the good news is . . . together the impossible is possible
Sunday, March 8th, 2026
Our morning prayer service is an opportunity to carve out space for contemplation and stillness in our otherwise busy lives. During the season of Lent, our theme is Tell Me Something Good, a time for us to consider the core teachings of Jesus and how they help us find liberation, love, mercy, and grace. Each week we'll explore this theme in different ways, grounding ourselves in the Good News.
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
Gathering Music
Carolyn Sargent and Glenda Stansbury
Here We Open Our Hearts
During this season of Lent, we begin with the reminder that the good news really is good news. It is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It tastes like bread passed endlessly through a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy. The good news is alive in the world… and within you. We invite you to settle into your seat, let your shoulders drop, and take a deep breath. Today we consider how best to love God and our neighbors, and we ask:
As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.
- What change feels impossible to bring about?
- What is a dream you have for yourself, your church, or the world?
- The gospel is full of stories good. What does this teach us about God?
- What strength, gift or resource can you contribute to the work God is already doing - and how might it join with the strengths of others?
As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.
Stillness
In this moment, we invite you into silent prayer, meditation, or further contemplation of the considerations.
Call to Prayer + Confession + Words of Assurance
Type your new text here.
Call + Response
One: God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. God wouldn't bring you this far to let you go.
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. No height, nor depth, nor anything else can separate us from the love that God will show.
All: God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. God wouldn't bring you this far to let you go.
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. No height, nor depth, nor anything else can separate us from the love that God will show.
[excerpt from God Wouldn't Bring You This Far to Leave You by Tom Trenney]
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. No height, nor depth, nor anything else can separate us from the love that God will show.
All: God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. God wouldn't bring you this far to let you go.
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you. No height, nor depth, nor anything else can separate us from the love that God will show.
[excerpt from God Wouldn't Bring You This Far to Leave You by Tom Trenney]
Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21 & Mark 6:32-44
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Mark 32-44
And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Mark 32-44
And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.
Visio Divina Meditation
Visio divina is a method of meditation, reflection, and prayer through a process of intention seeing. Keeping the scripture readings in mind, use the guided prompts to engage with the visual art below.
Far More Abundantly
by Lauren Wright Pittman
11"x14" hand-carved block printed with oil based ink on paper, with gold leaf detail
by Lauren Wright Pittman
11"x14" hand-carved block printed with oil based ink on paper, with gold leaf detail
Hymn
Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us, Hymn 583
New Century Hymnal
New Century Hymnal
Benediction
As you move into the remainder of the day, may you have the courage to meet anger with love, fear with hope, and pain with gentleness. May you carry with you this good news of joy that surprises, justice that overcomes, and nonviolence that transforms. And may you be the good news for someone who needs to hear it. Amen.