This worship service commemorates the night Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, washed the disciples’ feet, prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, and was betrayed, arrested, and taken away for trial. Called Maundy Thursday, (from mandatum, the Latin origin of “mandate”) it refers to Christ’s mandate to serve one another, which He demonstrated by the washing of feet.
We gather to worship, to remember His work on the cross, to celebrate communion, and to respond to Christ’s mandate to serve each other.
No nursery provided; Children are welcome at this service. An offering will be taken for the WEPC Deacon’s Ministry Fund,providing financial assistance for the needy in our church and community, as well as needs and ministries approved by the WEPC Diaconate.
Jesus Christ is risen! Please join us for our regular Sunday schedule of Worship, Communion, Children and Youth Sunday School, Teaching Fellowships and Nurseries.
image :: The End of the Day, Guy Rose (1891, American)
Preparation for Worship :: The End of All Things is At Hand
“There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs —
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.” (Gerard Manley Hopkins)
“Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8)
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Sunday March 13 include ::
Be strong, and do not fear! Your God will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf be unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Then will the wilderness rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice and shout for joy. And we, the ransomed of the Lord, will enter with singing. Everlasting joy will crown our heads. Open your eyes and see now the glory of the Lord, and the splendor of our God.
Prayer of Confession
O Lord, no day of our lives passes that does not prove us guilty in Your sight. Our best services are filthy rags. All things in us call for our rejection. However, all things in Christ plead our acceptance. Grant us to hear Your voice assuring us that by Your stripes we are healed, that You were bruised for our iniquities, that You became sin for us that we might be robed in Your righteousness. Grant that by resting in Your righteousness we may hereafter walk in newness of life as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
Words of Encouragement :: Romans 10:9,13
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Praying the Psalms :: Psalm 85; Psalm 80:3 (refrain)
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.
Sermon :: I Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
image :: The Court, Honore Daumier (d.1879, French)
Preparation for Worship :: The Living & The Dead
How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you? In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. All his enemies and mine he will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all his chosen ones he will take along with him into the joy and the glory of heaven. (Heidelberg Catechism, 52)
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Sunday March 6 include ::
:: Give Me Jesus(African-American Spiritual)CHART [bandcamp track=893825801 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: In the Name of the Father (Henry Allon, c.1850)CHART [bandcamp track=1335283037 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Before the Throne of God Above(Charitie Lees Bancroft, 1863)CHART [bandcamp track=4120787669 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: How Great Thou Art (Carl Boberg, 1885)CHART[bandcamp track=4153898077 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: We Will Sing In the House of Zion(Sandra McCracken, 2015)CHART [bandcamp track=3987551429 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Doxology (Thomas Ken, 1709)CHART [bandcamp track=2257784892 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Psalm 130:2 Refrain(Tim Toy, 2016)CHART / AUDIO
Call to Worship :: Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. We look to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Praying the Psalms :: Psalm 130; Psalm 130:2,refrain
O Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, Holy Father, We confess that we have sinned against You in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We have resisted being led by You. We have followed the spirit of our age into self-reliance, self-worship, and autonomy. We have acted as if the Cross has no power. We have lived as if You did not dwell in us by Your Holy Spirit convicting, encouraging, and helping us. Forgive us, and grant that we might walk in the Spirit and not in our self-directed paths. Amen. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
Words of Encouragement :: John 5:24
Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Sermon :: I Peter 4:1-6
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
“Christians are meant to have the same vocation as their King, that of cross-bearers.” (Richard Wurmbrand)
“How would the world be different if Jesus had come as a Superman figure, immune to all pain? What if he had not died, but merely ascended to heaven during his trial before Pilate? By not making himself exempt, but by deliberately taking on the worst the world has to offer, he gives us the hope that God can likewise transform the suffering each of us must face. Because of his death and resurrection, we can confidently assume that no trial—illness, divorce, unemployment, bankruptcy, grief—extends beyond the range of his transforming power.” (Philip Yancey)
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Sunday February 28 include ::
:: Doxology (Thomas Ken, 1709)CHART [bandcamp track=2257784892 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: A Mighty Fortress(Martin Luther, 1529)CHART[bandcamp track=1521952589 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Jesus Whispers(Joseph Hart, 1759)CHART[bandcamp track=1346965301 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: By Thy Mercy (James Cummins, 1839) CHART [bandcamp track=3255248990 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross(Isaac Watts, 1707) CHART [bandcamp track=3207629541 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]:: Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken (Henry Lyte, 1825)CHART [bandcamp track=1380076138 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]
Call to Worship :: Hebrews 12:2-3
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Let us consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that we will not grow weary and lose heart.
Praying the Psalms :: Psalm 27; Psalm 22:19,refrain
Lord, do not be far from me; Come, quickly, to help me.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Prayer of Confession :: adapted from The Valley of Vision, “God and Myself”
Lord God Almighty, Your understanding is unsearchable and infinite, Your arm cannot be stayed. Holy is your wisdom, power, mercy, ways, works. How can I stand before You with my numberless offenses? I have often loved darkness, observed lying vanities, forsaken Your given mercies, trampled underfoot Your beloved Son, mocked Your providences, flattered You with my lips, broken Your covenant. It is only in light of Your compassion that I am not consumed. At the Cross may I contemplate the evil of sin, and abhor it. May I look on Him whom I pierced, as One slain for me, and by me. May I never despise His death by fearing its efficacy for my salvation. And whatever cross I am required to bear, let me see Jesus suffering mine. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
Words of Encouragement :: Romans 5:6,8
At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Sermon :: I Peter 3:13-22
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
image :: At The Park, Maurice Prendergast (c.1897, American)
Preparation for Worship :: Called to Bless
“The truth that makes us free is always ticking away like a time bomb in the basement of everybody’s church. And that truth isn’t a bunch of ideas. It’s Jesus. Sooner or later, if we just sit still and listen, he’ll blow the lid off any prison we’ve built.” (Robert Farrar Capon)
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Sunday February 21 include ::
:: Father Long Before Creation (Chinese Hymn, c.1951)CHART [bandcamp track=165182312 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short] :: May the Mind of Christ My Savior(Kate B. Wilkinson, 1925) CHART[bandcamp track=383595627 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short] :: Doxology (Thomas Ken, 1709)CHART [bandcamp track=2257784892 bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=short]
:: Better Is One Day In Your Courts (Matt Redman,2005)CHART// AUDIO
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel. He alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!
Praying the Psalms :: Psalm 84; Psalm 3:3 (refrain)
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Prayer of Confession :: based on Matthew 5:1-12
Lord Jesus, You offered us all Your blessings when You proclaimed: “Blessed are the poor in spirit”— but we have been rich in pride. “Blessed are those who mourn”— but we have not known much sorrow for our sin. “Blessed are the meek”— but we are a stubborn people. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”— but we are filled to the full with created things. “Blessed are the merciful”— but we are harsh and impatient. “Blessed are the pure in heart”— but our hearts love all the wrong things. “Blessed are the peacemakers”— but we have not sought reconciliation. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness”— but our lives do not challenge the world. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me”— but we have hardly made it known that we are Yours. Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.
Words of Encouragement :: Romans 4:7-8
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.
Sermon :: I Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
image :: At The Park, Maurice Prendergast (c.1897, American)