Worship Lent 4
Welcome to Grace United Church
March 10, 2024 – Lent 4
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman,Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
INTROIT “There is a Time” Grace Choir
Words and Music: Carolyn McDade Arr: Lydia Pedersen, 2006
WELCOME
*HYMN “Spirit, of the Living God” VU #376
Words: D. Iverson, 1926 and M. Baughen, 1982 Music: Darryl Nixon, 1987
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”
Words and Music: Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
*SONG “God Our Protector” MV #119
Words and Music: Steve Bell, 1989
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER OF HEALING - from So Loved: Service Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Lent,
written by the Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.
O God of Comfort and God of Challenge,
we come to you this morning the way the Israelites did,
full of complaints and dissatisfaction.
Nothing is enough;
we do not recognize your blessing at work in our day to day lives.
Forgive us when we become so comfortable that we moan and groan about
the most insignificant details of life.
In our complaints, challenge us as you did the Israelites,
to consider the bigger picture of oppression, injustice, and inequality around us.
Forgive us when we close our eyes for fear of what you might show us.
Keep sending loving and compassionate leaders to open our eyes.
Help us to look up until we see what You see in the world.
We offer You now what needs healing in our hearts.
(silent prayer-reflection or meditation)
WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE
You are blessed because God’s image is deep within each of you.
Let’s live to love and serve another.
We are renewed and forgiven through God’s comfort and grace.
SPECIAL MUSIC “The New Day Psalm" GRACE CHOIR
Joseph Martin
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
HEBREW SCRIPTURES – Numbers 21:4-9 – A bronze serpent heals the people.
In this is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
HYMN “O God, How We Have Wandered” VU #112
Words: Kevin Nichols 1980; alt. Music: Henry T. Smart 1836
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “When Hands Reach Out” (Vs.5 only) MV #136
Words: Carolyn W. Gillette, 2001 Music: Blair Odney, 2006; arr. Bruce Harding 2006
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “Amazing Grace” VU #266
Word: J.H. Newton 1779 Music: Virginia Harmony 1831
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
*CHORAL BENEDICTION “May the Peace of God Be Your Peace” MV #222
Words and Music: Neil McLaren, 2001, alt.
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252