March 3, 2024

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT ORDER OF WORSHIP Rev. Kendra Lovelace Balliet Organist: Jim Ross Prelude - The Good Samaritan-Robert Swift Bell Prelude - O Sacred Head-Anna Laura Page Welcome *Call to Worship Leader: Lenten travelers, why are you here? People: We gather to do the work of worship. Leader: Lenten travelers, what happens when we gather to worship? People: We listen and proclaim. We sing and pray. We repent and encourage. Leader: Lenten travelers, how do we do the work of worship? People: We bring all that we are to be present to God and one another. Leader: Lenten travelers, what work does God do in worship? People: God raises us up so that we can delight in life together with God and one another. Leader: Lenten travelers, come, let us worship God together! People: Come, let us worship God together! Amen. *Opening Hymn "Blessed Assurance" #369 *Prayer of Confession (inspired by Exodus 20, Psalm 19, John 2: 13-22) Leader: Come let us turn to our God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Let us pray. People: With hearts of sorrow, we come before you, O God, to confess what you already know— we have failed to keep your laws. Again and again, we have followed our own selfish will, rather than your holy and life-giving will for our lives. We have twisted your decrees and institutions to suit our preconceptions and interests rather than your own. Forgive us, O God, and cleanse us from hidden faults, that the words of our mouths, and the meditations of all our hearts, may be acceptable to you, our Rock and our Redeemer. Words of Assurance (inspired by Exodus 20: 1-17) Leader: God shows steadfast love and blesses to the thousandth generation those who follow God’s ways. In love, God sent Jesus to bless and redeem God’s people. God forgives us our sins and restores us to new life. Let us rejoice in God’s mercy. All: Amen! Psalter 19 #750-751 with Sung Response 1 Gloria Patri Children's Chat Music Ministry and Offertory - Near the Cross (Bell Choir) Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude Scripture John 8:1-12 Sermon Series “Journey of Stones” Sermon: “Sticks and Stones” Joys/Concerns Hymn “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” #359 Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer Communion Laying Stones at the Foot of the Cross Closing Hymn "I Surrender All" #354 Action Steps & Benediction Postlude - All Praise to You, O Lord-Mahlon Balderston The flowers on the altar today are given by Barb Baker in honor of the birthday of her husband, Bill Baker. Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [email protected]