March 22, 2026 Order of Worship
Andante No. 2 (Henry Stephen Cutler) – Geoffrey Liu
Welcome – Terry Bolender
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – UMH #89
Opening Prayer – Ella Corsilles
Leader: This morning, God, hear my confession. Most days I am too busy to spend much time with you.
People: I’m too distracted to notice the beauty or the needs of those right in front of me.
Leader: My life spins like a top bounced about in my clumsy hands, wound up by demands beyond my control.
People: Fanned by furies, so much to do, I’m unable to even name what I’m rushing after.
Leader: Hurry and worry have become the great enemies of my spiritual life.
People: Lord, slow me and settle me into worship this morning.
Leader: Free me up from all my stretching and striving for more of everything.
People: Refocus my heart to enjoy this one hour with you.
Leader: Humble me to see that only in you can I find rest for my soul, a path that leads to life.
People: Then, send me out, unhurried and non-anxious, to enjoy the many people that you will bring into my life today and respond to their needs.
Leader: Give me the lifestyle of Jesus.
People: It’s the way, the truth, and the life that I need most.
All: In his name and for his coming kingdom’s sake, we pray. Amen.
This Little Light of Mine (Traditional, arr. Kevin Miller) – Anthem
Angel Choir, Kids of the Kingdom, and Joyful Noise choirs (with some friends from Youth Arts)
accompanied by Kevin Miller
Time with Young Disciples – Stephanie McIlwain Miller
To God Be the Glory – Sanctuary Choir
Scripture Reading – Ella Corsilles
Introduction to the First Reading: 2 Peter is a farewell speech by Peter to the churches of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) near the end of his life. Peter invites us to be participants in God’s own nature, taking on the character traits of God. Notice Peter’s emphasis in our first reading on consistency and patience in chapter 3…
2 Peter 3:8-9, 11-15
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance… so, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God? In accordance with God’s promise, we wait and work for a new heaven and a new earth, where right relationships are right at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting and working for these things, strive to be found by God at peace and regard the patience of our Lord as your salvation.
Introduction to the Psalm: Psalm 16 is a prayer showing us how to be more fully present and resting every moment in God. Our reading comes from verses 8-9 and 11…
Psalm 16:8-9 and 11
I keep the Lord always before me; because God is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. My heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body rests secure. You show me the path of life, God. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Introduction to the Gospel: The Gospel of Matthew is one of the earliest accounts of the life of Jesus. Its author is anonymous, but tradition says it’s written by Matthew the tax collector some 30-40 years after the resurrection of Jesus, a tapestry of the oral traditions of the disciples’ stories about Jesus. Today’s gospel reading is an invitation for you to find rest in Jesus…
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
What’s Your Hurry? – Pastor Jim
Freely, Freely – UMH #389
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
Offering Our Gifts to God – I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (setting by James Biery) – Geoffrey Liu
Doxology – Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow, UMH #94
Prayer of Dedication
Leader: All that we have, we have from you, Creator and Preserver of all.
People: Accept these gifts which we now offer. Help us to make the whole of life an offering and every thought a prayer.
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – TFWS #2051
Blessing
Psalm XVIII (Benedetto Marcello arr. E. Power Biggs) – Geoffrey Liu
Resources for Worship
Opening Prayer is by Jim Head-Corliss for worship at Kent UMC, June 12, 2022.