Order of Worship

4-19-26

The Olive Tree

Spiritually, the olive tree has long symbolized peace, hope, and renewal. Enduring, it thrives even in harsh conditions, reminding us to remain steadfast and to live in harmony with both nature and one another. Its visage appears repeatedly throughout the Bible.

But to Palestinians, the olive tree is much more. For Palestinians, the olive tree is a symbol of their identity, resilience, and a rootedness to their land. Nearly 1 million olive trees have been uprooted since 1967 as more and more Palestinian homes are destroyed by illegal settlements.

Always maintaining a proper balance between proclamation of the word about life with the deeds which make life good.

Prelude ~

Shared by Tanner Bayles

Welcome and Announcements

Shared by Pastor Ken

We welcome everyone to our service and hope you are blessed by worshipping with us.

Opening Words

Shared by Pastor Ken

One: Who are we and what are we called to do?

All: We are the sensitive and responsive ones called to create a world where every person is radically affirmed, and barriers between people become

bridges of inclusion, justice, and spirituality.



GATHERING WITH HOPE

Call to Worship ~ Led by Greg and Carla Freeman

One:  Sisters and brothers, enter into this space together to worship the Holy One. Let us rejoice, for God offers us freedom through our Lord Jesus Christ and gives us the Spirit to be children of God and to live free from fear and of insignificance.

All:   We come to walk with Jesus, the same way Jesus walked down the streets of Jerusalem and throughout the countryside. We come to remember the simple act of walking as defiance against oppression, and the simple act of writing as calling attention to injustice; each creates the peace and love that Jesus teaches us. God, we come!

Singing Our Faith ~  I’ve Got Peace Like A River

1.  I’ve got peace like a river,     

I’ve got peace like a river,     

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. (Repeat)

2.  I’ve got love like an ocean,     

I’ve got love like an ocean,     

I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul. (Repeat)

3.  I’ve got joy like a fountain,     

I’ve got joy like a fountain,     

I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.     (Repeat)

Opening Prayer ~ Pastor Ken

Holy One, Creator and Spirit of Life We thank you for the gift of this day and the gathering of your people.We have come with our joys and our brokenness. We have come with our insignificance and our power. Teach us. Reach us. Nourish us. Then set us forth to walk, to talk, to write, to live your message of peace in our corner and through all the lands. Amen.

LISTENING WITH HOPE

Prayer of the People

Led by Greg and Carla Freeman

One:  God of mercy and compassion, of grace and reconciliation, pour your power upon all your children: Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians and Israelis.      

Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope, oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation. May these violent encounters be replaced by loving embraces and peace and justice be experienced by all.

All:   Grant us the courage to continue our solidarity with these, your people, as they face seemingly insurmountable obstacles to peace.

Celebrations ~ Pastor Ken

WISE Mission Moment

President’s Update

Search Team Update

This is our time to share the celebrations of our lives: birthdays, anniversaries, words of kindness and works of peace and justice.

Music for Thinking of You Cards ~ Shared by Tanner Bayles

Invitation to Give ~ Shared by Carla and Greg Freeman

Peace is generosity, not a silence. The risk is ours to take. We choose to act and share our time, talents, and treasures. We choose to step with God into the obstacles so that peace becomes the path to walk.

QR Code for Giving Page

The Chime Calls Us to The Lighting of the Peace Candle

If we would be your people, Blessed God, we must look in the windows of the world: to see as you see, to love as you love, to act as you act.

Through us, you would stand by the poor, supporting them at the beginning of their distress, not when they are at the end of their hope.

Through us, you would side with the oppressed, and challenge us to release them from their tyranny and torture.

Through us, you would speak for the voiceless, and call the powerful to meek and lowly lives.

Beloved Holy One: help us to be the doers, not just the hearers of your heart.

Word About Life ~ Panel Discussion

A Call to Action ~ Shared by Greg and Carla Freeman

Grant us peace that will BREAK our silence in the midst of violence then prophetic voices shall resonate.

Grant us peace that will PULL US DOWN from the steeple of our pride then we’ll learn to wash each other’s feet.

Grant us peace that will EMPTY us of hate and intolerance then we’ll turn guns into guitars and sing.

Grant us peace that will DISTURB us in our apathy then we’ll dance together under the sun.

SCATTERING WITH HOPE

Words for Mission ~ Carla and Greg Freeman

One:  May we now take that one step into the world and embrace it as you have embraced us.

All:   The blessing of God – Creator, Christ, and Spirit – is with us this day and always.

One: These are the times!

All: We are the people!

One: All of Creation is blessed!

All: May we love all and serve all!

One: May God be with you.

All: And also with you.

One: Amen.

All: Amen.

Sending Forth Song ~ Let There Be Peace On Earth

Let there be peace on Earth,

And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on Earth,

The peace that was meant to be.

With God Our Creator, Family all are we.

Let us walk with each other In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,

Let this be the moment now.

With every step I take,

Let this be my solemn vow:

To take each moment, And live each moment,

In peace eternally.

Let there be peace on Earth, And let it begin with me.

Sermon Reboot is ON for today.

This is a time to talk about the message and explore together using the ORID Art Form Conversation methodology. What is ORID? It stands for Observation, Reflection, Interpretation, and Decision. You will get the hang of it.