Word-
you shall die. But the serpent said to the woman, You will
not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be
opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and
that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be
desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she
also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they
were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made
loincloths for themselves.
UMH 521 GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and
afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him,
If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become
loaves of bread. But he answered, It is written, One does not
live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the
mouth of God.
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on
the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, If you are the Son of
God, throw yourself down; for it is written, He will command
his angels concerning you, and On their hands they will bear
you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
Jesus said to him, Again it is written, Do not put the Lord
your God to the test.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and
showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor;
and he said to him, All these I will give you, if you will fall
down and worship me. Jesus said to him, Away with you,
Satan! for it is written, Worship the Lord your God, and serve
only him.

and the beckoning power of sweet fruit, Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited
HEBREW SCRIPTURE Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 on him.
and the vain promises of the world, we need you, God.
We need you, God. The Lord God took the human one and put it in the garden of

Because we see the broken before the whole,

and the half empty cup, and the unfinished task,
and the thirst in freedoms quest, we need you, God.
We need you, God.
Because we trust in what we can see,
and we are blinded by our prejudices,
and we do not know what we do not know, we need you, God.
We need you, God.
Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the
human one, You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but
-We Respond to Gods Word-
of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, REFLECTION Unselfie Sticks
for in the day that you eat of it you shall die. . . .
HYMN Your Love, O God UMH 120
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal
that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, Did God
say, You shall not eat from any tree in the garden? The PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORDS PRAYER
woman said to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees
in the garden; but God said, You shall not eat of the fruit of the SHARING OF GIFTS & DOXOLOGY
COMMUNION Jill Colley-Robinson We take prayer seriously at Essex United Methodist Church.
People needing, Spirit leading, We dont pray because we think God is absent and needs cajoling.
Jesus feeding all who come to him. We dont pray because we think God is a celestial Santa Claus.
We pray because that is how humans begin to discern Gods will.
Bread for tending, cup for mending, We pray because prayer changes us; prayer opens us up
Spirit sending us to serve the world. more and more to Gods grace and the movement
(Sung to the tune of Here, I Am Lord) of Gods Spirit in our hearts, our community, our world.
Below are people, places, & concerns that folk have lifted up.
Please keep them in your prayers at home.
Please call or email the church office to add to the prayer list.
-We Are Sent Into Gods World-
Ongoing Prayers Lifted Up Last Sunday
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Michael Parker David J - thankful for safe return of
BENEDICTION John & Nancy Bartlett Guard from deployment. Be with them
Judy & Diezela as they reintegrate with their families
RESPONSE What Wondrous Love Is This? 292 Matthew C. and process what they have
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! experienced.
Brenda
What wondrous love is this, O my soul! Tim Heidi - Your Peace for Aunt Clarissa &
What wondrous love is this cousins Mel & Sarah on death of Uncle
Lenore
that caused the Lord of bliss Neville
Ralph & LeeAnn
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, Nancy - comfort for colleague, Annie, on
Keenan
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul! passing of her husband
Arlitha
Fred - niece, Ursula
Callie
David - Rachel, loss of grandpa
Grace Naylor

j
Anne Kennison Dawn - Donna
Gloria McKeen Dawn - Nancy, one year anniversary of
Mary Willard Moms passing
Norma Strickland Dawn - Parker family & others,
becoming carers for aging parents

Welcome to worship at Essex United Methodist Church

Were working to make a sacred space for every person
whatever their color, age, ability, orientation,
or stage on the spiritual journey.

We love to hear the sound of children, and offer nursery &

Sunday School after the Young Peoples message.
Essex Center United Methodist Church
essex_umc@comcast.net tel. 878-8304 drawing by Daniel Bonnell

Essex UMC is less a place than it is a people- www.essexumc.com

yearning to deepen their connections to God Ministers: the entire congregation Lay Leader: Joshua Knox
and to live out Christs love in the community and in the world. Equipping Pastor: Rev. V. Mitchell Hay
cell tel. 881-3268 (feel free to call) mitchellhay@comcast.net
Office Manager: Heidi Evans
Organ: Kathryn Parker Piano: June Packard Essex Center
j
Guitar: Richard Randazzo Song Leader: Dana Thomas
Projection: Sam Evans United Methodist Church
Greeters - Midge & Ken Yates
Ushers - Kathy Dodge, Judy Wright First Sunday of Lent 2017
 Calendar Calendar Calendar
Mon, 6 Mar: Monday Companions at Eves 7:00 pm. Mon, 6 Mar: Monday Companions at Eves 7:00 pm. Mon, 6 Mar: Monday Companions at Eves 7:00 pm.
Begin The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis Begin The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis Begin The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

