UJCC Sunday Worship Service
March 27, 2022 * 4th Sunday of Lent
“The Living God alone can make us living [people]; the mighty God alone can make us mighty [people]; the loving God alone can make us consecrated [people].”
-Peter Forsyth
We Gather Together
You are invited to the spiritual practice of returning thanks to God. You can try our online giving option HERE. Thank you and peace be with you!
Prelude
We recognize that some of you may have had a crazy week and need some space or quiet time. So, 5-10 minutes prior to the service, we will play some music that you can listen to while you meditate. Otherwise, feel free to let us know that you're here by saying hi in the chat!
Words of Welcome
Around 10:30AM, our service will start. During this time, our worship leader will offer a greeting, introduce special guests, or provide important information for the service. Ultimately, we want to show how much we appreciate you joining us today despite your busy schedule.
Passing the Peace
Passing of the peace may merely seem like a time to greet one another. However, it also serves as a reminder of the peace that we have with God and the peace that we have with each other due to Jesus’ sacrifice. Please take this time to greet one another at church and online!
Song of Centering - "God of Grace and God of Glory"
In the same way that we get ready for a date, it is important for us to get ready to hear God’s Word. So, during the songs of centering, we intentionally try to lay aside our busy lives, worries, and distractions in order to focus on God. For if we have too much noise in our minds, this can leave little room for God. Please feel free to sit quietly in meditation, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, sing along, or use your body as you are able.
Call To Worship
In the call to worship, there is a call and a response. God calls us and we are supposed to respond accordingly. Feel free to read along with the parts marked "All" below as we respond to God's call:
Leader: God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Though the earth trembles, and mountains slide into the sea, we will not fear.
All: Waters may rise and roar, and mountains shake at their surging; but the God of hosts is with us--our stronghold.
Leader: Even if nations are in chaos, and kingdoms fall, God's voice resounds; the earth melts away. Come! See the deeds of the Most High, the marvelous things God has done on earth; all over the world, God has stopped wars--breaking bows, splintering spears, burning the shields with fire. “Be still! and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted upon the earth.”
All: The Most High is with us; our stronghold is the God of Israel.
Sermon - "One Little Word"
We believe God still speaks to us today through the Bible, people, and many other sources as well. As a result, we listen to Rev. Akiko during this time and try to discern what God is trying to tell us through his message. Feel free to listen, take notes, or meditate on something that stuck out to you. Here is the Scripture text that Rev. Akiko will be reading from this passage today:
Psalm 46:1-7
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Honoring Neil Campbell
Neil served at our church for 16 years as the Facilities Manager. So, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation as he transitions into a new stage of life. Help us celebrate Neil and the wonderful blessing that he has been at our church!
Song of Reflection - "Fairest Lord Jesus"
It is our responsibility to respond to God’s message. So, the song after the sermon gives us a little more time to digest God’s message and think about how we can respond appropriately. So, feel free to meditate on the message, pray, or simply enjoy the music.
Time of Confession
We recognize that we are not perfect people. All of us make mistakes. Therefore, we confess our mistakes to God so that they will no longer hold power over us, we can overcome them, and we can live changed lives. Feel free to read the parts marked "All" below and join us in prayer as we seek to learn from our mistakes:
Leader: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your loving kindness. In your great compassion blot out our offenses.
All: Wash me through and through from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sins, for I know my transgressions, and my sins are ever before me.
Leader: Against you only have we sinned and done what is evil in your sight. So you are justified when you speak and upright in all your judgments.
All: Purge me from my sins, and I shall be pure. Wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
Leader: Hide your face from our sins and blot out all our iniquities. Create in us a clean heart and renew in us a right spirit, O Lord.
[time of silent prayer and confession]
Leader: Give to us the joy of your saving help again, and sustain us with your bountiful spirit.
All: Open my lips, O God, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Words of Assurance
We believe that God is bigger and more powerful than any and all of our mistakes. God has guaranteed that all will be forgiven as long as we come humbly in prayer and ask for forgiveness. So, we have an infinite hope for a better tomorrow. Feel free to join us in prayer as Rev. Akiko speaks these words of assurance:
Leader: Lord God, you are the one who forgives us and teaches us what is right and shows us the way we should go. You are the one who provides us with all that we need and protects all those who call upon your name. Help us O God to remember your unfailing love, to give thanks for your forgiveness and your mercy, and to rely upon your saving and healing power. For these and all our blessings, help us now to praise you with thankful and contrite hearts, we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Joys and Concerns
We believe God hears and answers our prayers. Not only that, but we believe in praying together so that we can encourage and support those going through difficult times, or celebrate our many blessings. For we are all God’s family. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice. You are not alone. If you have any prayer requests, feel free to raise your hand until you are called upon. After each prayer request, we will say “O God of mercy” and everyone responds, “This is our prayer.” Finally, once all the prayer requests have been heard, we will close with a final prayer followed by the Lord’s prayer. If you do not know the Lord’s prayer, it will be up on the slideshow for you.
Announcements
The announcements provide opportunities for us to put our faith into action throughout the week. Please try to see if anything interests you or challenge yourself to try something new. Volunteering is a great way to bless others, but we are often blessed ourselves in the process. You can sign up by clicking on the purple footsteps button in the bottom right corner.
Song of Sending - "Our God, Our Help In Ages Past"
The song of sending forth prepares our hearts to go back out into the world. You can use this song as a final opportunity to decide how to respond to the message, pray for God’s guidance, or simply enjoy the music by humming along.
Benediction
Benediction is another word for blessing. It is a short prayer said in order to bless everyone as we get ready to go back out into the world. Feel free to close your eyes and receive the blessing so that you may be strengthened and encouraged.
Postlude - “When We Are Living"
This is the final ending song for the worship service. Once the song is finished, feel free to check out the church entrance for event information, talk with someone new, or go about the rest of your day!