Bulletin – March 31, 2019

“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:    A prodigal son went wandering and lost himself in a phony life. Humbled and ruined, he returned to ask to be his father’s slave. But the old man came running and wrapped him in a hug.

All:      Lost as we may be, the love of God comes running.

One:    A scheming rascal duped his brother and tore his family apart. Wiser and more confident, he returned, fearing his brother’s wrath. But his sibling came running and forgave him with a kiss.

All:      Unworthy as we may be, the love of God comes running.

One:    Whatever our failings and foibles, however we have fallen short, the mystery of grace forestalls our fate, and the love of God comes running.

All:      So we come running with lifted eyes and hearts, to worship God.

(written by Rod Sykes. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2019, page 30. Used with permission)

*     Opening Hymn VU #508 “Just As I Am”

Prayer of Approach and Confession

Ever-Welcoming God, you assure us that there is a place for all in your loving embrace. May we lean into that tender care confident and trusting. Remind us again that your way is full of compassion. Open our hearts to the ever-present opportunities to bring hope and comfort to your people. Saving God, we are your people, yet we do not show this to the world. We are your children, yet we turn our backs on you. We are your voice, yet we are silent.

We are your body, yet we walk away from you. Forgive use for not trusting you. Forgive us for ignoring you. Help us to praise you. Help us to find peace with you. Amen.

(adapted from Laura Turnbull and Heather Tober. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2019, pages 31, 33. Used with permission)

Assurance of Pardon / Passing of the Peace

Time for All Ages

*Hymn – “Softly and Tenderly” (see insert)

The Word

Scripture Reading:   Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 32 VU #759 (choir response MV #95)

Scripture Reading:   Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

Thanks be to God.

Meditation – “Getting What We Deserve?

(a quiet time for your personal reflection and prayer)

Anthem – “Everlasting Love”

Announcements

Minute Person:      Morris Deveson

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

Prayers of the People

*     Closing Hymn – VU #574 “Come, Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love”

*   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.