From Rev Ben:
It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of August, but here we are. The air alternates between pure bay-breeze and smelling like the inside of one of the pipes I used to smoke in Seminary, while wearing patches on the sleeves of my tweed sportscoats. It has been hot and chilly and, like a lot of people, I’ve had variety of moods to match the weather.
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View August 30th Celebration online
- Marcia will provide us with a prelude,
- Talitha will welcome us to Celebration,
- The Zolezzi family will call us to celebration (you don’t want to miss that particular video!),
- The opening Hymn is “Alleluia, Laud and Blessing”,
- Karen Ray Gibson is leading us in a prayer for peace,
- Sloan White is reading Romans 12:9-21,
- I am preaching a sermon that has at least one Easter egg for fans of British humor,
- Kim is providing special music (Siyahamba?),
- Talitha is leading us in a pastoral prayer,
- The closing hymn is “We Are One in the Spirit”, and
- Steve McKiernan and I are bringing the service to a close with a family life video.
ALLELUIA, LAUD AND BLESSING
- Alleluia! Laud and blessing to our God, whose word is sure;
By whose grace we find redemption, in whose love we live secure.
Righteousness and rich compassion shall attend us all our days;
May God’s promise to be faithful echo through our songs of praise. - Alleluia! God sustains us; matchless are the gifts we share:
Light in darkness, hope in conflict, answers to our deepest prayer.
Ours to give as we are given: arms to lift when others fall;
Images of God’s great goodness, faithful servants to God’s call - Alleluia! Holy parent, all your children now reclaim;
May our lives reflect your justice, heirs to your most sacred name.
Fill our hearts with understanding, brace our weakness by your might;
Awesome honor, born in wisdom; your great glory, our delight.
WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT
- We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord.
We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord.
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.
Chorus
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love,
By our Love,
Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love. - We will work with each other,
We will work side by side.
We will work with each other,
We will work side by side.
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity
And save each man’s pride.
(Chorus) - We will walk with each other,
We will walk hand in hand.
We will walk with each other,
We will walk hand in hand.
And together we’ll spread the News
that God is in our land.
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.