Bulletin – Sunday, March 8, 2020

Sunday, March 8, 2020
Second Sunday in Lent

Approach

Gathering Song – VU #634 – “To Abraham and Sarah”

Welcome, lighting the candle and announcements

Lighting the Lenten Candle Response

One:

In our call to be a blessing
May we be a blessing true:
May we live and die confessing
Christ as Lord of all we do,
Christ as Lord of all we do.

All:

Gentle Jesus, mighty Spirit,
Come inflame our hearts anew,
We may all your joy inherit
If we bear the cross with you,
If we bear the cross with you.

Call to Worship

One: On this Sunday of Lent,
All: we come seeking God.

One: In this time of uncertainty in our lives and our world,
All: we come seeking God.

One: Quieting our minds, opening our hearts, and waiting for the divine mystery to make itself Know,
All: we come to worship God.

(adapted from Catherine Tovell, Gatherings Lent/Easter 2020, page 32)

Opening Hymn – MV #145 – “Draw the Circle Wide”

Prayer of Approach and Confession

Gracious God, we come to you today as Nicodemus came, unsure of what it means to be reborn in the Spirit. We know that we are born of the flesh and still there is so much more for us to be. Through your son, Jesus Christ, you showed us the way to the kingdom of heaven. And so, we open ourselves to you; guide us along the narrow path that will bring us home to you. Spirit of Justice, open the vision of our hearts to notice the ways in which our comforts may depend on the discomfort of others. Give us the joy that comes when we turn away from those comforts, into beauty of a world where all have enough, and none live in fear or without dignity. May it be so. Amen.

(adapted from Shanon Duffus and Anna Atkinson, Gatherings Lent/Easter 2020, page 34)

Words of Assurance

Passing the Peace

Time for All Ages

Hymn – MV #138 – “My Love Colours Outside the Lines”

The Word

Scripture Reading:

Genesis 12:1-6
John 3:1-17

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

Meditation – “The Edge of Others”

Anthem – “What Will We Promise, What Will We Give?

The Response

Offering Prayer

God of the edge, we give these offerings in gratitude, rejoicing in the abundance of your gifts to us. We give these offerings in faith, trusting that you will provide for our needs. We give these offerings in hope, knowing you can use them to spread your love in this world. And with these offerings, we give ourselves; may we live with generous hearts, with open hands. Amen.

Prayers of the People

One: We lift up this prayer to you, God of…
All: Hear our prayer.

Closing Hymn – VU #117 – “Jesus Christ is Waiting”

Commissioning / Benediction Response

From this place of prayer and praising,
Cross and table, well-worn pews,
God, we leave to work and witness,
Living every day for you.
Bless us on our Lenten journey,
Loving Parent, Holy Friend;
Spirit, guide your people onward
Till once more we meet again.