Help in the Mess: March 05, 2006 Epworth Worship Celebration

1st Sunday of Lent (Year B)

Welcome. In Lent we understand ourselves as being "under construction.” Lent is a Spring housecleaning of the soul. The simplicity of Lent calls us to focus on things that matter most. Today we find help in the presence of Christ, celebrated in Holy Communion. The Lord’s assistance inspires us to be instruments of help to others. Mary Helms, Building Committee Chairperson, lifts up opportunities to do so through the vision of relocation that calls us forth. As we prepare for worship, you may wish to reflect on help sought by you, our community, and by others in God’s world. How will our receipt of divine love shape your practice of love for others?

Gospel Lesson
Mark 1:9-15

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
And just as he was coming up out of the water,
he saw the heavens torn apart
and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
And a voice came from heaven,
"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan;
and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee,
proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying,
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
repent, and believe in the good news."

Sermon - Help in the Mess Rev. Jack Abel
Click the play button below to listen to the sermon.
(Audio begins with 10 seconds of silence)

Download the sermon: 2006-03-05-epworth-umc.mp3
Right click and "save as" to your computer
Audio begins with 10 seconds of silence
Total time: 12 minutes, 5.7 MB file