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: “Bless the world with your mind, heal the world with your heart, lift the world with your soul; elevate the world with your life.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo
Gathering Music: Wild Mountain Thyme (by Francis McPeake/Maggie Reilly/Stuart MacKillop) -Rob Duquette
Welcome:
Call To Worship:
God of Love, we need you now.
Teach us to love those we have learned to hate.
Teach us to pray for our enemies
To love you even in those we despise.
God of Peace, we need you now.
Teach us how to reconcile.
Teach us to speak when we are silenced.
Teach us to give up power when our power renders
others powerless, or mute.
God of Joy, we need you now!
Receive our burdens, they are many.
Lift our spirits, they are weighed down.
God of life, we need you now,
Grant us grace where shame restricts us,
Grant us life where pain takes hold,
All: Grant us wisdom where we would settle for easy answers,
Grant us love, rooted in the eternal, the living, in you!
Opening Hymn: It Is Well With My Soul #840 vs. 1,2 & 4
Invocation:
Creator God who breathed this world into being,
who is discernible within the harmony of nature,
the perfection of a butterfly’s wing, the grandeur of a mountain range, the soaring eagle and humming bird,
thank you for this world which you have created.
Thank you for summer sun, which reminds us
that your creative breath is still alive and active.
Thank you for the warmth of your love,
sustaining this world, your garden. Amen
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: My Lighthouse (by Rend Collcetive/ James Cocker/
Simon Hinkler) -Rob Duquette
Scripture: Isaiah 55:12, Psalm 103:1-8, A Blessing for Safety
-Maureen White
After the readings, you may respond with “Thanks Be to God.”
Reflections: Be A Sender of Blessings Jennifer Comeau
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 Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Offertory: Simple Gifts (by Joseph Brackett) -Rob Duquette
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts,
Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Closing Hymn: Be Thou My Vision #450 vs. 1-3
Benediction:
May the blessing of God go before you.
May God’s grace and peace abound.
May God’s Spirit live within you.
May his love wrap you ’round.
May his blessing remain with you always.
May you walk on holy ground.
Closing: Go In Peace
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.
Our thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director, and our Guest Musician, today, Rob Duquette.
Great thanks to Jennifer Comeau for sharing our Sermon.
*Church Picnic: Mark your calendars and join us directly after the
Service on Sunday, August 28th from 11-12:30ish for a Picnic on the lawn at the McPheeter’s Home. Bring your own sandwich; chips and beverages provided. FMI: Contact Beth Baskin or Eve McPheeters
Pastor’s Information: 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
Worship Resources:
-Worship Design Studios, Marcia McFee-https://reimaginingworship.com/
For Your Reflection…
A Blessing for Presence
As it was,
As it is,
As it shall be
Evermore ….
With the ebb,
With the flow. – Carmina Gadelica
A Prayer upon Waking
I arise each day
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightening,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of Earth,
Firmness of rock.
— Adapted from an early Irish song, attributed to Saint Patrick.
Long-Time Sun
May the long-time sun
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light
Within you
Guide your way on
Guide your way on – song by Snatam Kaur