A Service of Worship in Witness to the Resurrectionand in Thanksgiving for the Life of

Marcia Lansdownwho received the Gift of Life on April 5, 1950

and the Gift of Eternal Life on February 7, 2021

February 24, 20212:00 PM

Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church

A Christian memorial service does not focus upon the feats of humankind, but upon the hope of God, upon Jesus Christ and his victory over death. Consequently, God's Word is central. The congregation proclaims God's Word not only through the reading of Scripture, but also through the singing of hymns, through an affirmation of faith, and through prayer. Today, we gather to worship God. In worship, the reality of the death is confronted; our grief and sorrow are taken seriously; we are comforted by the Lord, who is maker of heaven and earth; and we celebrate the assurance of victory over death.

Prelude “In the Garden”GARDEN

Call to Worship

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.People: I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.

Leader: This inheritance to which we are born is one that nothing can destroy or spoil or wither.

People: As a father has compassion for his children,so the Lord has compassion for those who fear God.As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you, says the

Lord. Opening Prayer

Opening Music “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling” SOFTLY AND TENDERLY

Prayer of Confession Holy God, you see us as we are, and know our inmost thoughts. We confess that we are unworthy of your gracious care. We forget that all life comes from you and that to you all life returns. We have not always sought or done your will. We have not lived as your grateful children, nor loved as Christ loved us. Apart from you, we are nothing. Only your grace can sustain us. Lord, in your mercy, forgive us, heal us, and make us whole. Set us free from our sin, and restore to us the joy of your salvation now and forever. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Words of ForgivenessLeader: Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel:People: We are saved by grace through faith.

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 40:28-31Psalm 1211 Corinthians 13:9-13

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.

A Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for Marcia’s Life

Responsive Music “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”arr. Mark Hayes

Kristen Bumpas, Cantor

*Affirmation of Faith from A Declaration of FaithIn the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God kept God’s promises. All that we can ever hope for was present in Christ. But the work of God in Christ is not over. God calls us to hope for more than we have yet seen. The hope God gives us is ultimate confidence that supports us when lesser hopes fail us. In Christ, God gives hope for a new heaven and earth, certainty of victory over death, assurance of mercy and judgment beyond death. This hope gives us courage for the present struggle.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Closing Music “Amazing Grace” NEW BRITAIN

Don Shannon, Celtic Bagpipes

*Benediction

Closing Voluntary

*Those who desire may stand.

Today’s Leaders in WorshipRev. Mark Brainerd, PastorSteve Jobman, Organist