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Order of Worship
10-04-26
| | Always maintaining a proper balance between proclamation of the word about life with the deeds which make life good. | | |
Welcome and Announcements
Shared by Sue Stuart
Opening Words
Led by Sue Stuart
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.
Prelude
Shared by Tanner Bayles
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Call to Worship
Please stand in mind, body, or spirit
Led by Greg Jackson
One: In the midst of uncertain times, it is a good and right thing to remind ourselves not just of what is or could be, but of what will be.
All: We celebrate the Spirit of Life and Love, creator of all.
One: Our tradition tells us that God’s Kindom will contain “a great crowd that no one could number. They will be from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”
All: We worship the One who created every nation, tribe, people, and language out of love.
One: So as we break the bread and drink from the cup today, we are reminded that we do not do so in isolation. We are part of a universal and diverse kindom that crosses every line and defies every wall the world uses to divide us.
All: We celebrate the Spirit of Life and Love that calls us from the sidelines and invites us into the work of the Kindom to co-create what will be.
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Singing Our Welcome In the Midst of New Dimensions
Led by Tanner Bayles
In the midst of new dimensions,
in the face of changing ways,
who will lead the pilgrim peoples
wandering in their separate ways?
Chorus
God of rainbow, fiery pillar,
leading where the eagles soar,
we your people, ours the journey
now and ever, now and ever, now and evermore.
Through the flood of starving people,
warring factions, and despair,
who will lift the olive branches?
Who will light the flame of care?
Chorus
As we stand,
a world divided by our own self-seeking schemes,
grant that we, your global village,
might envision wider dreams.
Chorus
We are man and we are woman,
all persuasions, old and young,
each a gift in your creation, each a love song to be sung.
Chorus
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Centering Prayer
Shared by Rev. Dr. David Hodgson
Around the world today people are gathering in different places, with varied stories, speaking diverse languages, yet bound together by a Love that knows no borders. On this World Communion Sunday, we remember that your table is wide, stretching across oceans, languages, traditions, and time zones. You do not ask us to think alike, look alike, or be alike, instead, you invite us just as we are—whole, broken, questioning, and hoping.
Give us the courage to tear down barriers within us and around us that prevent us from being fully human and the grace to see your reflection in the faces of all people, especially those on the margins, the outcast, and the stranger.
May the bread we break and the cup we share nourish our spirits, stir our compassion, and send us out into a hurting world where we may live out our values of justice, inclusion, and spirituality.
In the name of the One who welcomes all, Amen.
Celebrations
Sue Stuart
This is our time to share the celebrations of our lives: birthdays, anniversaries, words of kindness, and works of peace and justice.
Special Music for Thinking of You Cards
Shared by Tanner Bayles
Invitation to Give
Led by Greg Jackson
One: Let the world be changed.
All: Let the rules be changed.
One: Let there be a place for everyone.
All: May our giving and efforts enable a welcome here and a just share for all.
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In our offerings, we share not only measurable treasures of time, talents, and resources, we radically commit ourselves to sharing immeasurable gifts of forgiveness, grace, compassion, acceptance, and loving concern with each other and with ourselves.
In response to our celebrations and the deep goodness of life, our offerings for the celebration of life, in this place and beyond, shall now be received.
Offertory~ Tanner Bayles
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Dedication of Our Offerings
Led by Greg Jackson
One: Spirit of Life and Love, we dedicate these gifts to your
vision of a mended world.
All: May these resources break down walls of division, feed those who hunger for physical bread, and sustain those who thirst for justice. Bless both the givers and the gifts, that together we may embody the radical hospitality we witness at this table.
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The Chime Calls Us to the Word About Life
Sue Stuart
Word About Life
On Being in Communion... With the Rest of the World
Shared by Rev. Dr. David Hodgson
Other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.
John 10:16
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Celebrating Our Table and Community
Led by Rev. Dr. David Hodgson
One: It is our custom to have an open table where all people are invited to share bread and wine. We believe this is a continuation of the radical table of hospitality of Jesus.
All: Jesus’ invitation proclaimed the vision of love, justice, and peace of God for all people.
One: The larger story of table fellowship includes the reversal of social roles so as to make known the height, depth, and inclusiveness of God’s love.
All: We show our gratitude for all of life by inviting all
people to the Table of Life!
One: And now let the weak say, “I am strong.”
All: I AM STRONG!
One: Let the poor say, “I am rich.”
All: I AM RICH!
One: The bread and wine are not for us alone but are symbols of a universal message of hope that challenges the world views of violence that feed oppression and separation.
All: May our sisters and brothers in all lands join us in
lifting the bread of life and the cup of passion.
One: Today we ritualize and celebrate the inclusive table
practices of Jesus.
All: May this holy meal empower each of us to become
partners in the great work of healing all people, all
nations and all the planet.
Please come forward as directed by the ushers. All are welcome. All bread is gluten-free. Our offering for the communion baskets is dedicated to the National UCC
offering: Neighbors in Need.
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Words for Mission
Led by Rev. Dr. David Hodgson
One: May the love that gives to life its beauty,
All: the reverence that gives to life its sacredness,
One: and the purposes that give to life its deep significance,
All: be strong within each of us and lead us into ever
deepening relationships with all of our brothers and
sisters.
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: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Amen.
All: Amen.
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Sending Forth Song We are Companions on the Journey
Please stand in mind, body, or spirit
Shared by Tanner Bayles
We are companions on our journey,
Breaking bread and sharing life.
In the love we bear is the hope we share,
For we believe in the love of our God.
Yes, we believe in the love of our God.
1. No longer strangers to each other,
No longer strangers in God’s house;
We are blest and we are nourished
By the love we all can share.
Chorus
2. Although the journey may be rocky,
Although the way’s not always clear;
We will share God’s love a plenty,
With all people far and near.
Chorus
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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.
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