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
September 24, 2023 – Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
This service will be in-person and on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
This service will be at the Gazebo in Monument Park (adjacent to the Town Office)
(Posted for later viewing on Facebook and YouTube)
Silent Prayer
(in honor of Saint Francis)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude The Unclouded Day arr. C.E. Walz
Welcome
*Call to Worship
Leader: Bless the Lord, all you creatures.
People: Bless the Lord, in heaven and on earth.
All: O God, you have made us and these pets and all living things. You are even more wonderful than the things you have made. We thank you for giving us these animal companions who give us joy. As you take care of us, so also we ask that you help us to take care of our pets, who trust us. By doing this, we know that we share in your love for all creation. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
*Hymn Place in the Choir PL Hymnal #50
Chorus:
All God's critters got a place in the choir. Some sing low, some sing higher, Some sing out loud on the telephone wire, And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now.
Dogs and the cats they take up the middle, Where the honeybee hums and the crickets fiddle The donkey brays and the pony neighs The old coyote howls (ooww!)
Chorus:
Listen to the top where the little bird sings On the melody with their high notes ringin’ The hoot owl hollers over everything The jaybird disagrees.
Chorus:
All God's critters got a place in the choir. Some sing low, some sing higher, Some sing out loud on the telephone wire, And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now.
Singing in the nighttime, singin’ in the day The little duck quacks and is on his way The possum ain’t got much to say The porcupine talks to himself.
Chorus:
It’s a simple song of living everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear,
The grumpy alligator and the hawk above
The sly raccoon and the turtle dove.
Chorus:
*Passing of the Peace (ASL)
Blessing of the Animals
Old Testament Reading Genesis 1:1, 31 and 9:15
Leader: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
People: And God saw everything that God had made and behold, it was very good.
Leader: And God said, “I will remember my covenant of love which is between me and you and every living thing.”
New Testament Reading Matthew 23:37-39
Leader: Jesus said, “How often I have longed to gather your children together,
People: As a hen gathers her brood of chicks under her wings,
Leader: But you were not willing… For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say,
All: “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Special Music This Is My Father’s World Sheppard/ Summers
Message “Animals Bless Us” Rev. Mary Angela Davis
*Hymn Hymn of St Francis B. #17
To you, O God, all creatures sing, and all creation,
everything sings your praises, alleluia!
Your burning sun with golden beam, your silver moon with softer gleam
sing your praises, allulia, allulia, allulia, allulia!
Your wind that blows the tempest by, your clouds that sail across
the sky sing your praises, alleluia!
Your morning rises with a song, and lights of evening sing long,
sing your praises, allulia, allulia, allulia, allulia!
Your flowing waters crystal clear, make melodies for you to hear,
sing your praises, alleluia! Your fire….bountiful and bright,
remembering your warmth and light,
sing your praises, allulia, allulia, allulia, allulia!
To you, O God, day after day, your planet earth in every
way, sing your praises, alleluia.
As savory fruit and fragrant flower show forth your glory and your power,
singing praises, allulia, allulia, allulia, allulia!
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
Lead Me Lord
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.
Offering – This collection will be donated to the SPCA of Hancock County
Offertory The Way of Peace Anthony Giamanco
*Praise Ye the Lord PL song book #12 Allelu
Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu-jah, Praise ye the Lord.
Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu, Al-le-lu-jah, Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Al-le-lu-jah! Praise ye the Lord. Al-le-lu-jah!
Praise ye the Lord. Al-le-lu-jah! Praise ye the Lord.
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful R. #63
Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors, and made their tiny wings,
Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
The purple headed mountains, the rivers running by, the sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky.
Refrain:
The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden, God made them every one.
Refrain:
*Blessing
*Sung Benediction Go Now in Peace Chalice Hymnal #437
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our webpage www.hancockucc.org
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)
207.422.3100 207.323.6743
Many thanks to those who helped make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Nick Davis & Robin Long
Audio-Video Support – Mike Summerer
(Mike Summerer is happy to teach others this simple task. Please inquire…)
Office Secretary – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Founded in 1911, the SPCA of Hancock County, Maine, is a life-saving organization
committed to providing shelter and care for abandoned, stray and surrendered animals.
Since opening the doors of their expanded facility in Trenton in October 2010,
their organization has found homes for thousands of dogs and cats.
They also focus on community outreach and education on proper and humane animal care.
How Do I Adopt?
Adopting a new pet is a big commitment, and the SPCA of Hancock County has a few requirements you must meet before you can bring your new pet home.
● adopters must be 18 years of age or older
● adopter must have consent from landlord and all other members listed in your household
● adopter must be willing and able to spend the time and money required to cover the pet’s ongoing veterinary and training needs and ensure they receive all needed treatment for proper care
● adopter must be willing to work with our adoption staff to find the right pet for your lifestyle and experience.
How Do I Volunteer?
● Step one: View our Volunteer Opportunities
● Step 2: Fill out a volunteer application corresponding to your interests
● Step 3: Use the Calendar link in the email you receive to reserve a training spot.
● Step 4: Show up for training at the designated time at
141 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605
● Receive our never-ending thanks!
What is the Mickey Duffy Fund?
The SPCA of Hancock County is also the steward of the Mickey Duffy Fund, which helps to keep pets in their homes by providing relief to qualified owners for emergency veterinary bills.
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