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: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Prelude: Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (by Harry Thacker Burleigh)
–Michelle Currie
Welcome: -Rev. Dr. Nancy Parent Bancroft
Gathering Music: *Continuation of ~ Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (by Harry Thacker Burleigh) –Michelle Currie
Responsive Call to Worship: (Matthew 11:28-30)
One: If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens,
come to me and I will give you rest.
All: We come to you in hope
One: Take the yoke I give you.
All: We are tired and want no more pain.
One: Put it on your shoulders and learn from me.
All: Teach us, Lord. We need your help.
One: I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.
All: Dare we trust? Dare we believe?
One: This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
All: Help our unbelief. Help us to trust and follow you.
Opening Hymn: Precious Lord, Take My Hand #834
Opening prayer:
God of mystery and wonder,
you are with us in times of glory and uncertainty,
times of healing, and times of doubt.
As we worship you this day,
help us to remember that you are with us
in all of the twists and turns of our lives,
the unexpected and the routine.
Lead us to trust you and follow your teaching in all times and places.
We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, healer and friend. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: Your Hands (by JJ Heller) –Michelle Currie
Scripture: Psalm 130. Matt 11:28-30 -Peter McPheeters
Reflection: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn – Rev. Dr. Nancy Parent Bancroft
Response: You’ll Never Walk Alon (by Richard Rogers/Oscar Hammerstein)
-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: I’m Going to Lay My Burden Down (by Doc Watson)
-Michelle Currie & Congregation
*CHORUS: Glory, Glory hallelujah when I lay my burdens down
Glory glory, hallelujah when I lay these ol” heavy burdens down
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: Put Your Hand in the Hand (by Gene MacLellan) -Michelle sings verses and all sing *Chorus
*CHORUS
Put your hand in the hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
By puttin’ your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee
Benediction: For Suffering by John O’Donohue
May you be blessed in the holy names of those
Who, without you knowing it,
Help to carry and lighten your pain.
May you know serenity When you are called
To enter the house of suffering.
May a window of light always surprise you.
May you be granted the wisdom
To avoid false resistance;
When suffering knocks on the door of your life,
May you glimpse its eventual gifts.
May you be able to receive the fruits of suffering.
May memory bless and protect you
With the hard-earned light of past travail;
To remind you that you have survived before
And though the darkness now is deep,
You will soon see approaching light.
May the grace of time heal your wounds.
May you know that though the storm might rage,
not a hair of your head will be harmed.
Recessional: Go in Peace
Thank you to Music Director and Musician: Michelle Currie.
Pastor’s Contact Info: Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or
Church Leadership:
Moderator: Paul Schlaver, Clerk: Anita Coupe, Treasurer: Debbie Lamb,
Mission Chair: Ken Murray, Deacons: Sharon Gaudin Chair; Eve McPheeters, Nancy Batchelor, Ardis Chretien, Bonnie Tallagnon, Beth Baskin
Trustees: John Comeau, Chair; Don Chretien, and Rob Harriman
Finance: Peter McPheeters, Chair, Debbie Lamb, Doug Firebaugh, Brad Coupe, and Bob Sherman
Music Director: Michelle Currie
Promotions Person: Anita Coupe
Webmaster: Wonderful Websites