24 March 2026 – Chapel – Drew Theo Chapel

Gathering Music

“I Choose Love”
Words: Lindy Thompson, Music: Mark A. Miller

In the midst of pain, I choose love.
In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain,
I await the sun again, I choose love.

In the midst of war, I choose peace.
In the midst of war, hate and anger keeping score,
I will seek the good once more, I choose peace.

When my world falls down, I will rise.
When my world falls down, explanations can’t be found,
I will climb to holy ground, I will rise.

In the midst of pain, I choose love.
In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain,
I await the sun again, I choose love.

Call to Worship

Ashley Nyachoto

(Based on Luke 1:46-50, adapted from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship)

Leader: Our souls magnify the Lord!
All: Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior!
Leader: The mighty One has done great things for us!
All: Holy is God’s name!
Leader: Let us worship God.
All: For God is our Maker and our Redeemer. Amen.

Opening Song

My Soul Gives Glory to My God (UMH 198)
Words: Miriam Therese Winter, OneLicense #A-729109

My soul gives glory to my God,
My heart pours out its praise.
God lifted up my lowliness
In many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me:
Yes, holy is this Name.
All people will declare me blessed,
And blessings they shall claim.
From age to age to all who fear,
Such mercy love imparts,
Dispensing justice far and near,
Dismissing selfish hearts.
Love casts the mighty from their thrones,
Promotes the insecure,
Leaves hungry spirits satisfied;
The rich seem suddenly poor.
Praise God, whose loving covenant
Supports those in distress,
Remembering past promises
With present faithfulness.

Poem

“Annunciation” by Denise Levertov

Carolina Alderete

Scripture Reading – Luke 1:26-38

Carine Ngoy

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.