Lent 4:
Deep in the wilderness –
called to deep healing
ORDER OF SERVICE
Note: All hymns are from the new Voices Together hymnal
Centering chimes
Lighting of the solidarity lamp
-Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor
Prelude
Call to Worship
One: The wilderness is without and within. It too is part of God’s path, though we fear wild, barren places, as did the people of old.
Many: When the people became impatient, asking, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” God answered by bringing healing.
One: In our barren places, God calls us to wholeness, even when we cannot see beyond the danger, isolation, and need.
Many: We forget that God is already at work in these difficult, painful places.
One: Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Chosen One be lifted up, that whoever believes may have eternal life.
Many: For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
All: We call out to you, as you call us to deeper healing.
Hymn #420 – God of the Bible
Welcome & prayer
Passing the peace (break-out zoom groups)
Hymn #612 – When pain or sorrow/Hold on
Scripture Video: Numbers 21:4-9
Children’s story
– Song “Let the children come to me”
– The new children’s offering benefits Crisis Nursery in Champaign, IL. The organization’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing 24-hour emergency care for children and support to families in crisis. Donations may be sent to the FMC office at any time or can be made online (select children’s offering in “To” box)
Scripture: John 3:14-21
Sermon
Hymn #644 – Healer of our every ill
Prayer of Confession and Assurance
Many: Deep calls to deep. We call to you from the depths of our hearts
One: We confess how the wilderness has revealed our need,
uncovering our impatience,
lifting up our pain.
We confess how the wilderness has revealed your truth.
We are created for good works.
We can turn and live.
(Silence. Or name the forces that keep us from deep healing.)
Deep calls to deep. You call to us from the depth of your love.
Many: Calling us to deep healing. We come to you, God.
Congregational Sharing & prayer
Meditation music
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Consider giving to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.
Work of the church
Benediction Hymn #158 – I know God loves me
Worship Leader – Pastor Deb
Prelude – Lesley Deem
Meditation – Lincoln Morris
Hymns – Pastor Deb
Children’s Story – Janet Liechty & Phil Martens
Scripture Video – Shawn & Natalya Rodriguez
Scripture Reader – Jan Sabey
Sermon & Sharing – Pastor Michael
Technician – Bharat Patel