UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK
We respect tradition — and we welcome inclusive language about people and expansive language about God. Please pray using words most meaningful to you.
Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children
September 22, 2024
This service will be in-person and on Zoom at 10 a.m.
(Recorded for Facebook and YouTube)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518
Passcode: 755650
The first pew in front of the pulpit has books and quiet activities for people of all ages.
Please borrow something that suits you, and return it after the service.
Silent Prayer
Dear God,
On this day we ask You to grant this request?
May we know who we are and what we are,
Every moment of every day.
May we be a catalyst for light and love,
And bring inspiration to those whose eyes we meet. Amen
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude Harvest Home Gilbert Martin
Welcome
*Introit Come, O Spirit, Dwell among Us (vs. 1) The New Century Hymnal #267
Come, O Spirit, dwell among us; come with Pentecostal power;
Give the church a stronger vision; help us face each crucial hour.
Built upon a firm foundation, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone,
still the church is called to mission that God’s love shall be made known.
*Call to Worship
One: Our lives are a constant series of beginnings and endings, one flowing into and out of the other.
All: Change is the only constant.
One: Endings and beginnings in our lives, our relationships, our work, our church. Some changes coming slowly, others suddenly and without expectation.
All: Change is the only constant.
One: Uncertainty and fear may come with the beginnings and endings.
All: Even amidst the constancy of change, God is our true North and the ever present source of sacred love to which we turn.
*Passing of the Peace (ASL) and Lighting of Peace & Justice Candle
*Hymn God is Working in Our Midst (vs. 1-3) Hymns of Truth & Light #357
God is working in our midst as year succeeds to year;
working in our hearts and minds, and the time is drawing near;
nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the water covers the sea.
From utmost east to utmost west, where human feet have trod,
by the mouth of many messengers goes forth the voice of God;
give ear to me, you continents, you isles, give ear to me,
that the earth may be filled with the glory of God as the water covers the sea.
What can we do to work God’s work, to prosper and increase
love and justice throughout the world, the reign of the Prince of Peace?
What can we do to hasten the time, the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the water covers the sea.
*Invocation (in unison)
God, of sacred love, as we spend time together, may we listen with open hearts and minds. May we embrace your constancy, and come out from our places of anxiety and fear and know your ever present and abounding love and care. Amen
Children’s Message
Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 43:18-19
Greek Scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Special Music This Is the Day The New Century Hymnal #84
Message Student Ministry Intern, Sarina Brooks
*Hymn Called as Partners in Christ’s Service (vs.1-4) Hymns of Truth & Light # 353
Called as partners in Christ's service Called to ministries of grace,we respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend,
equal partners in our caring to fulfil God's chosen end.
Christ's example, Christ's inspiring, Christ's clear call to work and worth,
let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.Men and women, richer, poorer, all God's people, young and old,blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.
Thus new patterns for Christ's mission, in a small or global sense,help us bear each other's burdens, breaking down each wall or fence.Words of comfort, words of vision, words of challenge, said with care,bring new pow’r and strength for action, make us partners, free and fair.
So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human lifethat surround each person's sorrow with a calm that conquers strife.Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase,messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace.
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
Our Father (Creator, Mother) who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us
our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Lead me Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou Lord, thou Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety.
Invitation to Offering
In this ever changing and shifting world, many things seem beyond our abilities. Often the only thing we can do is bring ourselves and our open hearts and spirits. As people of the ever present God, we know that these offerings of ourselves and our gifts can transform the world and so we give them in love.
Offertory Siciliano Robert Powell
*The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen
*Prayer of Dedication (spoken in unison)
Gracious God, receive these gifts we bring in thanksgiving for your constancy and care. May our lives and actions be an ever present offering and witness to the world of the light and love that comes from you. Amen
*Hymn Take My Life, and Let it Be Consecrated (vs.1-4) Hymns of Truth & Light #464
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee;take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my will; and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine;
take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love: my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store;take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
*Benediction (spoken in unison) God of Love, You are with us in every transition and change. As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety, we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love. We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills with which you have blessed us. We thank you for the experiences that have brought us to this moment. We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work. Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another.
*Sung Blessing Go Now in Peace (sing twice) Hymns of Truth & Light #347
Go now in peace, go now in peace, may the love of God surround you
everywhere, everywhere, you may go.
Postlude The Unclouded Day Alwood/ Hamilton
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
The Union Congregational Church of Hancock, United Church of Christ will hold an emergency special congregational meeting on Sunday, October 6, 2024 immediately following the 10 am morning worship service for the following purposes:
1. To vote on the expenditure of up to $25,000 to replace the Fellowship Hall and Educational Wing roof with metal roofing.
2. Any other business to come before the congregation.
Jeanne Edwards, Clerk
September 16, 2024
Support our Church Financially
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our new webpage www.hancockucc.com
or visit this link to our PayPal account: paypal.me/hancockucc
or mail offerings to:
Union Congregational Church, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 (Attention: Treasurer)
Contact Us
207.422.3100 207.323.6743
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Everett & Vicky Espling
Liturgist – Gina Tansey
Audio-Video Support – Ron Schwizer
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Student Ministry Intern – Sarina Brooks
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources:
Silent Prayer
Adapted from Drenched in Holiness: Prayer for a New Year -Debbie Ford
Benediction
For Times of Transition- Joseph P. Shadle
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License #A-738532. All rights reserved
Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us
Words - ©1979 Hope Publishing Company
Contributors: Janie Alford
Called as Partners in Christ's Service - Jane Parker Huber
Words - ©1981 Presbyterian Publishing/Westminster John Knox/Geneva Press
Take My Life and Let It Be
Words and Music - ©2000 Alfred Sacred
Contributors: Frances Havergal, Mark Hayes
Go Now In Peace
Words and Music - ©1976 Hinshaw Music, Inc.
Contributors: Natalie Sleeth
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