Bulletin – March 24, 2019

                                  Lent 3

“Be still and know that I am God!”

Approach

 Singing Bowl

Candle Liturgy

Sung Response:         Be still and know that I am God (3x)

Call to Worship

One:    We are a people with history, a people with a great inheritance.

All:      We gather to give praise to God for the promises made to our faith ancestors. As we worship, we offer to God all that we have been, all that we are, and all that we will become.

(written by Ryan McNally. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2019, page 29. Used with permission)

*     Opening Hymn  MV #4 – “All Who are Thirsty”

Prayer of Approach and Confession

God of wonder and wilderness, you call us out into the desert, to be tempted. Please give us your Word, that we may be fed. Please give us trust, that we will not put you to the test. Please give us courage, that we may reject evil. Holy One, we have access to many enticing gods; the gods of economic security, voyeuristic entertainment, escape from the challenges of life through alcohol, drugs, and other addictions. Open our hearts and lives to you, that we may find grace and strength to renounce them. The gods of family and community, so tightly bound that we’re tempted to block out awareness of the needs and rights of others within creation; the gods of technology urging us to keep up and ignore the earthly and human interactions right in front of us, the gods of activity, keeping us distracted and exhausted, unable to focus on our hearts desire. Open our hearts and lives to you, that we may find the grace and strength to renounce them. Love us into wholeness, we pray, as we identify these competing gods, set them aside, and recommit ourselves to you and the holy freedom you offer. Holy God be with us, that we may continually open our hearts and lives to you, finding the grace and strength to renounce other gods, and rejoice in the freedom and abundance you give. Amen.

(adapted from Fraser Williamson and Sheila McLeod.. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2019, pages 32. Used with permission)

Assurance of Pardon / Passing of the Peace

Time for All Ages

The Word

Scripture Reading:   1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Psalm 42 “As the Deer Pants for the Water” (see insert) (remain seated)

Scripture Reading:   Luke 132:1-9

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.

Meditation – “To Truly Walk with God”

(a quiet time for your personal reflection and prayer)

Anthem – “He Will See You Through”

Announcements

The Response

*   Offering / Response: (VU #541)

            Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
            Praise God, all creatures high and low,
            Give thanks to God in love made known,
            Creator, Word and Spirit One. Amen.

Offering Dedication

(written by David Sparks. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2019, page 35. Used with permission)

Prayers of the People

*     Closing Hymn – “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing” (see insert)

*   Commissioning / Benediction

*   Response (VU #108)

            Throughout these Lenten days and nights
            we turn to walk the inward way,
            Where meeting Christ, our guide and light,
            we live in hope til Easter Day.

Today’s bulletin is sponsored by

Yvonne and Alex Lindley

In loving memory of their parents