Webster United Church of Christ
March 8, 2026
Third Sunday in Lent
ORDER OF SERVICE
​
Welcome
WE INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE INTO OUR HEARTS
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music
Centering Music “Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.
Moment of Silence
*Call to Worship
One: We call upon our God.
All: We know our God hears and answers.
One: We bring our cares to God.
All: Our God shows us steadfast love.
*Opening Hymn #208 “God Loved the World,” vs. 1-2
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
Holy God, you are faithful to us even when we act faithlessly. You call us and claim us even when we live as though we do not know you. Restore us to wholeness, and renew in us a commitment to follow in the way of Jesus each day of our lives. In his name we pray. Amen.
Children’s Time
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus—strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
Shared Prayer: Prayer of Jesus (sins)
Unison Singing (while youth depart) “This Little Light of Mine” #524
WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Encouragement
Have no fear, little flock, for God loves you exactly as you are, and desires nothing more than to restore you to wholeness. Know that you are freed from sin and death now and forever.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Psalm 17:1-7; *John 18:12-27
Message
​
WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
Steadfast God, we bring before you these gifts out of those gifts you first gave to us—financial resources, the ability to give service, and even our very lives. Whatever we have been able to offer, now accept, bless, and use for the good of others, in your holy name.
Gathering of Gifts
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
*Prayer of Commitment
Most holy God, we come to you in need of grace. Time and again we have forgotten your simple and loving call—to love you, our neighbors, and ourselves. We have forgotten your promise to care for us, and in our fear, we have made choices that hurt us, those around us, and even those we don’t know. Remind us who we are and whose we are, and show us the way to amend our wrongs, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #204 “’Take Up Your Cross,’ the Savior Said,” vs. 1-2
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music