PLEASE NOTE: Celebration is back in the sanctuary! Everyone will need to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within 3 days of each Sunday. You also may watch the service on a live stream in the courtyard or at home. To learn more about these choices, please visit mpcfamily.org/celebrate. In order to keep everyone healthy & safe, we will:
- require mask-wearing when indoors
- require either proof of Covid vaccination OR a negative Covid test from within the last three days. Please see the ushers for details
- run the furnace filtration system for ventilation, doors and windows open only when necessary
If you can get tested using an at-home test or a clinical test before coming to Church, that’s one way you can help keep the congregation safe.
You can submit comments and prayer requests via our Comments Form at mpcfamily.org/comments . We’d love to hear from you!
If you are visiting today, we hope you’ll fill out our online Visitor Card at mpcfamily.org/hello .
If you’d like to support our work in the world (which is much appreciated!) please visit mpcfamily.org/donate .
In celebration this week:
- The prelude, played by Kim, is “One Foot/Lead With Love”, by Melanie DeMore
- Ben will welcome us to Celebration.
- Tara Flanagan will lead us in the Call to Celebration (from Iona; a prayer by Chris Polhill)
- The opening song is, “Singing for Our Lives”, by Holly Near.
- Next, Tara will lead us in a Prayer for Peace, (from Korea, adapted).
- Then, Debbie Fallehy will lead us in celebrating July birthdays,
- Children will be offered the opportunity to go to Godly Play.
- Next, there will be time for Invitations, then
- The MPC Choir will perform, “We Shall Not Give Up The Fight”, a South African anti-apartheid song.
- We will hear spoken word offerings from Anna Dabney and Andrew Newell, next
- Tara will lead us in scripture lessons from Jeremiah 29:4-7 and Micah 6:6-8.
- Ben will preach a sermon, “Faithful Reflections on Democracy”.
- Helen Hutchison will offer insight into the current crisis state of our democracy,
- Next is the hymn of response, “To the Polls!”, a Labor Movement song from 1890.
- The offering plates will be passed, and then
- We will celebrate communion (if you’re watching from home, please be sure to have your elements ready!)
- Following communion, Democracy and Politics Team members Linnea Gullikson and Suzanne Jones will give a presentation, including more information about the celebration in the Courtyard following Celebration
- The closing hymn will be, “God’s Countin’ On Me”, by Pete Seeger, then
- Tara will lead us in the Charge, and
- Ben will offer a 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. Care for Creation. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Celebration live stream recordings
Every week, we post a live stream recording to YouTube. You can view information about those live stream recordings and access a link to the playlist on our Celebration Recordings page.