GATHERING
GREETINGS
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The risen Christ is with us.
Praise the Lord!
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 5th Sunday of Lent
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Because He Lives” UMH 364
INVOCATION:
Most gracious and loving God, we your people have gathered here today seeking your presence, just as Mary and Martha had sought it long ago. For in your presence, Lord, all the sorrows and pain we face can be conquered; not even death can stand against you. Lord, we, your people, seek your presence.
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader:Jesus, our Savior, gave his life so that we may have life.
All:Thank you, Jesus, for life everlasting!
Leader: God, our Father, has loved us and called us his own.
All: Thank you, Father, for calling us your children!
Leader: Christ, our King, has come to redeem us. Let us worship him in word and song.
All: Thank you, Jesus, for our salvation! We praise you and honor you, Savior, God and King, for you alone are worthy of all our worship and praise!
HYMN: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices” UMH 304
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYER OFCONFESSION:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord: O Lord, hear our voices. Let your ears be attentive to our cries for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his Word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with him is unfailing love and full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. O Lord, we praise you for your unfailing love and forgiveness. We put our hope fully in you, for you have redeemed us. Thank you, Lord. Amen. –based on Psalm 130
ASSURANCE: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves
God’s love for us. Hear the good news: In Jesus Christ you are forgiven!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER: The world is filled with stress, pain, sickness, grief, fear, addictions, loss, anger, disappointment and suffering in many forms. We have the choice to sit on our hands and ask “why us?” Or we can take action by calling on the name of Jesus, knowing that he, too, while he walked the earth, knew the pains we suffer and weeps with us as we suffer. He weeps with us yet again when we overcome. But in all things, we give praise and thanksgiving to the God who loves us through it all and promises never to leave us or forsake us. Even through the valley of death, Jesus, the One who has conquered death, is always with us. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER: Father, you have blessed us beyond measure, and you have called us to worship. May our gifts flow from hearts of worship to the One who provides all we need. May we never forget that all we have is yours. Take it and use it according to your will. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING UMH 420
Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: John 11:1-45 PB, pg. 99
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Ezekiel 37:1-14 PB, pg. 764
THE MESSAGE: Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
HYMN: “Lord, Be Glorified” Renew 172
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Surely The Presence” UMH 328
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings, I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
*BLESSING
—————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Worship sources used by permission of Homiletics