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: “As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness — just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.”
-Laura Ingalls Wilder, Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder: On Wisdom and Virtues
Music: Count Your Blessings (by Edwin O. Excell/Jonathan Oatman Jr.) -Michelle Currie
Welcome:
Call to Worship: (Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a)
Leader: We are people longing for comfort.
People: Longing for the stones of anxiety to be cleared from our hearts.
Leader: We don’t know when or how,
People: God’s comfort is patient with our uneasiness.
Leader: So we wait with the promise,
People: God’s peace for all creation.
Opening Hymn: Blest Are They #172 vs. 1-4
Opening Prayer:
Lord, who lifts us up, reside in our hearts today. Help us to listen closely for your word to us. Remind us that you are always with us, throughout all of our lives. Give us confidence in your presence, so that we may go into your world ready to witness to your love through our works and our deeds, for we pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Blessings (by Laura Story) -Michelle Currie
Reading and Scripture: “Welcome Autumn” by Rev. Edward Hays; Isaiah 40:1-8, Mark 7:31-37 -Anne Murray
Sermon: Seasons of the Spirit Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditation #4 (by Michael Card) -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
Closing Music: Amazing Grace #649 vs. 1,2,3 & 5
Benediction:
May your day be blessed by moments of quietness,
light in your darkness, strength in your weakness,
grace in your meekness, joy in your gladness,
peace in your stillness. May your day be blessed. Amen.
Postlude: 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, always, to our wonderful Music Director, Michelle Currrie.
Pastor’s Contact Info:
Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or (pnorbert1217@gmail.com)
If you are interested in joining Union Church or would like to set up a time to speak with our Pastor, please contact Pastor Paula directly.
Union Church website: www.unionchurchme.com.
Church Address: Union Church, P.O. Box 344, B.P. ME. 04006.