Tue, 7 March: Office Hours Tue, 7 March: Office Hours Tue, 7 March: Office Hours
Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon
Church: noon-1:30 pm Church: noon-1:30 pm Church: noon-1:30 pm

Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm

Wed, 8 Mar: Lenten Cinema Begins: I Am Not Your Negro Wed, 8 Mar: Lenten Cinema Begins: I Am Not Your Negro Wed, 8 Mar: Lenten Cinema Begins: I Am Not Your Negro
at Merrills Roxy Cinema 6:25 pm. at Merrills Roxy Cinema 6:25 pm. at Merrills Roxy Cinema 6:25 pm.
Carpool meets at 5:45 in the church parking lot. Carpool meets at 5:45 in the church parking lot. Carpool meets at 5:45 in the church parking lot.

Thu, 9 March: Thursday Companions in Parlor, 2:00 pm. Thu, 9 March: Thursday Companions in Parlor, 2:00 pm. Thu, 9 March: Thursday Companions in Parlor, 2:00 pm.
Discuss chapters 7&8 of Paul Was Not a Christian Discuss chapters 7&8 of Paul Was Not a Christian Discuss chapters 7&8 of Paul Was Not a Christian

Sun, 12 Mar: Second Sunday of Lent Sun, 12 Mar: Second Sunday of Lent Sun, 12 Mar: Second Sunday of Lent
Daylight Savings Time Begins Daylight Savings Time Begins Daylight Savings Time Begins

Tue, 14 March: Office Hours Tue, 14 March: Office Hours Tue, 14 March: Office Hours
Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon
Church: noon-1:30 pm Church: noon-1:30 pm Church: noon-1:30 pm

Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm

Administrative Council 6:30 pm Administrative Council 6:30 pm Administrative Council 6:30 pm

Wed, 15 Mar: WoWW Luncheon, 11:30 AM at Pork & Pickles Wed, 15 Mar: WoWW Luncheon, 11:30 AM at Pork & Pickles Wed, 15 Mar: WoWW Luncheon, 11:30 AM at Pork & Pickles
(behind Karen's Kloset, 34 Park Street Essex Jct) (behind Karen's Kloset, 34 Park Street Essex Jct) (behind Karen's Kloset, 34 Park Street Essex Jct)

Sun, 12 Mar: Third Sunday of Lent Sun, 12 Mar: Third Sunday of Lent Sun, 12 Mar: Third Sunday of Lent

Tues, 21 Mar: Office Hours Tues, 21 Mar: Office Hours Tues, 21 Mar: Office Hours
Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon Phoenix Books: 10:00 to noon
Church: noon-1:30 pm Church: noon-1:30 pm Church: noon-1:30 pm

Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm Mansfield Bible Study 2:00 pm

Trustees 7:00 pm Trustees 7:00 pm Trustees 7:00 pm

Wed, 22 Mar: Lenten Cinema: The Way Wed, 22 Mar: Lenten Cinema: The Way Wed, 22 Mar: Lenten Cinema: The Way
at Essex UMC, 6:30 pm. at Essex UMC, 6:30 pm. at Essex UMC, 6:30 pm.

Tues, 28 Mar: Pastor-Parish Relations Team 7:00 pm Tues, 28 Mar: Pastor-Parish Relations Team 7:00 pm Tues, 28 Mar: Pastor-Parish Relations Team 7:00 pm

