Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7: 8-10
Sermon: “The Comfort of Critical Thinking” by Jeff Pierpont

*Hymn: #12 (Songs of Spirit) Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
*Hymn: #S-22 (Songs of Spirit) Come and Find the Quiet Center
*Hymn: #S-2 (Songs of Spirit) Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Prelude: Sonata in F Major by G F Handel, Larghetto
performed by: Hollie Parker-Winzenread, flute

Welcome & Announcements

Call to worship:

Leader: Come, all who are weary of simple answers and shallow hope. Come, all who carry questions too heavy to bear alone.

People: We come seeking truth, even when it unsettles us. We come to listen for wisdom that steadies us in uncertain times.

Leader: In a world that chases after wind, God invites us to stillness. In the face of what we cannot control, God offers presence.

People: We turn our hearts to the One who does not demand perfection, but invites us into reverence, honesty, and trust.

All: Let us worship God who meets us in the questions, walks with us in the unknown, and teaches us to live well in the here and now.

Opening Prayer

*Gloria Patri   #36
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Christ and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. Amen.

*Hymn: #12 (Songs of Spirit) Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7: 8-10

Anthem: “Come Sunday Savior God Above” by Duke Ellington, 1943, Hollie Parker-Winzenread, voice

Sermon: The Comfort of Critical Thinking Jeff Pierpont

A Time of Silence

Offertory

*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.

*Unison Prayer of Dedication
Lord, you are the giver of every good gift. Accept these offerings, and we pray that through them we may do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen

*Hymn: #S-22 (Songs of Spirit) Come and Find the Quiet Center

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.

*Hymn: #S-2 (Songs of Spirit) Great Is Thy Faithfulness

*Benediction
Go now, not chasing after the wind, but walking in wisdom. Not grasping for more, but resting in grace. Not striving alone, but trusting the One who gives meaning to our days and peace to our nights. Walk in faith. Live in hope. Go in peace. Amen.

Musical Benediction: Songs of Spirit: #349 Go in Peace
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you al-ways.
Cel-e-brate and share the joy! Cel-e-brate new life!
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.

Postlude: solo organ