Order of Service / Fifth Sunday in Lent / March 17, 2024

*Gathering Hymn God Is Here (#389 VU | vs. 1&3)

Welcome

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: Come, let us gather in the presence of God, whose light shines brightly even in the darkest of times.

  All: We come, seeking wisdom and guidance, longing to draw closer to the heart of God.

One: Jesus speaks of the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies, bearing much fruit.

All: May we, too, be willing to let go of all that holds us back, surrendering ourselves to the transformative power of love.

One: In the cross, we see the ultimate sacrifice, the offering of life for the world.

All: May we take up our own crosses, following in the footsteps of Christ, as we journey through this season of Lent.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

Grant us, O God, the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow where You lead. Help us to let go of the things that hinder us and to embrace the path of righteousness and love. In this season of reflection and preparation, may we draw closer to you and to one another, seeking reconciliation and renewal. As we journey towards the celebration of Christ's resurrection, may our hearts be stirred with hope. May the light of your love shine brightly in our lives, illuminating the way forward. Amen.

*Opening Hymn O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (#326 VU | vs. 1,3,5)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, remove our transgressions, take away our iniquity, and smooth the paths that will lead us closer to you. For we know that the brokenness of the world is all around, separating us from you, creation, and each other. We are born into corruption. You desire all of creation to know the truth that we are one in our inward beings. Teach us this wisdom in our secret heart, so we can celebrate with gladness our reconciliation with you and your creation. Create in us a pure heart, O God, and put a reconciling spirit within us. Do not cast us away from your creation, and do not take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore your wonderful creation and sustain your covenant with all Earth. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

*Seasons of Spirit L/E 2021, page 75.

Words of Assurance

One: Be assured that God lives deep within our hearts and will never leave us.

All: God will forgive our iniquity and no longer remember our sins. Thanks be to God.

*Seasons of Spirit L/E 2021, page 75.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (I’ve Got Peace like a River, VU 577)

I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got love like an ocean,

I’ve got love like an ocean in-a my soul, Hallelujah

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Jeremiah 31:31-34 “I will write my law on their hearts.”

Psalm 51:1-12 (VU 838-839) Finding joy in God’s commandments

John 12:20-33 Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Giver of the Perfect Gift (#116 VU | vs. 1,3,4)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#581 VU, v. 2 | When We Are Living)

Through all our living, we our fruits must give.

Good works of service are for offering.

When we are giving, or when receiving,

We belong to God, we belong to God.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Loving God, as we offer our gifts today, may they reflect our love for you and our desire to share your message of healing and hope. We ask for your guidance and wisdom in using these resources effectively and wisely. Bless these offerings and use them to make a difference in our world. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery (#121 VU | vs. 1-4)

*Commissioning

One: In every death, there is life—this is the big message of Lent and Easter. The grain of wheat will die and will, through death, grow to provide nourishment for others. In the death of relationships, of health, of faith, and of all that may be dear to us, there is always the invitation to deeper life. In our final death is the call to everlasting life.

All: As we go from this place, this is the message we trust, that “in life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.”

*Brad Cole. Gathering L/E 2024, page 36.

*Commissioning Song May God’s Sheltering Wings (#214MV)

May God’s sheltering wings, her gathering wings protect you,

May God’s nurturing arms, her cradling arms sustain you,

And hold you in her love, and hold you in her love.

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