Welcome
Buhler United Methodist Church
220 North Main Street
PO Box 184
Buhler KS 67522
Telephone: 620-543-6761
Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 14, 2010
Our Mission: to love as Christ loved
Some of our hymns are on the website www.hymnsite.com. To hear them search by number.
If you would like to read the Scripture Lessons on line you may look them up on either www.bible.oremus.org or www.biblegateway.com.
*Choral Call to Worship “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #384
*Call to Worship
Leader: We come together to worship and praise our creator
People: We give thanks to God, who is our refuge and our strength
Leader: As disciples of Christ we come together to serve God
People: Our faith calls us to be a refuge to the poor
Leader: In the midst of the storms of life we come together in peace
People: We offer refuge to those in distress
Leader: We come together as United Methodists offering hope to all who come through our doors
People: May our open hearts be a welcome refuge to all who enter
Hymn of Praise “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” # 117
Prayer of Illumination: God of justice and mercy, we thank you for the abundance in our lives. We confess that it is easy for us to forget the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We pretend not to hear your children crying out for food. We choose not to see our homeless neighbors. Forgive us to for ignoring those who struggle to stay warm in the winter, who are left orphaned because of disease or war, and who are persecuted because of race or ethnicity. Guide us to reach out to the most vulnerable, sharing the gifts of your creation and wrapping them in your protective love. In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen
Children’s Time “Jesus Loves Me” #191
(Please pray for the children during this time)
Prayer and Pardon
Prayer Hymn “Surely the Presence” #328
Prayer of Confession:
O God, just as we look into a mirror to see any soiled spots on our face, so let us look to you in order to understand the things that we have done amiss. We are like a reed shaken in the wind; we are inexpressibly week. Leave us not to ourselves, but dwell in our hearts and guide our thoughts and actions. Amen.
(All may offer prayers in silence.)
Assurance:
May the almighty and merciful God, who desires not the death of a sinner but that we turn from wickedness and live, accept your repentance, forgive your sins, and restore you by the Holy Spirit to newness of life. Amen.
*Gloria Patri #70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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.
Proclamation of the Word
Scripture Lesson
Reading of the Psalms Psalm 32
Second Letter of Paul II Corinthians 5:16-21
L: The Word of God for the people of God.
P: Thanks be to God.
Offertory
*Doxology #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Sermon “Prodigal Son” Rebecca Stark
Sermon Text Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Hymn of Dedication “It’s Me, It’s Me” #352
Sending Forth
*Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
*Choral Benediction “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” #557
Announcements
If you would like to worship with us next week, our doors are always open.
Plan now for “One Great Hour of Sharing”
(March 14, 2010)
When the first tremors of the earthquake in Haiti rocked that island nation, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) staff were already in country, strategizing how United Methodists could help improve the lives of the people there. Their work is a direct result of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, which supports the operating expenses of those who bring healing and help in our name. It makes it possible, when we respond to an emergency like Haiti, to know that 100% of our gift goes directly to where the suffering is happening.
Every year, but this year more than ever, I hope you’ll give your people the opportunity to join with the faithful across the church to support the One Great Hour of Sharing.
Donations may be made through the UMCOR web site www.umcor.org or may be sent to the Buhler United Methodist Church with “One Great Hour of Sharing” written on the memo line of your check.
May God bless you for donating to “One Great Hour of Sharing.”
Our hearts, our minds, and our doors are always open.
The people of the Buhler United Methodist Church
www.bumcks.org