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 friend s into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Focus: “Jesus didn’t say, ‘Blessed are those who care for the poor.’ He said, ‘Blessed are we where we are poor, where we are broken.’ It is there that God loves us deeply and pulls us into deeper communion.” Henri Nouwen
Gathering Music: Special Music ~ Jen Comeau & Michelle Currie
Welcome: Rev. Ivy Merrill
Call To Worship: (adapted from hymn God is Here, by Fred Pratt Green).
Always and forever, we belong to God.
God is here! May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share.
Here as bread and wine are taken, Christ sustain us as of old.
Here, our children find a welcome in the shepherd’s flock and fold.
Opening Hymn: I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table #770
Gathering Prayer:
Keeper of heaven and earth, guardian of our coming and our going forth, of our times of tender reflection and our moments of turmoil, we know life is fragile. We violate each other in personal relationships, as nations, and as inept keepers of life’s beauty. Sharpen our sensitivities. Stir in us preference for listening over speaking, for tenderness over aggression, for solidarity and community over alienation. deepen for us the meaning of the resurrection, that we may both speak and embody words of transformation. As Christ’s Body we pray. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Special Music ~ Jen Comeau & Michelle Currie
Scripture Reading: John 15: 12-17 -Marti Odle
After the reading, you may respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Meditation: “More Than a Cracker Relay” Rev. Ivy Merrill
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Words of Invitation The Bread and The Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Communion: Meditative Instrumental (arr. by Michelle Currie)
-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: Special Music ~ 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: Most Generous Giver, bless these offerings that they may reach and help those who hunger and thirst, hurt and suffer, grieve and seek hope. We commit them and our lives to your purpose. Amen.
Closing Hymn: O, For a World #372
Benediction:
Postlude: Blest Be The Ties
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Pastor Paula is on vacation until August 11th. If you have a pastoral concern, please contact Beth Baskin, the Chair of Deacons.
Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or (pnorbert1217@gmail.com)
If you are interested in joining Union Church or would like to set up a time to meet with our Pastor, please contact Pastor Paula directly.
Union Church website: www.unionchurchme.com. Church Address: Union Church, P.O. Box 344, B.P. ME. 04006. Phone: 207-282-4172.
Many thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director & Guest Vocalist Jen Comeau
Thank you to our Guest Presider today, Rev. Ivy Merrill.