Order of service for March 23, 2025 -
Third Sunday of Lent - Wyevale United Church
Today marks the third Sunday of Lent, a season in the Church that has been practised in its present form since the early 4th century. Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for the joy of Easter. In times past it was rigorously observed by fasting, almsgiving and penance. Today’s readings tell us how the Lord has provided for the needs of the faithful in times past and offers the same reassurance to us today. I encourage you to observe a holy Lent in preparation for the wonder of Easter!
Welcome, Announcements and Celebrations
The Gathering of the Community
Call to Worship – Repent says the Lord, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mt. 4:17
Lenten Liturgy: Four candles are lit, as well as the Christ Candle
1: We live in a world of many divisions: class, gender, religion, race and politics.
2: It is not easy to risk or vulnerabilities in order to get to know someone who seems different.
1: Though God welcomes all peoples, invites the gifts of all nations, and celebrates uniqueness of each culture, we live in poverty when we remain separated.
2: Our lines of separation diminish our togetherness and diminish our humanity.
1: Like the Samaritan woman at the well, we are thirsty for a drink that will quench our deepest yearnings.
2: We long to drink deeply at the well.
1: Yet, we remain thirsty, and we live a life of quiet desperation.
The third candle is extinguished.
All sing: MV 90 “ Don’t be Afraid” 2: Let us pray.
All: O Christ, you said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”* Therefore, O God, we pray that you will quench our deepest thirst for acceptance, love and peace. Fill our cup with your spirit till it overflows. May we drink to our heart’s content at your well. May we live a life of blessing by giving to others what you give to us with generosity, courage, and hope. Amen. * Matthew 7:7
Hymn-271 – There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Prayer of Confession: Most merciful Lord, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Words of Forgiveness: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Children’s time
Proclamation of God’s Word
First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9 – The Lord calls the people to repentance and offers his grace.
Psalm 63 –page 781 - This psalm is a prayer for personal deliverance.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 – Paul tells the church at Corinth that even though the Israelites were God’s people they still came under his judgment.
Gospel: Luke 13:1-17 – Jesus told the people that all are sinners in need of repentance.
Hymn 472 – O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
Homily: The Rev. Kathleen Greidanus
Silent reflection We Respond to God’s Word
Offertory Hymn 121 – Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery vs 1-3 and 3rd Sunday
Offertory Prayer – Gracious God, we know your power to triumph over weakness. May we who ask forgiveness be ready to forgive one another, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord. Amen.
We affirm our belief in the words of the Apostles’ Creed page 918.
Prayer of the Day: Father of mercy, alone we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. When we are discouraged by our weakness, strengthen us to follow Christ, our pattern and our hope; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers for the World
Let us pray with confidence to the Lord, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
O Lord, guard and direct your Church in the way of unity, service, and praise. Lord, hear our prayer.
Give to all nations an awareness of the unity of the human family. Lord, hear our prayer.
Cleanse our hearts of prejudice and selfishness and inspire us to hunger and thirst for what is right. Lord, hear our prayer.
Teach us to use your creation for your greater praise, that all may share the good things you provide. Lord, hear our prayer.
Strengthen all who give their energy or skill for the healing of those who are sick in body or in mind. Lord, hear our prayer.
Set free all who are bound by fear and despair. Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant a peaceful end and eternal rest to all who are dying, and your comfort to those who mourn. Lord, hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer.
We Return to the World
Hymn 660 – How Firm a Foundation
Benediction and Peace One: Go forth to love and serve the Lord!
All: Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
Third Sunday of Lent - Wyevale United Church
Today marks the third Sunday of Lent, a season in the Church that has been practised in its present form since the early 4th century. Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for the joy of Easter. In times past it was rigorously observed by fasting, almsgiving and penance. Today’s readings tell us how the Lord has provided for the needs of the faithful in times past and offers the same reassurance to us today. I encourage you to observe a holy Lent in preparation for the wonder of Easter!
Welcome, Announcements and Celebrations
The Gathering of the Community
Call to Worship – Repent says the Lord, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mt. 4:17
Lenten Liturgy: Four candles are lit, as well as the Christ Candle
1: We live in a world of many divisions: class, gender, religion, race and politics.
2: It is not easy to risk or vulnerabilities in order to get to know someone who seems different.
1: Though God welcomes all peoples, invites the gifts of all nations, and celebrates uniqueness of each culture, we live in poverty when we remain separated.
2: Our lines of separation diminish our togetherness and diminish our humanity.
1: Like the Samaritan woman at the well, we are thirsty for a drink that will quench our deepest yearnings.
2: We long to drink deeply at the well.
1: Yet, we remain thirsty, and we live a life of quiet desperation.
The third candle is extinguished.
All sing: MV 90 “ Don’t be Afraid” 2: Let us pray.
All: O Christ, you said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”* Therefore, O God, we pray that you will quench our deepest thirst for acceptance, love and peace. Fill our cup with your spirit till it overflows. May we drink to our heart’s content at your well. May we live a life of blessing by giving to others what you give to us with generosity, courage, and hope. Amen. * Matthew 7:7
Hymn-271 – There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Prayer of Confession: Most merciful Lord, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Words of Forgiveness: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Children’s time
Proclamation of God’s Word
First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9 – The Lord calls the people to repentance and offers his grace.
Psalm 63 –page 781 - This psalm is a prayer for personal deliverance.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 – Paul tells the church at Corinth that even though the Israelites were God’s people they still came under his judgment.
Gospel: Luke 13:1-17 – Jesus told the people that all are sinners in need of repentance.
Hymn 472 – O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
Homily: The Rev. Kathleen Greidanus
Silent reflection We Respond to God’s Word
Offertory Hymn 121 – Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery vs 1-3 and 3rd Sunday
Offertory Prayer – Gracious God, we know your power to triumph over weakness. May we who ask forgiveness be ready to forgive one another, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord. Amen.
We affirm our belief in the words of the Apostles’ Creed page 918.
Prayer of the Day: Father of mercy, alone we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. When we are discouraged by our weakness, strengthen us to follow Christ, our pattern and our hope; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers for the World
Let us pray with confidence to the Lord, saying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
O Lord, guard and direct your Church in the way of unity, service, and praise. Lord, hear our prayer.
Give to all nations an awareness of the unity of the human family. Lord, hear our prayer.
Cleanse our hearts of prejudice and selfishness and inspire us to hunger and thirst for what is right. Lord, hear our prayer.
Teach us to use your creation for your greater praise, that all may share the good things you provide. Lord, hear our prayer.
Strengthen all who give their energy or skill for the healing of those who are sick in body or in mind. Lord, hear our prayer.
Set free all who are bound by fear and despair. Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant a peaceful end and eternal rest to all who are dying, and your comfort to those who mourn. Lord, hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer.
We Return to the World
Hymn 660 – How Firm a Foundation
Benediction and Peace One: Go forth to love and serve the Lord!
All: Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
