March 15, 2026

Worshipping with Hummelstown UCC

Worship online: Streamed weekly on YouTube    Worship in person: Settle in and engage the spirit. 
Bold Type indicates you are invited to read, in unison aloud.
Hymns numbers are included here for the hymnals in the pews. If the music is from another source, it should be included at the end of the bulletin below.
Offerings & Gifts are always welcome, for your use a plate is placed at either entrance to the sanctuary.  A link is included here if you prefer to give online.
Prayer requests and communication cards are available on the clipboards in the pews.  Please place in the offering plates.  If you would like your prayer spoken in service, please give to the pastor before worship begins.
Children & Youth Jesus loved kids and loves yours, so we invite kids to be kids, whether they are wiggly, giggly or quiet. A rocking chair and changing table are available for your use at the back of the sanctuary to the left. Activity bags, crayons and paper are located at the back of the sanctuary. Move, groove and be part of the spirit!

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 Fourth Sunday in Lent    3/15/2026
The good news is…  protection and care for the vulnerable
Building Community…
WELCOME
OPENING MEDITATION                       Matthew 19:13-15
Then children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
 
What actions, practices, or prayers help you turn away from status-seeking and
grabbing for power? What actions embody the humility of a child?
 
PRELUDE        “Fanfare i,ii, iii”              Paul Fey
 
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God loves the field mouse.
Many: God loves the crows that take flight when church bells ring.
One: God loves the baby, cooing in the back pew.
Many: God loves the child who rocks and claps.
One: God loves the one with wrinkled hands and soft eyes.
Many: God loves the bumblebees and the tabby cats.
One: God loves those who walk, crawl, and roll.
Many: God loves the giant oaks and the evergreens, standing strong over all of us.
One: God loves the young, the impressionable, and the earnest.
Many: There is no bit of creation that God does not love.
One: So let us worship this good-news God!
 
HYMN                “See the Precious Children”           (Insert)                                                          
 
PRAYER OF TRANSFORMATION & WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Based on texts: Leviticus 19:33, Matthew 5:9, Deuteronomy 24:21, Matthew 19:14, and Isaiah  43:1.                                                  One: Every day we pray, because every day we need to be reminded of God’s abundant grace. Every day we need to be reminded of God’s love. Every day we need to be reminded that we too can grow and change. So once a week we gather together. Join me in this moment of honesty as we seek transformation. Friends, let us pray. God said, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.”
Many: Holy God, we confess, we have mistreated the immigrants in our land.
One: Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Many: We confess, we have clung to guns and war more than we have pursued peace.
One: God said, “When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.”
Many: We confess, we have hoarded our resources and failed to care for our neighbors.
One: Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them.”
Many: We confess, we have gatekept the good news in unfair ways.
One: Fortunately for all of us, God also said, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Many: By God’s grace, despite our sin and shortcomings, we are redeemed, claimed, forgiven, and loved.
One: May this good news change our lives!
Many: Amen
 
Hymn            “Rooted and Grounded in One Loving Source” v. 1     (Insert)
 
Message for Younger Disciples
All families, kids or those young at heart are welcome to come forward for a moment of connection at the altar

HYMN            “Rooted and Grounded in One Loving Source” v. 4     (Insert)                                                                                                                            
 
SPECIAL MUSIC          “How Can I Keep From Singing”            Robert Lowry
 
Opening to the Spirit’s call…
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Jesus of Nazareth, you love without abandon. You love your disciples, both then and now, with their questions and their bumbling mistakes. You love the children, with their runny noses and their easy joy.  You love the widows and the immigrants, with their heartbreak and their dreams for a better tomorrow.  You love the tax collectors and the outcasts, with their hands open to their neighbors. You love like it is easy. We desire to love more like that. So today, we lift up the vulnerable in our community—the ones you love so completely. Today we pray for the immigrants in our land—for those running from fear, longing to give their children a better life. Today we pray for single parents, who stretch themselves thin to be all things for the little ones they love. Today we pray for those unsure where their next meal will come from. Today we pray for those who live in fear due to the color of their skin, the way they dress, or the person they love. Today we pray for those who are bent over by the weight of depression, anxiety, addiction, or by the fear of what may come next. God, but we know that you see each of us. So draw near to your children. As you do, we ask you teach us to bend toward love, move toward compassion, and soften our hearts.
 
We seek health and healing with… Audrey Landvater (Jim’s aunt)-recovering from surgery, recent breast cancer diagnosis; Bob Rogers; Diane Tillotson-(Jess’ mom); Evan-Crohn’s flare; Andrea Quigley; Laurie Watson-(Linda Sellers); Dustin Perry -(Hebels); Nina-migraines(Shumway’s); John Hoover-in rehab, other medical issues;
We pray with… Yvonne-recovery after surgery; Carolyn Williams-rehab at Phoebe Berks; Bill Severns-medical; Randy Whitman-recovery from broken hip and arm; Chuck K.; Nancy Bingaman; Hunter; Daulton Snowden; Mary Lohr; Bob Brandis; Bryce and family; Debbie Husser-kidney failure; Those with cancer: Carol Ann Simpson; Jan Mindish; Peggy Anderson; Tom Ordille; Sue Mannello; Dan Brouse; Becki; Pam; Deb; Kate H.; Vicki D.; Ana; Gary Wert; Linda Gemberling; Olivia; Those navigating life transitions, all affected by violence, and those serving in our armed forces and first responders;
We grieve with… The family of Anna Ash: family of Bruce C. The Family of Vicki DeFrank; family of Louise
 
