HOME WORSHIP RESOURCES
Sunday - March 22, 2020

MARCH 22 - THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Before you begin this week's worship, a quick word from Pastor Vanicek on this Sunday's worship at home materials, the NEW weekly worship materials at the bottom of the email, and a note about some things we are working on to include more of you in the various parts of this weekly worship resource.
CALL TO WORSHIP
If you have a candle, light it and put it on a central place near you, as a way of marking this moment as sacred, as a reminder that the light of Christ is with you. Remember, there is a bin on the top step of the portico at St. Peter's where all are welcome to pick up pre-wrapped packages of 3 candles for use in the home .
CALL TO WORSHIP
God is in the water that restores our soul.
And God is in the night when we lose our way.
God is in today and tomorrow, raising up leaders, prophets and dreamers.
And God is in the wilderness with us—every step of the way.
So with confidence we declare—
If God is in those spaces, then God is surely here.
Let us worship the God of creation.
Let us worship the God of wilderness spaces.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus of Nazareth,
There are stories of you healing the blind all over scripture.
You were constantly opening people’s eyes.
So today we confess that we often choose to keep our eyes closed.
We turn away from injustice in our world,
worried you might ask us to work for change.
We close our eyes to our privilege, because the truth is uncomfortable. We avoid eye contact with those who are suffering
to avoid identifying with their pain.
Forgive us for failing to be your Church in the world.
Guide us from the depths of our wilderness into your light.
Amen.
DWELLING IN THE WORD
 Martin Luther argued that “the ears are the only organs of a Christian,” since it is through the ear that life begins, through hearing the preached Word of God.

Read the first two from YOUR Bible at home.
Remember the story of who gave you or how you got your Bible.
May this story remind you of your connection to Christ & others.

READINGS FOR THIS 4th SUNDAY IN LENT
EPHESIANS 5:8-14 (live as children of the light)
PSALM 23 (the Lord is our shepherd)
JOHN 9:1-41  (the healing of the man born blind)

Below is a contemplative reading of this Sunday's gospel from John 9. This video includes visio divina, art, and original music. It is not flashy or fast-paced. Instead, it invites stillness, connection to breath, and imagination.
The story of the man born blind read by Pastor V from the Spark Story Bible, with a short reflection for all.
SONGS AND HYMNS TO SING THIS DAY
Below is a link to a playlist of music to enhance your at home worship. There is a combination of instrumental hymns, vocal hymns, and choral music. I pray that in this time of solitude this creative outlet inspires you. Listen and meditate. Sing a long. Allow the music to wash over you as you worship the greatest inspiration of music. - Olivia Cheesman
PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE
Prayer is central to the life of faith. Prayer is vital because it connects us to God and each other, a reminder that we are never social distanced others in Christ. Please say these names aloud as a way of lifting them up to God this day. Names in bold were added this past week. You are welcome in this time of prayer to include your own joys and concerns.
Jim Dipprey
Faith Trapp
Ruth Kjos
Marci Wilde
Ruby Sanders
Ken Smith
Ken Tate
Wyatt Crouse
Jerry Braeutigam
Jenny Braeutigam
Vondean Schmidt
Vince Wesch
Sandra Conners
Jake Boyd
Laverne Pullin
Dick Schroer
Jolene Williams
Carolyn Selman
Annie Woods
Nik Schappe
Doris Tate
Linda Williams
Mary Posey
Harold Brueckner
Mary Langehennig
Julia Reitz
Lincoln Cortez
Jackie Meagher
Wayne Rhoades
Marnie Casteneda
Wade Herrington
Wanda Center
Charles Butler
Diane and Bill Burke
Amanda Morris
Crysta Guzman
Virginia Whatley
Pete Davis
Danette DeMont
Shane Carpenter
Mae Watson
Anne Hunnafin
Greg Schoonmaker
Bob Lenz
Toby Green
Tammy Whitman
Sibi & Don Kraemer
Brayden Ybarra
Larry Stahl
Margo Stahl
Bob & Kris Ward
Ann Huebner
Ron Burke
Greg Butler
Larry Lippe in the loss of his wife Sharon. 
OFFERINGS AND GIFTS TO GOD
Your continued generosity toward our operating budget will be more important than ever during this time.  This is especially true as we seek to take care of our amazing staff who will be working in this time on new and creative ways to worship together in Spirit but not able to gather in the same place, to grow in faith, and to serve our neighbors.  If you’re not using electronic giving, you can still mail your offering to the church at 1803 Highway 1431 West, Marble Falls, TX 78654 . And if you’re not already a sustaining member of our ministry through our Consecration Sunday process, I can’t think of a more important time to step in. A commitment of $5 or $10 a week can make a huge difference in this ministry we share.

Our goal is to start including the giving numbers in this weekly email next week like we have been in the bulletin.

CLICK HERE   to give online one time, 
or to set up a reoccurring offering.

Or, simply text the amount 
you want to give to 830-460-5757.
BLESSING FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
Go Forth in Faith, Hope, and Love
by Ian Cowie of the Iona Community in Scotland

Go forth now,
in the Faith which overcomes the world,
in the Hope which will not disappoint you,
in the Love which never fails.

You are ambassadors of Christ
and He is with you always.

Grace, mercy and peace,
from Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve and protect you all this day
and for ever.
GO IN PEACE...TOGETHER, BOLDLY LIVING AND SHARING GOD'S GRACE WITH ALL!

LIVE STREAMS FROM OUR SISTER CHURCHES
If you would like to tune into a live-stream worship, some of our sister congregations are doing that this Sunday. Below are the times and links to a couple options to watch online.

SUNDAY - 9:30AM - ABIDING LOVE LUTHERAN (South Austin)
SUNDAY - 10:00AM - ZION LUTHERAN (San Antonio)
PRAYER RESOURCES FOR YOUR WEEK
Now that most congregations across the country are not having in-person gatherings, there has been an overwhelming amount of materials, videos, and faith resources shared across social media and on the internet. If there is something out there that has been meaningful spiritual food for you, I say wonderful!

Yet, in this time where everything feels a bit out of control, maybe a simple and spacious spirituality is what you are looking for. Drawing from my sabbatical experience with the Iona Community of Scotland, I have put together a few simple rhythms and patterns of slowing down in this time. Each week a fresh version of Morning Prayer , Evening Prayer , and Anytime Prayer will be provided for you to choose from and use to shape a rhythm in your week that brings peace, purpose, and wholeness to your day. Click the name to view or download.
Christians for centuries have found meaning in greeting the sunrise. A reminder of resurrection. A reminder of the Son of God who rises from death to life for all. Begin each day with your favorite hot beverage and words to center you.
As night and sleep approach, the day has given each of us a lot to bear and think about. As you prepare to rest for the evening, take a few moments to intentionally rest your life in the hands of God. The is a great prayer to use a candle with.
For those with full days or if you feel like you and your family just do your best to make it from moment to moment, this is the prayer for you! Each week there will be a meal prayer, a bedtime prayer, a snack prayer, an out & about prayer, and even a new prayer song each week for washing hands! See the sacred in the everyday moments of life!