Liturgy: Lent 5 Lessons and Carols, John 11 (April 6, 2025)

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Additional Hymns:

Hymn GTG #510, “We Gather Here in Jesus’ Name”

Hymn GTG #456, “Listen, God Is Calling”

Hymn GTG #533, “In the Singing”

This insert will be offered each week to help us think about conflicts in scripture and in our lives.

Call to Worship (based on John 11:25-27, 52)

Leader: Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
People: Christ has come that all might be one.
Leader: Those who believe will live. Do you believe?
People: We believe that Christ unites the world in love.
Leader: Everyone who lives and believes will never die.


Call to Confession (based on John 11:22)

Leader: Even now, even as we recognize the sin around and within us, we know that whatever we ask God, God will give us, for Christ’s sake. Therefore, let us pray for mercy as we confess our sin together, trusting that it will be given.


Prayer of Confession (based on John 11:47-48)

You are invited to speak a word or short phrase that describes a personal or collective sin of which you repent and seek forgiveness. When the gathered community is finished sharing, we pray together:

People: Loving God, we confess that we are not interested in the promises of your kindom. We are afraid of what Good News for all will cost us. We silence prophetic voices and view those seeking to live like Jesus with suspicion. We focus on preserving what we have, no matter the price. Forgive us, Lord. Renew our faith that what you offer is more valuable than all the power and money in this world. Help us to let go of all that stands in the way of your kindom. In your mercy, hear our prayers… 

(Silent prayers of personal confession)

Declaration of Forgiveness (based on John 11:42)

Leader: Even when we doubt, God hears our prayers – every single one. Know and believe, then, this good news: in Christ’s name, we are all forgiven!
People: Thanks be to God!

LESSONS AND CAROLS FROM JOHN

Readings are done by three people: one representing Jesus, one representing Jesus' supporters, and one representing Jesus' opponents. They each wear a white, green, or red stole, respectively, to help clarify their roles. 

Jesus Goes to Bethany: John 11:1-16
Hymn GTG #780, “Come Quickly, Lord, to Rescue Me” [vv. 1 & 3]

Mary & Martha: John 11:17-31
Hymn GTG #785, “In Deepest Night” [vv. 1 & 2]

Lazarus is Raised: John 11:32-46
Hymn GTG #250, “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” [vv. 1 & 3]

Caiaphas’ Prophecy: John 11:47-57

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!

Hymn GTG #749, “Come! Live in the Light!” [verse 1 only]