March 26, 2017
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Blessed Are Ye Faithful Johannes Brahms
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #803 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Holy, Holy, Holy
Call to Worship
One: Faith is the gift of God. Come worship our Creator and feed your faith.
All: God is like a gardener who won’t let the beloved plants wither.
One: Faith is the gift of God. Lift praise to Jesus Christ and find the new way to life.
All: Jesus is like a gardener who tends and fertilizes the soil of our hearts.
One: Faith is the gift of God. Call upon the Holy Spirit and grow in discipleship.
All: The Holy Spirit is like a gardener coaxing us to bear fruit that will glorify God.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Gracious and eternal God, you call us into a new way of
being, and give us so many second chances in life. May
your love wash over us, as we turn toward you from our
sinful ways. Mold us as your people in new and
powerful ways, that we may be true disciples of your
Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Great Shepherd, we thank you for finding us and bringing us to this time of prayer. We have wandered far from the paths of integrity, justice and peace that you have set before us. We are ashamed of some things we do when we think no one will find out. We are quick to judge others and to excuse ourselves. We want to decide who is acceptable to you and who is not. Surely, we persuade ourselves, you prefer people like us and not those who appear, believe, or act differently. Even as we say those words, we know we are not in tune with your way. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to change. Hear now our silent confessions as we turn to you seeking mercy, forgiveness and grace. Amen.
Moment of Silence
Assurance of God’s Love
*Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 23
(Page 617 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scripture –
I Samuel 16:1-13
(Page 322 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer (debts)
(Children will leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #451 Open My Eyes That I May See
Offering of Gifts
Anthem: Sanctus Charles Gounod
Deryl Godshall, tenor soloist
*Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
New Testament Reading – John 9:1-41
(Page 125 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Eyes Wide Open”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer
Response: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
*Hymn: #450 Be Thou My Vision
Benediction
Response: God Be With You Till We Meet Again
Postlude: O My Soul Rejoices S. Karg-Elert
(* Please stand if able)
If you are visiting us today, Welcome! Please sign the guestbook at the front door and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons.
We give special thanks to Deryl Godshall for the tenor solo in the morning anthem.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Our host today is Peggy Sands.
Please see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device;
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Many thanks to:
Theresa Carroll for serving as lay reader
Orrin and Erik Rydingsword for ushering
Prayer List
Walter Crain, Alice Gustafson, Leonard Kaufman, Laura Flores, Margie Vail, Gordon Weekly, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, The Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Will.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30 am New Members Class
11:30 am Fall Festival Meeting
3-5 pm Lenten Series, Spiritual Encouragement for Individuals, Congregations and Communities, Reverend Donna Schaper
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 5:30-7:30 pm St. Mary’s Lenten Program, Peace Through Understanding, Pastor Diane is the guest speaker
7:15pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousTonics Rehearsal
Friday: 7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday: New Covenant Members Service
11:30 am Trustees Meeting
1 pm Memorial Service for Margaret Murphy
2 pm Service at Noble
The Call to the Annual Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, April 23rd, following worship.
All are welcome to attend.
OPPORTUNITIES
LENTEN DINNERS
Only One Dinner Left! You are invited to join the congregation for dinner Wednesday evening, April 5th. The Deacon’s will host a simple meal of soup and salad from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm. All are welcome! To sign up, access the Doodle Poll in the Weekly e-blast or call the office.