March 10, 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT ORDER OF WORSHIP Rev. Kendra Lovelace Balliet Organist: Jim Ross Prelude - Solemn Melody-Wolford Davies Welcome *Call to Worship Leader: Lenten travelers, the journey is long. Let us take a moment to rest and breathe. People: Only in God do we find our rest. Leader: Sometimes the road is easy, and we bask in the warmth of the Light who guides us. People: Other times the road is hard, and we hide from the Light, afraid for our actions to be made known in public. Leader: Somedays we delight in the joy of journeying together on this road. People: Other days we struggle with the temptation to judge and condemn one another as we travel this path. Leader: Today, let us come into the Light together as we learn to love God and one another through the twists and turns of our Lenten journey. People: Come, let us worship God together! Amen. *Opening Hymn "Now Thank We All Our God" #102 *Prayer of Confession Leader: When we offer God our confession, we join the beautiful work of reconciliation, which begins with our reconciling with God. Trusting in our Partner in grace, let us make our confession, first in silent prayer. Offer prayers of silent confession UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION All: Gracious and loving God, open our hearts so that we are able to admit to you the fullness of our lives – that which is beautiful and good, and that which is hurtful and hateful. We confess that we do not follow Jesus in all that we do. We love with condition. We judge and condemn. We cast the first stone and keep the logs in our own eyes. We do not turn to You as the source of our healing. Forgive us, we pray. Forgive our sin and empower us to be imitators of Christ in love and service. Amen. ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS Leader: Friends in Christ, know this: the mercy of God is from everlasting to everlasting, and I remind you of this surpassing grace – in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. All: Amen. Psalter 107 #830-831 with Sung Response 1 Gloria Patri Children's Chat Music Ministry and Offertory - Lento-Cesar Franck Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude Scripture Luke 11:37-52 Sermon Series “Journey of Stones” Sermon: “Hearts of Stone” Laying Stones at the Foot of the Cross Hymn “Nearer, My God to Thee” #528 Joys/Concerns Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer Closing Hymn "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" #2129 Action Steps & Benediction Postlude - Stabat Mater-Pergolesi The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God by Jan Edmonds to celebrate the heavenly birthday of Mary Ellen Edmonds and by the family of Anne Finney in honor of her birthday. Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [e-mail]