June 1 — That They May All Be One

All glory to God for the blessing of life! We give thanks to God for the invitation to be alive in a world full of possibility with open minds and open hearts to live with great joy until we meet again.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — He Is Exalted

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: Come now into this hour of worship and of praise to God.
All: We enter joyfully into the sacred place of the Most High.
One: We long to encounter God as Spirit,
All: And to worship God in spirit and in truth.
One: May our every breath become a prayer,
All: And may our every heartbeat become an open door through which the Living One may enter.

*HYMN — I Sing the Almighty Power of God — 6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how wonThyders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, are present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Ann Molyneaux
Merciful and Gracious God, we praise you as the Creator of all life. You are the One who makes and loves all people. May we love everyone as genuinely as you do, God. Come alive among us day by day. May we live – growing and responding to all that you ask of us.
With joy we join together to worship you. Come now and fill our hearts with your unselfish, exceptional love. Oh God, be with us as we live into all that is possible.
We pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. men.

*RESPONSE — Thy Word — #178

Chorus:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Chorus:

I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love You to the end.
Chorus:

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 97 — Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC — Great is the Lord

GOD’S WORD — John 17:20-26 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*COMMUNION HYMN — Come Share the Lord — #260

We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame,
For thru the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord.

No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.

He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen, He meets us here,
In the breaking of the bread.

We’ll gather soon where angels sing,
We’ll see the glory of our lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A] — Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN — Called as Partners in Christ’s Service — Worship booklet, p.32

Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end

Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair

So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Christ for the World We Sing

February 4 – Source of Strength

Today we break bread together, celebrating open communion as is the tradition of the United Church of Christ. Take a moment to gather the elements so we may gather at Christ’s table as one. All are welcome.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Amazing Grace

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Sue Wilson
One: Let your light shine, people of God!
All: Let us give glory to God!
One: You and I are blessed!
All: We are called to be God’s light in the world!
One: We can be the salt of the earth.
All: God is within each one of us, inviting us to live with flair and flavor!
One: No eye has seen,
All: No ear has heard,
One: No human imagination has envisioned,
All: What God has prepared for those who love God.

*HYMN – We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer – #27

We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
We lay it before Thee, We kneel and adore Thee,
We bless Thy holy name: glad praises we sing.

We worship Thee, God of our fathers, we bless Thee,
Thru life’s storm and tempest our Guide hast Thou been;
When perils o’er take us, escape Thou wilt make us,
And with Thy help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united our praises we offer,
To Thee, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise;
Thy strong arm will guide us, our God is beside us,
To Thee, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Sue Wilson
Living God, you are our joy and our salvation. Through your supreme power, you bring all creation to life. God of astonishing love; we are grateful to you for teaching us your truth. Draw us away from the ways of the world. Empty us of all that would injure or harm. Help us to realize that you are alive within all creation. Lead us to treasure your closeness.
We depend on you, God. You are our Savior; no one else besides you. Your Living Water cleanses; and your Living Word gives life. Come, Holy Spirit; wash over us. Come as light in our darkness. Come as new life to the weary. Come as strength to our weakness. Take us – soul, body and mind. Come, Holy Spirit; we need you now. Guide us to live with grace and compassion. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 40:21-31 – Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Well with My Soul

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:29-39

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Take Time to Be Holy – #171

Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, With Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive Beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Believing the Table of Jesus Christ is open to all, the United Church of Christ celebrates Open Communion. All who desire to share in the Sacrament are welcome to receive the bread and the cup. The cups in the outer circle on the communion tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – The Solid Rock – #315

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Refrain:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on HIs unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my sould gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in HIm be found;
Dressed in HIs righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit