4th Sunday of Lent
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND
FUNNY STORY Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS (Luke 15)
Pastor Bob
The lost are found. The dead return to life. This is the Lord’s doing; it is wondrous in our sight.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(2 Corinthians 5, Luke 15)
(responsive reading) Jean Kelly – Liturgist
L: Like a loving Father, God offers us freedom to choose our own path.
P: In God’s freedom, we are a new creation.
L: Like a merciful Mother, God offers us compassion when we lose our way.
P: In God’s mercy, we are a new creation.
L: Like a forgiving Parent, God welcomes us home with open arms.
P: In God’s embrace, we are a new creation.
L: Come! Let us worship the one who makes all things new.
HYMN:
This Is a Day of New Beginnings vs. 1-4
UMC Hymnal #383
OPENING PRAYER
(Luke15) (Unison)
Jean Kelly – Liturgist
Merciful God, you seek the lost sheep of your pasture; you call out to all who have strayed. As the father welcomed the prodigal son home, receive us back into your loving arms. Your steadfast love, O God, knows no bounds. Your loving embrace is always there for us. Be with us in our time of worship, that we may feel your presence and know that you are our true home. Amen.
EPISTLE LESSON
(2 Corinthians 5: 16-21)
Jean Kelly – Liturgist
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER
Amazing Grace vs. 1 & 2
Barbara House - soloist
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Bob
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: To God Be the Glory
UMC Hymnal #98
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Another Resurrection Story
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Pastor Bob
God has given us everything. Let us return but a portion of all that we has been given back to God. Give as you are called and as you are able.
OFFERTORY
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Barbara House - soloist
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING (Unison)
God of overflowing abundance, you bless the earth, and it brings forth food. We, who have been given so much, rejoice in our ability to aid those who are in need. As we present our offerings this day, bless these gifts, the bounty of this good land, that they may reach those who need it most. May we, who call ourselves Christ’s disciples, continue to give freely of our worldly riches, just as Christ gave freely of his heavenly riches. Amen.
BENEDICTION HYMN:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMC Hymnal #140
BENEDICTION (2 Corinthians 5, Luke 15)
Pastor Bob (responsive reading)
In Christ, we are a new creation.
In Christ, we are made anew.
In Christ, the lost are found,
In Christ, we find our true home.
In Christ, those who were dead find new life.
In Christ, all are invited to the heavenly banquet.
In Christ, we reside with the saints.
DEPART IN PEACE, SHALOM.
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMV Hymnal #431
