March 29

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, March 29, 2020 10:00 am We are an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming into our full life and ministry persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, socioeconomic status, faith experiences, countries of origin, and abilities. Jesus welcomes everyone and so do we!

A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP CLAREMONT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PRELUDE O Sacred Head Walther, Buxtehude INTROIT Sweet Rivers of Redeeming Love Campbell WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP One: We gather away from the chaos for a moment to be in the presence of God, the source of our being. All: God calls us to renew ourselves and our life’s purpose. One: We gather as people searching and hoping in times of confusion and grief. All: God calls out to us at all times and all moments. We gather as people of God to breathe God’s love, patience, and peace. OPENING HYMN #190 Beneath the Cross of Jesus ST. CHRISTOPHER Beneath the cross of Jesus I gladly take my stand, the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land; A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day. Upon the cross of Jesus within my mind I see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; And from my grieving heart with tears two wonders I confess— the wonders of Christ’s glorious love and my unworthiness. I take, O Cross, your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of Christ’s face; Content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Creator God, you have given us the power of imagination, through which our present and future are being shaped. We confess that we have not

always used this gift wisely and have failed to adapt as people of God, seekers of justice, and people of compassion. In fear we have not allowed ourselves to be moved and transformed by your Spirit, and instead held fast to what we feel is safe and secure. Forgive us, and give us courage, so that we may open ourselves to the new creation you seek to bring within and among us. Draw us into the future toward the new world you are creating through your grace. Amen. ASSURANCE One: …Continue to imagine and create in God’s peace. All: It is in God’s forgiveness and peace we are once again renewed! Amen. PASSING OF THE PEACE One: May the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. OFFERING/MUSIC Maritri Garrett, soloist DEDICATION SCRIPTURE SERMON 3 Day Flip: Stories of Restoration Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland GUEST ARTIST Winter Song Maritri Garrett, soloist PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER One: We pray for all of the people, places, and situations that weigh heavy on our hearts today using the words you teach us, saying together… All: Our Father/Mother/Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom/kin-dom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom/kin-dom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE #202 PASSION CHORALE O God, How We Have Wandered (vs. 3) O God of all the living, both banished and restored, Compassionate, forgiving, our peace and hope assured. Grant now that our transgressing, our faithlessness may cease. Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon, and in peace. POSTLUDE Toccata in E Minor Pachelbel Did you know that you can now donate to the church electronically via text message? Simply text the amount you’d like to give to (909) 343-5901! (First time givers will be prompted to provide their payment method via a secure web page.) To give online or set up recurring online giving, please visit our website (claremontucc.org) or go directly to: https://claremontucc.breezechms.com/give/online