LIVERMORE FALLS — At the March 24 First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls service we expected very few people to brave the elements and attend Worship Service. However, we were happily surprised when many folks came to church in spite of the huge amount of snow!

The Worship Service began as the Worship Team, Pastor Russ Thayer and the Widger children sang “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” as Palms were laid in the middle aisle of the Sanctuary. After welcomes and announcements, the Pastor led us as we sang the familiar Hymn, “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”. Pastor Thayer read the Call to Worship from Psalm 136, Verses 1 – 3.

Now it was time for Prayer Time and the congregation asked for several prayers for friends and loved ones, after which we recited the “Lord’s Prayer” and sang the “Gloria Patri”. The Service continued as we sang “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”.

Pastor Thayer presented the Junior Sermon and Lynn Knight presented the final Mission Moment of America For Christ. During collection of Tithes and Offerings, Maggie Houlihan and Margaret Emery played “We Sang Our Glad Hosannas” on organ and piano. The Worship Team sang a song of celebration for Palm Sunday, titled “Hosanna! Hosanna!”

The title of Pastor Thayer’s Sermon, “Temporary Excitement”, was based on Scriptures from the Books of Zechariah 9, Verse 9 and John 12, Verses 12 – 19. The story is about the day when Jesus humbly rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey. Thousands of people had gathered there for the Feast of Passover.

When they heard Jesus was on His way to the city, many gathered palms from the trees and rushed to the entrance to the city waving palms and shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Many had heard the news of Jesus’ miracles, for He had raised the man, Lazarus, from the dead. They were curious about what miracle might be performed on His arrival in Jerusalem.

Many hoped He would go into the city and banish all the Romans because they were not Jewish and held different beliefs.When Jesus did not do as expected, many walked away. Others listened to Him preaching and wanted to follow Him, but did not want to give up their sinful lives. Jesus knew the reason He was in Jerusalem – to fulfill God’s sacrifice of His Son that we could be forgiven for our sins. We are Disciples and we have the obligation of spreading God’s word and living as followers of Jesus.

The Service ended as we sang “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”, and, after the Benediction, we sang, “Grace, Love and Fellowship”.

Announcements:

1. This month, spaghetti sauce for the Food Cupboard; in April, we will collect cereal.

2. The first Quarterly Meeting will take place after Worship on April 21.

3. the next Soap ‘n More Store will open on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to Noon.

4. The next Hymnsing will take place on April 28 at 6 p.m.

5. Holy Week:

1. Maundy Thursday Service, March 28 at 6 p.m..

2. Good Friday, the church will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. for prayers and/or meditation.

3. Eeaster Sunday, March 31: Easter Breakfast at 9:30 a.m., Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.

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