Worship Guide - Lent 4, Year A

Here we are again! We come "together", even as we are not so physically, seeking to remember our deep connection to one another, and to the Saving One who opens eyes blind to God's presence in the world, even and especially in the midst of crises. Come with courage. Exercise your imagination. Be bold. Trust your voice. Engage in our worship together in the ways that seem authentic, and allow your heart and God's compassion and justice to sing. Set the space as others have done. Light a candle, pour some water. Play in it. Have bread, a cracker, a cup handy. Engage.  Let us worship!

If you would like to share a particular joy or concern, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form. ​

Gathering Song

Gather

Lord Christ, open our eyes
to see clearly the light of the world.
Holy Spirit, illumine our minds
to perceive God’s glory shining among us.
Almighty God, prepare our hearts
to see, to trust, to worship the Messiah.

Song of Assurance

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Reflect on the Word

Gracious God, through your word, illumine our hearts and minds so that by the power of your Holy Spirit we may see what is good and right and true. And seeing, help us to do what is pleasing to you,
so that your glory becomes visible in our words and deeds. Amen.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 † Psalm 23 † Ephesians 5:8-14† John 9:1-41

The Psalm

Reflection

For a text version of this week's reflection, follow this link. Otherwise, watch below.

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Sing in Response

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Prayer of Thanksgiving and Prayers of the People

Beloved of God, know that your prayers are held by this community, and heard by God. 
If you would like to share a particular joy or concern please do so here,
These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name.
This information is not shared on-line in a searchable format. ​

Let us pray...
God our faithful Shepherd,
we depend on you for everything we need:
for daily food, for guidance and protection,
for healing in injury and comfort in sorrow

You respond in abundant provision.
Thank you for your tender care of us.
Thank you for soothing the wounds of this life.
Thank you for your presence
          amidst the things we fear,
Thank you for your soothing touch
          when we cannot clearly see the way ahead.  

Trusting your faithfulness O God, we bring before you the cares of our hearts,
          entrusting all things to your goodness and mercy.
We pray for all those all those affected by Covid-19 and other illnesses.
          Help us find creative and meaningful ways to reach out and
                    bring healing to our spirits that in our physical absence from each other
                              we may recover what is essential and remember that we are not forsaken.
We pray for people living precariously: those living in the midst of war;
          those without shelter or adequate food; those who are lonely and forgotten.
We pray for your creation: that all your creatures may have clean water to drink
          and wholesome food to eat. And that this world may flourish.
We pray for all that is held in joy or concern by the people of St Andrew.
         Hear the prayers that are brought to you in this silence and the quiet moments of our days.
 
God our shepherd and our hope, pursue us all with your goodness and faithful love,
          until goodness and faithful love fills every heart and informs every action.
We pray these things in the name of the one who came that we might see,
​           and who taught us to pray:

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 debts,
as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
​Amen.

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Blessing and Charge

You are held in the tenderness of God,
You are restored by the affirming words of Christ,
You are empowered by the love of Spirit.

Do you see it?

​Go into this day and this new week alive to possibilities and alert to the callings of compassion.
 
May the love of God pursue you,
the light of Christ enfold you,
and the Holy Spirit keep you;
as you dwell in the presence of the Lord your whole life long.

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Engage

​ONLINE FELLOWSHIP GATHERING: SUNDAY 3PM
It the does heart good to be able to see and check in with some of those from whom must be physically separated during this time. With this in mind, St Andrew will host an online fellowship time this Sunday at 3pm. If you have an internet connection and a computer with a webcam and microphone you can connect. Most laptops have built in webcams and microphones – so give it a shot. If you do not have these things you can join by phone. Here are the steps:

1. Make yourself your favorite drink and maybe grab a cookie.
2. Click on this link. 
3. Your internet browser will open and this box will pop up:

1. Click on Open Zoom Meetings and then this box will show up:
   

1. Add your name and click on “Join Meeting”.
2. Another box will appear. This time, press the button that says “Join with Computer Audio”.
3. Your face will appear on the screen. Smile! This is what others can see.
4. Say something to test whether others can hear you. If it seems they can’t hear you, or you can’t hear them, then move your mouse to the bottom of the screen until some controls appear.
5. Make sure you are not on mute and then click on the arrow next to the mute button. Here you can play with the settings until you can be heard. Also check your computer volume settings.
6. There is a chat button on the bottom of the screen too. Maggie may use this to help you trouble shoot.
7. Don’t be afraid of having to trouble shoot: we will help each other.
8. If it doesn’t work and you find your self frustrated and giving up, please be in touch with Maggie anytime after 5pm on Sunday by phone (425 238 7915) or email. We can work with you after this meeting to get you set up so that you can join next time.

 
If you do not have a computer with a webcam or microphone, then call this number (346) 248 7799. You will be asked to enter this number 837 675 506 ending with #.  You will be connected to the meeting and can talk with the group. You can also participate on a smart cell phone using this link: +13462487799,,837675506#. 
 
If we are lucky this will be a busy meeting – lots of familiar faces and voices. Maggie will moderate things just so that we can all check in; say hi to her when you arrive and she will welcome you.
 
Looking forward to seeing and/or hearing you on Sunday. We miss you!

Other Ways to Engage

As we continue to seek ways to connect with one another while apart, here are some ideas you might consider:
1. If you need to catch up on what's happening at St. Andrew, you can find links to our newsletter archive here. And if you're not receiving the newsletter, you can subscribe.
2. If you're not receiving the separate St. Andrew Prayers email, you can email Patti Warden and be added.
3. Take a picture of you're at-home worship space and share it. 
4. Download the Connections resources for kids here.
5. Or just reach out to someone you're missing. Give them a call or video chat and check in. You can find the directory here (password protected).