March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023. 

Prelude 

Welcome and Announcements 

Introit    “His Eye is on the Sparrow”   Grace Hochella, voice and Eileen Wescoe, piano   

Call to Worship  – Ezekiel 37:11-14 

Opening Litany (from the Reformed Church in America, used with permission, Brummhart Publishing). 

O God, who always listens to us,

who breathes new life into us,

call us forward to resurrection.

We are surrounded by a world of dry bones,

a world of death and despair,

a world where we lose hope in our structures, ourselves, and you.

We pray for this world in need of your Word:

for all the people in it, those who lay down their live and those who lead  . . .

Silence

O God, who always listens to us,

who breathes new life into us,

call us forward to resurrection.

We are surrounded by people with dried up lives,

people unable to see your life past their tears.

We pray for this world in need of your healing presence:

for those who are imprisoned or alone,

those ill or infirm, or grieving, 

Those who are facing addictions of all forms,

Silence

O God, who always listens to us,

who breathes new life into us,

call us forward to resurrection.

We are spellbound by those dry bones,

terrified of the stink of death,

and often too dumbfounded to call forth life in your name.

We pray for your people, your Church . . .

We pray for the courage not just to follow you to death,

but to follow you to the New Creation.

Silence

O God, who always listens to us,

who breathes new life into us,

As we move close to Easter, help us to live as Easter people with hope and comfort of the resurrection.

Lord in your mercy: 

hear our prayer and call us forward to resurrection.

In Resurrection Hope: Prayers of the People

Pastoral Prayer/Lord’s Prayer 

Special Music   “Precious Lord”.  Grace Hochella, voice and Eileen Wescoe, piano   

Sharing our Offerings 

Offertory 

Offertory Hymn #819 “For the Life that You Have Given”. 

Joyful Noise  

Scripture John 11:20-44  Ed Lester 

Hymn 338. “Come, Lazarus” 

Sermon  “Call us Forward to Resurrection”   Janel Rice

Hymn 328.  What Wondrous Love is This

Postlude