Order of Worship for July 6, 2025
July 6, 2025
5th Sunday of Pentecost
Communion Service
Union-Congregational Church
Gathering Music
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Call to Worship
A poetic call to worship, for one voice.
The congregation can remain seated
If you come into this place with the hope of growing deeper, with the hope of connecting, with the hope of glimpsing God, and if all of those things take place, and your spirit is moved, and you swear God is near, and you feel more than lucky for the gift of faith, and then the service comes to an end, and it’s time for you to leave, and you ask yourself, “Where do we go from here?” Then I would say to you, “Go out into the world to love and to share and to learn, but come back soon, because this is the beginning. This is only the beginning. So come on in. Fill your cup here. Be present here. God is here.” Let us worship Holy God.
Opening Prayer (unison)
God of conversation, we are here, trying to be courageous. We are trying to be curious. We are here trying to build connections in this lonely and isolated world. We want to be somewhere other than here. We want to be standing in a place and time that is closer to your promised day—where all are fed, the prisoners are freed, the homeless are housed, and every person knows their worth. And we know we can’t get there without honest and vulnerable conversation, but we don’t always know what to ask. We fear saying the wrong thing. We fear offending, so we eat our words and stay quiet, hoping that answers will come, but they don’t always come. Connection has never been quite so easy for us. So today we ask for your words. Plant questions in us that, like seeds, grow into a garden of connection. Plant affirmation in us that, like laughter, is contagious and mood-changing. Plant curiosity in us that, like rain, washes away any judgment we carry, replacing it with a desire to understand. And when we have your words in our mouth, and your mind in our hearts, then teach us how to listen. Help us to hear and make space for unspoken truths. Then teach us how to listen to voices that differ from us—voices with different opinions, with different histories, with different perspectives. So that like Ruth and Naomi, we might move through disagreement and ultimately find you. Amen.
Opening Hymn: #451 Be Still, My Soul
Children’s Time
Reading of Scripture
Ruth 1:1-22 (CEB)
1 During the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. A man with his wife and two sons went from Bethlehem of Judah to dwell in the territory of Moab. 2 The name of that man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They entered the territory of Moab and settled there. 3 But Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died. Then only she was left, along with her two sons. 4 They took wives for themselves, Moabite women; the name of the first was Orpah and the name of the second was Ruth. And they lived there for about ten years. 5 But both of the sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also died. Only the woman was left, without her two children and without her husband. 6 Then she arose along with her daughters-in-law to return from the field of Moab, because while in the territory of Moab she had heard that the Lord had paid attention to his people by providing food for them. 7 She left the place where she had been, and her two daughters-in-law went with her. They went along the road to return to the land of Judah. 8 Naomi said to her daughters-in-law, “Go, turn back, each of you to the household of your mother. May the Lord deal faithfully with you, just as you have done with the dead and with me. 9 May the Lord provide for you so that you may find security, each woman in the household of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. 10 But they replied to her, “No, instead we will return with you, to your people.” 11 Naomi replied, “Turn back, my daughters. Why would you go with me? Will there again be sons in my womb, that they would be husbands for you? 12 Turn back, my daughters. Go. I am too old for a husband. If I were to say that I have hope, even if I had a husband tonight, and even more, if I were to bear sons— 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you refrain from having a husband? No, my daughters. This is more bitter for me than for you, since the Lord’s will has come out against me.” 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her. 15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law is returning to her people and to her gods. Turn back after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to abandon you, to turn back from following after you. Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do this to me and more so if even death separates me from you.” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her about it. 19 So both of them went along until they arrived at Bethlehem. When they arrived at Bethlehem, the whole town was excited on account of them, and the women of the town asked, “Can this be Naomi?” 20 She replied to them, “Don’t call me Naomi, but call me Mara, for the Almighty has made me very bitter. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has returned me empty. Why would you call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has deemed me guilty?” 22 Thus Naomi returned. And Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, returned with her from the territory of Moab. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”
Song: “Show the Way” by David Wilcox
Message: The Tough Choices and God’s Grace
Affirmation of Faith (unison)
We believe that God is a conversationalist, drawing close to us and asking, “What do you need? Where does it hurt? Who do you long to be?” We see this conversational God in Jesus Christ, God’s own flesh, who walked the earth speaking with the poor, the hungry, the lonely, and the outcast. Therefore, we believe that our call as people of faith is to continue this holy conversation with those who look and think like us, as well as with those who share little in common with us. We believe that through these conversations, we are able to catch a glimpse of the Kin-dom of God, so we continue the conversation in hope. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
We Offer Our Gifts
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Holy One, thank you for these gifts, which offer us the opportunity to care for our community. Help us use them with compassion for the good of all who are in need. Amen.
