All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship – Psalm 85:8
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Opening Hymn: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” FOG #608

Unison Prayer of Invocation
Dear Lord, help us to open our hearts to your Word that we
might truly worship you with hymns of praise, prayers of
supplication, and thoughts of faith and service. Help us to understand the grace that you offer us, the joy that you want for us, the love that you have for us, and the peace that is your true glory. Amen.

Affirmation John 4:24
God is Spirit, and those who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth.

Children’s Time

Reading Epistle Lesson Lord of All Romans 10:8-15 Paula Thouin
Reading Gospel Lesson Walking on the Waters Matthew 14:22-33 Tim Damon

Sermon Title: “A Leap of Faith” Reverend Bill Ault

Hymn: “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” FOG #339

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be” FOG #458

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude “Andante” from Sonata No. 6 – Felix Mendelssohn

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (adapted from Ps. 145)
One: The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Many: The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
One: The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are
bowed down.
Many: The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
One: You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.
Many: The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.
Unison: The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Opening Hymn: “O Mighty God, When I Survey in Wonder” NCH

Opening Prayer:
Glorious God, your generosity floods the world with goodness and you shower creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for food to satisfy both body and heart, that in the miracle of being fed we may be empowered to feed the hungry in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance:
Scripture tells us if we are “kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, God in Christ has forgiven us”. Rest assured, my friends, our sins are forgiven. Amen.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)
Isaiah 55: 1-5 Ed Lynch
Matthew 14: 13-21 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Loaves and Fishes

Hymn: “Break Now the Bread of Life” NCH

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer (Debts & Debtors)

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
O Gracious God, bless our offering that it may reach and touch those who hunger, who hurt, who seek new hope. As part of your Kin-dom, we care about all of our sisters and brothers. We pray for peace and for justice. We present these gifts in honor of You. AMEN.

Communion Hymn: “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ” NCH

Service of Communion

Introduction
God in Christ breaks down the walls that make us strangers to ourselves and divide us from one another. We are the body of Christ. Around this table, we act out our faith: the body broken is restored to wholeness; lifeblood poured out brings healing to the world.

Responsive Communion Prayer:
Pastor: We dream, O God, of community, but in waking hours we
forget such hopes. Our dreams we call “alien”; our sister and brother
we call “stranger.
People: You call us by name. With arms outstretched as on a
cross, you call us to yourself, and you name us your own people.
Pastor: So with arms outstretched, we now embrace new friends and forgotten dreams. The body broken, the lifeblood poured out, will transform our fears and revive our visions.
People: Renew us, O God, with your Spirit, that we may receive
this mystery of our body, embracing its many gifts and needs,
shouting an “Amen” to resound throughout the world.

Words of Institution
Blessing the Wine and Bread
Sharing of the Elements

Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving
All praise is yours, O God. You bring us to this table as sisters and
brothers. Lead us now, through all our moments, to that glorious day when all your children will gather as family. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who is our peace made flesh. AMEN.

Closing Hymn: “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” NCH
v. 1 and 4

Benediction

Postlude “Marche-Sortie” Théodore Dubois

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
Leader: We gather as the community of Christ.
People: We come seeking good news, forgiveness, mercy, and hope.
Leader: We are old and young, weak and strong, wise and foolish, but together we lift our voices in prayer and praise.
People: We also come with worries and doubts, with questions and fears.
Leader: Jesus says: Come to me with your burdens and I will give you rest.
People: We come in hope to give thanks and praise.

Opening Hymn: “Morning Has Broken” FOG 5

Opening Prayer
Leader: Holy One, Giver of all good gifts, we come to You in awe and
humility. In this hour enlarge our vision with Your Word. Grant Your
peace where hatred threatens, Your joy amidst depression, Your love beyond our selfishness.
People: May Your Holy Spirit fill us with hope and lead us in the
ways of kindness, wisdom and peace. God in Community,
Holy in One, lead us into Your kin-dom. Amen.

Affirmation
Hear the good news: in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we learn that God’s love has no bounds. In Christ we are forgiven and empowered to begin anew. Thanks be to God.

