Order of Service/ Lent 4 / March 30, 2025

*Gathering Hymn Open My Eyes, That I May See (#371 VU)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation.

All: The old has passed away; the new emerges.

One: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation.

All: We celebrate the promises of God that shower our lives.

One: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation.

All: We shall not fear, for Christ is by our side.

One: Whoever is in Christ is a new creation.

All: Each of us here, and each person through the world, is invited to reflect God’s glory. We worship God.

*Bill Steadman. Gathering LE  2025. Page 31.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (#326 VU | vs. 1,2,3)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Loving God, we confess that we have turned away from you and your ways. Like the prodigal son, we have wasted the gifts you have given us—our land, our resources, and our relationships. We have ignored those who are hurting and built walls instead of bridges. We have judged unfairly, caused harm, and tried to cover our guilt instead of facing it. Yet, we come to you now, asking for your mercy— forgive us and welcome us home. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: Beloved children of God, hear the good news: No matter how far we have wandered, God’s love is always reaching for us.

All: God welcomes us home with open arms.

One: In Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and made whole.

All: Let us live in God’s grace.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (VU#577)

I‘ve got faith like a mountain, I‘ve got faith like a mountain,

I‘ve got faith like a mountain, in-a my soul. (Hallelujah) x2

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Anyone in Christ is a new creation.

Psalm 32(VU p. 759) Blessed are those who are forgiven.

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 The prodigal son; the prodigal father.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young (#269 VU)

*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)

May we never squander the gifts you have given us. May we never regret using our wealth to create a bigger world for more people. May we never forget that we live in communion, and we are called to share our resources and gifts accordingly. We give with thanksgiving for your extravagant love of us. Please bless this giving, we pray. Amen.

*Seasons of the Spirit LE  2019. Page 58.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Will Your Anchor Hold (#675 VU | vs. 1&2)

*Commissioning

One: God welcomes us with love and sends us to do the same.

All: We will share love and kindness with all.

One: Just as the prodigal was welcomed home, we are called to welcome others.

All: We will open our hearts to those in need.

One: God’s grace is for everyone.

All: We will go and live in God’s love.

*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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