Worship from Home | St. John's Church

Worship at Home Service for Deliverance from the Coronavirus

The Third Sunday in Lent

March 23, 2025

Welcome

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them"

MATTHEW 18: 31-46

We continue to be in extraordinary times, but St. John’s is committed to acting with care for each other. Our online worship provides music and prayers which are up-dated weekly. We hope our online worship inspires you and helps you to feel united in spirit as we seek God.

Opening Sentence

Repent, says the Lord, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4: 17

Gathering the Community

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn

'Christ, be our Light'

Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent

Father of mercy, alone we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. When we are discouraged by our weakness, strengthen us to follow Christ, our pattern and our hope; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn

'Make me a Servant'

The Word of God

Luke 13: 1-9

Homily

Silence for Reflections

Prayers of the People

As we journey through this Season of Lent, we pause and pray for the church, for the world and for one another, that we may all may feel the love of Christ in our hearts, saying, “Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”

We continue to pray for peace and safety in the world; that a spirit of respect and reconciliation may grow among all nations. We pray for the leaders of the world, that they may serve their people with justice, truth and love and protect all from violence and persecution. We pray for all who live in danger, for all who are separated from families, for all who are displaced or being held hostage and for all who have lost loved ones. We pray especially for those who live in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza.

R- Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for churches around the world, that they may be faithful witnesses and seen as beacons of hope during these extraordinary times.

We pray for church leaders, especially Pope Francis as he recovers from health issues. We pray for our Bishops, Susan and Colin, for Rev. Audrius and for all clergy leaders working in these challenging times.

R- Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for all who are facing challenges- we pray for the homeless, the hungry, the sick and the dying. We pray for those who care for the vulnerable, for those who are healing, for those who are going for medical appointments and treatments. We pray for Juanita and her family, and for all families going through difficult times.

We pray for our friends and for our families, especially remembering George and Pat, Mattagan and Carol, Ruth, Enid, Audra, Bill, Jan, Treavor, Wilson, Sheila & John, Joan & Max, Janet and family.

R- Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Closing Prayer: Eternal God, our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Let your glory shine on us, that our lives may proclaim your goodness, our work give you honour, and our voices praise you forever, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, our light and our salvation. Amen.

Diocese of Niagara Prayer (Corona Virus)

Loving God, whose peace passes all our understanding; as we face this present pandemic, and experience fear and anxiety, may we hear your voice, bringing calm to the storms of our time.

Strengthen those who work to limit the spread of infection, and those who seek to care for the sick, and keep us mindful of those most vulnerable.

May we shape our living to protect one another, and may our changing habits, practices and sacrifices, be for the greater love of our community and all your people. Amen

Doxology

Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen

Blessing

May Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we redeemed: guide us and strengthen us by his Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you.

Go in peace as a sign of hope for all people by showing forth the living presence of God in this world and may the blessing of God almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.