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: “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”
-Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne
Gathering Music: Oh Hear My Prayer (Traditional song from the Jewish Tradition) -Patricia Mulholland & The Union Church Choir, Accompanist Barbara Berry
Welcome:
Responsive Call to Worship:
We Come In the softness of the morning,
in the solace of silence we come to you, O Lord.
We come for acceptance; we come for community;
we come for comfort and love.
In the serenity of this special time,
in the restfulness of worship, we come to you O Lord.
We come to you for respite; we come to you for completion;
we come to you for forgiveness and love.
Opening Hymn: There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit #408
Invocation:
Creator of the universe and of all things, With hearts filled
with gratitude and joy for the blessings we receive every day,
we proclaim our love for you. Humbly we ask that these blessings be shared with those who are in greater need than us. We know that your love, your peace and your mercy finds us here this day. Like a soft spring rain, it touches all of your suffering children. May we feel your loving touch consoling and healing us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: Brave (by Sara Bareilles) -Michelle Currie
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, John 14:27 -Caryn Firebaugh
After the reading, you may choose to respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Meditation: In which we learn about life and love from Winnie the
Pooh and Friends (Part 2) -Rev. Paula Norbert
Response: Méditative Instrumental ~ 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: Go Light Your World (by Chris Rice) -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: Abide With me # 836 vs. 1,2 & 5
Benediction:
Go on your way rejoicing. In whatever good you
choose to do, precede it with hope, accompany it with
prayer, and follow it with thanksgiving.
May the blessing of God Most Wonderful,
Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit be with you
now and ever more.
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
Thank you to Music Director and our Musician today: Michelle Currie, Chior Dr. Patricia Mulholland & The Union Church Choir and Choir Accompanist Barbara Berry.