UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK
Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children
Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 8, 2022
Mother’s Day
This service will be in the sanctuary and on Zoom at 10:00 a.m.
Join us for Zoom Coffee Hour beginning shortly after the service ends.
(Find the link below and in your email in-box.)
10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service followed by Zoom Coffee Hour
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Meeting ID: 875 4500 2990
Passcode: 727784
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Silent Prayer
Holy God, you have called your people out of every tribe, language, and nation, to love and serve you daily in a world of beauty, complexity, and diversity. Help us to honor and respect the dignity of difference as we seek to be one with you and each other this day and always. Amen
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought arr. Limbaugh
Welcome
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me, Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
*Call to Worship
One: From various nations we’ve come to gather once more as Your great multitude. All: Blessing, glory, and thanksgivingbe to our God. One: We gather once more to shout “Alleluia!” Salvation belongs to the Holy One. All: Blessing, glory, and thanksgivingbe to our God. One: We gather to worship day and night the one who guides us to the springs of life. All: Blessing, glory, and thanksgivingbe to our God.
*Passing of the Peace (ASL) - Lighting of the Peace Candle & Prayer for Peace
*Hymn There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy B. #23
There's a wideness in God's mercy, like the wideness of the sea;
there's a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earthly sorrows are more felt than in God’s heaven;
there is no place where earthly failings have such kind judgment given.
For the love of God is broader than the measures of our minds; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s word; and our lives would show thanksgiving for the goodness of our God.
*Invocation (spoken in unison)
God, our shepherd—Restorer of our souls—the one who calls us to nap in green pastures—we enter into this moment of worshipful gathering trusting that you will guide us along the paths of righteousness. Wherever we may be in this world, let us know the comforting presence of your rod and staff. We are expectant, O God, that our fears will fade, that our cups will overflow, and that your goodness and mercy will accompany us in this hour and beyond. Now, let us worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen
Children’s Message
Old Testament Reading (Hebrew Scriptures) Psalm 23
New Testament Reading (Christian Scriptures) John 10:22-30
Special Music – Choir Awake, Thou Wintry Earth Dutch Carol/ K.K.D
Message Rev. TJ Mack*Hymn My Shepherd Is the Living God B. #247
My shepherd is the living God, I therefore nothing need;
In pastures fair, near pleasant streams you settle me to feed.
You bring my wandering spirit back when I forsake your ways,
And lead me for you mercy's sake in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay;
A word of your supporting breath drives all my fear away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
My cup with blessing overflows, your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others come and go No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.
Invitation to Prayer of Reflection and Growth
One: God, as you call us more intentionally into the fullness of life that abounds in your presence, let us acknowledge the ways our unbelief has separated us from your vision for our lives and all creation.
Moment of Silence
Prayer of Reflection and Growth All: God, we confess that we often let hopelessness have too much power over our lives. In the face of crisis, our faith has frequently faltered. In the midst of calamity, our fearlessness has faded. In the presence of tribulation, our worry has weakened our ability to act justly. Help our unbelief, O God! Bring us back to you, Great Redeemer. Remind us of the unfailing treasure that is in your love and care for all of creation— For your grace is sufficient, from the valley of death to the tables you’ve prepared for us. Embolden us, again, and revive our spirits.
Assurance of Grace
Friends, hear the Good News: God believes in us even when our belief in God is challenged. God’s grace and mercy abounds, and in God and Christ, we are made whole. Amen.
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
Welcoming our Tithes and Offerings – We believe in the God of justice and righteousness, and God believes in us to carry forth the mission of loving and caring for community. Let us now share our resources so that we may continue to walk humbly with God and with our neighbors.
Offertory On This Day, O Beautiful Mother Lambilotte
*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)
Let these gifts do justice in the world. Let them be a sign of our belief in the God who saves, heals, and sets free. Let these gifts, and the works of our hands and feet, be a blessing to all in need.
* Hymn O for a World (vs. 1,3,5) B. #575
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
That opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
Where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.
*Blessing
*Sung Benediction Go With Us, Lord R. #336
That in your Spirit strong and true our lives may be our gift to you.
Postlude March C.W. Von Gluck
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook
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.
Deb Riley – Music Minister
Mary Angela Davis, Nick Davis, Phil Devenish, Phoebe Devenish, Jeanne Edwards,
Peggy Emigh, Pat Summerer – Choir
Nick Davis & Everett Espling – Deacons
Pat Summerer – Liturgist
Cynthia Wood – Graphics Minister
Ron Schwizer – Audio-Video Support
Vicky Espling – Office Secretary
TJ Mack – Settled Minister
You – The Body of Christ
Resources:
Worship Ways (ucc.org)
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-738532. All rights reserved.”
Spirit of the Living God
Words and Music - ©1963 Jubilate Music
Contributors: Daniel Iverson and Michale Baughen, Daniel Iverson
There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
Words and Music - © OCP
Contributors: IN BABILONE, Fredrick Faber
My Shepherd Is The Living God
Music - ©1976 Hinshaw Music, Inc.
Contributors: Eric Routley
Words - ©1990 Hope Publishing Company
Contributors: Mary Jackson Cathey
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