In this place, at this time, let God call out of us what is good.
In this place, at this time, let us surrender what does harm.
In this place, at this time, let us be filled with worship.
We are an offering to God. Let us present ourselves freely.
OPENING PRAYER
(in unison)
Jesus, you spoke to a woman at a Samaritan well. Speak to us. You opened
the eyes of the man by the side of the road, and opened the hearts of the
crowd to understand the man in a new way. Open the eyes of our hearts. You
raised Lazarus from the tomb. Raise us also to new life, so that we may
speak of you and look for you and praise your holy name. In your own name,
we pray. Amen.
We continue to pray with the words that Jesus taught us to pray,
singing together:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HYMN:
"Open my eyes, that I might see" V.U. 371
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN:
SERVICE OF LIGHTING THE CANDLE:
Almighty God, we are looking for you. May this candlelight remind us that
you are here with us, as we worship you this day, and may we remember that
you are always near, just a prayer away. Amen.
ANTHEM:
WE HEAR GOD'S LOVING WORD FOR US
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
God of the ages, we confess that, like the people of Israel in Moses' time,
we are too quick to complain when things don't happen on our schedule.
Ever-faithful God, forgive us. We confess that we, like the disciples, are
too quick to judge others and dismiss them as unworthy. Ever-accepting God,
forgive us. We confess that we try to impose our views and our wants ahead
of your call to be your people and to walk the path of faith you show to
us. God, forgive us and show us the way of faithfulness and grace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
As we walk with God, we are changed day by day. God's ways can become more
and more our ways; God's never-ending forgiveness washes over us, making us
new, again and again. Thanks be to God. Amen.
EPISTLE READING:
Ephesians 5: 8-14
This is the witness of the Apostle Paul.
Thanks be to God.
SUNG PSALM:
Psalm 23 (V.U. 747)
GOSPEL READING: John 9: 1-41
This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN:
"Never Ending Joy" V.U. 112
MESSAGE: "I once was blind, but now I see"
RESPONSE: V.U. 400
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION
PASTORAL PRAYER:
OFFERING INVITATION:
OFFERTORY RESPONSE:
For the gift of creation, the gift of your love, and the gift of the Spirit
by which we live, we thank you and give you the fruit of our hands. May
your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give. V.U. 538
OFFERTORY PRAYER:
We offer these gifts in gratitude for healing love, strengthening presence,
and hope when things seem hopeless. May these in some small way communicate
your love with those around us, and with those around the world. We pray in
Jesus' name. Amen.
HYMN:
"Christ has no body now but yours" M.V. 171
COMMISSIONING:
May God go with us from this place and help us to be born again each day to
faith and joy, love and hope, peace with justice. Amen. (Kate Crawford, Grand Bend)
