Order of Worship
Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Gathering Music: The Frost is all Over (Traditional)
-Stella Duquette & Andrea Wollstadt
Welcome:
Call To Worship:
Worship is a place to rest.
We breathe deeply here.
We still our aching bones.
We sit in the quiet.
We surround ourselves with music.
Worship is a place to rest.
Worship is a place to grow.
We listen for God’s word.
We invite it to challenge us.
We come with curiosity.
We ask questions.
Worship is a place to grow.
So come into this space.
Come rest and grow here.
For where two or more are gathered,
God is always there.
Let us worship our gracious God. Amen.
Opening Hymn: There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit P.408
Call to confession
Friends, we carve out time for confession in worship because it is not enough to hear about God’s grace once. We need that reminder again, and again, and again. So join me in speaking the truth of our lives and join me in receiving God’s grace again.
Prayer of confession
Holy God, There are days when we fail to rest.
We stretch ourselves too thin. We say “yes” to every invitation. We run a million miles a minute. We ignore your command to rest. There are also days when we fail to act.
We wait for someone else. We take the easy road.
We find excuses and justify our inaction. God, forgive our imbalance. Remind us that birds rest, and they also fly. Show us how to do the same. Amen.
Words of forgiveness
We know that Our God does not keep score. Our God does not hold grudges. Our God does not assume the worst about us. No, our God offers grace, and endless second chances, and boundless love. So join me in proclaiming the good news of the
Gospel: God’s grace is deeper than the ocean. God’s love is wider than the sky. We are seen. We are claimed. We are forgiven. May this realization change and inspire us.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Prayer for illumination
Creator God, Your Word is like soil, something we can root ourselves in. Your Word is like the sun, big enough to touch everything with its warmth. And your Word is like a gardener, a love that prunes and encourages, waters and delights, seeds and tends. So as we turn to your text today, warm our bones, tend to our broken pieces, and show us how to grow. With hope we pray, Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: The Garden Song (by David Mallett) -Jen Comeau, Andrea Wollstadt & Stella Duquette
Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9, Luke 13:6-9 – Peter McPheeters
Sermon: Satisfy Our Souls Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental ~ The Water Is Wide (by Cecil Sharp)
-Stella Duquette & Andrea Wollstadt
Musical call to Prayer: Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People:
Offertory: Spring (by Andrea Wollstadt) -Andrea Wollstadt
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Dedication Prayer:
Closing Music: Seek Ye First # 175
Blessing:
Postlude:
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
celebrate and share the joy. Celebrate new life.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
Union Church
Biddeford Pool
…a place of peace and Presence by the sea
March 23, 2025
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
everything between rest and growth
Many thanks to our Music Director Michelle Currie, and Guest Musicians today: Jen Comeau, Stella Duquette & Andrea Wollstadt. Thank you also to our Reader and Deacons for today.
Pastor’s Contact Info: Rev. Paula Norbert, 207-205-4951,
Worship Resources: “Prayer by Rev. Sarah A. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC| sanctifiedart.org.”