Sharing Holy Communion
Pastor: One of the holiest things about sharing a meal together is the conversation that accompanies it. Think back to the tables of your life—the kitchen table you grew up with as a child, cafeteria tables with friends, date night tables with your beloved, the table in your current home that has hosted meals with family and friends. At all of these tables, conversation has flowed: “How are you? What do you need? How is work? How is your grief? When can I see you again? What are you learning these days? Tell me everything!” And there may be some tears, and there usually is some laughter. That is the holy thing about tables. They bring us together in conversation.
All: This table is no different. Here at this table all people are invited—no matter what you have done or left undone. And here at this table we wear our hearts on our sleeves. Here at this table, we are free to tell God the truths of our lives—where it hurts, what we need, where we’re from, and where we hope to go. And here at this Table we are not alone. We are surrounded by community, surrounded by connection.
Pastor: So come to this table—with your courage and your fear, with your curiosity and your doubt, with your hope and your vulnerability. God is here. There is a seat saved for you. Jesus set a special place for his friends when his time had come.
Words of Institution
So Holy Spirit, come alive in these gifts of bread and cup, that we may be reminded of the beloved community you open to us.
Sharing the Elements
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Thank you, God, for the opportunity to be together at this table and share in these great blessings. Help us embody your beloved community in each and every part of our journey. Amen.
Closing Song: “We Will Rejoice in Love” by Mark A. Miller (One License #U01373)
We will rejoice in love,
lift up our voice in love,
make every choice in love,
we will uphold your world in love.
We will delight in love,
share and invite in love,
till all unite in love,
we will enfold your world in love.
We will repent in love,
raise our lament in love,
dare to dissent in love,
we will uphold your world in love.
We will persist in love,
choose to resist in love,
and coexist in love,
we will enfold your world in love.
*Reading of Mission and Vision Statements (Unison Commission)
We go now to Love God's Creation, Share in Fellowship, and Live Christ's Example, while seeking God's blessing on our lives and on our communities. Living our Core Values, We the family of Union-Congregational Church seek to deepen our own spirituality with acceptance of all through love and a commitment to Christ.
Benediction
Family of faith, as you leave this place, may God grant you the curiosity to counter assumptions, the vulnerability to befriend, the bravery to speak your truth, the wisdom to listen, the strength to ask for help, the resiliency to choose love, even when it’s hard, and the awareness of the Holy Spirit always beside you. In the name of the Great Connector—Love itself, go in peace.
Sending Music
Liturgy adapted from prayers by Rev. Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
“We Will Rejoice in Love” by Mark A. Miller ©2022 GIA Publications. Used by permission.
Order of Worship for June 29, 2025
June 29, 2025
4th Sunday After Pentecost
Union-Congregational Church
Gathering Music
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Call to Worship
One: Family of faith, this must be the place.
All: This is the place for connection and growth, for community and hope.
One: This must be the place for questions like, “Where are you from?” and, “What do you need?”
All: For whispers of: “I’ve been thinking of you,” and, “I’ve been meaning to ask. . .”
One: This must be the place, because all belong here.
All: All are welcome here. All hurt and joy, needs and prayers, dreams and love, are welcome here.
Opening Prayer (unison)
God of the here and now, my, oh my, how we need you. This world seems to turn upside down all the time. Our center of gravity feels off. In moments like these, we are particularly grateful for the care you offer and the stability of friends. Gracious God, help us to be those people for others. Give us the hearts to notice when our neighbors are in need, and the wisdom to ask, “What do you need?” Stop our assumptions cold in their tracks, and instead, carve out space in us to listen. Amen.
