O Great Spirit, God of every people and every tribe, we come to you as your
many children, to ask for your forgiveness and guidance. Forgive us for the
colonialism that stains our past, the ignorance that allowed us to think that
we could claim another’s home for our own.
Heal us of this history. Remind us that none of us were discovered since
none of us were lost, but that we are all gathered within the sacred circle of
your community. Guide us through your wisdom to restore the truth of our
heritage.
Help us to confront the racism that divides us as we confess the pain it has
caused to the human family. Call us to kinship. Mend the hoop of our hearts
and let us live in justice and peace, through Jesus Christ, the One who came
that all people might live in dignity. Amen.
(United Methodists)
Order of Worship
Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Focus: “May the stars carry your sadness away, May the flowers fill your heart with beauty, May hope forever wipe away your tears, And, above all, may silence make you strong.”
– Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
9:55 Preparation for worship:
Gathering Music: The Riddle Song (by Old English & Appalachian Folk Song) -Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Welcome:
Responsive Call to Worship:
Leader: Let your light shine.
All: Let our hearts be glad. God is faithful to us and God’s message is always love.
Leader: Gather now, people of God, that we might share our blessings, our joy, and our love with thankful hearts.
All: Come and worship.
Opening Hymn: I’ve Got Peace Like a River #623
Invocation:
Gracious One, we gather this morning in this place which,
thanks to your love, is our home away from home.
We come to add our human voices to the chorus of praise raised by your creation. We come as we are – distracted and weary, hopeful and open –knowing that you accept us and are ever mindful of our cares and joys.
Still in us now the many voices that clamor for attention,
that we might center ourselves upon you.
Speak to us in word and melody and quiet, that we may be renewed in our faith and strengthened for your service. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: What A Wonderful World (by Bob Theile/George David Weiss)
-Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Readings and Scripture: -Patricia Mulholland
A Moment to Remember: A prayer on Indigenous People’s Day;
Psalm 90:12-17, Mark 10:17-31
After the reading, you may respond with “Thanks Be to God” if you choose.
Sermon: Remembering Those who First Walked this Land Rev. Paula Norbert
Sermon Response: Over the Rainbow (by Harold Arlen)
-Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Musical call to Prayer: (two times) Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People:
Silent Prayer Pastoral Prayer
Closing Hymn: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee #611
Benediction Rev. Paula Norbert
Let us count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
Let God satisfy us this morning with steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Depart in peace
and let God’s favor be upon us to prosper the work of our hands.
Response: Amen
Recessional: Go in Peace
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
celebrate and share the joy. Celebrate new life.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
Many thanks to Michelle Currie, Music Director and to Cheryl Sager and Neal Zweig for sharing their music this morning.
Pastor’s Contact Info:
Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or (pnorbert1217@gmail.com)
Union Church website: www.unionchurchme.com. Church Address: Union Church, P.O. Box 344, B.P. ME. 04006.