March 22
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Lectionary
Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library online
(http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/BLent/bLent4.htm)
Numbers 21:49
A bronze serpent heals the people.
Psalm 107:13, 1722
(VU pg. 831 parts 1 and 2)
Gods steadfast love endures forever.
Ephesians 2:110
We are not saved by our own doing, but by grace.
John 3:1421
For God so loved the world.
Spark
Begin the service with a rant moving around the five aspects of grief, i.e., denial, grief, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Move toward truth and reconciliation.
With Children
Draw a parallel: when kids are in trouble and need some external influence, e.g., when they cut themselves, have a cold or have done something bad, they can turn to God. All of us can ask for help in times of trouble. God is always there, but sometimes we do not notice until we need something.
Sermon Starter
What leaves us grumbling in the wilderness? What is our wilderness? Are we in denial of our own brokenness? Our actions could result in the suffering of others. How does this lead us away from God? How does God work with the things that happen in life, both good and bad? Explore possible areas of grace, places of healing where God opens another door. We need to recognize the grace that is there, not block it; we need to open ourselves to its good possibilities.
Hymns
Hebrew
Scripture
VU 112 O God, how we have wandered
VU 274 Your hand, O God, has guided
MV 65 When we are tested
Psalm
MV 62 There is room for all
Epistle
VU 263 Our Gods a fortress
VU 356 Seek ye first the kingdom
VU 371 Open my eyes, that I may see
VU 685 We turn to you
Gospel
VU 258 O world of God
VU 504 How clear is our vocation, Lord
Call to Worship (based on
Psalm 107)
Give thanks to the Lord, for God is gracious!
Gods steadfast love endures forever!
May our worship today
be a sacrifice of thanksgiving!
May we find joy in telling about
what the Lord has done!
Commissioning
Cry out to the Lord, and God will hear you!
The Lord our God will do great things for us!
The Lord will satisfy all those who are thirsty for right-living!
The Lord will fill every kind of hunger with good things!
Neil Young, Erindale United Church, Mississauga, Ont.