MORNING
WORSHIP SERVICE
The
Eleven O’clock
March 11, 2007
http://www.calvarybaptist-towson.org
Frederick K. Weimert, Pastor
Glenn L. Wittstadt, Jr., Organist‑Director
PRELUDE: “My Song Is Love Unknown”
Setting II by Robert J. Powell
INTROIT:
*CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 63: 1 - 8
O God, you are my God, I seek
you, my soul thirsts for you;
my
flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in
the sanctuary,
beholding
your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is
better than life,
my
lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as
I live;
I
will lift up my hands and call on your name.
My soul is satisfied as with a
rich feast,
and
my mouth praises you with joyful lips
when I think of you on my bed,
and
meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and
in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your
right hand upholds me.
*HYMN 2012: “Let
Us with a Joyful Mind”
EXTENDED LIFE OF THE CHURCH
ANTHEM: “By Faith” by Cindy Berry
*OFFERING We
give Thee but Thine own,
What e'er the
gift may be;
All that we have
is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord,
from Thee.
Arr. by G. Winston Cassler
CHILDREN’S TIME
SOLO : “Pia Jesu”
G. Faure Soloist: Emily Romano
THE
GOSPEL: Luke 13: 6 - 9 pg. 906 read by: Nancy
Medinger
RESPONSIVE CALL TO PRAYER
When we read this parable
about this fruitless fig tree we find ourselves connecting it to the story to
the Jesus cursing the fruitless fig tree…
But
that took place during holy week, and it was a sign of the power of prayer…
“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”
In the back of our minds we
have also connected these stories to a notion that Jesus was cursing
Judaism.
Certainly they must be the fruitless fig tree.
Do you, who have been studying
parables, think that this is what the story is all about?
Is
God the owner, or the vinedresser, or maybe God is the fig tree?
What are we to make of the
vinedresser telling the owner that if there is no fruit in a year… then the
owner can cut it down? Maybe it is just
a story about patience, grace, and mercy.
God
of the vineyard, you know that we have not always been fruitful, and the fruit
which we have produced has at times been questionable… Be patient, prune and
fertilize us, that in time we might produce fruit which will nourish Your
creation. Amen.
*HYMN 328: “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”
HEBREW
BIBLE: Isaiah
55 pg.
635
SERMON:
“Fruit Bearing Words”
*INVITATION
HYMN 282: “Living for Jesus”
Decisions of
faith are personal decisions. It is for
us to choose if we will believe in God.
Decisions of faith are also public and corporate decisions. When we choose to follow Jesus we are
choosing to become part of the “Body of Christ”, the Church. If you would like to confirm the decision you
have made to begin your life of faith or continue that life as a part of this
congregation, come forward as we sing the invitational hymn and speak with the
worship leader about your decision.
*BENEDICTION/RESPONSE
POSTLUDE:
“Recessional” Leon Boellmann
* Congregation standing.
The sanctuary flowers are given by Hap Lafon
in loving memory of his wife, Betty.
If you have a special prayer request
please fill out a pink card, found in the pews, bring it forward and place it
on the communion table either before the service or during the first hymn.
T H I S W E E K
TODAY Coffee Hour following Church Service
Needles and News will meet at the home of
Libby Field,
6:15 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Prayer and Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Hand
8:00 p.m.
Deacons’ Meeting
Sunday
Morning Class on the Parables:
The pastor is
leading a Lenten course on the teachings
of Jesus, through
April 1st meeting from
9:45-10:45
on Sunday mornings.
Special Congregational
Meeting
New officers 2007-2009 will be elected at a business
meeting called for this purpose
immediately following Worship Service on Sunday, March 18th, 2007.
MONDAY March 26th Sarah’s Hope Work Day - Come help in the morning or
afternoon… Just sign up on the back of a card today to let me know of your
plans.