March 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Sacré Cœur Basilica - Paray-le-Monial, France

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Today’s Meditation Verse: “You who are righteous, rejoice in the Lord and be glad!” —Psalm 32:11a (CEB)

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude: "Abide with Me," arranged by Jonathan Lee. Pianist, Suzanne Polacek.

Call to Worship (Psalm 32:3-4, CEB)...Ben Glancy

Leader: Send Your light and truth—those will guide me! Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place.

People: Let me come to God’s altar—let me come to God, my joy, my delight—then I will give You thanks with the lyre, God, my God!

Hymn...“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” (UMH #121)

Confession and Pardon (UMC Book of Worship #478)...Ben Glancy

Holy and awesome God, we stand in Your presence filled with regret for our many sins and failings. Though there is greatness in us, and a deep longing for goodness, we have often denied our better selves and refused to hear Your voice calling us to rise to the full height of our humanity. For there is weakness in us, as well as strength. At times we choose to walk in darkness, our vision obscured. We do not care to look within, and we are unwilling to look beyond at those who need our help. O God, we are too weak to walk unaided. Be with as a strong and wise friend and teach us to walk by the light of your truth.

The Lord God is merciful and gracious, endlessly patient, loving, and true, showing mercy to thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, and granting pardon. Amen.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-20a...Ben Glancy

Anthem: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs” -- The Chancel Choir, September 29, 2019

Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:20b-32...Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Hymn: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" - Pianist, Lori Courier and Song Leader, Dr. Bob Muckle

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “Lurking in the shadows”

Recognition of District Quiet Disciple...Pastor Charles

Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

Postlude... Alpha & Omega's musical offering "May the Lord Watch Over You“ – January 31, 2021

(Photo: Return of the Prodigal Son - Sacré Cœur Basilica, Paray-le-Monial, France)