Join us this Sunday for the Third Sunday of Lent at 915am (in-person and live stream when available)
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“Born Again”
Thank you for worshiping online with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!
Order of Service
Worship Service Participants
- Rev. Scott Siefert
- Organist: Penny Rolf
- Choir: YOU!
Ringing of the Church Bell
Announcements
Greeting:
Rev Scott: Let us look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was waiting endured the cross, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Call to Worship
One: We have gathered in the presence of God our creator, who sets before us the ways of life and death.
All: We have gathered in the presence of Jesus the Christ, who calls us to accept the cost of discipleship so that we may know its joy.
One: We have gathered in the presence of the Spirit, who sustains us in trial and rejoicing.
All: In our living and in our dying, we belong to God. In the shadow of God’s wings, we sing for joy. Let us worship God.
*Opening Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (The Hymnal #158)
Prayer of Invocation
One: We gather to worship, O God, under the shadow of the cross, sign of human shame and divine wisdom. Like Jesus, we would follow faithfully your way; like Jesus, we would live to you and die to you.
All: We are your people; we belong to you. We offer you our worship and our lives.
One: May your name be glorified in your church as we are open to your presence today.
All: In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Scott: In every time, prophets and apostles have come to call the people of God to repentance and newness of life. We too are called to admit our shortcomings and to commit ourselves anew to follow in
God’s way. We confess, gracious God, that sometimes when we are tempted, we do not resist. You come to us in Jesus, revealing Your love for all people and still we do not turn in love toward You. Sometimes we could do good, we don’t because it can seem too hard. These are the times we need your grace the most. Instead of giving up on us, transform us as we open ourselves to You.
All: Forgive us, receive us, and give us courage to serve You with renewed hearts and wills; through the grace of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
Rev Scott: Do not fear. I say to you in the name of Jesus Christ; you are forgiven and your faith has made you free. Anyone who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation; the old has passed away. Behold the new has come. God’s grace and mercy make goodness possible always and in all ways.
All: Thanks be to God!
Scripture Readings
Psalm 121 and John 3:1-17
Message for Young and Young at Heart: “Assurance of Grace”
Pastoral Meditation
Hymn of Response: “There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy” (The Hymnal #85)
Prayers and Concerns
Joys – Concerns – Blessings
Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.
Silent Prayer – Pastoral Prayer – Lord’s Prayer
ALL: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.
Collection and Presentation of the Offering
Invitation to the Offering
One: God eternally gives to us freely and fully. So let us give freely to God on this day. Let us bring gifts that will sustain the life of the kingdom. May these resources be enough.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: God of our every blessing, receive our gifts in the joy that we give them. Be it time, tithe, or talent, it all comes from You. Thank you for blessing us to be a blessing to You and each other. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “Go, My Children, With My Blessing” (New Century Hymnal #82)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Wednesdays – Confirmation Class – schedule on website
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall and ZOOM
- Mar. 15th – Lenten Service – 7pm – First Congregational in Glencoe (Soup supper at 530pm)
- Mar. 19th – Installation Sunday – 915am. Please attend and show your support for our church leaders.
- Mar. 19th – Consistory Team Meeting – following worship – Fellowship Hall
- Mar. 22nd – Lenten Service 7pm – St. John’s UCC
Fruit of the Spirit. March will focus on local food insecurity with donations to benefit the Southwest Carver County food shelf. A special collection basket at the rear of the sanctuary.
Weather Watch Policy. This includes weather forecasts for wind chills below -20 degrees, significant snowfall, or dangerous winter weather conditions. Announcements cancelling services or events will be made via social media, our website, and email.
God uses everyone’s talents. We are compiling a list of ideas and opportunities that folks can use their time and talents to inspire and uplift our community. Contact Pastor Scott or Michelle Bachmann if you are interested in any of the 3 new teams announced at the Annual Meeting: Faith & Service, Building & Grounds, or Worship & Gather.
Find Food Carver County. Volunteers are needed to pack produce, sort food items, and distribute food into vehicles in NYA the first Friday of the month. If interested, contact Michelle Bachmann at 952-361-3033 or findfoodcarvercounty.org.
Live Streaming: We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.
Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our YouTube channel, St. John’s UCC-Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.
Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com.
For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
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St. John's United Church of Christ 
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