Our Soul Friends

Link to Zoom Service / Link to Sermon

“I have called you friends…” John 15

                                        June 13, 2021 

     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:  

Do we really need much more than this?
To honor the dawn. To visit a garden. To talk to a friend.

To contemplate a cloud. To cherish a meal. To bow our

heads before the mystery of the day. Are these not enough?                                        Kent Nerburn

Threshold Moment:

Gathering Music: From A Distance (by Julie Gold)             -Michelle Currie

Welcome:                                                                 Rev. Paula Norbert

Responsive Call to Worship:  Psalm 98

Leader:  Come, sing a new song to God!
All:         Remember all the times full of wonder
               God has already shared.
Leader:  Listen to the music, open your hearts,
All:         Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
Leader:  Open the windows. Listen to the choirs outdoors,
                feathered and furred.
All:         Let the hills sing together for joy!
Leader:  For God is not done doing wonders!

All:         God is coming to set everything right.
               Sing a new song to God!

Opening Hymn:   Here In This Place      #401   vs. 1, 2 & 4

(We will listen and can read along in silence for each hymn)

Invocation

Source of Life who is known by many names;

Over-turner and illuminator of hearts; we gather

with gratitude for the earth and all who journey in it.

We give thanks for the interconnectedness of all creation.

Source of justice who is known by many names;

let us follow the path of love which leads to compassionate relationships and special friends.

Give us the strength to leave behind that which is most comfortable and claim our place in the movement to transform creation; that our voice, our heart, our spirit will

join those who seek to live with respect, justice, and peace.       

Lords Prayer:                          

Readings:                                                                                     

May You be Blessed with Good Friends, John O’Donohue;

John 15:9-17                                                                -Stephen Fox

(After the readings you may choose to respond, “Thanks be to God”)

Sermon:  Deep and Abiding Friendships                  Rev. Paula Norbert

Sermon Response:  For Good (by Stephen Schwartz)  -Michelle Currie

Musical call to Prayer:  Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at

ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord. (two times)

                               Prayers of the People:

Silent Prayers                                                     Pastoral Prayer

Closing Hymn:  Let There Be Peace on Earth        *see insert

Blessing                                        Rev. Paula Norbert

Love is the Spirit of this Church.

May the songs we sing celebrate this Love.

May the lives we lead embody this Spirit.

May you all go forth in peace.

Response:  Thanks be to God

Closing:  Go In Peace…

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me;

Let there be peace on earth,

The peace that was meant to be.

With God our Creator

Family all are we,

Let us walk with each other

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,

Let this be the moment now;

With every step I take,

Let this be my solemn vow:

To take each moment and live each moment

In peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

Thank you for wearing a mask throughout our Service.

With thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director.  Thank you to the many who have helped coordinate the plans to enable us to return to this sacred space. 

Pastor’s Contact Info:  207-205-4951

Email:  pnorbert1217@gmail.com