March 23, 2025

MARCH 23, 2025 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT REV. KENDRA BALLIET ORGANIST JAMES ROSS Prelude - T'was in the Moon of Winter-Anna Laura Page (Bells) Welcome & Announcements *Call to Worship Leader: Always there is a choice: People: The God of Christ Jesus or those material things for which this world will sell its soul? Leader: We cannot have it both ways. As the prophet Elijah declared long ago: People: How long does it take to make up your mind? If the Lord is God, then follow him. If idols are your gods, then get real and admit. Leader: Our God is greatly to be praised and honored above all worldly gods. People: We will declare our God’s glory among the nations and celebrate God’s love among all created in God’s image. * Opening Hymn – “O God of Every Nation” #435 Opening Prayer God of All, You created us for each other. You set in us a yearning for companionship and an empathy that binds us together, protecting each other and delighting in one another. Yet too often we have broken down our relationships instead of building them up. We have been set against one another with the lie of scarcity. We have built systems and economies that widen the gap of resourcesrather than safeguarding equitable practices. Too many, and growing numbers, are suffering hardships, food insecurity, joblessness. We cannot fathom the proportions of loss and so we look away,sometimes even from the need in our own community. Help us, Healer. Show us our empathy. Forgive our complacence. Move us to move one step at a time toward greater care for one another. In Jesus name. Amen. Children’s Chat Scripture – Matthew 8: 5-13 Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God Series: Holy Vessels: A Season of Recovery Message: “Safe Keeping” Tithes and Offering Offertory - T'was in the Moon of Winter-A. L. Page (Bells) *Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns *Prayer Hymn – “Near to the Heart of God” #472 Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer *Closing Hymn – “How Great Thou Art” # 77 Action Steps and Benediction Postlude - Passacaglia-Alfred Fedak This service is recorded and is subject to change upon the movement of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [e-mail]