Lenten Service March 19, 2025

Lenten Worship Service

Worship Leader: Rev. Max Ward

Musician: Shelley Austen

(For a Printer Friendly PDF version click this link)

All are Welcome!

Watch a video recording of the whole service using YouTube below.

The Gathering

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

THE APPROACH

CALL TO WORSHIP:

One: We come to church today,

ALL: as faithful disciples, following Jesus.

One: We come to church today, carrying burdens, whether visible or invisible,

ALL: seeking comfort, seeking grace, seeking community.

One: We come to church today, knowing that our hope lies in the merciful love of God, the salvation of Jesus Christ, and the mighty power of the Holy Spirit,

ALL: and so, we come, we connect, and we worship.

Written by Sandra Jenkinson, Sundridge P.C. and Trout Creek, P.C. Sundrisge, Ont.

Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2024-2025, p.30. Used with permission.

HYMN: “In The Garden”

Opening Prayer Responsively

One: Lead us into the Season of Lent, O God;

ALL: help us reflect on the areas of our lives that call for change.

One: Go with us into the Season of Lent, O God;

ALL: strengthen us, as we join our talents with the talents of our faith community.

One: Guide us as we begin the Season of Lent, O God.

ALL: Link us to the story of Jesus, that we may learn and find courage through his willingness to brave the toughest trials.

One: Challenge us as we encounter the significance of the Season of Lent, O God,

ALL: that we may confront and overcome the powers that oppress, weaken, and destroy. Amen.

Written by David Sparks, Summerland, B.C.

Gathering, Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 2024-2025, p.31. Used with permission.

HYMN: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” VU #288

1 Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator;

there is no shadow of turning with thee;

thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;

as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

all I have needed thy hand hath provided -

great is thy faithfulness, ever to me!

2 Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

join with all nature in manifold witness

to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Refrain

3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,

strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow -

wondrous the portion thy blessings provide. Refrain

THE WORD

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 60: 1

Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE:

“What is Lent Without Epiphany?”

OUR REPSPONSE

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and

THE LORD’S PRAYER: (spoken VU #921)

HYMN: “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” VU #142

1 Jesus, keep me near the cross;

there a precious fountain,

free to all, a healing stream,

flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain In the cross, in the cross,

be my glory ever,

till my raptured soul shall find

rest beyond the river.

2 Near the cross, a trembling soul,

love and mercy found me;

there the bright and morning star

sheds its beams around me. Refrain

3 Near the cross! O Lamb of God,

bring its scenes before me;

help me walk from day to day

with its shadow o'er me. Refrain

4 Near the cross I'll watch and wait,

hoping, trusting ever,

till I reach the golden strand

just beyond the river. Refrain