CALL TO WORSHIP
Read Psalm 23. This is the word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
COMMUNITY CONFESSION& LENTEN CANDLE READING
Leader: (Reading of Ephesians 5.8-14) As God’s beloved children, we will not hide our sin or remain silent, but confess them to the One who will restore us with goodness and mercy. We cry out as the psalmist did, “create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.”
ALL:Light of the World, we admit all the lengths to which we go so we might avoid you. We pay strict attention to all who break the rules, but ignore the grace which is poured out upon us. We try to box you in with boundaries we can manage, but you continue to burst forth to bring newness into the world. God of Forgiveness, open our eyes to your presence among us. As you look at our hearts, may we see those around us in a different way, not as enemies or strangers, but sisters and brothers.
Leader: God rolls away everything that stands in our way - our past, our sin, our pain, our hesitation, and reshapes us into new people living in the Light.
(snuff out 4th of the Lenten candles)
ALL: We no longer have to live in darkness; the light of Christ shines upon us. Thanks be to God!
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
The Book of Mark: Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Earthly Disaster, Kiss of Death, and Trying Circumstances in the Face of Unkindness
*For discussion prompts and lenten resources visit this page.
THE LORD’S TABLE
ALL: In the words, actions, death and new life of Christ, we catch a glimpse of the world as it was meant to be: just and peaceful through God’s presence. As we taste salvation's joy through the bread and cup, may we be renewed in our calling to justice and righteousness, so we might go forth to be companions for all those who have lost their way.
Leader: The Table of the Lord is open for all who seek to experience new life.
THE BENEDICTION
Leader: May we find the wisdom we need.
ALL: God be with us.
Leader: May we hear the needs of those we meet.
ALL: God be with us.
Leader: May we love the life that we are given.
ALL: God be with us.