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!
Welcome: Water is one of the most ancient symbols of our faith. It was water that the Israelites came through into freedom. It was water that Jesus was baptized in. It was water by which he called the disciples. It was water that he used to teach his disciples
how to be servants to all. Today we take a Journey of our own Discipleship through water and the Spirit. We let go of all things we do not need. We remember our belovedness. We recommit to serve others with joy. So let us now go down to the river to pray…
Gathering Music: Down to the River to Pray (by George H. Allan)
-Rob Duquette
Call To Worship:
Call to Worship
Voice 1: In the beginning water cradled us in the womb, holding us until we burst forth in the waters of birth.
People: God’s love flows through the water
Voice 1: In the desert a small drop of water causes life to bloom
A tiny drop of water can quench our burning thirst for justice
People: God’s love flows through the water
Voice 1: In the roots of our being water provides sustenance
Without water our lives would shrivel and wither
People: God’s love flows through the water
Voice 1: In the times when we feel injured and broken,
we long to be reawakened by soaking in forgiving, transforming love
People: God’s love flows through the water
Voice 1: All water is holy. A sign that we have passed through troubles, that we have been refreshed by a gift of life, sustained by a love poured over us.
People: God’s love flows through the water
Voice 1: In the aftermath of water …
All: …flowing, pouring, falling, dropping, gushing, spilling, surging, tumbling, showering…
Voice 1: … is the rainbow sign of God’s continuing love at work within us and through us.
People: God’s love flows through the water.
Opening Hymn: Shall We Gather by the River #375
Opening Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank you that in every age you have made water a sign of your presence. In the beginning your Spirit brooded over the waters and they became the source of all creation. You led your people Israel through the waters of the Red Sea to their new land of freedom and hope. In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John and anointed with your Spirit for his ministry. May this same Spirit bless this water, that it may be a fountain of a new creation. This is the water through which we experience healing and wholeness, promising us that a time will come when all is good. Come, Spirit, come and be a new reality. Come, Spirit, renew the hearts of all gathered for praise and prayer, renew in us the desire for justice and peace, liberation and life now and every day. Amen.
Blessing With Water: “God says to you, ‘I have called you by name; you are mine,’”
Lord’s Prayer
Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
-Sue Maccalous
Sermon: Growing Up Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental ~ Rob Duquette
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: Wade On Through (by Rob Duquette) – Rob Duquette
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 Music: Gather Us In #401 vs. 1, 2 & 4
Benediction: People of hope and peace, go into the world and bring God’s healing love to all whom you meet. In Jesus’ Name, go in peace. AMEN.
Postlude: Go In Peace
Many thanks to our Music Director, Michelle Currie, and our musician today Rob Duquette.
Thank you also to our Reader and Deacons.