Encounters in Healing

The Fourth Sunday in Lent The gospel text for this 4th week in Lent is from John 9:1-38. This passage is the familiar story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. The main message of John 9 is the contrast between physical sight and spiritual blindness, emphasizing that Jesus is the Light of the World, who brings true sight (salvation) to those who believe, while religious leaders who claim to see remain spiritually blind. The chapter uses the healing of a man born blind to show that suffering isn’t always punishment for sin, God’s works are revealed through healing and faith, and true understanding comes through recognizing Jesus, not through rigid adherence to rules.

We Gather to Worship

Prelude: “Cantabile Sacra 9 (on Psalm 23)” Paul F. Page (b.1947)

Welcome

Order of Confession & Forgiveness

Gathering Song: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”

Apostolic Greeting

Kyrie

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Romans 3:21-26

Choir Anthem: “My Jesus, I Love Thee ” Gilbert M. Martin

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: John 9:1-38

Children’s Time

Sermon “Encounters with Healing”, Pastor Lauren Chambers

Sermon Hymn: “Healer of Our Every Ill”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church

Announcements

Offertory: “Passacaglia in a” Raimund Schächer

Words of Institution

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution

Blessing and Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”

Dismissal

Postlude: Nachspiel zur marianischen Antiphon “Ave regina caelorum” arr. Karl Schöfmann (1886-1945)