March 27th Worship
Introit: Forty Days and Forty Nights
Herbst/arr. Callahan
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 32]
Happy are those whose sin is forgiven, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While we kept silent, our body wasted away; our strength was dried up.
Then we acknowledged our sin to you, and did not hide, and you forgave our guilt.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you.
Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
Let us worship the LORD!
Sing Praise to God (Hymn 483)
Schutz/Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesang
Sing praise to God, who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation;
With healing balm my soul is filled, and every faithless murmur stilled;
To God all praise and glory!
What God’s almighty power hath made, God’s gracious mercy keepeth;
By morning glow or evening shade God’s watchful eye ne’er sleepeth;
Within the kingdom of God’s might, Lo! All is just and all is right:
To God all praise and glory!
Thus all my gladsome way along, I sing aloud Thy praises
That all may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body take your part:
To God all praise and glory!
Confession
God of steadfast mercy, we confess that we stray from your ways. Forgive us when we squander the time and resources you have given us. Forgive us when we are jealous for your gifts and care, and do not celebrate your work in those we deem less worthy. Bring us all back to you, that we may begin again together. Help us draw hope and comfort from the unexpected turns of your unfolding kingdom. Amen.
Silence
Song of Gratitude: Restore In Us, O God
Carl Daw Jr./Hopson
Restore in us, O God, the splendor of your love;
Renew your image in our hearts, and all our sins remove.
O Spirit, wake in us the wonder of your power;
From fruitless fears unfurl our lives like spring-time bud and flower.
Bring us, O Christ, to share the fullness of your joy;
Baptize us in the risen life that death cannot destroy.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Children’s Message
Solo: What Is the World Like When God’s Will Is Done?
Morris/Tice
Olivia Brownlee; Jill Cathey, oboe
What is the world like when God’s will is done?
Mustard seeds grow more than we can conceive:
Roots thread the soil; branches reach for the sun.
This is how God moves us each to believe.
What is the world like when God’s will is done?
Witness the wandering child coming home;
Watch as the parent breaks into a run.
This is how God longs for us when we roam.
What is the world like when God’s will is done?
No more is neighbor just ally or friend;
Peace thrives in places where once there was none.
This is how God works when rivalries end.
These are the stories that Jesus imparts,
Filled with the Spirit who joins us as one.
Born through our voices, our hands, and our hearts,
This is a new world where God’s will is done.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Jim Price
Old Testament: Joshua 5:9-12
Link Here
New Testament: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Link Here
Sermon: Welcoming those Unexpected
Focus: Too often we find comfort in our status groups, rather than in the unfolding of the Kingdom of God.
Response: Amazing Grace (Hymn 280)
Arr. Excell/Newton
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Giving our Gifts to God
Jim Price
For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. -2 Corinthians 4:5
Musical Offering: Fairest Lord Jesus
Schroeder
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.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Fugue in D minor
Pachelbel
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