Service outline for February 5

ORDER OF WORSHIP
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Prelude

Welcome and Announcements,
Acknowledgement of the Land

Gathering Song, "Bathe Me In Your Light" (vs 2)

Bathe me in your love, O Source of Awe and Wonder;
help me walk the sacred path of harmony and peace.
May I be attentive to the musings of your presence,
drinking from the well of hope that brings the heart release.

Lighting the Candles and Placing the Bible

Opening Hymn, VU #222: "Come Let Us Sing"
1. Come, let us sing to the Lord our song,
we have stood silently too long;
surely the Lord deserves our praise,
so joyfully thank God for our days.

2. O thirsty soul, come drink at the well;
God's living waters will never fail.
Surely the Lord will help you to stand,
strengthened and comforted by God's hand.

3. You dwell among us and cause us to pray,
and walk with each other following your way;
our precious brothers and sisters will grow
in the fulfilling love they know.

4. Deserts shall bloom and mountains shall sing
to the desire of all living things.
Come, all you creatures, high and low,
let your praises endlessly flow.

The Passing of the Peace
One: The Peace of Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you!

MV #173: "Put Peace Into Each Other’s Hands"

Put peace into each other’s hands
and like a treasure hold it,
protect it like a candle flame,
with tenderness enfold it.

Words of Love

Sung Response, MV #59: “Alleluia, Praise to God”
1. Alleluia, praise to God.
Alleluia, praise to God.
Praises, high praises,
we bring you, O God.
Alleluia, praise to God

2. Songs of joy sing out to God.
Songs of joy sing out to God.
Dancing and singing,
we praise you, O God.
Songs of joy sing out to God.

3. Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Beat the drums, sing out to God.
Praises, high praises,
we bring you, O God.
Beat the drums, sing out to God.

Opening Prayer

Time With All Ages, Song by the Kidz Choir: "Build on the Rock" (Long/Pote)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-14, 24-29 (the Golden Rule)
One: Listen to what the Spirit is saying.
All: Thanks be to God!

Reflection

Anthem, "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" (Solist: Shirley Gaudreau)

Centering Song: "In the Sound and in the Silence" (Nancy Nelson)

In the sound and in the silence,
may Holy Wisdom draw near.
Let us feel the power of hearts and minds
that are joined in Thanksgiving
and praising and longing
and hoping for Love to appear.

Prayers of the Community and the prayer Jesus gave us (sung VU #959)

Responsive Hymn, MV #94, "Love Knocks and Waits"
1. Love knocks and waits for us to hear,
to open and invite;
Love longs to quiet every fear,
and seeks to set things right.

2. Love offers life, in spite of foes
who threaten and condemn;
embracing enemies,
Love goes the second mile with them.

3. Love comes to heal the broken heart,
to ease the troubled mind;
without a word Love bids us start
to ask and seek and find.

4. Love knocks and enters at the sound
of welcome from within;
Love sings and dances all around,
and feels new life begin.

Invitation to the Offering,
   Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures high and low;
Give thanks to God in love made known:
Creator, Word and Spirit One.

Presentation and blessing of the Candles

We Bless our Offerings
Faithful One, when we bring our offering, may it be like praying.
When we pray, may it be to seek you.
         When we seek you, may we find you all around us. Amen.

Sending Hymn, MV #154: "Deep In Our Hearts"

1. Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
deep in our hearts there is a common song;
deep in our hearts there is a common story,
telling Creation that we are one.

2. Deep in our hearts there is a common purpose;
deep in our hearts there is a common goal;
deep in our hearts there is a sacred message,
justice and peace in harmony.

3. Deep in our hearts there is a common longing;
deep in our hearts there is a common theme;
deep in our hearts there is a common current,
flowing to freedom like a stream.

4. Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;
deep in our hearts there is a common song;
deep in our hearts there is a common story,
telling Creation that we are one.

Sending and Closing Blessing

One: Go with the love of God the Creator,
the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the friendship of the Holy Spirit
- today and always.
All: Amen!

Choral Blessing
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you,
God’s peace growing in you.