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: “Our children are our greatest treasure. There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
— Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa
Gathering Music: Come and Follow Me (by Tom Franzak) -Michelle Currie
Welcome:
Responsive Call to Worship:
Leader: Jesus travelled to many places.
All: Some made him welcome. Others did not.
L: Yet in all places, Jesus tried to make others feel welcomed.
All: Jesus seldom missed a chance to tell someone that they were a beloved child of God.
L: And so in Jesus’ name, we welcome you here, beloved children of our Creator. And I invite you to welcome one another…
All: When we welcome one another, indeed, we welcome Jesus the Christ into our midst as well.
L: Community of Christ, let us worship God.
Opening Hymn: God Is Calling through the Whisper #410
Opening Prayer:
We welcome you, Spirit of Christ, to pass by this way
and call us into your justice.
We welcome you, Spirit of Christ, to challenge our ways
and renew our living.
We welcome you, Spirit of Christ, to call our names and
inform us in your community. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: The Greatest Love of All (by Linda Creed/Michael Masser)
-Michelle Currie
A Time for the Children and the Young at Heart- Who are YOU?
Scripture: Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 19: 1-10, An Autumn Blessing
-Anne Murray
Reflection: Melissa Cilley, Executive Director, Apex Youth
Connection in Biddeford
Response: Meditative Instrumental ~ Michelle Currie
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) -Michelle Currie
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: Here, I Am Lord #69
Benediction:
We come from God’s Shalom; we travel the way of Spirit’s justice.
And we experience the hospitality of Christ. May we live as
people who have encountered the love of God and have
been changed. 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
Thank you to Music Director and Musician Michelle Currie. Many thanks to our Zoom Host and Reader this week.
Pastor’s Contact Info: Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or
Church Leadership:
Moderator: *Paul Schlaver
Clerk: *Anita Coupe
Treasurer: *Debbie Lamb
Mission Chair: *Ken Murray
Deacons: *Sharon Gaudin Chair; Eve McPheeters, Nancy Batchelor, Ardis Chretien, Bonnie Tallagnon, Beth Baskin
Trustees: *John Comeau, Chair; Don Chretien, and Rob Harriman
Finance: *Peter McPheeters, Chair, Debbie Lamb, Doug Firebaugh, Brad Coupe, and Bob Sherman
Music Director: Michelle Currie
Promotions: Anita Coupe, Sharon Gaudin
Webmaster: Wonderful Websites
*Our Church Executive Committee
Join Us November 19th, 10am, Labyrinth Walk, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Sign Up at Entry to Church.
Our Mission Outreach of Union Church
Union Church is deeply committed to serving others in our local communities and beyond. This year we have provided support for the following:
The Saco Meals Program
The Biddeford Food Pantry
The Saco Food Pantry
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center
Ever After Mustang Rescue
Apex Youth Connections
The Ecology School
Safe Passage For Children in Guatemala City
World Central Kitchen working in Ukraine
A student in Belize
A student in Kenya
Individuals and families who have approached the church or Seeds of Hope seeking emergency assistance, including refugees and those experiencing homelessness
Union Church volunteers to prepare the meal for the Saco Meals Program on the third Monday of most months. On December 19, we will be providing special decorations and gift bags for all the guests. Volunteers to help with that are still needed.
*If you are interested in supporting our Mission Outreach or would like to serve on the Mission Committee, please contact Ken Murray, Chair or Pastor Paula. All are Welcome!*
For Your Reflection…
In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
Albert Schweitzer
At the end of the day,
We give thanks for the hours that were given.
The buds that brought beauty to the land
And the vision of a world
Creating
A vision of work to do
Rituals to bring back the hope and the delight
Practices that center the mind in peace
Time that passes so beyond this day and night
We give thanks for the conversations that were
Holy work
Holy hands
Holy ounces of breath in and breath out
And we scatter the rest to the wind
To die back or to create forth
Beauty
Donna Knutson