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: “Humans are vulnerable and rely on the kindnesses of the earth and the sun; we exist together in a sacred field of meaning.”
– Joy Harjo (member of Muscogee, Creek Nation)
“Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”
– Sitting Bull (Teton Dakota Chief who united the Sioux people)
Gathering Music: You Are Welcome Here (by Wiley Beveridge)
-Michelle Currie
Welcome: Creator, you made all people of every land. It is our responsibility to give thanks and respect to those who
first occupied this land where we gather this day. We give thanks to the Wabanaki, the People of the Dawn, who were the first people of this land. We extend our respect and gratitude to the many Indigenous people and their ancestors whose rich histories and vibrant communities include the Abenaki, Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations and all of the Native communities who have lived here for thousands of generations in what is known today as Maine, New England, and the Canadian Maritimes. We make this acknowledgement aware of continual violations of water, territorial rights, and sacred sites in the Wabanaki homeland.
A Prayer To the Four Directions: See Insert
Opening Hymn: Blest Are They 172, verses 1-4
Opening prayer: Based on Psalm 119:97–104
O Great Spirit, open our spirits to Wisdom calling:
calling us not to stand still, not to believe in static truth, but to seek
understanding in relationship, to find love in action, to achieve justice in engagement. Open our ears that we may hear the cries for peace and equality and move towards them. Open our mouths that we may speak.
Speak out in wisdom, in love, in justice, in truth. Let our speaking be our worship of you, O Just Spirit, O Divine Love, O Peaceful Wisdom, O God, our touchstone and our redeemer. Amen
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: Easier & Harder (by William Prince) -Michelle Currie
Scripture: Genesis 2: 7-15, Romans 8: 22-23, Psalm 24:1-2
-Nancy Bancroft
Sermon: Honesty and Unity -Rev. Paula Norbert
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: Autumn Leaves (by Joseph Kosma) -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:
Benediction:
Loving God, we give you thanks for creating all people in your image, and for calling us together this day in humble hope that our offerings, witness, prayers, songs and stories may serve to heal, transform and bind us together in your compassionate wisdom and love.
As we leave this Sacred Circle, may the memory of
this time together enable us to live faithfully as followers of Jesus, the One who came that all people might live with dignity and in peace.
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy.
May God look upon you with favor
and give you peace. Amen.
Closing Hymn: Or Where Charity and Love Prevail 316, Vs 1,4,5
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. Thanks to our Zoom Host and Reader too!
Cover Art: H.H. Photography of Florida
Pastor’s Contact Info: Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or
Church Leadership:
Moderator: Paul Schlaver
Clerk: Doug McCrae
Treasurer: Debbie Lamb
Mission Chair: Katherine (Candy) Blaxter
Deacons: Beth Baskin Chair; Nancy Batchelor, Ardis Chretien, Katie Koles, Judy Fenlason and Caryn Firebaugh
Trustees: John Comeau, Chair; Don Chretien, and Rob Harriman
Finance: Peter McPheeters, Chair, Debbie Lamb, Doug Firebaugh, Brad Coupe, and John Comeau
Music Director: Michelle Currie
Promotions Person: Sharon Gaudin
Website: Unionchurchme.com