Sunday, March 15, 2026
4th Sunday of Lent
Welcome/Announcements/Prelude
*All standing in body or spirit
*Call to Worship (congregation reading bold)
Beloved, the journey of grace takes us to still waters, the valley of the shadow of death, even to tables surrounded by our enemies.
We gather to worship God, our Shepherd, who guides us on the journey.
The journey of grace points us toward the Light so that we may bear the fruit of the Light in all that we do.
We gather to be formed by grace so that our lives may bear the fruit of all that is good and right and true.
The journey of grace calls us to pay attention, to discern what is pleasing to God.
We gather to listen to the Spirit, who empowers us to go from this place to work together to do what is pleasing to God.
Come, let us worship God who provides, inspires, and empowers us on the journey of grace.
Come, let us worship God as we journey in grace together! Amen.
*Opening Prayer
Loving Shepherd, you know our names; you care for us. When we face darkness and death, journey alongside us. When we hunger for your love, fill us with your presence. When we are fearful, feed us at your table. May we dwell in the house of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Amen.
*Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O Lord, you are our shepherd, and yet we want. We lie down when we could act. We stir the pot when we could offer peace. We wander tempting paths instead of following you. We seek courage and comfort in earthly things rather than in you. We hate our enemies and refuse to break bread with them. We see scarcity even when you offer us abundance. We pray for forgiveness, for your goodness and mercy so that we might dwell in You, in your grace, forever. Amen.
*Opening Hymn: Sweet Hour of Prayer #496
*Gloria Patri #70
Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 23
New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 5:8-14
*Hymn: My Hope is Built #368
Sermon: Moving with Grace
Hymn: Close to Thee #407
Prayer Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (in unison) 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offertory Prelude (Please remain seated)
*Doxology (Please stand as the offering is brought forward)
*Offertory Prayer
Radiant Shepherd, you walk beside us through valleys and over mountaintops, guiding us with grace and guarding us with love. In your presence, we lack nothing that truly matters. Even in a world clouded by shadows, your light shines through—inviting us to live as children of the day. Receive these gifts, O God, as signs of our desire to walk in your ways, to live as your people, and to shine with the goodness, justice, and truth that reflect your image. Let our giving be more than ritual; let it be an act of trust, a response to your faithfulness, and a testimony of your light at work in us. In Christ’s holy name, we pray, Amen.
*Closing Hymn: Go Now in Peace #665
*Benediction:
Beloved, may the blessing of God’s mercy go before you, behind you, and all around you as we journey in grace, reflecting the Light of new life wherever we go. Amen.
Postlude
