Worship and Devotions

Fifth Sunday In Lent

March 22, 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 Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome the newly baptized as we remember God’s unfailing promise in our baptism.

Music

Lord, Whose Love In Humble Service

ELW 712 "Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service" Virtual Hymn (Lutheran Hymn)

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ and serve you in righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Music

O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing

Oh, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing (With Lyrics) - ELW 886 (Youtube.Com)

Readings

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11

Gospel - John 11:1-45

Gospel Reading and Sermon

https://youtu.be/LL4LFXy17y0

Music

Tree Of Life And Awesome Mystery

Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery (Lent 5) - ELW 334

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.

We pray for the church. Grant life and grace to all who gather in your name. We ask you to give our leaders, lay and ordained, wisdom, courage and love. Breathe into us so that we may share your message of forgiveness, hope, and love and eliminate racial and all other forms of discrimination. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for creation. Renew landscapes that have dried up, prosper the work of those who restore homes and habitats after natural disasters, and sustain places where biodiversity thrives. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations. Unbind leaders trapped by fear to act boldly for justice, free all who live in places of war and violence, and guide refugees and asylum seekers to safety. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for all people in need. Take away the stone of poverty that weighs down so many. Console any who weep and heal all who are sick. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for this assembly. Ready the hearts and spirits of all preparing to be baptized. Deepen our wonder at the mystery of your resurrection and life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We offer our thanksgiving for all people who have died in faith. Give us faith to trust in your power to redeem and save and bring us up from our graves to life in you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive our prayers, O God, through Jesus Christ, our strength and salvation.

Amen.

Music

Christ Is The Life

Christ Is the Life - ELW/ACS 927

O God, Who Gives Us Life

O God, Who Gives Us Life (Acs Accompaniment Edition) - Elw/Acs 1086

Go Now In Peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjI