March 12, 2023

Worship Resources for 
the Center for Faith and Giving

Lent 3A

Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 95

Romans 5:1-11

John 4:5-42

Call to Worship  (inspired by Psalm 95)

Our God is above ALL the gods, 
so let us worship and bow down!

We are the people of God’s pasture – the sheep of God’s hand.

So come together, listen to God’s voice!
Come into God’s presence with thanksgiving.

Let’s make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Opening Prayer  

Mighty God, we’re gathered to lift our voices, praising you.
Receive our songs, our prayers, our meditation, 
     as our offering to you, Lord of all Life.
In the midst of this season of Lent, we offer our thanksgiving to you,
     grateful for your gift of Jesus.
Help us tune out all distractions, and turn our hearts and minds to you.
Accept each of us, and all of us, as we cling to you, Rock of our salvation.  AMEN

Moment for Stewardship  

Only a few times in scripture do we hear Jesus directly ASK for something he needs/wants.  John 4 includes the re-telling of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well, when Jesus says: “give me a drink”.  

When we come to our time of offering each week, some folks wish we had a specific request from Jesus.  
“Give me 10% of your wealth”, and/or 
“bring food to share each time you come to the church”, and/or
“clear out your closets and share everything extra with those in need”

But we’re different from that woman: we don’t have specific requests from Jesus.

Instead, week by week, we have an opportunity to act out our identity as followers of Jesus.  
If he spoke to a Samaritan woman, what would happen if we spoke to a ________ (identify who would be considered “off limits” for you to address)?  
If Jesus was invited to stay with the Samaritans (and stayed for 2 days), with whom might we stay in order to share our identity as Christians?  

Remembering all we know of Jesus, what will you bring to share in this offering time today?  Will you share a portion of your finances, your time, and your talents?

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, you have provided all we have:  

this earth with its air, land and water
the love which binds us to you, and to one another
this congregation which seeks to follow Jesus as our Lord, 
   even when he shattered cultural norms, spoke in parables,
      and startled both his own followers and the leaders of the synagogues!

Thank you for all you’ve given.  Please accept what we’ve shared today
as signs and symbols of our love for you, for this congregation, and for our world.  AMEN

Invitation to Communion  

A hymn created in 1959 is found in the Chalice Hymnal (p. 351).  “Fill My Cup, Lord” takes the story of Jesus and the woman at the well from John 4 and creates a communion hymn.

As we prepare to share the cup of salvation, we turn to this hymn, recognizing it’s one way to link scripture with our actions.  “Draw from my well that never shall run dry” is Jesus’ invitation to the woman, and to each one of us today.

You are invited, just as that Samaritan woman was invited by Jesus, long years ago.  

Come, quench the thirsting of your soul.  
Come, be filled with the Bread of Heaven, as we come to the Table today.