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: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:25-28
Gathering Music: The Perfect Fan (by Brian Littrell/Thomas Smith) -Michelle Currie
Welcome:
Responsive Call to Worship:
L: We gather together this morning to worship our loving, nurturing God,
All: Who, like a mother, knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally,
L: Who teaches us the way we should go, and comforts us in times of need.
All: Praise God, the Source and Sustainer of life.
Opening Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth #14 vs.1-4
Invocation: Together, let us pray…
Come, Mother God, come as an enfolding nurturing
presence, come as steadfast love to hold us.
Come, Mother God, come as an enabling strengthening force, come as love that allows us to find our pathways in life. Come, Mother God, come as friend and comforter healing our wounds, walking our way, come as wounded healer to make us whole. (by Kate McIlhagga)
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: You’ll Be In My Heart (by Phil Collins) -Michelle Currie
Scripture: Ruth 1:1-14; John 14: 1-4 -Ada Goff
Sermon: The Strength of Mothers Rev. Paula Norbert
Sermon Response: Meditative Instrumental ~ Michelle Currie
Musical call to Prayer: (two times) Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings re-lease, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People:
Silent Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Offertory: A Mother’s Love (by Jim Brickman) -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.
Closing Hymn: Joyful, Joyful #611
Benediction
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you”
(Isaiah 66:13)
Go now in the comfort and peace of the One who gave birth to us. Go to give comfort and peace to others. Divine Wisdom guide us as we go forth on Your paths of peace. Amen! Alleluia!
Recessional: 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.