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:
- First, please center yourself for worship as you enjoy the prelude from Kim Rankin, “Deep River/Balm in Gilead” traditional, arr. by Bill Wolaver
- Katie Kilby will welcome everyone to Celebration.
- Kit Land will lead us in the Call to Celebration (from Iona, adapted)
- The opening hymn is, “Shall We Gather at the River”.
- Next, Kit will lead us in a Prayer for Peace (adapted from The Book of Common Worship)
- The baptism of Leo Joseph Bell is next, followed by.
- a baptismal hymn, “Take Me to the Water”
- Then the children will be dismissed to Godly Play.
- Invitations will be next.
- Then the MPC Choir will perform, “Rise and Shine”, an African American spiritual, arr. by Rollo Dilworth, Kim Rankin directing;
- Kit will lead us in a scripture lesson from 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.
- Ben will share a sermon, “Baptismal Unity”.
- The Hymn of Response is “We Are One in the Spirit”,
- Ben will lead us in prayer,
- then the offering plates will be passed, while Marcia plays the offertory, “At the River”, arr. Gordon Young,
- The closing hymn will be “Lord, I Want to be a Christian”,
- We will recite the Charge, Ben will offer a benediction.
- We will end with a postlude from Marcia
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.