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
Order of Worship for June 1, 2025
June 1, 2025
7th Sunday of Easter/Graduation Sunday
Communion Service
Union-Congregational Church
Gathering Music: Sue Stelsel
Welcome and Announcements: Pastor Jacob
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Listening to a Poem: “Hope Is An Act” by Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes (video)
Call to Worship
Leader: Again the disciples gathered in Galilee, this time at the mountain where Jesus had directed them to go.
All: Whether at sea level or on the mountaintop, we follow Jesus.
Leader: They saw Jesus and worshiped him, yet they doubted.
All: We recall our own experiences of deep devotion and yet we are aware of times of great doubt. Both are essential elements of engaged faith.
Leader: Jesus instructed the disciples to go and make disciples, baptizing in the holy names and teaching as he had taught.
All: In spite of our frailty at times, Jesus invites us to be a part of the ministry of serenity, bringing good news to those who suffer.
Leader: Jesus offered reassurance with his parting words: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
All: When our own lives are in turmoil and when we see those around us struggling, we can offer comfort to others and tender compassion to ourselves–
seeking calm in Divine presence.
Opening Prayer (unison)
God of love and presence, we know that we have experienced many kinds of difficulty and trauma in our lives. May we work together to provide hope to those who need it the most, as we are reminded of the hope you’ve given us. Amen.
Opening Hymn: #655 Come Away From Rush and Hurry
(This text may not be as familiar, but the tune should be)
Graduation PowerPoint - The Climb by Miley Cyrus
Recognizing Our Graduates
Haley Huenink
Eliza Neumann
Alysa Pattee
Delaney Stelsel
Ava Koerner
Colton Pluim
A litany for graduates by Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Jacob: Today we honor you who are graduating,
for you are on a sacred journey.
All: Your journey is not only the learning of your mind but the growing of your heart.
Becky: We celebrate the effort you have given to accomplish this.
All: And we ask God’s blessing for the journey yet to come.
Jacob: May God always give you gifts of curiosity and discipline.
All: May God give you courage to explore new things.
Becky: May the Spirit work in you that in all you do you may serve God.
All: May the Spirit give you grace to do justice, to love kindly, and to walk humbly with God.
Jacob: May you know always that Christ goes with you.
We who have made many journeys give you our blessing.
Becky: By the grace of God, we surround you with our prayers.
All: Our spirits will go with you. For we too are pilgrims, always learning, always by the grace of God beginning anew. Go in peace, and serve God with joy. Amen.
Presentation of Gifts to Graduates
Reading of Scripture
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.
Media Clip: “Inside Out 2” - Anxiety Attack
Message: “Remember—God Is With You”
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)
Gracious God, we offer these gifts to you with humility, with the hope that You will help us use them to offer hope to the world. Help us love others as You love us. Help us have the courage to care for the needy and the vulnerable. Amen.
Sharing Holy Communion
Pastor: Friends, every time we come to this table,….So, beloveds, write these words on your heart as we pray: God is with you!
All: And also with you!
P: Lift up your hearts!
All: We lift them to God.
P: let us give thanks to the Holy One who has been and always will be with us.
All: Because we have been fully loved, let us rejoice and give thanks to God.
Gracious God, through Christ, ….
Sharing the Elements
Prayer after communion
God of love, thank you for inviting us once again to this holy meal. Though our fears or anxieties over our lives and the world’s grief may remain, in this moment we can take comfort in your love for us. Send us out as thankful people, ready to embody the lover and grace you so generously give to us. Amen.
*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.
Closing Hymn: #451 Be Still My Soul
Benediction
Sending Music: Sue Stelsel
Attributions
Call to Worship and Benediction by Dr. Marcia McFee for Worship Design Studio
Litany for Graduates and poem “Hope Is An Act” by Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net)