Prelude
Be Still and Know That I Am God
Welcome
Call to Worship
We gather together
in the name of the One who bids us come.
We gather together
to hear the words of the One who is Love.
We gather together
to sing praises of the One who teaches peace.
Come, let us worship!
Opening Hymn No. 450
Be Thou My Vision
Call to Confession
Let us now turn to God in the honesty of our hearts and the openness of our spirits to make our confession with hope in the peace of forgiveness. First in a time of silent, personal prayer...
Now, let us pray together:
Prayer of Confession
God of tenderness and love,
breathe your grace into our lives.
Forgive our wandering ways,
and guide us along your paths of peace.
When we lose our way,
and forget the reason and purpose of this Lenten season,
carry us back to you.
Lead us up to that high mountain of faith and hope,
that we might truly proclaim:
"Here is our God!"
In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
"Comfort, O comfort my people," says our God.
You have served your term. Your penalty is paid.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Choral Response
Change My Heart, O God
Change my heart, O God and restore my soul
Change my heart, O God; make it as your own.
You are the Author of true shalom.
Where peace and justice are made at home. (new lyrics by Rev. Laura Sherwood)
Peace of Christ and Common Life
Scout Sunday Presentation
Scripture Readings Matthew 4:8-11, Isaiah 40: 1-11 and 52:7
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
Sermon "What does Peace look like?" Rev. Laura Sherwood
Hymn of Response No. 752
Dona Nobis Pacem
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Call for Offering
In this season of Lent, we are invited to participate in God’s kingdom emerging all around us. May we offer ourselves to God with glad and generous hearts, freely giving our tithes and offerings to the ministry of this congregation. In lieu of passing the plate, we invite you to give through our church website, our smartphone app, by texting the word “Wilmette” to the number 77977, or by sending a check to the church office. As we gather our gifts together and offer them to God, may we do so in gratitude and praise.
Congregational Response - The Doxology (OLD HUNDREDTH - Hymn 606)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Sending Hymn No. 840 verses 1 & 4
When Peace Like a River
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
Lift Every Voice and Sing J. Rosamond Johnson
Worship Leaders:
Rev. Laura Sherwood, preaching
Rev. Jeff Lehn, pastoral liturgist
Nadav Klein, liturgists
Kent Darbyshire, hymn soloist
Nick Lin, hymn soloist
Amy Russell, postlude soloist
Sources
Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness — posted on the Ministry Matters website.
