Worship Service for March 23, 2025

March 23, 2025 – Third 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: In Lent, we hear Jesus’ call to mend our ways:
All: repentance is necessary no matter who we are.

One: So we come to listen and respond to Jesus’ word of life,
All: for the Holy One will abundantly pardon.

One: In returning to the Lord, we trust that mercy will be ours
All: and our lips will again praise the God of life.

Opening Hymn

“We lay our broken world in sorrow at your feet” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 202). Words (2005) by English author Anna Briggs (1947–), sister-in-law of our own Rev. Bob Smith! Music (tune: “Garelochside”) by British music teacher Kenneth George Finlay (1882–1974). Words copyright © 2005 Iona Community, admin. G.I.A. Publications Inc.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music copyright © Broomhill Church of Scotland, Glasgow.

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

God, our Creator and Sustainer,
in you we live and move and have our being. In your depths we find meaning; in your heights we find light and joy. You are the source of peace and hope for all who turn to you. You alone have been our help and our guide; you give us strength and courage when we face challenges. In you we find rest and welcome along the way. We praise you, O God, for your steadfast love. Draw near to us once more in this time of worship. Reveal your purposes for us and prepare us for the days ahead so that our lives may witness to your mercy and grace as we follow Jesus.

God of grace and mercy,
We confess that our thoughts are so often not your thoughts; our ways are rarely your ways. Our tempers are short and we fail to act with kindness. Our confidence is weak and we treat others without respect. Our faith falters and we lose track of you. Forgive the many ways we fail you, and inspire us to follow you more faithfully.

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

Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn us? Only Christ — And Christ died for us; Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. By Christ’s mercy, we can make a fresh start following him.
All: Thanks be to God.

The Peace

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

Musical presentation

“Sanctuary/God’s Holy Temple” performed by Carolyn Glasgow and Mathew Szeto. Words and music (1983) by hymnwriter John W. Thompson (1950–) and American songwriter and guitarist Randy Scruggs (1953–2018). This arrangement (2016) with additional text and music by American musician Lloyd Larson (1954–). Words and music copyright © 1983, arrangement copyright © 2016 Whole Armor Publishing and Full Armor Publishing Co.

The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)

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

Luke 13:1–9  <– 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.

Luke 13:1–9

13 At that very time there were some present who told Jesus[a] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish just as they did.”

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8 He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Sermon

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

Hymn

“In suffering love” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 696). Words (1983) by Robert M. Johns (1941–1986). Music (1812; tune: “Belmont”) by English composer William Gardiner (1770–1853). Words copyright © 1987 Elinor F. Johns. Music public domain.

Offering

May we bring forward our gifts, tithes and offerings.

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

Loving God, accept these, our gifts, we pray. Bless them and use them to inspire peace in places of unrest, love in places of resentment, joy in places of fear, and hope in places of loss, all for the sake of Jesus Christ, our friend and Saviour. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope

God of Hope,
When the world is confusing and frustrating, you bring light and hope. We give you thanks for lessons learned, for changes of heart, for fresh discoveries made, and new paths followed. We pray this day for those who are confused or afraid, for those who feel anger or despair.

God of Peace,
there is so much conflict, hostility, and antagonism around us and within us. Personal relationships are often tense; the world community is at odds. We pray for understanding to prevail in relationships at home and at work, in our community and our country. O God, give us peace in these times. Turn our hearts to you.

God of Joy,
we give you thanks for moments of joy and celebration in our lives, for small pleasures given and received through times of isolation. We remember those who feel left out or bitter, those who are anxious or in distress. We pray for those who face loss and hardship in these uncertain times, and all who know sorrow and suffering, naming before you those on our hearts this day. O God, give us joy in our time. Turn our hearts to you.

God of community and compassion,
we thank you for your steadfast presence in the face of all that brings uncertainty and worry these days. Bless our congregation; inspire us to consider renewed ministry and mission. Reawaken our love for one another and our desire to worship and serve together in Jesus’ name. Sustain leaders who feel exhausted by the challenges they’ve faced and renew our stewardship with gratitude for your love. O God, give us strength in our service. Turn our hearts to you.

God of grace,
receive these prayers and the unspoken prayers of our hearts. Deepen our trust in you for the days ahead, for we offer ourselves as Jesus’ friends and followers in the words. Amen.

Closing Hymn

“Will you come and follow me” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 634). Words (1987) by Scottish hymn-writer and Church of Scotland minister John L. Bell (1949–) and his Scottish hymn-writing partner Graham Maule (1958–2019), both affiliated with the Iona Community. Music (Scottish traditional; tune “Kelvingrove”) arranged in 1987 by Bell. Words copyright © 1987, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc., agent; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain. Arrangement copyright © 1987 GIA Publications; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.

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 2025-03-21 20:00 – First version.