Children’s Time

Scripture Readings

I Kings 3: 5-15 Martha May

Psalm 119: vs. 105, 129-135 Responsive reading
Leader: Your teachings are wonderful; I obey them with all my heart.
People: Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Leader: The explanation of your teachings gives light and brings wisdom to the ignorant.
People: In my desire for your commands I pant with open mouth.
Leader: Turn to me and have mercy on me as you do
on all those who love you.
People: Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Leader: As you have promised, keep me from falling;
don’t let me be overcome by evil. Save me from those who oppress me, so that I may obey your commands.
People: Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Bless me with your presence and teach me your laws.

Gospel Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52 Rev. Barbara Kershner

Sermon Title: A Piece of the Puzzle

Hymn: “Shall we Gather at the River” NCH

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “Bless the Lord”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: See attached pages “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine” FOG #67

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
Leader: It is good to give thanks to God, to sing praises to the Most Holy One.
People: Morning and evening we will sing of the love and faithfulness of the Lord.
Leader: Though we have faced trials and testing and suffering,
People: Still in all things God is faithful and never leaves us.
Leader: Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Opening Hymn: “Great is Your Faithfulness” NCH

Opening Prayer
Leader: Holy One, Giver of all good gifts, we gather to worship You now. You are an awesome God, greater than our minds can understand or imagine, and yet through Jesus Christ, we know the warmth of Your love and the wideness of Your mercy.
People: May Your Holy Spirit fill us with hope and lead us in the
ways of kindness, mercy and peace. God in Community, Holy in One, lead us into Your kin-dom. Amen.

Affirmation
Hear the good news: in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we learn that God’s love has no bounds. In Christ we are forgiven and empowered to begin anew. Thanks be to God.

Children’s Time

Scripture Readings

Genesis 28: 10-22 Carrie Naatz

Psalm 139 Responsive reading
Leader: O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
People: You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Leader: Even before a word is on my tongue,vO Lord, you know it completely.
People: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Leader: Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
People: If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in the world of the dead, you are there.
Leader: If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
People: I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
Leader: How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them. I try to count them— they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.
All: Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Gospel Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43 Rev. Barbara Kershner

Sermon Title: A Dream that Never Dies

Hymn: “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder” NCH

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “Bless the Lord”

Offertory and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “He Leadeth Me” FOG 606

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: O God, by your strength you established the mountains.
Many: You are girded with might.
One: You silence the roaring of the seas and the waves.
Many: You silence the tumult of the peoples.
One: Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs.
Many: You make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.

Opening Hymn:  “O Spirit of God” NCH

Opening Prayer:
Life-giving God, we gather in your presence to offer you thanksgiving and praise for all that you have done for us. Through the life, death and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the power of sin. Open our hearts and minds to your presence among us and within us, and to the Word that you have for us today. AMEN.

Affirmation:
Friends, hear this Good News: the love of God is beyond measure and YOU are included in that love. Know that you are forgiven and thus freed to love and to serve. AMEN.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Psalm 65 Robert Grammo
Romans 8:1-11 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Life and Peace

Baptism Hymn: “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”

The Sacrament of Baptism

Invitation to the Family

Rev. Bail: Members and friends in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism.
All: There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us.
Rev. Bail: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and creator of us all.

Address:
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water and heaven was opened to him. The Spirit of God came down like a dove on him. The sacrament of baptism is an outward, visible sign of the grace and love of God. The promise of the gospel is not only to us but also to our children. Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of being accepted into Christ’s church, the sign of their participation in God’s forgiveness, and the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith and discipleship.

Questions of the Parents
Will you encourage this child to renounce the powers of evil and to
receive the freedom of new life in Christ?
We will, with the help of God
Will you teach this child that she may be led to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
We will, with the help of God
Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best as you are able?
We do, with the help of God
Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with this child in the Christian faith, to help her be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, by celebrating Christ’s presence, by furthering Christ’s mission in all the world, and by offering the nurture of the Christian Church so that she may affirm her baptism as an adult?
We do, with the help of God

Assent of the Congregation
Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care, to the one about to be baptized as she lives and grows in Christ?
Congregation: We promise our love, support, and care.

