Worship led by Meri-dian Ukuleles, the Choir, the Congregation and Rev. Cathy Kinsman
GOD INVITES US TO WORSHIP
Introit: "Shenandoah"
Words & Music: Traditional American Used with permission. One License #A-725242
Gathering - Welcome
Hymn: VU #660 "How Firm a Foundation"
Words: “K” in John Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns Music: Welsh folk melody
Used with permission. One License #A-725242
Call to Worship (Adapted from Gathering Magazine Lent 2019)
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.
Lost as we may be, the love of God comes running.
A scheming rascal duped his brother and tore the family apart.
Wiser and more confident, he returned, fearing his brother's wrath.
Unworthy as we may be, the love of God comes running.
Whatever our failings and foibles, however we have fallen short,
the mystery of grace assures us the love of God comes running.
So we come running with lifted hearts to worship God.
Lighting of the Christ Candle and Affirming Candle - Liam Gilby
Opening Prayer
Life and Work of the Church Family - Announcements
Children's Time
Lenten Challenge - Share Your Faith Story - Liam Gilby
Hymn: VU #575 “I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me ”
Words & Music: African-American spiritual Used with permission. One License #A-725242
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
Prayer
Loving God, when we wander to distant places,
you watch the road to greet us
when we finally come home.
Whenever we are far from you,
remind us that we are your beloved children
and part of your story.
Give us strength and courage to return to your open arms.
When we have sinned against heaven
and before you, forgive us.
Walk with us on our storied journey home.
In silent prayer we ask you to help us step toward you.
(silence is offered)
Words of Grace
Quickly, bring out the robes, the best ones.
Put them on—and these golden rings, too!
For we were lost and are now found.
Let us celebrate and rejoice!
Thanks be to God!
Hymn: VU #555 "Our Parent, by Whose Name"
Words: Francis Bland Tucker Music: John David Edwards
Used with permission. One License #A-725242
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
2 Corinthians: 5:16-21 - Read by Lana Lane
We are ambassadors for Christ
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 - Read by Lana Lane
The prodigal son; the prodigal father
In this is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meri-dian Ukuleles: "Wayfaring Stranger"
Words & Music: Traditional American Used with permission. One License #A-725242
Message
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
Offering Invitation
Offering Hymn: VU #540 "Grant Us, God, the Grace"
Words: Anonymous Music: Christian F. Witt Used with permission. One License #A-725242
Offering Prayer
Prayers of Joy and Concern
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
Closing Hymn: VU #556
"Would You Bless Our Homes and Families"
Words: Walter Farquharson Music: Ron Klusmeier Used with permission. One License #A-725242
Commissioning - Blessing