The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarks1@eastlink.ca
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
April 6th, 2014--5th Sunday of Lent
* please stand
as able
A
thought around which to gather as we worship--
John
11:1–45 At
this point in Lent, we might feel some of Mary and Martha’s despair
after the death of their brother. In raising Lazarus – a
foreshadowing of his own resurrection – Jesus shows us the hope
that leads us out of despair, the light that can lead us out of the
darkness. As we approach the end of our Lenten journey and Jesus’
Passion, we, too, are called out of darkness and into light with new
life and hope breathed into us.
This
week
–
send a handwritten note to a friend (or even take her/him out for
coffee or lunch) who is dealing with the despair of a personal loss.
Copyright
© Woodlake Publishing Inc. 2013, Seasons
of the Spirit
SeasonsFUSION
Lent-Easter 2014, p. 13
Announcements The
Work of Church and Community
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
Greeting
One:
The peace of Christ be
with you. All: And with
your spirit.
*
Introit Hold Us in
Your Grace
Hold
us in your grace, O God, hold us in your grace.
Hold
us in your grace, O God, hold us in your grace.
Hold
us, hold us in your grace. Hold us, hold us in your grace.
Words:
Keri K. Wehlander.
Music: BruceHarding and Keri K. Wehlander.
Words
copyright 2007 Keri K. Wehlander, www.creativeworship.ca.
Music copyright 2007 Keri K. Wehlander and Bruce Harding. All
rights reserved. Evensong Worship Resources, www.evensong.ca.
Used by permission.
Opening
Prayer
God
of Jesus, who shared our humanity, keep us company on this Lenten
journey so that we may find the path to life. Amen.
Placement
of Lenten Symbol—Funeral symbol
Call
to Worship Back
of bulletin
*
Hymn Spirit
of the Living God VU
376
Lenten
Triad Candle Extinguishing (Tenebrae)
(Two
purple candles and Christ candle are lit prior to worship.)
(5th
candle is extinguished.) Let
us pray:
All:
Loving God,
you
call us from darkness and despair,
to
life and hope.
Help
us to die to all that separates us from you.
Open
us to the possibilities of new life
which
can spring from the very darkness we fear. Amen.
Sung
Assurance:
Throughout
These Lenten Days and Nights,
verse 5 VU 108
Prayer
of Approach Back
of bulletin
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Ezekiel
37:1–14 Valley
of dry bones.
This is the witness of the
Hebrew people. All:
Thanks be to God.Psalm 130 Up from the Depths I Cry to God VU 852
*Hymn Jesus' Hands Were Kind Hands VU 570
Opening
the Word & The
Lord’s Prayer
Gospel Acclamation
John
11:1–45 Jesus
raises Lazarus to life.
This
is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
All:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn Just a Closer Walk with Thee Printed
*A
Responsive Reading from A
Song of Faith
We place our hope in God.
We sing of a life beyond life
and a future good beyond imagining:
a
new heaven and a new earth,
the
end of sorrow, pain, and tears,
Christ’s
return and life with God,
the
making new of all things.
We yearn for the coming of that future,
even while participating in eternal life now.
Divine
creation does not cease
until
all things have found wholeness, union, and integration
with
the common ground of all being.
As children of the Timeless One,
our time-bound lives will find completion
in the all-embracing Creator.
In
the meantime, we embrace the present,
embodying
hope, loving our enemies,
caring
for the earth,
choosing
life.
Grateful for God’s loving action,
we cannot keep from singing.
Creating
and seeking relationship,
in
awe and trust,
we
witness to Holy Mystery who is Wholly Love. Amen.
Responsive Reading excerpted from A Song of Faith:
A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada
Minute
for Mission
Offering
Our Gifts to God
*
Offering Prayer
All:
God
of life, you invite us to share life. We offer these gifts of money
and pray that they may bring life and hope to those who receive them.
Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
One: We ask, All: Spirit
of God, breathe new life in us (them).
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
*
Hymn Lord of the Dance VU
352
* Commissioning and Blessing
One: We cried to God from the depths
All: and God heard our voice.
One: We came with our burdens, bound by
our fears,
All: and stand redeemed.
One: We leave this place with hope
All: released to serve a living God.
One: Go in the
strength of God who shows steadfast love,
in the courage of
Christ who shares our humanity,
and
in the companionship of the Spirit who gives life.
*
Choral Amen
