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: “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Gathering Music: America the Beautiful (by Samuel A, Ward/Katherine Lee Bates) -Ada Goff & Michelle Currie
Welcome And A Moment To Remember:
Responsive Call to Worship:
L: Though many places in the world are bound in war.
P: The peace of God is poured out for all people.
L: Though conflict and struggle affect so many lives.
P: The love of God is lavished on all people.
L: Let us praise the God of love and peace.
P: Let us listen for God’s words of peace and justice for all people. Amen.
Opening Hymn: My Country ‘Tis of Thee #337 vs. 1-3
Invocation
Come, Prince of Peace, light our path as we gather today.
Open the gates of our minds and our hearts
that your word may penetrate to the depth of our being.
Lead us to the river of the water of life
And refresh us for the work you have set for us.
Sit us down under the tree of life. And let us rejoice
in the diversity of its fruit and witness to the healing
of nations. Show us your love and compassion, Holy One
as we come to worship you. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: Battle Hymn of the Republic (by William Steffe) -Michelle Currie & Ada Goff
Scripture: Isaiah 59:1, 8-10-14-18, 20; John 5:1-9
–Rev. Lamar Robinson
Sermon: Our Yearning for Peace -Rev. Paula Norbert
Sermon Response: 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: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace (by Sebastian Temple) -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: God Bless America LYRICS (Michelle)
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear alliance to a land that’s free
Let us all be grateful that we are far from there
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer
(CONGREGATION)
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home
*Repeat
Blessing/Benediction Rev. Paula Norbert
And may the peace of God which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(Philippians 4:7, RSV)
Sending Forth: May you go in peace to love and serve the One who
loves us and all of creation.
Response: Amen
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.
With great thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director, Vocalist Ada Goff and to our Reader and Deacons today.