Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

11:00 AM Worship                                Fourth Sunday in Lent                        18 March 2012

 

GATHERING

   “Consecration”                                                                                                             J. Rand

 

GREETING AND WELCOME                                                                                                

 

INTROIT                                                                                                                                    

   “Hear My Prayer”                                                                                                     W. James

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP

  Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.

  People: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

  Leader: Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to

                humankind.

  People: For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.  

  Leader: Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to

                 humankind.

  People: Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their

                distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from

                destruction.

  Leader: Let us today thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to

                 humankind.

  People: And let us offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.

   

 *HYMN  UMH 724

     On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand                                                                 Promised Land

 

*PRAYER  in unison

     Everlasting God, you have made many promises to us; we are sorry for breaking our

promises to you and to each other; we wish to do better.  We thank you for the grace you

have provided to us, and for answering our cries in the wilderness.  We try to deserve the

grace that you offer, but continually fall short.  The scriptures give us many examples of

your patience with your people; in these modern times, help us see and feel your presence

 in the struggles we have today.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 ANTHEM

 “My Song is Love Unknown”                                                                                          C. Jennings                    

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

 

FIRST READING

   Numbers 21: 4-9

  

SECOND READINGS

   Ephesians 2: 1-10  &  John 3: 14-21 

  

The Word of the Lord.

   Thanks be to God.

 

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

   Following the message, children from K-3 are invited to attend the Junior Church program.

 

 

SERMON                          Grace, our gift horse                                          Claudia K. Viehland

 

*HYMN  UMH 467

   Trust and Obey                                                                                                           Trust and Obey                                                                                                        

 

SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS

 

PASTORAL PRAYER

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER  in unison

    Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will

    be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us    

    our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into

    temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and   

    the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

*THE PEACE

 

OFFERING

   “My Jesus I Love Thee”                                                                                             L. Smith

 

*DOXOLOGY  UMH 95

 

*HYMN  UMH 378 (verses 1-3,6

   Amazing Grace                                                                                                           Amazing Grace

 

*BENEDICTION

   May the presence of God the Creator give you strength.

   May the presence of God the Redeemer give you peace.

   May the presence of God the Sustainer give you comfort.

   May the presence of God the Sanctifier give you love.

   Amen.

 

*GOING FORTH

   “St. Magnus”                                                                                                            H. Willan

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand.