Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5: 1-3
Sermon: “Let Your Words Be Few” Rev. Jeff Pierpont

*Hymn – #12 (Songs of Spirit) Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
*Hymn – #424 (Songs of Spirit) We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight
*Hymn – #419 (Songs of Spirit) My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff

Prelude: Sonata 11, Op. 2 for recorder, viola da gamba and harpsichord by Benedetto Marcello
(1686-1739) – Adagio 1, Adagio 2, Gina Jenkins, recorder, Tom Anastasio, viola da gamba, Hal, harpsichord

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship
Leader: Come, all who are weary of noise and clutter, all who long for a word that matters.
People: We come to listen. We come to be still before God.

Leader: Not with empty phrases or hurried prayers, but with open hearts and attentive spirits.
People: God is in heaven, and we are on earth. Let our words be few.

Leader: Let us draw near — not to impress, but to receive. Not to perform, but to worship.
All: We come to stand in awe of the One who speaks truth in silence, and whose presence fills the stillness with grace.

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 5:1-3

Anthem: “Make My life an Alleluia” by Ruth Elaine Schram Choir

Sermon: Let Your Words Be Few Rev. 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 – #424 (Songs of Spirit) We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer
Our God, 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 – #419 (Songs of Spirit) My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff

*Benediction
As we go from this place, may we walk gently, speak truthfully, and listen deeply for the voice of God. May our prayers be shorter, and our hearts more open. May we extend more grace, and less judgement. And may the God who dwells in holy silence bless us with a peace that passes understanding, and a wisdom that begins with awe. Go in reverence. Go in grace. Go in peace. Amen.

Song of Sending – #349 (Songs of Spirit)
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: Sonata 11, Op. 2 for recorder, viola da gamba and harpsichord by Benedetto Marcello
(1686-1739) – Allegro, Presto, Gina Jenkins, recorder, Tom Anastasio, viola da gamba, Hal, harpsichord