Reflections on Joy

Link to Sermon

                       Order of Service

         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: “The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise.”                                                           – Carl Knudsen

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”                                    – Martin Luther

Gathering Music: Morning Has Broken (lyrics by Elanor Farjeon/Arr. by Cat Stevens)                                      -Delilah Poupore

Welcome: 

Call To Worship:

L: There are times in our lives when following Christ

seems almost too difficult.

P: Yet he has promised to be with us, guiding and supporting us.

L: Our fears and doubts crowd out his call.

P: Lord, come to us and lead us, for we are weak and fearful.

L: Lord, take our hands and walk with us.

P: Bring the brightness of your love to us.

L: Help us see your face, O Lord.

P: For we are ready to receive your healing love.

All: Amen.

Opening Hymn: Day By Day (by Stephen Schwartz/Godspell)

LYRICS ~ SING 4X

Day by day

Day by day Oh Dear Lord three things I pray

To see thee more clearly

Love thee more dearly

Follow thee more nearly day by day *Repeat

(ENDING)

Day by day by day by day

Opening Prayer:  We pray, O God, that we may feel your presence in our midst this May morning. We trust that you,

the Risen One, are with us. Your ways are ways of justice.

Your ways are ways of peace.  Your ways are ways of love. We are grateful for the joy you bring to our lives. In you, our hearts are full.  In your ways, we will follow. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Readings and Scripture:  For Presence by John O’Donohue,Psalm 31:1-5,  John 14: 1-4                                    – Anne Murray

Meditation:  Reflections on Joy                      Rev. Paula Norbert

                          Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

                Words of Invitation        The Bread and The Cup

                           Prayer of Thanksgiving                

Music: Meditative Instrumental ~ *Delilah Poupore       

                                                                               –

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:  Maybe (by Delilah Poupore)                      -Delilah Poupore

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.

Closing Music:   Blest Be the Tie that Bind  

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

Benediction: 

As you depart from this place, go with courage, and go with trust that the God who created you is also the One who will sustain you and the One who will show you the way. Until we meet again, may you be filled with curiosity, wonder, and openness to God’s tender leading. May you be filled with joy.  Amen and amen.

Postlude:  Go In Peace