Wed, 5 Apr: Lenten Cinema: Documentary-13th Wed, 5 Apr: Lenten Cinema: Documentary-13th Wed, 5 Apr: Lenten Cinema: Documentary-13th
at Essex UMC, 6:30 pm. at Essex UMC, 6:30 pm. at Essex UMC, 6:30 pm.
 Holy Week
Sun, 9 Apr: Palm Sunday Service
Thur, 13 Apr: Maundy Thursday Service 7 pm
Fri, 14 Apr: Good Friday Tenebrae 7 pm
Sun, 16 Apr: Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service 6 am
Resurrection Celebration 10 am.
Essex Eats Out Schedule
Mar 10 - Holy Family Mar 17 - St. James
Mar 24- EUMC Mar 31 - St. Pius
Announcements
The Essex/Jericho/Underhill Food Shelf is in need of
Vegetables (no green beans please though!), Soup, Peanut Butter,
Tuna, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans.
Jars Needed! A collection box for small, clean, label free baby
jars is downstairs for recycling. We will refill them with fresh
jam for our holiday baskets. Questions, call Vickie (879-7515).
Nursery Help Needed! Our church is blessed with the presence
of a number of toddlers and preschoolers. Our gallant nursery
crew aim to provide the parents of these children with some
spiritual time away from their little ones. Sally Jablonski, our
nursery coordinator, is looking for a couple more volunteers to
help staff the nursery. If you would like to help with this ministry
please contact Sally at sallyjablonski317@gmail.com or
(319)321-2118 and she will take it from there. (note: volunteers
will need to have a background check.)
Prayer Cards are available on the narthex table-if you know
someone who you think would like to know we are thinking and
praying for them.
Cards & Calls: The following church members, who can no
longer get out, would appreciate a card or a call - Grace Naylor,
Anne Kennison (new address: sticky labels with her new address
available on Heidis desk), Gloria McKeen, Mary Willard, Norma
Strickland, Nancy Bartlett. The other addresses are in the church
directory.
Holy Week
Sun, 9 Apr: Palm Sunday Service
Thur, 13 Apr: Maundy Thursday Service 7 pm
Fri, 14 Apr: Good Friday Tenebrae 7 pm
Sun, 16 Apr: Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service 6 am
Resurrection Celebration 10 am.
Essex Eats Out Schedule
Mar 10 - Holy Family Mar 17 - St. James
Mar 24- EUMC Mar 31 - St. Pius
Announcements
The Essex/Jericho/Underhill Food Shelf is in need of
Vegetables (no green beans please though!), Soup, Peanut Butter,
Tuna, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans.
Jars Needed! A collection box for small, clean, label free baby
jars is downstairs for recycling. We will refill them with fresh
jam for our holiday baskets. Questions, call Vickie (879-7515).
Nursery Help Needed! Our church is blessed with the presence
of a number of toddlers and preschoolers. Our gallant nursery
crew aim to provide the parents of these children with some
spiritual time away from their little ones. Sally Jablonski, our
nursery coordinator, is looking for a couple more volunteers to
help staff the nursery. If you would like to help with this ministry
please contact Sally at sallyjablonski317@gmail.com or
(319)321-2118 and she will take it from there. (note: volunteers
will need to have a background check.)
Prayer Cards are available on the narthex table-if you know
someone who you think would like to know we are thinking and
praying for them.
Cards & Calls: The following church members, who can no
longer get out, would appreciate a card or a call - Grace Naylor,
Anne Kennison (new address: sticky labels with her new address
available on Heidis desk), Gloria McKeen, Mary Willard, Norma
Strickland, Nancy Bartlett. The other addresses are in the church
directory.
Holy Week
Sun, 9 Apr: Palm Sunday Service
Thur, 13 Apr: Maundy Thursday Service 7 pm
Fri, 14 Apr: Good Friday Tenebrae 7 pm
Sun, 16 Apr: Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service 6 am
Resurrection Celebration 10 am.
Essex Eats Out Schedule
Mar 10 - Holy Family Mar 17 - St. James
Mar 24- EUMC Mar 31 - St. Pius
Announcements
The Essex/Jericho/Underhill Food Shelf is in need of
Vegetables (no green beans please though!), Soup, Peanut Butter,
Tuna, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans.
Jars Needed! A collection box for small, clean, label free baby
jars is downstairs for recycling. We will refill them with fresh
jam for our holiday baskets. Questions, call Vickie (879-7515).
Nursery Help Needed! Our church is blessed with the presence
of a number of toddlers and preschoolers. Our gallant nursery
crew aim to provide the parents of these children with some
spiritual time away from their little ones. Sally Jablonski, our
nursery coordinator, is looking for a couple more volunteers to
help staff the nursery. If you would like to help with this ministry
please contact Sally at sallyjablonski317@gmail.com or
(319)321-2118 and she will take it from there. (note: volunteers
will need to have a background check.)
Prayer Cards are available on the narthex table-if you know
someone who you think would like to know we are thinking and
praying for them.
Cards & Calls: The following church members, who can no
longer get out, would appreciate a card or a call - Grace Naylor,
Anne Kennison (new address: sticky labels with her new address
available on Heidis desk), Gloria McKeen, Mary Willard, Norma
Strickland, Nancy Bartlett. The other addresses are in the church
directory.