Order of Service
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: “Those in whom the Spirit comes to live are God’s new Temple. They are, individually and corporately, places where heaven and earth meet.” N.T. Wright, 21st century
Gathering Music: You Are Welcome Here (by Wiley Beveridge) -Michelle Currie & Ada Goff
Welcome: In Memoriam…
Call To Worship:
Even after the resurrection, when the disciples
were weighed down with worry,
Jesus assured them that they were not alone:
“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send
in my name, will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
Even after the resurrection, when the disciples
were burdened by their fears,
Jesus calmed their troubled hearts:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,
and do not let them be afraid.”
Even after the resurrection, when we struggle
with our faith,
Jesus blesses us with comfort and hope:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give to you.”
Especially after the resurrection, when our souls
are dry and barren,
the Holy Spirit blows through our lives,
bringing us new life. Alleluia!
Opening Hymn: Spirit of the Living God #288
Invocation:
Perplexing, Pentecostal God, you infuse us with your Spirit,
urging us to vision and dream. May the gift of your presence
find voice in our lives, that our babbling may be transformed into discernment and the flickering of many tongues light an unquenchable fire of compassion and justice. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Music: Heaven Meets Earth (by Leslie Jordan & David Leonard) -Michelle Currie & Ada Goff
Children’s Time: Dick Bennett
Readings: Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, Peter McPheeters
Sermon: Our Common Language of Love and of Hope
-Rev. Paula Norbert
Meditative Instrumental: Michelle Currie
Musical Call To Prayer: (sung 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
Closing Hymn: Every Time I Feel the Spirit # 66
Benediction:
Go In Peace:
Many thanks today to our Music Director, Michelle Currie & Guest Vocalist Ada Goff. Thank you to our Reader and to others who helped with our Service this day.
Pastor’s Message: I will be on Sabbatical from May 29-July 16th and will not be responding to calls or emails during that time. If there is a Pastoral concern, please contact Deacons Sharon Gaudin or Beth Baskin who will then contact Rev. Brian Gruhn who will be available for pastoral emergencies when needed. Thank you to this wonderful community for providing me with this time of rest and renewal. I am deeply grateful for your prayers and support.
Deacons:
Sharon Gaudin: 207-752-2613
Beth Baskin: 207-229-8210
Our Church Moderator:
Paul Schlaver 917-868-0654
When We Breathe Together
A Blessing for Pentecost Day
This is the blessing
we cannot speak
by ourselves.
This is the blessing
we cannot summon
by our own devices,
cannot shape
to our purpose,
cannot bend
to our will.
This is the blessing
that comes
when we leave behind
our aloneness
when we gather
together
when we turn
toward one another.
This is the blessing
that blazes among us
when we speak
the words
strange to our ears
when we finally listen
into the chaos
when we breathe together
at last.
Jan Richardson