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Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 February 3, 2008 10:30 a.m. Fourth Sunday in Lent God is Still Speaking, A Service in Honor of Black History Month
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A Time for Gathering
*Opening Hymn # 451 (Black) Be Now My Vision
* Call to Worship
One: We believe that we can see clearly,
but
we are blind to many things.
Many: Lord, cure our blindness,
that
we may see the truth of your ways.
One: The light of God
shines for us today,
that
we may see God’s presence in the world and in those around
us.
Many: Lord, help us to see you in our neighbors,
in
our families and friends, and in those with whom we disagree or are
in conflict.
One: Like the man born blind who gained his
sight,
help
us to testify to the power of your love and grace.
Many: Open
our eyes, O Lord,
that we might see opportunities to serve you.
* Prayer: Gracious God, pour out your Spirit among us today. Move through us and open our eyes that we may see your goodness everywhere. Heal us of the blindness of our hearts and send us forth to proclaim your mighty deeds to the world. Amen.
*Call to Confession: When others blamed men and women for their afflictions, Jesus healed them and brought glory to God. We, too, often sit in judgment on our fellow human beings. Let us follow the example of Jesus in forgiveness and love, and pray that God will forgive us, as well.
*Prayer of Confession: O God, we are sometimes like the Pharisees who judge others according to our own standards. Remind us that all people are your children, and help us to love unconditionally as Jesus loves. Help us to examine ourselves, O God, and to, press on toward the goal of perfect union with you, through your Son, our Lord. Amen.
* Assurance of Forgiveness: God knows of our weaknesses and our faults, and loves us beyond words anyway. Therefore, let us take in, in God’s mercy and know that we are received into God’s family.
*Gloria Patri (Brown Hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: Those who are blessed by God are called to respond in faithfulness. God has brought us this far, let us give of ourselves that others may be brought to God by our efforts.
Offering of Music: Voices Raised in Song
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: God, we offer you these gifts as a token of our faithfulness. Let them be light for the world, drawing people from all walks of life into fellowship with you and your Body here on earth. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Chatting with our Children
Hymn #303 (Brown) Open My Eyes, That I May See
A Time for Scripture and Consideration of God's Word
Scripture Readings:
Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 23
Gospel: John 9:1-41
Sermon: Student Pastor, Steve Johnson
A Time for Communion
Hymn # 184 (Brown) Let Us Break Bread Together
Invitation to the Lord's Table and Communion Prayer
The Elements: The Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation
Prayer of Thanksgiving
A Time for Prayer
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
*Hymn #526 (Black) Siyahamba
One: Let us go from here walking in God’s marvelous light!
Many: With joy, we will go where God sends us.
With confidence, we will share our faith with others.
Amen. Amen
A Time to Depart
* Fellowship Circle: Amazing Grace
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates unison.