Worship Service for March 16, 2025

March 16, 2025 – Second Sunday in Lent

Introit

Prelude

Lighting of the Christ Candle

This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.

Call to Worship (PWS&D Insert)

One: As we seek your face, O God, on our Lenten journey,
All: may we remember your covenant of grace with your people.

One: Give us eyes to see your compassion and glory in Christ Jesus
All: that we may be astounded by your greatness.

One: Help our hearts to take courage as we wait for you, O God,
All: so that together we can sing and make melody.

Opening Hymn

“Out of my bondage, sorrow and nigh” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 193). Words (1887) by American minister William T. Sleeper (1819–1904). Music (1887; tune “Out of my bondage”) by American gospel song writer George Coles Stebbins (1846–1945). Words and music public domain.

Prayers of Approach and Confession, and Lord’s Prayer (sins)

God, ever creating, ever loving, ever leading:
when things around us feel chaotic, you are peace. When so much we hear is not reliable, your word is truth. When we are paralyzed by fear and anxiety, your presence is freedom. When we feel bereft and helpless, your love gives us hope. We bring you our prayers and our praise this day, for you reveal yourself to us in the goodness of creation, in the love and mercy of Christ, your beloved, and through the energy and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We worship you, Creator, Christ and Spirit, ever Three and ever One.

God of compassion,
We are creatures who seek our own comfort. We confess that we prefer our own plans to your purposes. We shrink from costly discipleship and put our own interests first. Forgive our fleeting commitment and the times we have indulged our own complaints. Have mercy on us. Inspire us with the energy to do your will and serve our neighbours in the example of Christ, your Son and our Lord.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.

Declaration of Pardon

Friends in Christ, while it is true that we have all sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God I say, in Jesus Christ our sin is forgiven. Be at peace with God, with yourself, and with one another.
All: Thanks be to God.

The Peace

One: May the peace of Christ be with us all.
All: And also with you.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

Bells of Guildwood presents

Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)

We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.

“Jesus loves me, this I know“ (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions, and music in the public domain.

Scripture Reading

Philippians 3: 17–4:1  <– this links to on-line text of the NRSV bible

Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.

Philippians 3: 17–4:1

3 17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.

4 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Sermon

Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.

Hymn

“Softly and tenderly” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 640). Words and music (1880; tune: “Thompson”) written by American composer Will Lamartine Thompson (1847–1909). Words and music public domain.

Offering

We offer now our gifts.

Offering – Musical Reflection

We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.

Dedication of our Gifts

Our offering will now be received.

Doxology 306

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100^th“ with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.

Prayer of dedication

Living God, we offer our gifts today in hopeful gratitude. Bless these gifts and use them to increase the goodness enjoyed by those in need. Bless our lives that, through our relationships, others will be touched by the hope we know in Christ Jesus and find their lives blessed by his love and mercy. Amen.

Bells of Guildwood presents

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope

After the periods of silence in this prayer, consider singing the response Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 492, “Lord Jesus Christ, lover of all”, which seeks healing and peace.

God of strength and comfort, in the quiet calm of your presence, we pause in the whirlwind of concerns around us, and set aside our own interests and distractions to pray for the world you love.

Today we remember before you:

All people in their daily life and work— our families, friends and neighbours, those we work with, and those whose faces we recognize regularly but do not know. Be with all who find these times stressful or exhausting:

We remember before you this congregation, our presbytery, and congregations of other traditions near us, as well as those who serve in church leadership and all who nurture faith in others. Help us support each other and look to the future with hope.

We pray for this community, our country, and governments throughout the world, as well as all those who work for justice, freedom and peace. Send your Spirit, the Advocate, to speak for the voiceless and challenge injustice.

We pray for victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression, for all who struggle to rebuild their communities after natural disaster or social upheaval, and for all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble. Bring them comfort and courage, and the support of their neighbours.

And we pray for those people and situations on our hearts and minds this day:

Amen.

Closing Hymn

“Great is thy faithfulness” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 324). Words (1923) by American poet and Methodist minister Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (1866–1960). Music (1923; tune: “Faithfulness”) by American composer William M. Runyan (1870–1957). Words and music in the public domain.

Changing the Light

Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.

Benediction

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.

Blessing

“Celtic Blessing”. Words Irish traditional. Music by former GCPC Music Director Carmen Lappano. Words public domain. Music copyright © Carmen Lappano; used by permission.

Postlude

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Last updated 2025-03-14 23:55 – First version.