This is the fourth of five Sundays in Lent before Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which literally means “rejoice.

Laetare Sunday serves as a reminder that in the midst of this long penitential season of Lent — even unto the midst of our own self-inflicted, wayward suffering — Christ came not to condemn, but to save, if only we turn to him.

Collect: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which giveth life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Appointed Readings:

• 1 Samuel 16:1-13
• Psalm 23
• Ephesians 5:8-14
• John 9:1-41

Worship for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

Sunday 8am, Sunday 10am

About the Image

A portion of Return of the Prodigal Son (c. 1661-69), Rembrandt

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