March 15
Third Sunday in Lent
Lectionary
Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library online
(http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/BLent/bLent3.htm)
Exodus 20:117
The Ten Commandments.
Psalm 19 (VU pgs.
740741)
The heavens declare the glory of God.
1 Corinthians
1:1825
Gods foolishness is wiser than human wisdom.
John 2:1322
Jesus clears the temple.
Spark
Put up signs around the church, e.g., No Men, No Children, and No Families. At the start of the service, spend a moment inviting peoples responses to the signs.
With Children
Talk about rules at home, such as rules about bedtime and watching TV, and rules that are followed while playing games. Ask: Why do we have rules? God gave us rules to help us, and we try to follow them today.
Sermon Starter
The sermon might explore when rules are meant to be broken. Compare humanitys versus Gods rules. We have ambivalent feelings toward rulesthey are important for others to follow but not us!
Develop a modern version of the Ten Commandments, e.g. a modern tenth commandment might include references to a Lexus car, designer clothes, and keeping up with the Joneses mentality.
Hymns
Hebrew
Scriptures
VU 260 God who gives to life its goodness
VU 368 Holy Spirit, truth divine
VU 701 What does the Lord require of you?
MV 151 Your will be done
Psalm
VU 297 All praise to you
Epistle
VU 120 O Jesus, I have promised
VU 574 Come, let us sing of a wonderful love
VU 615 When quiet peace is shattered
MV 162 Christ, within us hidden
Gospel
VU 571 Eternal ruler of the ceaseless round
MV 138 My love colours outside the lines
Call to Worship (based on
Psalm 19)
The heavens declare the glory of God!
Gods handiwork surrounds us
in each new day!
May the words of my mouth be acceptable
in the Lords sight!
May the quiet thoughts of my heart
give God glory!
Commissioning
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul!
Gods commandment is pure,
and gives light to my eyes!
To fear the Lord is a clean thing
and gives a clean heart!
The judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether!
Neil Young, Erindale United Church, Mississauga, Ont.