Sunday Worship in Lent – 21st March 2021

Lent is the period of forty days which comes before Easter in the Christian Calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing Lent, Christians reflect upon Jesus’ self-discipline and withdrawal into the desert for forty days. Lent is marked by a pulling back. Whereas Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross, Lent recalls the events leading up to and including that crucifixion. The Christian churches of the 21st century use Lent as a time of prayer and reflection. Only a small number of people fast for the whole of Lent, although some maintain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. And many might surrender time or money to make a difference to those in need. Whatever the sacrifice, it is a reflection only of Jesus’ deprivation in the wilderness and a test of self-discipline. In churches around the world the liturgical colour is purple.
At St Catherine’s during Lent we replace our ‘word-based’ Prayers of Intercession with a world map and pray in stillness for places on it (this year we will focus on the 20 or so nations of origin that are currently part of the Stuttgart-based St Catherine’s church family)
. The liturgy is observed mostly kneeling rather than standing. Missing for the whole of Lent are the Gloria and any Alleluias, instead what makes an appearance is a summary of the Ten Commandments.
Where there is a choice of liturgy, click on the purple text of your choice for this week in Lent.


Theme: All People

Preparation

Opening

Opening Hymn:

An Opening Prayer:
Lord of all,
we thank you for giving your all to include us in your love.
Help us to follow your example,
and to take up our cross and follow you.
Make us ready to receive and welcome all who come to us,
so that they too ‘may see Jesus’.
Amen.

The Commandments:
These are always read in full during Lent.
The Commandments from Exodus 20.1-17

OR
From Common Worship


Confession:
There are two on offer here –
A more traditional one taken from Psalm 51

OR
Another more using the imagination

Stillness for reflection
In faith we receive God’s forgiveness and the Spirit’s enabling to change where we need to

Collect for today:
Gracious Father you gave up your Son out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion
that we may know eternal peace through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood, Jesus Christ our Lord.


Readings

The Bible Reading:

Some Greeks who had travelled to Jerusalem speak to Philip, who speaks to Andrew and they both go and tell Jesus. Philip and Andrew have learned that no one is too much trouble for Jesus and are confident in bringing people to him, even people who might normally be seen as outsiders. Jesus speaks about his death and resurrection and finishes with an assurance that he will draw everyone to himself.

What do we need to give up so that others may feel welcome? Is welcome a matter of drawing them to us, or of us going to them?

Reflection:

  • If you are to welcome others, what (burdens) are you carrying that may need to be put down?
  • How might you make others feel more welcome?

Audio reflection:

Reflections on John 12.20-33 Transcript

Affirmation of Faith for Lent:

There are two on offer here –
A more traditional one taken from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians chapter2

OR
Another more using the imagination – you choose how many of the verses you wish to use week by week


Prayer

Prayers of Intercession:
Countries this week: Canada, UK, Sri Lanka, Germany, Kenya

The ‘Our Father’
We draw all our prayers together in the words of –
Our Father who art in heaven…
…for ever and ever. Amen.


A sending out prayer:
Welcoming God,
thank you for the welcome that Jesus offers out of his great love for all people. Help us to follow his example. Teach us to consider the needs of others even when this means we must lay something down. Bless us as we meet with others, day by day; give us a spirit of welcome and friendship. As you welcome us, help us to welcome those to whom you send us.
Amen.

Blessing:

Closing Hymn: