Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1 -2
Sermon:  “And So It Begins” by Jeff Pierpont

*Hymn: #12 (Songs of Spirit) Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
*Hymn: #326 (Songs of Spirit) Beneath the Forms of Outward Rite
*Hymn: #54 (Songs of Spirit) For the Beauty of the Earth

Prelude: solo piano

Welcome & Announcements

Call to worship:
Jeff: Lord, make us instruments of your peace:
People: where there is hatred, let us sow love;

Jeff: where there is injury, pardon;
People: where there is doubt, faith;

Jeff: where there is despair, hope;
People: where there is darkness, light;

Jeff: where there is sadness, joy.
People: O God, grant that we may not so much seek

Jeff: to be consoled as to console,
People: to be understood as to understand,

Jeff: to be loved as to love.
People: For it is in giving that we now receive,

Jeff: It is in pardoning that we now are pardoned,
People: and it is in dying that we are born again..

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

Unison prayer of confession:
Holy God, we thank you for the freedom you have given us through the resurrection of your Son. We confess this morning that we often live like slaves. Instead of living like you delight in us, we avoid you in shame and guilt. Instead of receiving your grace as a gift, we try to earn it with our efforts. Instead of accepting your freedom, we prefer our bonds. Instead of pursuing your purposes, we cling to our personal agendas. Forgive us. Embrace us. Heal us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance of pardon

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1 -2

Anthem: “When You Do This, Remember Me” by David Edwards, arr. Jane Marshall 1993

Sermon: And So It Begins 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 we pray, that through them we may do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen

Communion, See Insert

*Hymn: #326 (Songs of Spirit) Beneath the Forms of Outward Rite

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: #54 (Songs of Spirit) For the Beauty of the Earth

*Benediction
So this day, let us not conform to the image of this world: but be transformed by the renewing of our minds to Christ, so that we may show through our actions, the good and perfect will of God. 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