BUC Worship Service – March 8, 2026
Balzac United Church
March 8, 2026, 10:00am
Guest Minister: Rev. Robert Mutlow
Music Ministry: Lee Dowan, Dr. Alex Shawn
Prelude Praise His Greatness arr. M. Hayes
Welcome and Announcements
Service Link
Message Link
Land Acknowledgement
As we gather, together let us pause to remember that we live, work, and
worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Nations of
Treaty 7. As Christ’s people, may we be people of love, of truth, and of
reconciliation. May we live with respect on this land, and in peace and
friendship with its people.
Lighting The Christ Candle
Call to Worship Water from the Rock/Well
Come, let us worship in this Season of Lent,
Gathering at the well with Jesus,
Who meets us at the watering places of life
Inviting us into relationship,
Telling us the things He knows of us,
Revealing truths that change our lives.
Come, let drink from the water of the Rock,
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Opening Song Come, Let Us Sing VU 222
Opening Prayer & Prayer of Confession
Candles of Joy, Concern, & Sorrow
(Congregational members are invited to come forward and offer
prayer requests and light candles.)
Holy One, as we light these prayer candles,
We give thanks for all your gifts to us
For warmth and shelter, friends and family,
For stories and journeys, work and leisure.
May we use this Season of Lent –
To bless the lives of others, to engage in kingdom work.
To care for those we know and those we will never meet,
Living Lent as a Season of Intention. Amen.
Song And on This Path MV # 8 (2X) (Seated)
And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide (X3)
Open wide! Open wide! Open wide! The gates are open wide.
Scripture Lessons
Exodus 17.1-7 Water from the Rock
Psalm # 42 As the Deer Pants for the Water VU Pg. 766
John 4. 3-15, 27-30, 39-42 Woman at the Well
Message “Water from the Rock Moments”
Hymn I Heard the Voice of Jesus VU # 626
(Kingsfold # 625)
(Theme hymn – Nigerian World Day of Prayer)
Offertory No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus
arr. M Hayes
Prayers of the People (Adapted – World Day of Prayer)
God, the Great Burden Bearer, we come before you as your children, to join
our voices, with Beatrice, Jato and Blessing and all our Nigerian siblings and
all around the world this day who carry the heavy loads of systemic
oppression.
God of Compassion, we know that you see us. You see the discrimination faced
by so many – women, widows, minorities, the poor. Some are overworked, in
factories, fields, and homes, while others cannot find work to feed their
families. Gracious God, intervene for us all!
God of Faithfulness, for the resiliency and resourcefulness of all who remain
faithful amidst difficult circumstances. Inspire us by their example and
move us to build a better world.
God through the Holy Spirit, we cry out for those displaced by violence, forced
to flee their homes and become refugees in unfamiliar lands. Shelter all who
are displaced under your wings, providing for their needs and guiding
them toward safety and new beginnings.
God in Jesus, you called us to come with all the burdens that weigh us down.
Grant us the faith to keep moving forward even when the path seems
impossible. Help us to be a light to others, sharing hope and extending a
helping hand where we can. We trust in your unfailing love and your
promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. Our Father…
Closing Hymn All the Way My Savior Leads Me VU 635
Benediction
Postlude People Need the Lord arr. M. Hayes