From Rev. Talitha –
Welcome to the first of two Earth Day services. We are still in the joyful season of Easter, and Ben and I both wanted to preach Easter-y ecological sermons, so we have chosen the Sundays before and after Earth Day. I am preaching this week, and Ben is on vacation but will return and preach next week. Thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s service, and special thanks to the Earth Care folks who have been getting us ready for next week’s congregational meeting to discuss the Climate Action Call.
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View April 18th Celebration online
- Marcia will play the prelude, which is “For the Beauty of the Earth”, arr. Alice Jordan
- I will welcome us, and
- Michael Aho calls us to Celebration
- The opening hymn is “The Day of Resurrection”
- Debbie Fallehy leads us in the prayer for peace
- Dean Elia reads scripture from the book of Job
- My sermon will focus on what the Bible has to say about the atmosphere and climate
- For special music we are sharing a piece of music we did not create, “The Cool of the Day” by Jean Ritchie.
- I will lead us in prayer
- The closing hymn, “Many and Great, O God, are thy Works,” is a postcard from the Rankin-Keys family trip to the Redwoods.
- And we will close with Family Life and some invitations, the charge, and benediction.
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.