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: To replace the old paradigm of war with a new paradigm of waging peace, we must be pioneers who can push the boundaries of
human understanding. We must be doctors who can cure the virus of
violence. We must be soldiers of peace who can do more than preach to the choir. And we must be artists who will make the world our
masterpiece.” ~Paul Chappell
Gathering Music: O Beautiful for Spacious Skies (by Samuel Augustine Ward)
-Michelle Currie
Welcome:
Responsive Call to Worship:
Leader: We remember today, O God, all those who have served under the colors of their countries.
People: We commend them to you for their bravery, their patriotism, and their honor.
Leader: Grant that those who serve today may be kept in your everlasting love and protection.
People: Give comfort and encouragement to their families.
Leader: We pray for the day when there will be peace on earth and the kingdoms of this world will have become the kingdoms of our Christ.
People: Hasten that day, O God, and help us to live in that hope. Imbue us with your spirit of love and forgiveness, in order that we may understand the nature of Christ’s kingdom.
Leader: Hear our prayers for our Friends and enemies in the world, that we all may be converted to following a path to justice and peace for all nations and join us in a better world community.
Opening Hymn: My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee #337 vs. 1,2 & 3
Invocation:
Lord, we have come to you this day bringing all that we have, our lives, our hopes and dreams, our fears and sorrows. We place these before you in faith and hope, knowing that no matter what has happened you are with us and blessing us. Open our hearts to receive your words and your spirit, that we may find healing and comfort. Open our lives to the wondrous possibilities for service and joy that you offer to us. Ease our minds and spirits that we may hear the words of encouragement and peace this day. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer:
Awakening: We Remember (by Steven Curtis Chapman) -Michelle Currie
Scripture: A Prayer for Veterans, Daniel 12:1-3, Isaiah 2:1-4
-Sue Maccalous
After the readings, you may respond with “Thanks Be to God.”
Sermon: Hopes for Peace Rev. Paula Norbert
Sermon Response: Meditative Instr. ~ White Cliffs of Dover
(by Walter Kent) -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
Closing Hymn: Faith of Our Fathers *See lyric insert
Benediction Rev. Paula Norbert
Go forth into the world.
Go on the journey together, wherever it may lead you.
Share the gifts of God with the people of God.
Be gentle and bold, courageous and trusting.
God will be with you, this day and always. Amen.
Response: Amen
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.
Thank you to Music Director and our Musician today,
Michelle Currie
Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or (pnorbert1217@gmail.com)
Union Church website: www.unionchurchme.com.
Faith of Our Fathers (lyrics)
Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how are hearts beat high with joy
When’er we hear that glorious word.
(Chorus)
Faith of our fathers, holy faith
We will be true to thee til death!
Vs. 2
Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee,
And thru the truth that comes from God,
Mankind shall then be truly free.
Vs. 3
Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach to thee, too, as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life.