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: When the people lack a sense of awe, there will be trouble in the empire. ─ Lao Tzu
Gathering Music: It’s OK (by Rob Duquette) -Rob Duquette
Welcome:
Call To Worship:
L:What would God have us do?
P: What gifts do we have that can serve God and our neighbors?
L: Lord, guide our lives and our service.
P: Lord, call us to ministries of hope and promise.
L: Help us, O Lord, to look beyond words.
P: Help us, O Lord, to see ways of service.
L: Open our hearts and our spirits this day to receive your guidance.
P: Help us to be those people who will bring good news to those in darkness and doubt.
L: Come, let us worship God with thanksgiving for gifts of service and care.
P: Let us praise God with joyful hearts for opportunities to serve. Amen.
Opening Hymn: Will You Let Me Be Your Servant (The Servant Song) #727 vs. 1-4 *Repeat vs. 1
Invocation:
Leading and Guiding God, you have opened the doors to us for true service. We are encouraged to become involved in ministries of compassion and justice. The light of promise is reflected in your Spirit which rests in each one of us. Get us ready to serve you. Guide our lives, as we learn more of what you would have us do. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Gifts (by Bruce Cockburn) -Rob Duquette
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9, MT 4:12-23 -Ada Goff
After the reading, you may respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Sermon: A Call To Drop Our Nets Rev. Paula Norbert
Meditative Music: Instrumental ~ Rob Duquette
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: Simple Gifts ( by Joseph Brackett) -Rob Duquette
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: We Are One on the Spirit (They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love) #300 vs 1-3
Benediction: Rev. Paula Norbert
The promise has been given. We have been called to serve our friends and our neighbors. May God go with us in all that we do, enabling and encouraging us as offer service in love. Go in peace. 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.
Many thanks to Rob Duquette our Guest Musician today, to our Reader and Zoom Host.
Annual Meeting: All are invited to join us next Sunday, January 29th, immediately following the Service for our Annual Meeting when we will approve the budget and discuss our important Strategic Plans for the year ahead.
Mardi Gras: Tuesday, February 21st as Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, begins the following day. In the past, we hosted a gathering for Mardi Gras. Would there be a few folks who might want to take the lead on this? It can be a simple potluck gathering with appetizers, drinks and desserts or a potluck meal. Please connect with Pastor Paula. Thanks.