UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK
We respect tradition — and we welcome inclusive language about people and expansive language about God. Please pray using words most meaningful to you.
Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children
July 14, 2024
Worship Leader and Preacher - Sarina Brooks - Ministry Intern
This service will be in-person and on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. (Recorded for Facebook and YouTube)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518
Passcode: 755650
The first pew in front of the pulpit has books and quiet activities for people of all ages.
Please find something that suits you, take it to your pew, and return it after the service.
Silent Prayer
Gracious and merciful God, you summon us when we are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and then you promise rest. But there are days when we are waiting for healing and redemption, when the Spirit groans alongside us, and we don’t know how to pray. We can’t find the words, and yet we hold on to your promise of rest. Amen.
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude
Welcome
*Introit Here in This Place (vs. 1) R. #250
Here in this place, the new light is streaming, now the darkness has vanished away. See in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in, the lost and forsaken; gather us in; our spirits inflame. Call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name.
*Call to Worship
One:We cry aloud to God.
All: Merciful Mother hear us.
One: We cry aloud to God.
All: In all our troubles we seek the Holy.
One: We cry aloud to God.
All: In the days of our sorrow and pain we seek the Holy.
One: We cry aloud to God.
All: In the night our hands stretch out. Our souls yearn for comfort. We cry aloud to you God and even as our spirit faints, we seek you.
*Passing of the Peace (ASL) and Lighting of Peace & Justice Candle
*Hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus R. #442
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear,all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden, burdened with a load of care?Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer!Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!In his arms he'll take and shield you, you will find a solace there.
*Invocation (in unison)
One: Holy One, hear our prayer:
All: As we gather here in your presence, we bring our broken hearts, our deepest fears, anxieties and pain.
One: We call out to you for the healing of our entire selves.
All: We call out to you in great lament and pray that we remember you are with us, even when we cannot feel you.
One: We pray for courage to keep calling out to you.
All: Even when we feel like the world is falling apart around us and despair threatens to engulf us. As we gather here in your presence we call out to you and remember that you are the God who works wonders. Amen.
Children’s Message
Hebrew Scripture Psalm 77: 1-12, 19-20
Greek Scripture John 14:25-31
Special Music
Message Sarina Brooks
*Hymn How Firm a Foundation (vs. 1-3) B. #407
How firm a foundation for you has been laid,by God in the Word, in the sacrifice paid!What more can God say than to you has been said,to you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
"Fear not, I am with you, oh, be not dismayed,for I am your God, I will still give you aid;I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.”
"When through the deep waters I call you to go,the rivers of woe shall not over you flow;For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,Delivering you from your deepest distress.”
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
Our Father (Creator, Mother) 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Lead me Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou Lord, thou Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
Invitation to Offering – As we bring forth our offerings may we be truthful about our lives and about our limitations. May we recognize that we are human and in our humanness we have struggles that we all face. Despite these struggles we all have gifts to offer. Gifts of time, talent and resources that can heal us and help heal the world. As we bring forth our morning offering, may we remember that the Spirit moves among us, holding, healing, helping. May we embody the essence of Spirit and continue to be the healing, helping hands and feet of Christ. Amen.
Offertory Andante Tranquillo Felix Mendelssohn
*The 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
*Prayer of Dedication (spoken in unison)
As we offer these gifts to you, we remember the wonders you have performed both mighty and mild. We meditate on your wonders and remember your mercy and love. You give us strength and healing when we are distressed and discouraged. You lead us by the hand and even when we cannot see your footprints, we know your love is present and endures. Take us, and these humble gifts, to use in transforming and healing the world. Amen.
Hymn Be Still, My Soul B. #488
Be still, my soul: for God is on your side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;Leave to your God to order and provide; in every change God faithful will remain.Be still, my soul: your best eternal friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: for God will undertake to guide in future days as in the past.Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be clear at last.Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know How Jesus’ power ruled them long ago.
Be still, my soul: the hour will soon be here when we shall be with God whom we adore,when disappointment gone, no grief nor fear, sorrow replaced with joys forever more.Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
*Benediction
*Sung Blessing Sent Forth by God’s Blessing B. #76
Sent forth by God's blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The service is ended, O now be extended
the fruits of our worship in all who believe.
The seed of the teaching, receptive hearts reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God's grace did invite us, and love shall unite us
to work for God's realm and to answer the call.
Postlude
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the sanctuary.
Today's flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of her parents, Helen and Norman Padelford, by Peggy Karns.
Our Monteux student musicians this morning are Kaitlyn Jones and Ryan Vickrey, both horn players.
My name is Kaitlyn Jones and I am from Spring Texas, located north of Houston. I started playing the French Horn in 2015, and as I finished high school in 2022, I recognized that I wanted to make a career out of playing the horn, so I decided to apply to college with that in mind. I just completed my Sophomore year at Baylor University as a Music Performance Major (with a Psychology minor) studying under Dr. Kristy Morrell. I have participated in masterclasses with Canadian Brass, WindSync (specifically Anni Hochhalter), and Pablo Ortiz. I have played in various orchestras over my playing career, including several from summer festivals such as Sewanee Summer Music Festival and Baylor University ensembles. Additionally, I enjoy various outdoor activities such as tennis, hiking, and biking. I am absolutely a people person as I love to connect with everyone, and when I’m not curating my next best YouTube video, I love being around animals, likely at volunteer shelters, and friends as much as possible.
Ryan Vickrey is currently finishing his second year in horn performance at the University of Redlands, studying under Adam Wolf. Ryan has enjoyed being a soloist with the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, playing in the SCSBOA Honors Orchestra for 3 years, and getting to tour Vienna and Prague with the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra. In addition to playing the french horn, Ryan is the administrative intern for the Redlands Symphony Orchestra, and is a music instructor for Rancho Verde High School and March Middle School. Outside of music, Ryan is a student leader for the University of Redlands’ club Young Life.
Support our Church Financially
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our new webpage www.hancockucc.com
or visit this link to our PayPal account: paypal.me/hancockucc
or mail offerings to:
Union Congregational Church, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 (Attention: Treasurer)
Contact Us
207.422.3100 207.323.6743
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Everett Espling & Pat Summerer
Liturgist – Brandy Brooks
Audio-Video Support – Mike Summerer
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Student Ministry Intern-Sarina Brooks
Resources:
Silent Prayer: https://resistharm.com/prayers/prayer-of-lament
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License #A-738532. All rights reserved
Gather Us In
Words and Music - ©1982 GIA Publications, Inc.
Contributors: Marty Haugen
What A Friend We Have In Jesus #EXS00321SD
Type: Words and Music
Contributors: Joseph Scriven, Charles Converse, Stephen DeCesare
Tune: Public Domain Text: Public Domain
How Firm a Foundation
Word alterations Copyright ©1992 The Pilgrim Press
Be Still, My Soul
Words and Music - ©2010 Hal Leonard Corporation (select catalogs)
Contributors: Katharina von Schlegel, Jane L. Borthwick, Jean Sibelius
Sent Forth by God's Blessing
Words - ©1964 World Library Publications
Our annual Church Fair, Yard Sale, and Silent Auction will soon be here on Saturday August 3rd. Please save the date. We need lots of help and donations to make our biggest fundraiser of the year a success. It's a very important event in the life of our church and we can't do it without you!
Do you have perennials in your garden that are getting a little crowded? Would you like to donate a few to the Church Fair plant booth? We can even come and, with your guidance, provide the physical labor. We are also looking for yard and garden items to sell. Call Robin at 385-7051.
In particular, the Silent Auction needs gift certificates from your favorite stores and restaurants, paintings, artwork, unique one-of-a kind items, high-end small appliances and sports equipment, and donated services to create auction excitement and high bids. The Silent Auction consistently brings in a lot of money and we need your help to be successful again this year. Please coordinate your donations with David Wildes (422-3739).
Comments