Order of Service/ Fourth Sunday in Lent / March 10, 2024

*Gathering Hymn God Is Here (#389 VU | vs. 1&4)

Welcome

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: Give thanks to God,

  All: for God is good all the time,

One: and God’s steadfast love endures forever.

All: For we cried out to God in our troubles, and God saved us from our distress.

One: The Word came to heal and deliver us from destruction.

All: Let all of humankind offer thanksgiving, and sing of God’s deeds through worship and song.

*Seasons of the Spirit L/E 2021, page 62.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

Holy One, who gives us everlasting love, be with us as we open our hearts and minds in worship. We give thanks for your son, Jesus, for he teaches us about the relationship of faith and life. In this Season of Lent, we pray for your guidance on our own path of faith, that we will have the wisdom to accept the miracles you have bestowed upon us. Let our hearts be open to the great mysteries of the gospel. You have given us the greatest gift, your son. We ask that we may feel your loving presence in this place as we sing your praises. Amen.

*Mazine Jordan. Gathering L/E 2024, page 33.

*Opening Hymn Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love (#574 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

O God, we confess that we often come to you reluctantly, afraid of what we might have to give up or change when we enter your presence. In our reluctance, we often miss opportunities for your grace to touch us, and through us to touch others. Touch us that we might be healed; forgive us that we might be born again. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

*Celebrate God’s Presence, page 154.

Words of Assurance

One: Great news! Jesus shows us the way to forgiveness of self and others. Jesus forgives us and is the one who sets us free.

All: We do not need to punish ourselves or others anymore for hurts of the past. They are over and done. We are forgiven. Praise God!

*Jani Francis. Gathering L/E 2024, page 35.

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

Ephesians 2:8-10 We are not saved by our own doing, but by grace.

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (VU 831, P 1&2) God’s steadfast love endures forever.

John 3:14-21 For God so loved the world.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (#266 VU | vs. 1,3,5)

*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)

Knowing that you are the source of hope, O God, we offer our gifts in support of Christian worship and education. We provide them also to heal the inequalities and damage caused when humanity has acted as if we are God. Bless our gifts and our giving. Amen.

*Karen Boivin. Gathering L/E 2024. page 35.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Bless Now, O God, the Journey (#633 VU)

*Commissioning

One: When doubt, fear, and desperation hit you in the wilderness, don’t forget to look around.

All: God’s love will be visible somewhere; we have only to look for it.

One: May the Grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the abiding friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and always. Amen.

*Seasons of the Spirit L/E 2021, page 64.

*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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