Prayer of Baptism
Bless by your Holy Spirit, gracious God, this water. Save those who
profess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them. Create new life in the one baptized this day that she may rise in Christ. Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was and is and shall always be, world without end. AMEN.
Act of Baptism By what name shall this child be called?
I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit be upon you, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the church.

Prayer for the Baptized and the Parents and Godparents
Let us pray for the child baptized today.
Gracious God, you have filled the world with joy by giving us the gift of Jesus. Bless this newly baptized baby. May she be filled with joy; may she never be ashamed to confess personal faith in you. Bless her parents and godparents. May they always show her their gratitude for the life you have given them by loving and caring for her. Bless all your faithful people and unite them in the peace of Christ. AMEN

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer (Debts & Debtors)

Taizé Song “Bless the Lord”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
All good gifts around us come from you, O God. You have given us life, and new life in Christ. As you have given us gifts, so we offer our gifts that we may be gifts to one another, even as Jesus taught and lived. AMEN.

Closing Hymn: “My Life Flows on in Endless Song” NCH

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives.
Many: We need not look up to find God, we need only look around
One: Within ourselves, beyond ourselves, into the eyes of another.
Many: We need not listen for distant thunder to find God:
One: We need only to listen to the music of life.
Unison: We worship the God who inhabits our world and who
indwells our lives

Opening Hymn: “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing” NCH

Opening Prayer:
Holy God we thank you that you receive us not according to our failing goodness, but according to your overflowing grace. You receive us as we are. You show us what we can be. You have come to us in Jesus Christ to share our common lot and reconcile us to yourself. Sweep over us with your Spirit, change us by your love, that we may sing with joy before you and live to your glory in the world. AMEN.

Affirmation:
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are God’s by grace.
With great joy we are made alive. Thanks be to God. AMEN.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Psalm 145 Tim Damon
Romans 7:15-25 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Who Will Rescue Me?

Hymn:  “What a Covenant” NCH

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer (Debts & Debtors)

Taizé Song “Bless the Lord”

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
We dedicate our lives and all that we have to the work of life, of love, of peace. Receive our gifts and lead us in wisdom and courage. AMEN.

Communion Hymn:  “Let Us Break Bread Together” FOG 564

Service of Communion
Introduction
God be with you..
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God Most High
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Communion Prayer.
We give you thanks, God of majesty and mercy, for calling forth Creation and raising us from dust by the breath of your being. We bless you for the beauty and bounty of the earth, and for the vision of the day when sharing by all will mean scarcity for none. We remember the covenant you made with your people, and we give thanks for all our ancestors in faith. We come in remembrance and celebration of the gift of Jesus Christ, whom you sent in the fullness of time to be the Good News. Christ lived among us to reveal the mystery of your Word, to suffer and die on the cross for us, and to be raised from death to then live in glory.

Words of Institution

Blessing the Wine and Bread

Sharing of the Elements

Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious God, we give thanks that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Closing Hymn: “Bread of the World, in Mercy Broken” NCH

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
Leader: Come, walk with God in these moments of worship. Celebrate God’s covenant with us and all humankind.
People: Surely God is in this place today. We find refuge and strength as we gather.
Leader: Be still and know that God is God. All our names for God are
limited metaphors.
People: The Most High lives in us and among us. The whole universe
is God’s dwelling place.
Leader: All people on earth are in God’s care. Those who follow in God’s ways will experience God’s kingdom.
People: We have come to hear what God would have us do. We seek the courage to carry out God’s gracious purposes.

Opening Hymn:  “For the Beauty of the Earth” NCH 28

Opening Prayer
Show us your ways in this hour, faithful God, for we want to share your truth with our children and their children. We want to follow in your ways, to love you with all our hearts. We intend to walk in the ways you set before us. Preserve us, we pray, and grant us the courage to face each day’s challenges. Help us to live by faith and to serve with abiding trust. This we ask in the name of Jesus, our Healer and our Hope.

