Dear Friends,
Blessings to you on this Fifth Sunday in Lent. Thank you for all of the compliments and constructive feedback you offered to our first worship video last week.
Please keep the
feedback coming
as we strive to "be church" with you during this stressful and uncertain time.
Our second worship video is ready, and I invite you to tune in by clicking below. We have provided a written order of service as well if you'd like to print that off, but you won't need it. The liturgy and lyrics are provided on your screen, so you can follow along that way.
You have our love and prayers. Stay in touch and let us know what you need. You are loved and never alone.
With gratitude and hope in Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 29, 2020
Worship Bulletin
First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 29, 2020
William Pajaud, "The Raising of Lazarus," 1995
Welcome and Call to Worship
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Let us worship God, tender and just.
Opening Hymn
No. 215 What Wondrous Love Is This (verses 1, 3 and 4)
Call to Confession
With hope for God's mercy, and trust in God's love, let us admit the truth of our lives. Please join me in our unison prayer of confession.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, we open our hearts to you this day, and offer the truth of our lives: the fear that stifles us, the prejudice that blinds us, the ignorance that hobbles us, the doubt that plagues us, the fatigue that wearies us. Help us, we pray, that we will find courage in unlikely places, see the world with new and gracious eyes, move to those places where love is needed, have faith that you are with us, trust that your life is always stronger than death. This we pray together in Jesus' name. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Friends, our God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The first and last word with God is grace-grace to heal and make new, grace to propel us forward. This is the good news of the gospel-we are loved, forgiven and set free to transform the world.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Sharing the Peace of Christ
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you!
Scripture Reading Selections of John 11:1-45
Reflection Rev. Erin Raska
Hymn of Invitation
No. 522 I Am the Bread of Life (verses 1, 4 and 5)
Prayer of Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
The Lord's Prayer
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 our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Blessing of the Bread and Cup
Communion of the People
Prayer After Communion
God, in deep gratitude for this moment, this meal, these sisters and brothers, we give ourselves to you. Take us out as changed people because we have shared the living bread and cannot remain the same. Ask much of us, expect much from us, enable much by us, encourage many through us. Thank you for your gift of peace. Thank you for your gift of healing. Thank you for your gift of light. Amen.
Call to Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
Wise and gracious God, with these gifts, we offer ourselves to you, confident that you have a purpose for them and for us. Put us to work, loving God. Stretch our gifts to meet the needs of your world, and enlarge our efforts through your powerful Holy Spirit. In the death-defying name of Christ we pray. Amen.
Sending Hymn
No. 796 We Come to You for Healing, Lord (vs. 1, 4 and 5)
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
"What Wondrous Love Is This"
arr. Zach Unke