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Song:
"I've been redeemed!"
Leader: What a great song! We are so happy that Jesus
loved us so much that he ... What did he do? If he
hadn't, we would have to die in our sins forever. But
since he did, we get to live forever with him and our Father
in heaven forever. No wonder that song is so happy!
But we won't sing any more joyful songs today, because
today is a sad day, the very saddest day of the year. Today
we think about our sins. We need to admit the truth, not so
that we feel bad, but so that we really love Jesus for
saving us.
So, we will admit our sins. Then a reading from the Prophet
Joel. Then a sermon. Then sing a song. Then we're done.
Pastor: Dear Sons and Daughters of God:
Our Father
made us to love him, love each other and love the
earth.
But sin divides us from God, our neighbors and creation,
so we do not
enjoy the life God wants for us. And our sins make God
angry.
Because we love Jesus Christ, we always try harder to do
what is right, and to make God happy.
Let us admit to God and to each other what we have done
wrong. Please kneel. When I say "heavenly Father" you say
"We are sorry."
We have done wrong, and it is our own fault. We haven't
done everything we should, and we have done things we
shouldn't. Heavenly Father,
We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and
strength.
We have not loved others as much as we love ourselves.
Heavenly
Father,
We have not forgiven others, as you have forgiven us.
Heavenly Father,
We have not served other people the way Jesus served us.
Heavenly
Father,
We like to be first. We use other people to get what we
want. We are not always honest. Heavenly Father,
We are angry when we don't get our way. We want what
other people have. We are greedy. Heavenly Father,
We don't pray as we should; we do not always worship you;
we have not told other people about Jesus' salvation.
Heavenly Father,
Please do not be angry with us Father but have mercy on
us. We want to do better; please help us.
You may sit down now.
Now is the time to come and I will put ashes on your
forehead. The ashes remind us that we are made from the
earth and will die. Wearing them is a way we say to God-and
to everyone who sees us-that we admit that we have sinned
and are sorry. But I will make the sign of the cross with
the ashes, so it also says: but even though I sinned, Jesus
died for me and -so I will be forgiven and go to heaven
All come to
receive ashes (imposed by Pastor). Then all again kneel for
prayer.
Pastor: Dear God, work your salvation In us! By
the suffering and cross of your Son, our Lord, bring us to
the joy of his resurrection with all your saints.
People: P Amen
Scripture: Children, this reading is when locusts
were coming to Israel. What are locusts? What do they do?
Right, there might be no food left! That would be awful,
wouldn't it? The sick and old and poor people would die, and
everyone would be miserable.
And the prophet Joel says, Wait, there is something we can
do about the locusts. Now, you listen while It is read, and
tell me what Joel said to do about the locusts.
Joel 2:1-10, 12-17 is read.
Children's sermon.
Prayer for penitence.
Song: ""Lord I Lift Your Name on High"
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