Words of Assurance
All: This is the good news. By Christ’s word and example we learn that divine love has no bounds. Grace is unending. Those who hunger and thirst will be satisfied. Those who mourn will be comforted. Those who are lost will be found. In Christ we are forgiven, and our lives and hopes are renewed. Thanks be to God.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Psalm 90 Martha May
Matthew 9: 9 – 13, 18 – 26 Ed Lynch

Sermon Title: “God’s Time and Our Time”

Hymn:  “Great Is Your Faithfulness” NCH 423

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “Give Peace”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Wise and wondrous God, bless the gifts we bring to your altar today. For all the great things you have done for us, we are grateful. You give us strength to go on when we are discouraged. You grant newness of life as we share in Christ’s resurrection. We want to pass on the good news through this offering and by the way we live each day. Lead us and guide us in your steadfast love, that we might share your blessings with all we meet. Amen.

Closing Hymn:  “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” FOG 370

Benediction

Postlude

The Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation are adapted and reprinted by permission of United Church Press from Taught by Love, by Lavon Bayler, copyright 1998 by United Church Press.

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: The Spirit of God calls to us
Many: With sighs too deep for words.
One: The Spirit of God calls to us,
Many: Claiming us,
One: Summoning us to become more than we are now.
Many: Calling us by name: God’s children

Opening Hymn: “Fairest Lord Jesus” FOG 240

Opening Prayer
Spirit of holiness and life, be within our community as we worship this morning. Search within each of us for the sighs too deep for words and make them articulate so that we may share our hopes and fears. Let us bring out of silence life-changing prayers for ourselves and for all of this precious, groaning creation. Amen

Assurance
The God of Wondrous Love has touched us and never left us in despair. You have held us in our grief and chaos. You have never deserted us. You paid us a visit and your visit has never ended. In life and in death you raise us anew. This we know. This we experience. This is your word of assurance!

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Jeremiah 18:1-11   Myra Cardona Grammo
Psalm 139:1-8   Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: To Be Known

Hymn: “You Are Before Me, God” Voices United

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “Give Peace”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
We dedicate our lives and all that we have to the work of life, of love, of peace. Receive our gifts and lead us in wisdom and courage. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Savior Again to thy Dear Name we Raise” FOG 519

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Greetings from the Southern New England Conference UCC Ref., Dr. Charlotte Wright

Call to Worship
One: We have been called to walk the faithful road and choose the way of God’s justice.
Many: We are here because we strongly believe our God is good and that we live in that goodness. We are here to proclaim our faith and to seek direction along this faith journey.
One: Come together, then, to be God’s people. Follow Christ and listen for the good things God has done. Rise up in praise and thanksgiving.
Many: We will share with others the goodness we have found in God. May our lives be an expression of that blessing.

Opening Hymn: “The God of Abraham Praise”

Opening Prayer
O God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Our your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of Christ. Amen.

Affirmation
Hear the good news: in the life, death and resurrection of Christ we learn that God’s love has no bounds. In Christ we are forgiven, renewed and empowered to begin anew. Thanks be to God!
Many: The good news is as true as it was on creation’s first morning: the Creator God is the redeeming Word who is the Breath of life for all people. Thanks be to God for forgiveness and grace in our lives. Amen.

Children’s Time

Scripture Readings
Psalm 116: 1-2     Paula Thoin
Genesis 18: 1-15, 20: 1-7    Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: How to Be a Blessing

Hymn: “Make Me a Blessing”

Sharing Time — Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taize Song “Give Peace”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host:
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Holy one, whose heart abound with gifts; receive this offering as a sign of our intention to live surrounded by your mercy, inspired by your Spirit, open to the joy of your presence, hospitable to one another, and generous toward your world. AMEN.

