*You are invited to rise in body or in spirit.

 

PRELUDE​

Cantabile

G. Enesco

Marcia Bohnenblust, flute

Shona Royle-Grimes, piano

RINGING OF THE BELL​​​​​

WELCOME​

(Leader/People)

Seekers and believers, people of faith,

and people of no faith at all,

no matter who you are,

no matter where you are on life’s journey…

You are welcome here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

OPENING PRAYER​

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*CALL TO WORSHIP

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One: Whoever you are, you are welcome here.

Confirmation Class: We are young people whose families received us as a divine gift and offered us this community. Now, we are here to take a step on our own.

Congregation: Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Confirmation Class: We are thinking about the questions of faith: sometimes believing, sometimes doubting, sometimes wondering and sometimes
hoping. We are not certain about all things at all times.

Congregation: To be honest, neither are we. For centuries the church has been believing and doubting, wondering and hoping, intending to walk together in love toward peace and justice.

One: Jesus calls us to be salt and light.

All: Though our minds will never fully understand the mystery of life, may our lives taste like love, may our actions preserve justice, and may our hearts radiate peace.
 

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*GATHERING HYMN

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

NCH #351​

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I was there to hear your borning cry,

I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child,

with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off

to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the Word,

I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord,

to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time

and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme

from dusk 'till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life,

not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in,

and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been

with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your borning cry,

I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold.
 

CHILDREN'S MOMENT​

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RITE OF BAPTISM

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MINISTER: First Congregational Church... Will you seek to faithfully and joyfully fulfill this sacred responsibility as their church family? 
CONGREGATION: We will, with God’s help. 

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COMMUNION

ONE: The Lord be with you. 

ALL: And also with you.
ONE: Lift up your hearts.

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord.
ONE: Let us give God thanks and praise.
ALL: It is right to give God thanks and praise. 

 

COMMUNION RESPONSE

Eat this Bread

Taize

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SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 5:13-16

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REFLECTION

Rev. Tamara Torres McGovern

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RITE OF CONFIRMATION

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ALL: Arise within your soul and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of God has risen within you. There are times when darkness shall surround you, but do not fear for, even then, God is within you. Look closely, then you shall see and be radiant. Your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of community shall be brought to you, and the love of God be here for you. Today, tomorrow, and even forever. Amen.

 

CHORAL ANTHEM

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace

Howard Helvey

 

CALL TO THANKSGIVING

Please visit our giving page if you prefer

to make a gift online. Thank you for your generosity.

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DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host.

Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE​ 

& THE LORD'S PRAYER

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CLOSING HYMN

Down to the River to Pray

Traditional

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Refrain:

As I went down to the river to pray,

studyin’ about that good old way,

and who shall wear the starry crown,

good Lord, show me the way.

 

1 Oh, sisters, let’s go down,

let’s go down, come on down.

Oh, sisters, let’s go down,

down to the river to pray.

[Refrain]

 

2 Oh, brothers…

3 Oh, children…

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BENEDICTION

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POSTLUDE

Chorale Fantasia on “O God Our Help”

C. Hubert H. Parry