From Rev. Ben –
In uncertain times, worship becomes more important, at least that’s how it has been in my life. And we are living in uncertain times. As I write this note (Friday afternoon), the election is trending in ways that I personally find to be encouraging, but I’m trying not to hold my breath. In all of the craziness, I have felt strengthened by the knowledge that I am part of a strong spiritual community. Preparing this week’s celebration has given me some spiritual nourishment and it has kept me grounded. Which I have needed.
Thank you to everyone who put together this week’s service!
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View November 8th Celebration online
- Marcia will provide a prelude, “A Charge to Keep I Have”, arr. George Brandon,
- Talitha will welcome us to celebration,
- The Garner-Forbes family will lead us in a Call to Celebration,
- The opening hymn is “God of Grace and God of Glory, which is a standard hymn for times of societal upheaval,
- Steve McKiernan will lead us in a prayer for peace,
- The scripture is Jeremiah 29:4-7, read by Claire Kelly,
- My sermon is titled, “Pray for the City”,
- Our special music will be “The Storm Is Passing Over”, by Rev. Charles Tindley, arr. B.Baker; sung by MPC Riot: Talitha Aho, Julia Taylor Dunbar, Kim Rankin, Anna Santos,
- Talitha will lead us in prayer,
- The closing hymn is “God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me”, and
- I will end the service with our charge and 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. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.