MAR 8, 2026 ORDER OF WORSHIP

 

WELCOME Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist

 

MISSION MOMENT Worcester GOLD

 

PRELUDE Dr. Banks

 

INVOCATION (Remain Seated) Liturgist

 

God of everlasting life,

The Alpha and the Omega,

the One who saves out of mercy,

In this time of worship, lift our eyes beyond what is temporary.

Be present with us now, and draw us deeper into the everlasting life that never fades.

Amen.

 

**CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist

 

Leader: God of mercy, we come before you aware of our limits.

We confess that too often we try to reduce you to what we can explain.

People: God of mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Leader: We confess that we look for human solutions

where you call us to trust in your saving power.

People: God of mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Leader: We confess that we try to put boundaries

around your grace, your mystery, and your work in the world.

People: God of mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Leader: We confess that we forget

that you are the God who conquers sin and death,

whose mercy is wider than our understanding.

People: God of mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Leader: In humility and hope, we turn back to you.

People: God of mercy, hear our prayer.

 

**WORSHIP SONG “Lord, I Need You” (Matt Maher)

Lord I come, I confess

Bowing here, I find my rest

Without You, I fall apart

You're the one that guides my heart

 

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

 

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are, Lord, I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

 

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

 

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You

Jesus, You're my hope and stay

 

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

 

You're my one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

 

OFFERING & OFFERTORY

 

**DOXOLOGY    

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

Colossians 3:16

 

JOYS AND CONCERNS Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

PASTORAL PRAYER

LORD’S PRAYER

 

SCRIPTURE READING John 14:1-6 NRSV Liturgist

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 

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2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 

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3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 

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4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 

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5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 

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6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

RESPONSE TO SCRIPTURE Liturgist

Leader:  The Word of God for the people of God.

Congregation:  Thanks be to God.

 

SPECIAL MUSIC Dr. Banks

 

SERMON “No One Comes to the Father Except Through Me”

Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

**UMH HYMN #361 “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”

Verse 1

Rock of Ages cleft for me

Let me hide myself in thee

Let the water and the blood

From thy wounded side which flowed

Be of sin the double cure

Save from wrath and make me pure

 

Verse 2

Not the labors of my hands

Can fulfill thy law's demands

Could my zeal no respite know

Could my tears forever flow

All for sin could not atone

Thou must save and thou alone

 

Verse 3

Nothing in my hand I bring

Simply to the cross I cling

Naked come to thee for dress

Helpless look to thee for grace

Foul I to the fountain fly

Wash me Savior or I die

 

Verse 4

While I draw this fleeting breath

When mine eyes shall close in death

When I soar to worlds unknown

See thee on thy judgment throne

Rock of Ages cleft for me

Let me hide myself in thee

 

FELLOWSHIP BLESSING Youth Representative

As we go from worship into fellowship, may the promise of salvation we proclaim become visible in the way we care for one another.

May this time of shared food and conversation remind us that everlasting life is not only a future hope, but a present gift lived out in love, generosity, and joy.

May our tables reflect your kingdom, where all are welcomed, grace is freely given, and life is stronger than death.

Amen.

**BENEDICTION Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

POSTLUDE Dr. Banks

(Please be seated as the postlude closes our service)