Order of Service / Lent 4 / March 15, 2026

 *Gathering Hymn Come Down, O Love Divine (#367 VU)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: In this time of worship, we turn toward the light of Christ.

  All: We turn with hope, longing to see more clearly.

One: In this place, no one is hidden from God’s care.

  All: We are seen, known, and welcomed in love.

One: In Christ, new sight and new life are possible.

  All: We open our hearts to God’s grace and healing.

One: Let us worship God.

  All: We worship God in spirit and in truth.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn Open My eyes, That I May See (#371 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

God of mercy, we confess that we do not always see as Christ sees. We pass by pain, remain within our assumptions, and fail to notice those who are often overlooked. Forgive us when we choose judgment rather than compassion and fear rather than love. Open our eyes to your truth and grace. In silence, we bring before you our confessions and our longing for renewal. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: God hears the prayers we have spoken and the prayers we have carried in silence. In Jesus Christ, we are received with love, restored in hope, and invited to walk forward in peace and trust.

  All: We rest in God’s grace. Thanks be to God.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

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

I‘ve got joy like a fountain, I‘ve got joy like a fountain,

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

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Ephesians 5:8-14 Live as Children of the light

Psalm 23 (VU p. 749) God is my shepherd.

John 9:1-12 Jesus heals the man born blind.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Be Thou My Vision (#642 VU | vs. 1,2,4)

*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, you open our eyes to your grace each day. Receive what we offer this day, and let these gifts become part of your work of healing, welcome, and renewal in the world. Make us generous in spirit and faithful in love. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn O Jesus, I Have Promised (#120 VU)

*Commissioning

One: Christ sends us into the world with opened eyes and hearts formed by love.

All: We go with courage, mercy, and hope.

One: Let us see those who are overlooked and remain open to the pain around us.

  All: We will live with kindness and compassion.

One: May the strength of God, the mercy of Christ, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit be with you.

All: We go in peace. Thanks be to God.

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

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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