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: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D.M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
March 12th, 2017-2nd Sunday of Lent
A thought around which to gather as we worship— Sometimes it is in those moments when we are most timid that God reveals new insights to us. It is when we dare to open ourselves to uncertainty that God provides answers. What does it feel like to admit that you do not have all the answers? What does it feel like to step out into the dark, wondering what God might have in store for you?
Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Lent • Easter 2017 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2016, p. 38
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 Love Us Into Fullness v 1, MV 81
Call to Worship Based on Psalm 121
One: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come?All: Our help comes from God, maker of heaven and earth.
One: God will not let us slip or fall. Our protector will not fall asleep on the job.
All: Indeed, our protector never sleeps or rests.
One: God is our protector, as close as our very shadow.
All: Let us worship our Creator!
Opening Prayer
God of darkness and of light,we dare to venture out into the unknown –
to come to you in this time of worship
even though we know that the future is always uncertain.
We come to this place knowing full well
there are a thousand other things we could be doing.
But we have gathered here out of love for you,
because you first loved us,
and because we know that, when we spend time with you,
life can make sense in new and exciting ways.
Inspire us in this time, we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
*Hymn Let All Things Now Living VU 242
Lenten Triad Candle Lighting Prayer of Confession
In place of a Lenten Tenebrae or extinguishing of candles, this year our ritual is one of gathering light to remember how people were drawn to Jesus during his ministry. This is symbolized by a central Christ candle from which a new candle is lit on each Sunday of Lent.Light the first candle from the Christ candle.
Leader 1: Loving God, we are sometimes scared and timid.
You call us to move on to new places, and we hesitate.
Leader 2: Shine your light on our path, O God,
All: and show us your way.
Leader 1: We want to learn new things, but we worry about what others might think of us. So we hide.
Leader 2: Shine your light on our path, O God,
All: and show us your way.
Leader 1: When we hear things we don’t understand, we shrug our shoulders and walk away.
Or we laugh and say, “that doesn’t make sense.”
Leader 2: Shine your light on our path, O God,
All: and show us your way.
Leader 1: (lighting the 2nd candle)
When we honestly and openly invite God into our lives, we are changed.
Leader 2: We need not be afraid, for God sent Jesus into the world not to condemn us, but to save us.
All: Thanks be to God! Amen.
Sung Assurance: Love Us Into Fullness v 1, MV 81
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Genesis 12:1–4a God calls Abram to be a blessing.
One: This is the witness of the Hebrew people.All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 121 I lift my eyes to the hills. VU 844
*Hymn In the Bulb There Is a Flower VU 703
Opening the Word & The Lord’s Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
John 3:1–17 Nicodemus learns that “God so loved the world.”
One: Herein is Good News. All: Praise be to God.Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn My Faith Looks Up to Thee VU 663
Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Prayer
We bring you gifts, O God, knowing that they are but a small offering. Yet we know you can take what we offer, and use it in amazing ways to do amazing work. Amen.Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn Will You Come and Follow Me VU 567
*Commissioning and Blessing
Go out onto your journey.Know that the sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon by night,
for God will protect you and watch over you,
this day and always.