Opening Hymn: #391 Will You Let Me Be Your Servant (OL #298989)
Children’s Time
Prayer of Confession (unison) Pastor Jacob
Gracious God, sometimes life feels like cooking with flour—it looks like it should be easy, but we always make a mess. This is particularly true when it comes to our relationships. We so desperately long to say the right thing, to be the right thing, to find the right solution, that we overstep the line. Forgive us for assuming the place you fill. Forgive us for imagining that we, in all our humanity, could possibly fix all the hurt in this world. Instead, give us the grace and the strength to stand by our loved ones in their moments of need to witness their hurt without trying to fix it. You are God. We are not. Teach us how to be a friend. Teach us how to ask, “What do you need?” Teach us how to point to you. Gratefully we pray. Amen.
Words of Forgiveness Pastor Jacob
Family of faith, no matter how many times you have spoken without listening, assumed without knowing, offered without asking, or rushed without waiting—you are forgiven. God knows your desire and your intent. God knows when we try and miss the mark, and God surrounds us in grace. So, believe the good news of the gospel:
All: Every day is a new day for love. We are claimed. We are forgiven. We are invited into relationship. Thanks be to God for growth and grace that know no end. Amen.
Reading of Scripture
Job 2: 11-13 (NRSVue)
11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all these troubles that had come upon him, each of them set out from his home—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to go and console and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him, and they raised their voices and wept aloud; they tore their robes and threw dust in the air upon their heads. 13 They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
2 Timothy 4: 9-18 (NRSVue)
9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds. 15 You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”
Song: “Salt of the Earth” by The Rolling Stones
Message: Fancy Dinners, Deep Connections, and What We Really Need
Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns
After each prayer petition, Jacob will say, “God in your mercy”, and the congregation is invited to respond: “Receive our prayer.”
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
We Offer Our Gifts
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Loving God, thank you for always giving us what we need. With these gifts, help us provide practical support and loving connection. We pray with confidence that you will help us support those most vulnerable through these gifts. Amen.
Closing Song: “We Will Rejoice in Love” by Mark A. Miller (One License #U01373)
We will rejoice in love,
lift up our voice in love,
make every choice in love,
we will uphold your world in love.
We will delight in love,
share and invite in love,
till all unite in love,
we will enfold your world in love.
We will repent in love,
raise our lament in love,
dare to dissent in love,
we will uphold your world in love.
We will persist in love,
choose to resist in love,
and coexist in love,
we will enfold your world in love.
Benediction
Family of faith, as you leave this place, may God grant you the curiosity to counter assumptions, the vulnerability to befriend, the bravery to speak your truth, the wisdom to listen, the strength to ask for help, the resiliency to choose love, even when it’s hard, and the awareness of the Holy Spirit always beside you. In the name of the Great Connector—Love itself, go in peace.
Sending Music
Liturgy adapted from prayers by Rev. Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
“We Will Rejoice in Love” by Mark A. Miller ©2022 GIA Publications. Used by permission.
Order of Worship for June 22, 2025
June 22, 2025
Third Sunday of Pentecost
Union-Congregational Church
Gathering Music
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Call to Worship
One: Here in this space, we wear our hearts on our sleeves.
All: There is no use in filters or walls. This space is an authentic space.
One: This space is a brave space.
All: For when it comes to God, we are always invited to bring our full selves into the room.
One: So come into this space with your hurt and your joy, your prayers and your dreams.
All: All of God’s children are welcome here.
One: Let us worship Holy God.
Opening Prayer (unison)
Holy God, I know, I know, that you hear our prayers. You are the God of hospital rooms and graveside services. You are the God who felt a touch in a crowd. You are the God who sees and knows all pain—infertility and illness, despair and death. You are the God of the hurt and the healing, so I know—I know, you must hear us today. So, with open hearts and open palms, gracious God, we come to you with our joy and our pain. Holy God, we know, we know, that you are listening. We know, we know, that you are here. Be among us. Hold our hurt. Heal our wounds. Draw us closer to one another, and closer to you.
Opening Hymn: #476 I Need Thee Every Hour
Vacation Bible School Wrap-Up
Reading of Scripture
1 Samuel 1: 1-18 (NRSVue)
1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his town to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters, 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore, Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
9 After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a Nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore, Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went her way and ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
Mark 5: 21-43 (NRSVue)
21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue, named Jairus, came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet 23 and pleaded with him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had, and she was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, “If I but touch his cloak, I will be made well.” 29 Immediately her flow of blood stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my cloak?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the synagogue leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the synagogue leader, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they came to the synagogue leader’s house, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha Koum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” 42 And immediately the girl stood up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this and told them to give her something to eat.
