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: Now may our wisdom show itself in compassion and understanding;
and may the fruits of the spirit be apparent in our lives. Philip Randall Giles
Gathering Music: I Believe (by Irvin Drake/Irvin Graham) -Michelle Currie
Welcome: Rev. Dr. Nancy Parent Bancroft
Responsive Call To Worship:
L. Once more, the earth has turned toward the light of the sun.
As we are bathed in the light of a new day,
P. So may we greet the dawning of fresh possibility.
L. Once more, we awaken from our slumber.
As our bodies rise to meet the challenges and pleasures of living,
P. So may our hearts and minds open with promise.
L. Once more, we gather for worship.
As we join our voices in word and song,
P. So may this assembly bring forth wholeness.
Come, let us worship.
Opening Hymn: Open My Eyes, That I May See #451 vs 1 & 2
Gathering Prayer: (Joyce Rupp)
L. Remember the Holy One is with you. Bring to mind this loving presence within you and around you as you pray the following:
P. Open my mind to remember your presence. (pause)
P. Open my mouth to speak your wisdom. (pause)
P. Open my heart to extend your love. (pause)
P. Open my hands to serve you generously. (pause)
P. Open my whole being to you. (pause)
L. Take a deep bow to the loving presence in you.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: What a Wonderful World (by Louis Armstrong) -Michelle Currie
Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 3:3-14, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20
-Cris Hudson
Sermon: Wisdom: A way of knowing – a way of being.
–Rev. Dr. Nancy Parent Bancroft
Sermon Response: Meditative Instr. (Arr. by Michelle Currie) -Michelle Currie
Musical call to Prayer: Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.( two times)
Prayers of the People
Silent Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Offertory: C’est Si Bon (by Henri Betti/Jeerry Seelen) -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: City of God
CHORUS LYRICS
Let us build the city of God.
May our tears be turned into dancing.
For the Lord our light and our love has
turned the night into day.
Benediction: “Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses. Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon. Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path. Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity. May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame. May anxiety never linger about you. May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul. Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention. Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul. May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.” John O’Donohue
Postlude: Go In Peace
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 and to our Reader and Deacons today.