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MARCH 8, 2026
THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
REV. KENDRA BALLIET
ORGANIST JIM ROSS

 Prelude – Solemn Prelude – Charles Callahan 
 
Welcome & Announcements 
 
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalms 63 and 95) 
 
LEADER: O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 
PEOPLE: Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise with songs of praise! 
 
LEADER: Your steadfast love is better than life, and our lips will praise you, In the shadow of your wings we sing for joy. 
PEOPLE: We will bless you as long as we live; we will lift up our hands and call on your name. 
 
* Opening Hymn – “Jesus United by Thy Grace” #561 vs.1,2,3,5 
 
Opening Prayer 
God of wisdom, your word revives our soul; you give us a spring of water gushing up to eternal life: Grant us grace to see and follow Jesus, to offer his compassion to those in need, to walk in the steps of his zeal for justice, that we may worship you in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
 
Call to Confession 
Jesus was quick to denounce those who made the temple a marketplace, but he is slow to anger when we turn to him for help and forgiveness. Because we have access to God’s grace, let us seek the peace of God through prayer and repentance. 
 
 Prayer of Confession 
God of grace, you call on us to repent, to endure, and to hope: Strengthen us that we may work always for the common good. We confess that though we look for sin in others, we are reluctant to examine ourselves; we are caught up in worldly wisdom and forget your words; we complain about troubles and fail to see your good gifts. Have patience with us and nurture us that we may grow in love, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
Words of Assurance 
While we were still sinners Christ died for us. We have been justified by his blood, and we are saved by his life. This is proof of God’s love for us. Thanks be to God for God will abundantly pardon. Amen. 
 
Children’s Chat 
 
Scripture- Romans 5:1-11 and John 4:5-42 
 
Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. 
People: Thanks be to God 
 
Series: Season of Ash and Fire 
Message: Life-giving Power 
 
Tithes and Offering 
Offertory – Fantasia on Wondrous Love – Mark Radice 
*Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 
 
Prayer Hymn – “Fill My Cup, Lord” #641 
  
Acts of Praise “Lift Up Your Eyes”—A Responsive Reading 
God, through Christ you give us the water of life: 
Make us thirsty for your word that we may give witness to your great love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. 
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns 
 
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer 
 
*Closing Hymn – “Grace Greater than Our Sin” #365 
 
Action Steps and Benediction 
 
Postlude – God Be With You Till We Meet Again – Wilbur Held 


 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 churchoffice@stoneumc.org