After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”
Clip: The Green Mile - “I’m Tired, Boss”
Message: The Rain Falls on All of Us
Affirmation of Faith (unison)
On my best days, I believe that God is there—standing in the sun with me, laughing a contagious laugh and cheering me on.
On my hardest days, I believe that God is there—standing in the rain with me, holding me up and sharing in my grief.
No matter where I go—in joy or in loss, in pain or in love, in heartache or in gratitude—I believe that God is there, leaning in, noticing where it hurts, and carrying me through it. And so, I believe we are called to care for each other as God cares for us. On your best days in the sun and on your worst days in the rain, I will do my best to be there for you too. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns
After each prayer petition, Jacob will say, “God in your mercy”, and the congregation is invited to respond: “Receive our prayer.”
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
Our Father, 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 debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
God, who is our hope and strength, we offer these gifts with confidence, knowing You will help us use them to offer glimmers of light to a hurting world. Help us continue to do what is ours to offer hope and healing in our particular ways. Amen.
Closing Song: “We Will Rejoice in Love” by Mark A. Miller (One License #U01373)
We will rejoice in love,
lift up our voice in love,
make every choice in love,
we will uphold your world in love.
We will delight in love,
share and invite in love,
till all unite in love,
we will enfold your world in love.
We will repent in love,
raise our lament in love,
dare to dissent in love,
we will uphold your world in love.
We will persist in love,
choose to resist in love,
and coexist in love,
we will enfold your world in love.
Benediction
Family of faith, as you leave this place, may God grant you
the curiosity to counter assumptions, the vulnerability to befriend, the bravery to speak your truth, the wisdom to listen, the strength to ask for help, the resiliency to choose love, even when it’s hard, and the awareness of the Holy Spirit always beside you. In the name of the Great Connector—Love itself, go in peace.
Sending Music
Liturgy adapted from prayers by Rev. Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
“We Will Rejoice in Love” by Mark A. Miller ©2022 GIA Publications. Used by permission.
Order of Worship for June 15, 2025
June 15, 2025
Second Sunday of Pentecost
Union-Congregational Church
Gathering Music - Sue Stelsel
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Call to Worship
One: We are from north and south.
All: We are from tiny apartments and expansive homes.
One: We are from this city and from others far away.
All: We are from big families and dinners made for one.
One: We are from stages of grief and stages of love.
All: We are from hot summers and cold winters.
One: We are from kitchens with passed down recipes,
and front porches with old, familiar swings.
All: We are from the dust of the earth and the stars of the sky.
One: We are from a lot of places, but today we are here.
All: Today we are together. Holy God, gather us in.
Opening Prayer (unison)
God of North, South, East, and West, I have been meaning to say… thank you. Thank you for scooping up the dirt and breathing life into it. Thank you for forming this body, this life, this world, these people. Thank you for drawing us in, for holding us up, and for weaving us together—even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard. If people ask, “Where are you from?” my mouth speaks of geography, but my soul always sings your name. So today we come to you in prayer with gratitude overflowing—gratitude for the places we’ve been, for the people who’ve shaped us, and for the spaces we call home. And so we ask you to scoop us up like you scooped up the dirt on that first day. Hold our hearts alongside our worries. Relieve us of this burden. Protect us in the palm of your hand, and draw us closer to one another as you do. Amen.
Opening Song: “We Have Come” by Christopher Grundy (Jacob will lead) (OneLicense #CGWHC2009)
We have come by way of struggle
we have come by way of pain
we have come by all your steadfast love
O revive our souls again.
We have come to lay our burdens down
we have come to shed our shame
we have come to taste your boundless grace
and to rise as people changed.
We have come to spread your ways of peace
we have come to break the chains
we have come to stand with Jesus
lead us one into you reign
O lead us on into your reign
O lead us on into your reign.
Children’s Time
Reading of Scripture
Genesis 2:4b-15 (CEB)
On the day the Lord God made earth and sky— 5 before any wild plants appeared on the earth, and before any field crops grew, because the Lord God hadn’t yet sent rain on the earth and there was still no human being to farm the fertile land, 6 though a stream rose from the earth and watered all of the fertile land— 7 the Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life. 8 The Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east and put there the human he had formed. 9 In the fertile land, the Lord God grew every beautiful tree with edible fruit, and also he grew the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river flows from Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides into four headwaters. 11 The name of the first river is the Pishon. It flows around the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 That land’s gold is pure, and the land also has sweet-smelling resins and gemstones. 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon. It flows around the entire land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is the Tigris, flowing east of Assyria; and the name of the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 The Lord God took the human and settled him in the garden of Eden to farm it and to take care of it.
