Welcome and Invitation to Worship
Announcements
Sharing Good News
Sharing and Prayer for those in need
Statement on Lent
Lent is a time of preparation. A time when we move toward the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. A time to move intently towards God, ridding ourselves of the distance and distractions we have built into our relationships. Lent is when we are called to respond with radical generosity and spiritual discipline to God’s covenants that we may draw near to the One we seek.
Children’s Moment - “This Little Light of Mine”
This Little Light of Mine
Call to Worship: Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
*Gathering Hymn: “Come and Bring Light” - CCS #287
Come and Bring Light
*Invocation
Lighting the Candle of Peace
Prayer for Peace
At the beginning of time, God said, “Let there be light” and separated the light from the darkness. We tend to think of light as good and darkness bad, but it is not always so. God established a rhythm in our lives in which dark and light were inextricably related. It is connected to the seasons, to our aging, to the death and resurrection that is so much a part of our lives…We learned more about this and about God when at a certain point in time the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. For us, it is only as we seek the light of the world that we shall find wholeness and healing and peace. In that journey we know both darkness and light, but our call is that we, too, like Christ shall become light for the world. It is a call not only to companionship with Christ but to assume our responsibility as partners in the great redemptive work of Christ.
Disciples’ Generous Response
Leader: Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion.
People: Live, Love and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.
Leader: Ever-present God, forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than You have created us to be.
People: Your mercy and grace are always with us.
All: May we find strength in Your presence, and may we respond to Your love with generous spirits. Amen.
Living God’s Mission: “Missio Dei”
Missio Dei
A Time for Sharing
*Closing Hymn: “Go Light Your World” - Chris Rice
Go Light Your World
*Benediction
We welcome our guests and visitors today. Please come worship with us again!