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: “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha
Gathering Music: Nothing More (by Jonny Hawkins/Alternate Routes) -Michelle Currie
Welcome:
Call To Worship:
Leader: Jesus, Teacher, your teaching surprises us.
People: Not the world’s wisdom, but God’s.
Leader: You move us with sorrow for the sorrow of the world
People: And make us strong through our tears.
Leader: You offer us humility to admit our failures
People: And plant seeds of hope in the ashes.
Leader: You make us hungry for justice
People: And give us food that lasts.
Leader: You invite us to practice what we preach
People: And offer joy in that challenge.
Leader: You support us in standing firm for truth, even when it costs
People: And promise the truth will make us free. Amen
Opening Hymn: God of Great and God of Small #19 vs. 1-3
Invocation:
God of our lives, you are always turning the world upside down,
calling us to follow you into new ventures, new challenges,
new ways to care, new ways to touch the hearts of all.
When we get tired, or feel disappointed,
remind us that you can bring change and hope
out of the most difficult situations, so that we may do justice,
love kindness and walk humbly with you always. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Light of the World (by Stephen Schwartz/Godspell)
-Michelle Currie
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Matthew 5:13-20
– Anne Murray
After the reading, you may respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Reflection: Let’s Light Up the World Rev. Paula Norbert
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Words of Invitation The Bread and The Cup
Communion Meditation Music: -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: Simple Gifts (by Joseph Brackett) -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 Hymn: Blessed Be The Ties That Bind
Benediction:
As you have learned wisdom—go and teach!
As you have been fed, go to feed the hungry.
As you have been set free, go to set free the imprisoned.
As you have heard – proclaim.
And the blessing which you have received
from the Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit
be always with you. 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.
Pastor’s 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 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, to our Zoom Host and Reader this week.