Today is the fifth Sunday of Lent. Holy Week will be upon us soon, and we’ll walk the long road to the cross together. There’s a morbid quality to Lent, reflecting on death and sin. For some, it can feel like we’re looking straight on at our own fears as we confront our own mortality and need for grace. This isn’t accidental. It’s a part of what it means to be human. We are finite and fragile, and yet also filled with love and wonder. There is grace that meets us here in our fears and morality. A grace that carries us into the infinite and breathes life into our weary bones. A grace that pierces the veil and brings heaven within reach. May this hope meet you where you are and carry you through this morning.

Music:

Close To Thee

CCLI Song # 4308487

Fanny Jane Crosby | Silas Jones Vail

© Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain

Cares Chorus

Kelly Willard

CCLI Song: 25974

© 1978 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)

I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me

African American Spiritual

© Words and music public domain

Liturgy:

Opening Prayer: Betsy Stewart-Dooley

Call to Worship: Amazing Grace 

Offertory Prayer: Betsy Stewart-Dooley

Confession and Pardon: Scifres, Mary and B.J. Beu, “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2020”, Prayer of Confession, page 67

Blessing: Betsy Stewart-Dooley

Scripture: NRSVUE