Hello Union Church Presbyterians,
Worship this Sunday, March 27 will be in-person and streamed on YouTube to view at home.
YouTube broadcast will begin at 10:25 am, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewburghPresby
ORDER OF WORSHIP
March 27, 2022 10:30 am
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
FLOWERS today are given by Marylin Mazza to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Marylin’s grandparents, Anna & George Hug and Anna Katzenberger.
USHERS today are Sheila O'Donnell and Janice Anderson. If you would like to usher, contact Dan Olson.
FELLOWSHIP TIME HOSTS today are Sheila O'Donnell and Alan Rizzuto. Signup chart is in the Fellowship Hall.
OUTREACH meeting TODAY after Fellowship in the parlor.
MID-WEEK MEDITATION A YouTube link will be sent out via email, Wednesday Mar. 30.
CHRISTIAN ED: This Lent, CE is setting up two events for our youth. EASTER EGG HUNT Sunday, April 3 right after service. If you would like to participate, please contact Yvette, so they can plan how many eggs to hide. CE would love to restart the tradition of our youth marching with palms during service, Sunday April 10. Please contact Yvette so they can have enough palms for everyone. Please don’t hesitate to contact Yvette if you have any questions.
EASTER LILIES available for purchase for $15 each. If you'd like to help enhance the beauty of our sanctuary in memory or honor of a loved one, please fill out an envelope in the pews. Please print the dedication and include a check made out to Union Church. Orders due by Sunday, April 10.
FUNDRAISING: Palm Sunday Brunch Sunday, April 10 after worship, $10.00 each. Place your order by calling the church office (845) 562-09544.
BAPTISM: Magnolia Jo Redman will be baptized on Palm Sunday during worship.
MAUNDY THURSDAY: There will be a Meditation and virtual Communion for Maundy Thursday, April 14.
GOOD FRIDAY: The church sanctuary will be open from 12-3PM for private meditation or prayer with the Pastor for Good Friday, April 15.
EASTER SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE, April 17 at 6:30 am on the Riverfront.
OUTREACH biography project: Richard Smith will be collecting information from those who wish to participate in sharing a little of who they are. One member or household will be published in the newsletter every other week. We look forward to your participation!
FOOD PANTRY: NEXT OPEN Monday, Mar 28 and Wednesday, Mar 30 from 9:30-11:30 am. Serving LOTS of people! If you would like to help, contact Kathy or Debby.
Union Food Pantry is part of Stop & Shop’s Bloomin' 4 Good program for April. For every $10.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet sold, $1 is donated to a local hunger organization. The Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet have a red circle sticker and are sold at Stop & Shop on Route 300, Newburgh. Should you need flowers in April, you can help to support our program!
ORDER OF WORSHIP
**Kindly stand if you are able
When you enter, converse with your neighbors; when the Prelude begins, converse with your God.
ORGAN PRELUDE “Our Father, We Have Wandered” setting by Johannes Brahms
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Extinguishing the Lenten Candles
CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 32) Leader: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. PEOPLE: Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Leader: Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. PEOPLE: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Leader: Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD. PEOPLE: Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
INVOCATION
Heavenly Father, in the glory of springtime we come to thank you for this day to gather, to worship and to praise your Holy name in this Lenten Season. In the name of Jesus our Savior, Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “God, You Spin the Whirling Planets” Blue #285
CALL TO CONFESSION
We all journey in faith, but we often wonder if that is enough. We often fool ourselves with thoughts that distract our focus from you and your work to be done. Let us confess our sins together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, we lower our heads before you and we confess that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God and we fall short of being a credible witness to You. For these things we ask your forgiveness, as we also ask for your strength. Hold us to You and build our relationship with You and with those You have given us here on earth. Amen.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
As we confess together, we draw closer to our God in his continuing forgiveness and unending grace and love. By the love of Christ we are forgiven. Amen.
**GLORIA PATRI
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Let All Things Now Living” Blue #554
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Almighty God, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Open our eyes that we may see the wonders of your Word; and give us grace that we may clearly understand and freely choose the way of your wisdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT Joshua 5:9-12 Rob Ferguson
NEW TESTAMENT 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
GOSPEL Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
SERMON We are All Prodigal Children John Redman, CRE
PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE
Gracious God, keep in our hearts all those whose names you already know and who ask for healing in their own quiet ways, and as we join in prayer as Jesus taught us:
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Let us all consider what we have been blessed with and how we can best share it with those in greater need, even as we gift our church for its greater work to the Glory of God and the undying love of Jesus.
OFFERTORY “Vasylyna's Tears” Cavalry and Union Handbell Choirs
A tune about prayers for Ukraine and her tears for her children.
(Warning: Some graphic images and could be disturbing to young children youtu.be/tkBn2eT5X6E )
**DOXOLOGY
PRAYER OF THANKS
Gracious God, accept our gifts that they may be used wisely in your service for those less fortunate than we may be. This we gratefully pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
**HYMN OF PARTING “There's a Wideness in God's Mercy” Blue #298
BENEDICTION
May the love of God our Father which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds through the grace of Jesus, both this day and in all those days to come. Amen.
POSTLUDE “If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee” arr. Johann Sebastian Bach
INVITATION TO FELLOWSHIP TIME
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955