Closing Hymn: “We Love your Realm, O God”

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: Each Sunday, God calls and we step out of the busyness of our daily lives.
Many: A busyness that numbs our spirits and swells our eyes, guarding us from a world we cannot control.
One: This day God calls us to rest and be restored. In Christ, God calls every day, to draw us from empty pursuits, inviting us to embrace a life-affirming Way of Love.
Many: We fear what it means to change! We hesitate to share the Love and Mercy we are receiving.
One: Christ calls us through his Spirit to use our talents for Loving and Healing, as he did for the sake of the common good of humankind.
All: Loving God! Open our hearts! Teach us, and we will learn!

Opening Hymn: “O God of Earth and Altar” NCH 582

Opening Prayer:
God of Mighty Transformation! We gather here to seek your Mercy and Healing. Grace us with your Love. Let us feel your Unseen Presence. Shift our all-to-ready acceptance of what we hear on the grapevine to a trust in and reliance on the teachings of the True Vine, the carpenter from Nazareth who came to spread your Love and transform the world. We come in awe before you, eager to live by Faith, anticipating your Mercy, and giving thanks for your Living Word, Jesus. Amen.

Affirmation:
Be assured and rejoice! God, who created the vast universe and all life in it, Loves each and every one created. God continues to bring new worlds into being and offers new life to all — With every breath you take, you are infused with the nurturing Spirit. With every breath you take, believe in God’s Ever-flowing Love! Amen.

Children’s Time
Scripture Reading(s)

OT: Hosea 5:15-6:6 Carrie Naatz
NT: Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26 Tim Damon

Sermon Title: For I Desire Steadfast Love…

Hymn: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” NCH 23

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer
God of Grace and Comfort, we offer you our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, seeking your comfort, and encouragement. Where our lives feel broken and our hearts despair, help us heal and learn from your profound compassion that we may
better understand our neighbors far and wide. Transform the hearts of people around the world, that they may know your Love and fear not becoming more loving. Soften the hearts of our world leaders, that they may more lightly tread on human dignity, and
take up a life-affirming Way of Life. Bless all who are suffering, strengthen their spirits, and be with them in their struggles. Forgive us our shortfalls, and equip us all to your Purpose and your Dream for a Peaceable Kingdom. And for those thoughts we dare not share even with ourselves, hear us in this time of silent reflection:

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer (Debts & Debtors)

Taizé Song “Give Peace”

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication (in unison)
Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers and restoring our strength. Thank you for the abundance you have provided us, and inviting us into your generous Way of Life. Let our offerings today fulfil your purpose, not ours. Let these gifts summon others to follow Jesus, as his disciples did, and know the Joy of breaking bread at his table, not just on the day of his betrayal, but every day of his earthly life. Amen.

Communion Hymn: “Let Us Break Bread Together” FOG 564

Service of Communion
Introduction
God be with you..
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God Most High
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Communion Prayer
We give you thanks, God of majesty and mercy, for calling forth Creation and raising us from dust by the breath of your being. We bless you for the beauty and bounty of the earth, and for the vision of the day when sharing by all will mean scarcity for none. We remember the covenant you made with your people and we
give thanks for all our ancestors in faith. We come in remembrance and celebration of the gift of Jesus Christ, whom you sent in the fullness of time to be the Good News. Christ lived among us to reveal the mystery of your Word, to suffer and die on the cross for us, and to be raised from death to then live in glory.

Words of Institution

Blessing the Wine and Bread

Sharing of the Elements

Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy Creator, we thank you for feeding us at this table and nourishing our spirits. We have opened our hearts and are revived in this bread and cup. Send us out to follow in the ways of Jesus—to bring love to the lonely, comfort to the broken, and justice to the oppressed. May our lives be an extension of this meal and your Great Love. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” by Clinton Utterbach

Benediction
Go now into the world with the Courage of those who have walked with Jesus and seen him in action and believed. Go with the Faith of those who did not see him resurrected and believed. Go with the Love, Healing, and Mercy you have felt. Rooted in Christ, and abiding in his Peace, let your Faith blossom and inspire others, this day and always. Amen.

