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Sunday, January 25, 2026
TRADITIONAL Service
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                   

Welcome and Announcements                     

Camp Sunday: Naomi Enders, Daycholah Center

Introduction to Theme

Liturgist: Where do you think God’s “dwelling place” is? The Psalmist speaks of longing to be in God’s “house.” Indeed, being in what feels like a sacred place can transform and inspire us. Instead of thinking that finding God requires us to go to a designated place like our church, what if we created spaces that reminded us of the sacred wherever we are? Our worship series this season is designed to help us see our ordinary surroundings as sacred containers for spiritual connection. This week you are invited to create an “altar” in your home that can remind you that God dwells in all places.

Call to Worship
One: Where do you experience the Holy? There are so many places. 
All: We find the Holy in our church, in the faces and stories of the people who join us for worship this day.
 

One: Some of us experience it in the natural world.
All: In the sounds of the earth moving, the crispness of the air, or the beauty of the sky.
 

One: What if we made our homes and our hearts intentional sanctuaries for holy encounters?
All: May we be empowered to do so today.

Opening Prayer (unison)
Abiding God, we give thanks for your steadfast presence in all places. Open our hearts to the light of possibilities, even when the day ahead holds difficulties. Be with us, near us, beside us. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #245 We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding

Children’s Time

Reading of Scripture
Psalm 84 (NRSVue)
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints, for the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Selah 5 Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. 8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. 10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.

After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”

Message: Has God Left the Building?

Hymn: #134 Sweet Sweet Spirit

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, thank you for these gifts. Help us leave this place, using them to bring more light into a hurting world. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #358 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Benediction
Now go into the world, feeling the wrap of love around your shoulders, the embrace of well-being encompassing your heart, the confidence that only requires one foot in front of the other, and the assurance that you are not alone. The world needs you and will patiently wait for your light to shine, illuminating just one small corner, speaking even a little bit of hope. We’re in it together, along with the One who created us, the One who redeems us, the One who sustains us. So be it. Amen.

Sending Music