Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God's creation.
Sunday, March 1, 2026 - 2nd Sunday in Lent
Lenten Theme -Spirit Moving Within Us and Through all Creation
Welcome Video
♫Gathering Music | “Pastorale” | Charles Burney
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Jd Bowman
♫Centering Music | “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” | #502
verse 1
Opening Words | Westen Gehring
One: Just like the air we breathe is present, but not seen, we are told God’s Spirit is present but not seen.
How do we notice God’s Spirit?
All: We notice God’s Spirit only when we search for it in creation–
creation which includes the people who surround us.
One: We hear God’s Spirit in children’s voices, singing joyfully and sharing their wisdom on Sunday
mornings.
All: We hear God’s Spirit in the too-loud laughter of college students returning to their dorm at two o’clock
in the morning.
One: We see God’s Spirit in our local and global neighbors who oppose hateful leadership by participating
in nonviolent direct action.
All: We see God’s Spirit in the skill and dedication of Olympic athletes, interacting with creation in the most
elaborate ways.
One: We hear God’s Spirit in the talent of musicians from our very own congregation, our town, our county,
our state.
All: We hear God’s Spirit in the message of unifying love at a Superbowl halftime show, even if we do not
understand the language.
One: We feel God’s Spirit when our lives are full of joy.
All: We feel God’s Spirit when a friend appears during our time of pain to offer a listening ear and a
comforting hug. May we continue to search for God’s Spirit in one another.
♫Opening Song | “Shine, Jesus Shine”
Kevin Jones, piano
Message for the Kids | Malia Pfeiff
Children’s Song | “John 3:16”
Mack Kids with Kevin Jones, piano
John 3:16
John three sixteen says that God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son
that whoever believes in Him will never die but have eternal life.
John three sixteen says that God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son
that whoever believes in Him will never die but have eternal life.
He is the way, He is the truth, He is the life, so put your faith in Jesus Christ,
And your soul will never die. You’ll never die; you’ll have eternal life.
Forever and ever. You’ll have eternal life.
Invitation to Give Video
Give online or send a check made payable to "McPherson Church of the Brethren," 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
♫Offering Music | “God So Loved the World" | John Stainer
Vocal Ensemble
Scripture Focus | John 3:1-17
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God.
For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
“How can someone be born when they are old? ”Nicodemus asked.
“Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.
So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.
I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
♫Scripture Song | “Healer of Our Every Ill” | #377
Message | “Bad Bunny Said It Best” | Jerry Bowen
♫Sending Song | "For We Are Strangers No More" | #322
Please be seated for the Sending Words and Sending Music
Sending Words | Jerry Bowen
♫Sending Music | “Whirlwind Spirit” | Jonathan and JosephMartin/Joel Raney
Worship Choir
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Janette Hess, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner, Marie Neher & Lara Schoming
