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: “Finding your way in life is not so much about choosing a direction. It’s about uncovering the voice of the soul, the call that is already imprinted inside you, and then finding the courage to face down your fears and let your true voice be heard.” Rabbi Naomi Levy
Gathering Music: Good Gifts (Melanie Doane)
-Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Welcome:
Call To Worship:
Leader: At the beginning of the day, at the beginning of the week, the faithful yet fearful people gathered together. It was then that the Spirit of God came among them and whispered:
People: Peace be with you.
Leader: Their hearts skipped a beat as they double checked that the lock on the front door was still latched. So the Presence of God spoke a little louder:
People: Peace be with you.
Leader: They looked around at each other, puzzled, amazed, befuddled, and bewildered. Some smiled. Some doubted. Some wondered if it were just too magical sounding or too good to be true. So the Christ showed them that his own scars were not the end of the story and that is when the words of God began to feel joyous:
People: Peace be with you.
Leader: From that day on, the people of God repeated the words to one another when they gathered. From one generation to the next, they exchanged the words as a greeting to one another to remember that Holy interruption to fear:
People: Peace be with you!
Opening Prayer:
Generous God, we thank you for your presence with us in all our lives. As we gather this morning, we are reminded of the many times we have doubted and feared. Today banish our fears with the memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remind us again that through all our troubles, doubts, and fears, your power, mercy and love are with us. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Opening Hymn: Amazing Grace #649 vs. 1, 2 & 5
Readings and Scripture: John 20:19-31 & I Peter 1 3-9
– Dick Bennett
Sermon: Thomas’s Trial Rev. Dick Bennett
Music: Meditative Instrumental ~ 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:
Offertory: You Raise Me Up (Rolf Lovland)
-Chryl Sager & Neal Zweig
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.
Closing Hymn: Make Me A Channel of Your Peace #753
Benediction:
At the beginning of the day, at the beginning of the week,
when the faithful yet fearful people gathered together,
Jesus came among them and whispered an invitation, “Peace be with you.” But that was only the beginning.
He showed them the scars and marks of his own humanity
and soon he was pointing at theirs as well, telling them
“Just as God once sent me, so I send you.”
Beloved People of God, this hour is only the beginning.
Do not be afraid. You have been called
and you are being sent into this world
to be a force of love, light, hope, and joy.
Go forth into this day and into the world in the name
of God, the one who creates you;
go in the name of the Jesus who shows us the way;
and go in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who is with us now and always. Amen
Postlude: Go In Peace
Our Great Thanks to our Guest Musicians today, Neal Zweig and Cheryl Sager. And many thanks to Rev. Dick Bennett for sharing our Sermon.