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 friend s into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Gathering Music: Hush – a – Bye (All the Pretty Little Horses) Traditional American Lullaby – Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Welcome:
Opening Hymn: How Great Thou Art P. 625 vs. 1, 2 & 4
Gathering Prayer: Let us rise in body and/or spirit and pray:
Awe-inspiring God, we come together this day because we
need to be reminded to see through the lens of beauty.
Too often, we admire a standard of beauty that leaves too much out of its definition, forgetting that life and its imperfections are inherently beautiful simply because of all of its complexity. Open us to perceive anew. Inspire us to receive our surroundings with awe. Forgive us when we move through our lives and do not
notice your handiwork in all things, all people. Be with us on this journey as we seek again to marvel at your works. “Amen.”
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: The Eagle and the Hawk (by John Denver) -Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Readings: Excerpts from Job 33 and Psalm 27, Matthew 6:28-33
-Marti Odle
After the reading, you may respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Sermon: Beauty and Wonder Rev. Paula Norbert
Meditative Instrumental Music: Neal Zweig
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: Over the Rainbow (by Harold Arlen) -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:
Closing Hymn: Joyful. Joyful, We Adore Thee P. 611
Benediction:
And now may you go forth remembering John O’Donohue’s words:
“Awakening and surrender: they frame each day and each life;
between them is the journey where anything can happen,
the beauty and the frailty.” Nurture the gift of awe in your life,
curating a life of spiritual depth that inspires others to join you
on the journey. May the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of Awe,
the Holy One-in-Three, be with you now and throughout these days,
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.
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 meet 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. Phone: 207-282-4172.
Many thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director & Our Musicians today: Cheryl Sager & Neal Zweig
Interfaith Peace Service: Mark your calendars. Friday, August 22nd, a simple dinner followed by worship with our friends at Etz Chaim Synagogue in Biddeford. 6pm-meal, 7:15-Service jointly led by Pastor Paula and Cantor Beth Strassler. Please join us.
“You are a light. You are the light.” John Lewis wrote, “Never let anyone—any person or any force—dampen, dim or diminish your light. Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates… Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself.” (Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America)