Worship Service

Our worship services interweave words and music and traditional and contemporary styles. We follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Responsive and unison prayers are written in inclusive language. The pastor's weekly meditation (sermon) concerns a passage of scripture and its application to our lives. Congregational hymns and choral responses are sung throughout the service. The choir's weekly anthems reinforce the service themes. Children, youth, and adults participate in our services. Below is an example of a past bulletin. All are welcome, please join us!

Standish Congregational Church, U.C.C.

Sample from: January 12, 2020

Sunday morning worship 9:30 A.M.

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST

David Heath, Interim Minister

dheath@sacoriver.net (207) 712-9916

When you enter the sanctuary for the worship service, you are in "sacred time and space," a time and place for Reverence. Please conclude your conversations; and silence and put away electronic devices and other distractions, so that everyone may fully "tune in" to the music, the prayers, and the sharing of God's word.

ORDER OF WORSHIP

PRELUDE "O Lamb of God" Kathryn Marles, Pianist

BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Acolyte

WORDS OF WELCOME Rev. Cynthia Biggar, Pastor

CALL TO WORSHIP based on Psalm 29 led by David Heath, Reader

Reader: The voice of God is over the waters;

ALL: over the mighty waters,

God speaks with creative power.

Reader: The voice of God breaks the cedars;

ALL: over the cedars, the wilderness--and fire--

God speaks with authority.

Reader: Enthroned forever,

God has blessed us with strength and peace!

Let us respond:

ALL: "Glory to God!"

Reader: Come, let us worship!

*HYMN OF PRAISE – "I Love to Tell the Story" 360

OUR MINISTRY AND MISSION Pastor and others

SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 42:1-9 David Heath, Reader

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Reader: God of heaven and earth, you see all things.

Pastor: You know the depths of our hearts

better than we know ourselves.

ALL: You know the great heights to which we aspire

and the depths of our failures

when we fall short of doing what we know is right.

a moment of silent reflection

Pastor: We ask for your mercy and forgiveness

for our selfishness and fears.

Reader: Help us to walk as the faithful followers of Christ

that You call us to be.

ALL: Create in us the grace of Christ

toward those with whom we disagree,

just as he extended it

those who conspired against him. AMEN.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Pastor: God truly shows no partiality.

In every nation, anyone who reverences God.

and does what is right is acceptable to God.

Just as the prophets testified in the scriptures,

everyone who believes in God

receives forgiveness of sins through God's name.

ALL: Thanks be to God! AMEN

ANTHEM "All Poor Ones and Humble". (Hymn #163) SCC Choir

A MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES: "John the Baptist" Pastor and Young People

A PRAYER FOR ALL AGES: "Thank You, God, for Loving Me" call and response

A HYMN FOR ALL AGES – "One More Step Along the World I Go"

please refer to song sheet

THE YOUNG PEOPLE GO TO SUNDAY SCHOOL

INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE Pastor

SCRIPTURE READING - MATTHEW 3:13-17 Reader

MEDITATION – "Jesus' Baptism, and Ours" Pastor

THE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer

THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (debts)

PRAYER RESPONSE – "Jesus, the Light of the World" refrain

We will walk in the light, beautiful light,

Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright.

Shine all around us by day and by night,

Jesus, the Light of the World!

INGATHERING OF GIFTS, PLEDGES AND TITHES

Call to Offering

Offertory

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE: "Epiphany Season Doxology" 48

To God, all glorious heavenly Light,

to Christ, revealed in earthly night,

to God the Spirit now we raise

our joyful songs of thankful praise. AMEN

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION in unison

Giver and Sustainer of Life,

pour out Your blessing upon these gifts

and upon all who give from their hearts.

Multiply these gifts so they reach farther

than our imaginations can carry them.

In the blessed name of our Redeemer, we pray. AMEN

*HYMN OF DEDICATION – "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound" 401

BENEDICTION Pastor

TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD Acolyte

POSTLUDE "Seek Ye First". (Hymn #443)

Kathryn Marles, Pianist

Worshipers are encouraged to remain seated--and quiet--during the Postlude, to respect the artistry of our musicians and the meditations of fellow worshipers.

* All who are able, please stand.

Acknowledgements: Today's Call to Worship was prepared by Rev. Biggar. The other printed prayers are from UCC Worship Ways.

We Are an Open and Affirming congregation.

Whoever you are,

Wherever you are on life's journey,

You are welcme here!