WORSHIP SERVICES

ORDER OF SERVICE

Centering chimes

Lighting of the solidarity lamp
–Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor

Prelude

Call to worship

Seekers of God, you are present and God is present.

Open your eyes to see anew.

 

Lovers of God, you are present and God is present.

Open your hearts to be touched anew.

 

Followers of God, you are present and God is present.

Open your mind to learn anew.

 

People of God, you are present and God is present.

Open yourself to be filled anew.

 

From Words for Worship 2 by Diane Zaerr Brenneman

Purple songbook #5 – Open my ears, open my eyes

Welcome & prayer

Virtual Passing the Peace (break-out groups)

Green Songbook #16 – Praise with joy the world’s Creator

Children’s story
– Song “Let the children come to me”
– TODAY is the final children’s offering to benefit the Randolph Street Community Gardens
– All households are invited to set out a basket and gather an offering weekly. Donations may be sent to the FMC office at any time or can be made online (select children’s offering in “To” box)

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-46

Sermon

Green songbook #30 – Jesus Christ is waiting

Congregational sharing & prayer

Meditative music 
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Consider giving to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.

Work of the church

Purple songbook #123 – Let us talents and tongues employ

Benediction

Worship Leader – Pastor Deb
Hymns – Pastor Deb
Prelude & meditation music – Pete Shungu
Children’s Storyteller – Cindy Breeze
Scripture Reader – Lynne Sancken
Sermon & sharing – Pastor Michael

ORDER OF SERVICE

Centering chimes

Lighting of the solidarity lamp
–Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor

Prelude

Call to worship

Watch! Wait!  The day of God is at hand!

Like the bud on a tree, God’s possibilities are about to blossom!

Stay awake! The reign of God is near,

Watch and wait with hope.

May God bring justice to all people.

May God’s reign come on earth as in heaven. 

Green songbook #9 – Come, now is the time to worship

Welcome & prayer

Virtual Passing the Peace (break-out groups)

Hymnal #332 – Blessed assurance

Virtual backpack blessing

Children’s story
– Song “Let the children come to me”
– The children’s offering through August benefits Randolph Street Community Gardens
– All households are invited to set out a basket and gather an offering weekly. Donations may be sent to the FMC office at any time or can be made online (select children’s offering in “To” box)

Scripture: Matthew 24:32-35

Sermon

Purple songbook #118 – Keep your lamps trimmed

Congregational sharing & prayer

Meditative music 
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Consider giving to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.

Words to the meditative music:
“Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us, the shout of rampart-guards surrounds us: “Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight’s peace their cry has broken, their urgent summons clearly spoken: “The time has come, O maidens wise! Rise up, and give us light; the
Bridegroom is in sight. Alleluia! Your lamps prepare and hasten there, that you the wedding feast may share.”

Work of the church

Hymnal #427 – You shall go out with joy

Benediction

Worship Leader – Pastor Deb
Music – Rafael Luquis
Prelude & meditation music – Pastor Deb
Children’s Storyteller – Mary Biddle
Scripture Reader – Karen McKenzie
Sermon & sharing – Pastor Michael

ORDER OF SERVICE

Centering chimes

Lighting of the solidarity lamp
–Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor

Prelude

Call to worship

1: The world belongs to God,

2: the earth and all its people.

 

1. How good it is, how wonderful

2: to live together in unity.

 

1: Love and faith come together;

2: justice and peace join hands.

 

1: If Christ’s disciples keep silent,

2: these stones would shout aloud.

 

1: Open our lips, O God,
2: and our mouths shall proclaim your praise.

 

Credit: Iona Abby Worship Book, Wild Goose Publications, 2017.

Hymnal #7 – Here, O Lord, your servants gather

Welcome & prayer

Virtual Passing the Peace (break-out groups)

Song – Wedding song

Children’s story
– Song “Let the children come to me”
– The children’s offering through August benefits Randolph Street Community Gardens
– All households are invited to set out a basket and gather an offering weekly. Donations may be sent to the FMC office at any time or can be made online (select children’s offering in “To” box)

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Sermon

Green songbook # 86 – Taste and see

Congregational sharing & prayer
– Mission moment from Rudy & Michelle Moyer-Litwiller

Meditative music 
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Consider giving to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.

Work of the church

Green songbook #51 – As tranquil streams

Benediction

Worship Leader – Pastor Michael
Music – Matt Yoder
Prelude & meditation music – Pam Pena Martin
Children’s Storyteller – Melissa Shungu
Scripture Reader – Earl Kellogg
Sermon & sharing – Pastor Deb