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: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.” — Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
Gathering Music: Let It Be (by Paul McCartney) -Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Welcome: Rev. Paula Norbert
Call To Worship: (inspired by Psalm 23)
One: The Good Shepherd opens the gate. Let us enter with thanksgiving and praise!
Many: The Shepherd restores our souls, satisfies our needs, and leads us on the right path.
One: The Good Shepherd opens the gate. Let us live with courage and conviction not fear and timidity.
Many: Through valleys and storms, chaos and confusion, threats and concerns, the Shepherd comforts us with power and strength, love and compassion, hope and peace.
One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us worship in the presence of the Holy One!
Many: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all our days of my life. Let us dwell in God’s presence forever!
Opening Hymn: Shepherd Me, O God
Refrain: Shepherd me O God beyond my wants
Beyond my fears From death into life
- God is my shepherd so nothing shall I want I rest
in the meadows of faithfulness and love I walk by the quiet waters of peace *Refrain
2. Gently You raise me and heal my weary soul You
lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth My spirit shall sing the music of your name *Refrain
3.Though I shall wander the valley of death I fear no evil for you are at my side Your rod and your staff my comfort and my hope *Refrain
Invocation
God who is our Shepherd, who opens the Gate to love, and shows us the Way of compassion, we join together as a community in your presence and in your protection. Shield us from apathy and isolation. Fortify us against resignation and despair. Nudge us toward justice and righteousness in your name. As we gather to worship you, may we be transformed by your love, strengthened in grace, and rooted in fatih for your glory and your kindom come. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Bridge Over Troubled Waters (by Paul Simon)
-Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Readings: Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, John 10:1-10
-Sue Maccalous
Sermon: Let My Love Open The Door Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental
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: Come Sing A Song With Me (by Carolyn McDade) -Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
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 and Thanksgiving: Generous God, may these gifts bless our life together, strengthen our ministry, and transform our community. Receive them as we give them—with gladness and thanksgiving. Amen.
Closing Hymn: How Great Thou Art P.625 vs. 1 & 2
Blessing:
Beloved, as you go, note the encouragement of the Shepherd:
The Gate is open and with you. In your coming and going,
The Shepherd leads you. Go, have life and have it abundantly.
Postlude: Go In Peace
With thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director, and to our Guest Musicians Cheryl Sager and Neil Zweig.
Many thanks also to our Reader and Deacons today