Blog

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)