Postlude

* — All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: O Holy One, our Sovereign God, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Many: We admire the work of your hands, with awe and
thanksgiving!
One: O Holy One, our Redeemer, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Many: Who are we that you come to us, empower us, and give us
peace?
One: O Holy One, our Companion, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Many: Let us worship the Triune God with honor and glory! How
majestic are your many names in all the earth!

Opening Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” FOG 323

Opening Prayer
God of grace and glory, make your presence known to us as we worship this morning. Jesus our Christ, may your name be praised from the rising of the sun to the midnight hour, may your name always be honored among us. Spirit of holiness, breathe on us all and bind us in Christian love and servanthood. O God, Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, be known to us today. Transform our lives and our community into the image of Jesus
Christ, in whose name we pray. AMEN.

Affirmation
One: By God’s grace, our chaotic choices become creative grace for
others; our foolishness can be transformed by God’s goodness; our lives can become new by the Spirit of our God.
Many: The good news is as true as it was on creation’s first morning: the Creator God is the redeeming Word who is the Breath of life for all people. Thanks be to God for forgiveness and grace in our lives. Amen.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Psalm 8 Martha May
Matthew 28:16-20 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Awe-filled and Glorious

Hymn: “Come Thou Almighty King” FOG 341

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Like the gifts of creation, we are but stewards of all we possess. And like the gifts of creation, they are not to be hoarded, but shared with the hungry, the lonely, the lost, the struggling. As we offer our gifts, receive our thanks and praise in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “O God in Heaven” NCH 279

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (from the UCC Book of Worship)
Leader: The Spirit descends like a dove bringing peace to unite the world in a just and caring community.
People: The Spirit comes like a breath bringing life to renew the people of God.
Leader: The Spirit spreads like a fire, bringing energy for witnessing to the love of God.
ALL: Spirit of the living God, come to us and transform our lives by your power.

*Opening Hymn “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” NCH 290

Opening Prayer: (from the UCC Book of Worship)
Leader: We thank you, compassionate God, that you sent your Spirit to encourage those whom Jesus left behind that they might not be alone. Through the comfort of your presence, you empowered them to witness to your love.
All: Today, we also seek the encouragement of your presence. Do not leave us alone, O God, but send your Spirit to us that we may worship and serve you with joy; through Jesus our crucified and risen Savior. Amen.

Affirmation
The Spirit is here in healing power. Like a breath of fresh air our hopes are renewed. Let us worship God with joy and follow Christ’s light with courage.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading Acts 2: 1-21 Paula & Rev. Barb

Sermon Title: The Power of Pentecost

Hymn:  “On Pentecost They Gathered” NCH 272

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” FOG 159

Benediction
Leader: Go out into the world energized with the spark of the Holy Spirit.
People: May love guide our actions as we follow the way of Christ.
Leader: Listen for the Spirit of Truth. Spread the peace of Christ.
All: May we rejoice in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen,

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 68)
One: Let God rise up! Sing to God; lift up a song to the One who rides upon the clouds–the Holy One–be exultant before God.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them be jubilant with joy!
One: Let God rise up! Ascribe power to God, full of majesty and power.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them be jubilant with joy!
One: Let God rise up! Awesome is God in the sanctuary, who gives power and strength to the people.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them be jubilant with joy! Blessed be God!

Opening Hymn: “A Hymn of Glory Let us Sing”

Opening Prayer
Holy God, our Companion and Source, shower us with your presence, shelter us in your sanctuary, shield us with your peace. Open our eyes and ears and hearts to your Word and Way. May our worship draw us nearer to you and to our neighbors. Be glorified in our midst as we lift up our joyful voices. Amen.

Affirmation
In Jesus Christ, the resurrected life is yours. In Christ all things are made new. Change is possible. Dog has given us grace and authority as well as a Companion to make a difference in the world. Receive these gifts as freely as they are given.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35  Robert Grammo
Acts 1:6-14     Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Now What?

Hymn: “Christ for the World We Sing”

Sharing Time — Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taize Song “In God Alone”

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Rebekah’s Closet

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, may these gifts we bring be used to bless, to build, and to beautify through generous and faithful care. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “God Our Author and Creator”

Benediction

Postlude