| March 15, 2026
9:00am 4th Sunday in Lent Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
Samuel Anoints David 3rd century wall painting |
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GATHERING |
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PRELUDE Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele Johann G. Walther
My Faith Looks Up to Thee Karl Osterland
Yeon Soh, organ
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are welcomed here in the name of God, who created us,
Jesus, who was born to be with us, and the Spirit who guides us still. Amen.
Jesus began his ministry to the world, led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
As we travel our Lenten journey,
may God’s spirit lead us, even into the uncomfortable places.
In those forty days, and in that place,
Jesus was faced with hunger, doubt, and temptation.
As we seek to follow Jesus,
may God’s spirit lead us, even into the uncomfortable choices.
Jesus left the wilderness, faithful and obedient to God, rejoicing in the One in whom he trusted.
As we continue on our path of faith,
may God’s spirit lead us, rejoicing in God’s love.
GATHERING HYMN Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness ELW 843
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Welcoming God, there is no one whom you have rejected forever. There is nothing we can do to make you close the door to our relationship with you. You are always ready and waiting to befriend us again. In moments when we need it most, help us to notice your presence. Send us out with a keen sense of who the world has rejected, that we might be agents of friendship who welcome them in. Amen.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel anointed David even though he was the eighth-oldest son of Jesse and did not match his brothers in height or other physical characteristics. With the anointing came endowment with the Spirit of the Lord, designating David as the Lord’s chosen successor to Saul.
A reading from Samuel.
1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do, and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 He said, “Peaceably. I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely his anointed is now before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12 He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him, for this is the one.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Cassie
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL John 9:1-41
Jesus heals a man born blind, provoking a hostile reaction that he regards as spiritual blindness to the things of God.
The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
1As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am he.” 10 But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”
18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Cassie
HYMN OF THE DAY O God, You Search Me ACS 1082
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Reconciled by God’s mercy and sustained by God’s presence, let us pray for the world and its needs.
A brief silence.
God, our shepherd, we pray that you guide the church. Lead Christians in our community and across the globe in right paths for your name’s sake. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God our provider, we cry out for this planet and the life it holds. Rescue endangered animals and plants, preserve threatened ecosystems, and save creatures from natural disasters.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God our sovereign, we plead for your peace on earth. Bring an end to war and violence, and raise up leaders in governments, courts, businesses, schools, and community organizations who seek goodness and mercy. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God our healer, we call to you in our need. Uplift all who are made to feel unimportant, and transform the hearts of all infected by bigotry and prejudice. Care for all in special need this day especially Pat, Patty, Warren, Bert, Bill, Norma, Christine, Doug, Shana, Mary, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God our friend, we praise you for the diversity of people among us. Awaken us to share and receive the gifts we each possess, and stir up a spirit of understanding, affirmation, and welcome for all. We pray especially through important life passages, including Lauren Pajak, whose 30th birthday we celebrate with altar flowers given by her husband, Josh. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God our home, we thank you for all who have died and completed their baptismal journeys. Grant us faith to live until we too dwell in your house forever. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive our prayers, O God, through Jesus Christ, our strength and salvation. Amen.
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
As a worship practice for Lent, we are using a different model for confession and forgiveness based on the book Standing Naked Before God: The Art of Public Confession by Rev. Molly Phinney Baskette. This model includes an individual from the congregation sharing a story of confession, a prayer we speak in unison, a minute of silent confession, and an assurance of grace. Today we hear from Kristin Tichenor.
UNISON PRAYER
Let us pray.
Creator God, you form us and equip us to follow you with joy and purpose.
But we struggle to embrace possibilities that are beyond our control.
We forfeit your assurance and preoccupy ourselves with avoiding failure.
We use up our resources in soothing our fears, rather than amplifying your love.
Forgive us, God. Teach us to walk in step with your son, Jesus Christ.
Bring us to the place you have prepared, where you are calling us to new life.
Help us find peace in embracing your purpose.
SILENT CONFESSION
During this moment, consider how the story you have heard leads you to see ways you are separated from God. In the silence, bring those ways before God and pray for God to transform them.
ASSURANCE OF GRACE
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
ANTHEM As the Deer arr. Kiyo Watanabe
Lauren Pajak, flute and Yeon Soh, piano
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. God who provides, we return to you a portion of all that you have given us. Bless and use these gifts, our hands, our hearts, our ministry, to care for the world you love. Prepare us to receive you at this table and again in the world beyond our doors. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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MEAL |
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. The whole universe is filled with your wonders, and on this very day you overcome the powers of death and destruction forever. And so, in thankfulness, we join the song of the angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven:
SANCTUS
GREAT THANKSGIVING
Creator, you made a wondrous world and called it good.
You planted a garden, and in it, you crafted your creatures, and our ancestors.
When sin, pain, and death entered the world, you did not leave us
but remained a lover and friend of humanity.
You brought water from a rock when your people wandered in the wilderness.
You saw the possibilities in the least and lowly,
and you knew that life could come even from dry old bones.
When at last the time was right, you were born to be with us in Jesus
and joined us in the highs and lows of human existence, even to the point of death.
We tell the story of your presence, recalling how, in the night when he was betrayed,
Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
And so we remind each other and the world:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Pour out your Spirit on us, your gathered people, and on this meal, your gifts of bread and cup.
Through a holy mystery, let this become for us the body and blood of Christ.
Let it remind us of the unending feast for which we are bound.
Let it strengthen us, that we will become the body of Christ for the world you so love.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth
as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The table is set, and God meets us here, embracing all that we are. Come and see.
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light ELW 815
Come, Bring Your Burdens to God ACS 1009
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray. God, you have revealed yourself to us again in the holy mystery of bread and cup. Strengthen us by your presence, draw us closer to one another as the Body of Christ,
and send us to reveal you in all our words and ways. Amen.
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SENDING |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.
SENDING HYMN Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death ELW 452
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Embrace relationship!
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Christus, der uns selig macht BWV 620 J.S.Bach
Yeon Soh, organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant H Heusmann
Lector David McCordick
Communion Presenters Carie Corbett and Ellen Cloutier
Ushers Patty & Benet Bianchi
Altar Care Katie Zimmermann and Trudy Roybal
Livestream Operator Ernie Zimmermann
UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS
Patrick, bishop, missionary to Ireland, died 461
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
A native of Britain, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates at age sixteen and sold into slavery in Ireland. After a few years, he escaped, returned home, and entered the ministry. Returning to Ireland, he successfully served as a bishop and missionary there.
Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Though the Bible tells us little about the husband of Jesus’ mother Mary, we know that he was a carpenter or builder by trade. He is also shown as being devoted both to God and to Mary and Jesus. It is assumed that he died before Jesus became an adult.
Thomas Cranmer, Bishop of Canterbury, martyr, died 1556
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Cranmer’s lasting achievement is contributing to and overseeing the creation of the Book of Common Prayer, which remains (in revised form) the worship book of the Anglican Communion. He was burned at the stake under Queen Mary for his support of the Protestant Reformation.
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| From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028. New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Call to Worship adapted from Thom Shuman’s “Lectionary Liturgies” website: http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/ Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. 15 March Hymn based.docx |
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