Order of Worship March 14, 2021
Updated: Jun 28, 2022
UJCC Sunday House Worship Service
March 14, 2021 * 4 th Sunday of Lent
The Peace of Christ be with you! You are invited to use the following prayers & order of worship as we lift our hearts to God together from our respective homes!
“The first great fact which emerges from our civilization is that today everything has become
‘means.’ There is no longer an ‘end;’ we do not know whither we are going. We have forgotten our collective ends, and we possess great means: we set huge machines in motion in order to arrive nowhere.” -Jacques Ellul
“The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude,
and our choice to be kind and generous.”
-Dalai Lama XIV, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Call To Worship
As darkness gives way to light
and winter sleep to fresh beginnings,
We come today to be reminded of God's love for us.
Like the green shoots of renewed life,
stirring beneath the soil,
We welcome an awakening of God's word in our lives.
In this time of reflection and repentance,
We affirm our identity, we claim our security,
as children of God. (glf)
Song of Centering
We Humbly Adore and Receive
Children’s Time Rev. Sungrae Ki
Scripture Reading in Japanese Psalm 128 Nanami Jones
Sermon “A Long Obedience: Work and Happiness” Rev. Akiko Miyake-Stoner
Time of Confession
Hidden God,
we bring to the sanctuary of our home
and give to you,
our burdens and brokenness,
our self-image bruised and hurting,
our fears, shame, doubts and anxieties,
the raw materials we ask You to bless and change…
(time of silent prayer and confession)
Words of Assurance
In our tunnels, O God,
may we begin to see light
and in our desert experiences
we may find You.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you forgive us.
Thanks be to God.(sm)
(enter into silent prayers of confession.)
Words of Assurance
In our tunnels, O God,
may we begin to see light
and in our desert experiences
we may find You.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you forgive us.
Thanks be to God.(sm)
Song of Reflection "From The Inside Out"
You are invited to continue your spiritual practice of giving to the church. Please either mail your offering to the church (136 N. Villa Ave., Clovis, CA 93612) or try our online giving option (LINK HERE). Thank you!
Doxology Youth Band
Joys and Concerns & Time of Prayer
You are invited to share your joys and concerns with one another using our usual format:
Person lifting the prayer: “O God of Mercy;” everyone’s response: “This is our prayer.”
After you share your joys and concerns, go around the circle and offer prayer, praying freely or using this format:
“God, I thank you for…” and “God, I ask for…”
You are invited to close together with The Lord’s Prayer.
* Please join in our Zoom Fellowship & Prayer meeting at 11:30 am
Meeting ID: 892 8141 6160
Or call: +1 669 900 6833
* Sunday School at 1 pm
Meeting ID: 833 3556 5421
* If you or your kids would like to contribute to our virtual worship by music, painting, photos, recipes, or anything, please contact Rev. Rae: sungrae@ujcclife.com
Go Now in Peace Becky Messer
Worship Resources: (glf) Gill Le Fevre, “Call To Worship,” https://re-worship.blogspot.com/search/label/Lent?updated-max=2020-02-26T19:50:00-06:00&max-results=20&start=4&by-date=false; (sm) adapted “Confession at the start of Lent,” Scott Mckenna http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
Psalm 128 (The Message Translation)
1-2 All you who fear God, how blessed you are! how happily you walk on his smooth straight road! You worked hard and deserve all you’ve got coming. Enjoy the blessing! Soak in the goodness!
3-4 Your wife will bear children as a vine bears grapes, your household lush as a vineyard, The children around your table as fresh and promising as young olive shoots. Stand in awe of God’s Yes. Oh, how he blesses the one who fears God!
5-6 Enjoy the good life in Jerusalem every day of your life. And enjoy your grandchildren. Peace to Israel!
Reflection Questions for today:
Reflect on this quote: “Nothing which belongs to action and to making life real can fall outside of blessing…Blessing is vital power, without which no living being can exist.” -Johannes Pedersen
What have you learned about yourself, your job, your colleagues in this last year?
Where do you find meaning or satisfaction in your work? How can you more fully do it for the glory of God?
Where do you find happiness in walking with God?
What are the blessings that are coming on your journey to discipleship?