Worship and Devotions
Third Sunday In Lent
March 8, 2026
Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world! (Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)
In today’s gospel the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God’s grace flowing from the waters of baptism. The early church used this gospel and those of the next two Sundays to deepen baptismal reflection during the final days of preparation before baptism at Easter. As we journey to the resurrection feast, Christ comes among us in word, bath, and meal—offering us the life-giving water of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Music
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
Celtic Source Vol. 2 – I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Lyric Video)
Prayer of the Day
Merciful God, the fountain of living water, you quench our thirst and wash away our sin. Give us this water always. Bring us to drink from the well that flows with the beauty of your truth through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Music
Before The Waters Nourished Earth
Before the Waters Nourished Earth (with lyrics) - ELW/ACS 1049 - YouTube
Readings
Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11
Gospel - John 4:5-42
Music
For All The Faithful Women
For All the Faithful Women (St. 8 - The Woman at the Well) - ELW 419
Gospel Reading and Sermon
Prayers of Intercession
Reconciled by God's mercy and sustained by God's presence, let us pray for the world and its needs.
A brief silence.
When the waters run dry, sustain this earth. Send water to places languishing with drought and bring relief to places damaged by floods. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
When quarrels ensue, soften our hearts. Quell hostilities between nations and peoples, and within nations, and reconcile all humans across the lines of race, class, nationality, moral conviction, religion, and all else that divides or oppresses. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
When your people thirst, satisfy their needs. Through us send water and food to all who need nourishment. Through us grant welcome to all who are excluded. Show your mercy, healing and comfort to any in need. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
When we gather to worship, send us your Spirit. Renew our hearts through the joyful noise we make and bless the work of our church musicians and musical ensembles. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women around the world. We give thanks for their courage and compassion, and we pray for continued empowerment and equality for all. May we work together to foster love, respect, and understanding, uplifting the voices of women everywhere. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. (https://prayerdir.com/general/iwd-prayer)
O God, when death draws near, we rejoice in the promise of life with you. We remember all who have entered eternal rest, and we pray that you bring us the hope of sharing in your glory. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive our prayers, O God, through Jesus Christ, our strength and salvation.
Amen.
(Adapted From Sundays and Seasons © 2026 Augsburg Fortress)
Music
Come To The Water Of Life
Come to the Water of Life - ELW/ACS 955 - YouTube
As Rivers Flow From A Distant Spring
As Rivers Flow from a Distant Spring - with lyrics - ELW/ACS 1046
Go Now In Peace
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjI
Season of Lent Devotional Practices
March 15, 2026 Readings
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel - John 9:1-41
During this week, you may wish to read them ahead of time especially the Gospel.
Where did you stop?
What questions, thoughts arose as you read?
Where may the Spirit be nudging you?
Music To Enjoy During the Week
Anne Wilson - Living Water (with lyrics)(2023)
All Who are Thirsty - Brenton Brown
Ho, All Who Thirst - St. Giles Presbyterian Church
Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down - Fernando Ortega (Lyric Video)
Take Me to the Water - ELW/ACS 957 - YouTube
As the Deer Runs to the River (JULION) - ELW 331
