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: “In the flush of love’s light / we dare be brave / and suddenly we see / that love costs all we are / and will ever be. / Yet it is only love which sets us free.
Dr. Maya Angelou in her poem “Touched by an Angel.”
Gathering Music: Seasons of Love (Jonathan Larson) -Jen Comeau & Michelle Currie
Call To Worship:
Leader: God of our hearts…here we are-
All: We’ve come with thirsty hearts, praying that your word will
satisfy us.
Leader: We come with aching hearts, praying for good news to comfort us.
All: We come with overflowing hearts, praying for a chance to share your love.
Leader: You, who know our hearts and hear our prayers,
All: Be with us now in this time of worship. Amen.
Opening Hymn: Day by Day (Stephen Schwartz)
LYRICS 3X
Day by day, Day by day
Oh dear Lord, Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly, Day by day ( last verse repeat 3x)
A Prayer of Invocation:
Universal Spirit of love, O God within each one of us, whose power reaches to the stars, whose love connects us one to another and to all creation — we are one. We cry out with the pain of this broken world. With all our capacity for love, we ask: why can’t we wrap this world in love and bring healing? We confess that we are not always able to express the love we know is inside us. We pray for forgiveness, that we may learn to forgive others and accept their forgiveness of us. Help us let go of fear so we can move on, opening our hearts to one another. We pray for empowerment that we may learn to love more fully. Let our love shine forth from this sacred place that others may know that here they will find freedom, acceptance, community and love. We give thanks for the blessings of love in our lives and for the chance we have to love again and always. May we feel the love inside us connecting with the love in each other and the stars. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Love Can Build A Bridge (Paul Overstreet/John Jarvis/Naomi Judd) -Jen Comeau & Michelle Currie
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-12,1 Corinthians 13: 1-7 Mark 9:2-9
-Ada Goff
Sermon: We believe in the power of Love Rev. Paula Norbert
Meditation Music: Meditative Instrumental (arr, Michelle Currie)
-Michelle Currie & Jen Comeau
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.
Offertory: What the World Needs Now (Hal David/Burt Bacharach)
-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.
Prayers of the People
Silent Prayers Pastoral Prayer
Closing Hymn: We Are One in the Spirit #300 vs. 1-3
Benediction:
May you go forth into your week, knowing that you are embraced by the love of God, a love that is sweeter and more tender than any you have ever known and may you seek to share that tender love with others. 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.
Great thanks to our Music Director Michelle Currie & Guest
Vocalist/Musician Jennifer Comeau
Thanks to the Deacons and our Reader today.