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Call to Worship
Led by Linda Johnston
One: Like a pebble in a pond
All: God tosses Shadow Rock into the sea of history.
One: Like a nugget in a puddle
All: God tosses Shadow Rock into the ocean of need.
One: Like a rock jutting out of the middle of a lake
All: God tosses Shadow Rock into chaotic waters to add
ripples of a new order of peace, justice and love.
One: Like ripples on a pond, so we are a part of the ever
expanding circle of care and justice for the sake of the
world.
All: Let us celebrate Life!
Singing Our Faith ~ I Saw a Tree by the Riverside
I saw a tree by the riverside one day as I walked along,
Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky,
Growing tall and strong.
“How do you grow so tall and strong?”
I said to the riverside tree.
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.
I’ve got roots growing down to the water,
I’ve got leaves growing up to the sunshine,
And the fruit that I bear is a sign of the life in me.
I am shade from the hot summer sun down,
I am nest for the birds of the heaven.
I’m becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be,
A strong young tree.
I saw a tree in the wintertime when snow lay on the ground,
Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky,
And winter winds blew all around.
“How do you stay so tall and strong?”
I said to the wintertime tree.
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.
Chorus
I saw a tree in the city streets where buildings blocked the sun;
Green and lovely, I could see it gave joy to everyone.
“How do you grow in the city streets?”
I said to the downtown tree.
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me.
I’ve got roots growing down to the water,
I’ve got leaves growing up to the sunshine,
And the fruit that I bear is a sign of the life in me.
I am shade from the hot summer sun down,
I am nest for the birds of the heaven.
I’m becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be,
A strong young tree. (Repeat this line 2x)
Opening Prayer ~
Shared by Linda Johnston
Let us now take a moment to settle into the silence.
Hear and feel your quiet breathing.
Hear and feel the quiet of this place
and this community of people.
In this time of quiet, may our spirits be renewed.
In this gathering of old and new friends,
may we be ready to extend ourselves to those in need,
and with trust to receive the hand that is offered.
Silence
In this time of celebration, may our minds be open to new truth,
and our hearts be receptive to love,
as we give thanks for this life we are blessed to share.
Sharing Our Covenant
Shared by Linda Merritt
We covenant one with another to be that sensitive and
responsive part of human society which perceives and
responds to God’s newest thrust in the midst of history. The
uniqueness and greatness of every life is radically affirmed.
Our task together demands a comprehensive view of life,
always pointed intentionally to the future. Our life together
will involve us individually and corporately in study and
worship, always maintaining a proper balance between
proclamation of the Word about life with the deeds which
make life good. Those activities which eliminate age
barriers, cut across religious dogma, reduce cultural
parochialisms and engage secular people with life’s ultimate
possibilities will be worthy of our best efforts.
Celebrations For the Deep Goodness of Life
Led by Pastor Ken
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 Linda Johnston
Let our gratitude for life be expressed in our generosity.
Let our faith be expressed in good causes.
Let our belief in the future find full expression
in our daily attitude of mind.
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