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 end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of people. Nelson Mandela
Welcome:
Gathering Music: Who Am I (by Casting Crowns)
-Michelle Currie
Call To Worship: (Psalm 103)
L: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—
People: Forgiveness flowing into healing, Tireless goodness and joy: Strength and youth of the Eagle’s flight. Bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—
L: Vindication, justice for those oppressed; Liberation from bondage, and guidance for the way; Unending mercy, steadfast love.
People: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD, and never forget God’s gifts—
L: For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is GOD’s love toward those who are faithful;
As a parent has compassion for one’s children, so our GOD has compassion for us.
People: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless God’s holy name. Bless GOD and never forget God’s gifts.
Opening Hymn: Servant Song #727 vs. 1-3
Invocation:
Compassionate-One, Lover-of-Goodness, Patience-with-Sinners, Draw near to us.
Surround us with confidence in your good news:
that you love us as parents love their children;
that your mercy is boundless and generous,
that you beckon us always and will wait forever
as we find our way back to you.
Open our hearts to receive your compassion;
And then show us how to forgive,
So that we may be bearers of resurrection hope in our troubled world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Awakening: Forgiveness (by Matthew West)
-Michelle Currie
Readings and Scripture: A World Where Evil Has No Voice by Jonas Salk; James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37
-Peter McPheeters
Sermon: Wisdom on Healing Rev. Paula Norbert
Sermon Response: Meditative Instrumental ~ Meditation on How Great Thou Art (by Stuart Hine/arr. by Albert Zabel)
-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: God of the Sparrow #22
Benediction: Let us go forth to forgive as we have been forgiven, freed of the burden of separation and division in order to do justice, love mercy, walk confidently, and humbly, with God.
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 Contact Info: Rev. Paula Norbert (207) 205-4951 or (pnorbert1217@gmail.com)
Union Church website: www.unionchurchme.com. Church Ad-dress: Union Church, P.O. Box 344, B.P. ME. 04006.