John 1:35-51 (NRSVue)
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”
Song: “Minutes to Memories” by John Mellencamp
Message: The Homes That Form Us
Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns
After each prayer petition, Jacob will say, “God in your mercy”, and the congregation is invited to respond: “Receive our prayer.”
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
We Offer Our Gifts
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Gracious God, you have given us the gifts of care and connection with one another. All things come from you. Help us use the gifts you give us to go into the world with deeper empathy and compassion, so that all people in all places have what they need. Amen.
Closing Hymn: The Summons (same as #350, with a different verse. Four verses total) OneLicense #G9837
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord, your summons echoes true when I but call your name!
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Benediction
Family of faith, as you leave this place, may God grant you the curiosity to counter assumptions, the vulnerability to befriend, the bravery to speak your truth, the wisdom to listen, the strength to ask for help, the resiliency to choose love, even when it’s hard, and the awareness of the Holy Spirit always beside you. In the name of the Great Connector—Love itself, go in peace.
Sending Music - Sue Stelsel
Liturgy adapted from prayers by Rev. Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.
“We Have Come” by Christopher Grundy ©2009 Hand and Soil Music. Used by permission.
Order of Worship for June 8, 2025
June 8, 2025
Pentecost
Union-Congregational Church
Gathering Music - Sue Stelsel
Welcome and Announcements - Pastor Jacob
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Call to Worship
Leader: They were all gathered in one place…
All: We have learned that stories of resurrection are best witnessed in community.
Leader: From heaven, there came the rush of a wind and it filled that place where they were.
All: The wind of the Spirit has been blowing among us. Holy Spirit, you are welcome here!
Leader: Flames appeared and rested upon each of them, as their hearts burned with love.
All: We have witnessed God’s refining fire, changing lives, and renewing hope.
Leader: They were speaking different languages, but each could understand the other.
All: Pain, suffering, as well as love and comfort, are universal languages.
Leader: Some thought they were filled with new wine.
All: It is possible to feel joy beyond comprehension when just one life is saved, when just one soul transforms.
Leader: But Peter reminded them of the words of the prophet Joel: “I will pour out my spirit on all people!”
All: We believe the Spirit will revive us, and we will dream dreams again and envision a better world for all people.
Opening Prayer (unison)
Spirit of Unity, you knit us together with all of our connections and distinctions. You make us one and yet unique. We gather to hear your voice and to attune ourselves to the language of the other, to celebrate the diversity of your creation and to immerse ourselves in compassionate care, to give you glory and to recognize the gift of community. May our hearts be opened and our lips declare your praise. Inhabit our worship with your abiding presence and inflame us with your love. Amen.
Opening Hymn: #492 Spirit of the Living God
Children’s Time
Reading of Scripture
Acts 2: 1-21
2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound, the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Media: “This is What Love Sounds Like When It Catches Fire” by Revs. Tim Powers-Reed and Jacob Nault
Message: “Why This Church?”
Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
We Offer Our Gifts
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Spirit of the Living God, receive our gifts as tangible expressions of our belonging to your church and our commitment to the ministry begun in Christ and continued through this faith community. Magnify them in miraculous ways, and make our generosity a demonstration of the love you have given us and we return to the world you love. Amen.
Closing Hymn: #577 Sing a New Church (1,3,4,5)
Benediction
Whatever binds you, whatever locks you up, whatever needs a turnaround in your life, can be transformed, for we believe our stories can be rewritten each and every day. We know it isn’t this easy or quick, but let this be a vision of your life resurrected. And now, may you go into the world, extending life-energy in all the ways you discover you can, for yourself, for others, for the world. And may the God who created you to be transformed into new life, the Christ who showed you what resurrection looks like, and the Spirit who is transforming your life even now, be with you now and evermore. Amen.
Sending Music: Sue Stelsel
Attributions:
• Opening Prayer and Prayer of Dedication by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.
• Theme, Call to Worship, and Benediction written by Dr. Marcia McFee for Worship Design Studio