LORD'S PRAYER
Many: Our Creator/Mother/Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
 
ANNOUNCING MISSIONS & MINISTRY

CENTERING ON OUR GENEROSITY
Today as we turn to God, open up space within to simply hear God’s truth for what it is. Open up space in our hearts to dream new dreams, to imagine new realities, to draw closer to the divine and closer to love.
 
MUSICAL REFLECTION
​“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”   Dan Miller
 
SUNG RESPONSE       (Tune #780)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done
Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Many: God, but we know that you see each of us. So draw near to your children. Wrap your arms around the vulnerable, the weary, the grief-filled. Comfort, O comfort your people. Wrap your arms around us. And as you do, we ask that we might be transformed. Until your promised day, when all are cared for and seen, this will be our prayer. Amen.
 
HYMN        “Of the Parent’s Heart Begotten”           #118
 
Discerning through Story…
GOSPEL                              John 9
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am he.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”
The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind, but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.”  His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”  They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”  The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”  They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.
 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.”  He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.
 
SERMON   “The Power of Testimony”      Pastor Mike Schutz
 
Going Forth with God’s Love!
 
CLOSING HYMN         “Just as I Am”          #207
 
BENEDICTION                                                                                             
As you leave this place, when you meet anger, speak with love. When you meet fear, speak with hope. When you meet pain, speak with gentleness. But no matter what, speak this good news. For the good news of the gospel is love and justice for all. It is joy that surprises, and nonviolence that transforms. The good news of the gospel is alive in the world, so go forth speaking. For if you won’t, then who will? Thanks be to God for this good, good news. Amen.
 
POSTLUDE    “Rock Fantasia #1 Kingsfold”         Erin Craig
 
Today in worship:
Liturgist: Esther Schutz                        Tech: John Horn                                   Acolyte:
Greeters/Ushers: Carole Hoover, Jim Landvater             Musician: Jim Anderson-Greenover

 
 

An Affirmation of Faith for the Season, Tell Me Something Good!
 
I believe in the good news of Jesus Christ.
It sounds like welcome
and feels like home.
It sounds like laughter
and feels like mercy.
It sounds like love
and feels like a seat at the table,
so I believe in the good news of Jesus Christ.
I have seen it alive in the world.
And even when my heart aches,
even when wars rage,
even when mercy feels out of reach,
I remember the one who
welcomed the children
and led with nonviolence.
I remember the one who
cared for the vulnerable
and inspired those around him.
I remember that the good news really is good news,
for I have seen it alive in the world.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
 
 

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Through contributions to OGHS, our love offering is embodied in collaborations with local and international partners to help rebuild after disasters; to provide nourishment and shelter when people are displaced; to provide aid and expertise so the most vulnerable can dream for a better future. For over 75 years, OGHS has gathered love offerings for the world. OGHS continues to show up when there is a need, here at home and at places around the globe.  We give because our hearts are touched as we witness God at work in ourselves, in one another and throughout the world.
Give by designating your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing or OGHS
 
 
CWS Harrisburg empowers refugees and immigrants to build stable, thriving lives through compassionate services, community partnership, and pathways to legal security, food stability, wellness, and economic opportunity.
CWS Harrisburg provides immigration legal services to support refugees and immigrants as they navigate complex U.S. immigration processes. Wellness services provide critical support to refugees and immigrants facing complex challenges related to trauma, resettlement stress, and long-term community integration.
Economic Empowerment programs support refugees and immigrants as they work toward financial independence and meaningful employment. Direct Client Assistance to meet the immediate, practical needs of refugees and immigrants as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Give by designating your gift to LENT OFFERING

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Through contributions to OGHS, our love offering is embodied in collaborations with local and international partners to help rebuild after disasters; to provide nourishment and shelter when people are displaced; to provide aid and expertise so the most vulnerable can dream for a better future. For over 75 years, OGHS has gathered love offerings for the world. OGHS continues to show up when there is a need, here at home and at places around the globe.  We give because our hearts are touched as we witness God at work in ourselves, in one another and throughout the world.
Give by designating your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing or OGHS
 
 
CWS Harrisburg empowers refugees and immigrants to build stable, thriving lives through compassionate services, community partnership, and pathways to legal security, food stability, wellness, and economic opportunity.
CWS Harrisburg provides immigration legal services to support refugees and immigrants as they navigate complex U.S. immigration processes. Wellness services provide critical support to refugees and immigrants facing complex challenges related to trauma, resettlement stress, and long-term community integration.
Economic Empowerment programs support refugees and immigrants as they work toward financial independence and meaningful employment. Direct Client Assistance to meet the immediate, practical needs of refugees and immigrants as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Give by designating your gift to LENT OFFERING

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