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: “Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
“There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.”
~ Charles Dickens
Music: The Riddle (by Five for Fighting) -Michelle Currie
Welcome:
Call To Worship: (Psalm 103)
L: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—
People: Forgiveness flowing into healing, Tireless goodness and joy: Strength and youth of the Eagle’s flight. Bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—
L: Vindication, justice for those oppressed; Liberation from bondage, and guidance for the way; Unending mercy, steadfast love.
People: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD, and never forget God’s gifts—
L: For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is GOD’s love toward those who are faithful;
As a parent has compassion for one’s children, so our GOD has compassion for us.
People: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD and never forget God’s gifts.
Opening Hymn: Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom #174
Invocation:
Compassionate-One, Lover-of-Goodness, Patience-with-our limitations, Draw near to us.
Surround us with confidence in your good news:
that you love us as parents love their children;
that your mercy is boundless and generous,
that you beckon us always and will wait forever
as we find our way back to you.
Open our hearts to receive your compassion;
And then show us how to forgive,
So that we may be bearers of resurrection hope in our troubled world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Gifts from God (by Chris Tomlin) -Michelle Currie
Scripture: Proverbs 1:20-33, Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 – 8:1, Mark 8:27-38 -Peter McPheeters
Sermon: Holy Wisdom Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instr. -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
Offertory: You’re A Gift from God to Me (by Bonnie Low/Mary Garrett) -Michelle Currie
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 Music: Lord Listen to Your Children Praying #469
-Michelle Currie
Benediction: Let us go forth with an openness to the wisdom that God brings to us each day. May this wisdom enrich our lives as we seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God and one another.
Postlude: Go In Peace
With great thanks to Michelle Currie, our Music Director and to our Reader and Deacons this day.
Cover photo by Emma Westley