Sixth Sunday of Easter
Prelude Praeludium in E-flat major (J.S. Bach)
Congregational Welcome
Choral Introit “Sing Out a Joyful Song” (Dale Wood)
Call to Worship
*Opening Hymn (Insert) Sing Praise to God
*Prayer of Invocation and Spirit
One voice: Psalm 66 begins, “Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of God’s praise be heard, who has kept us among the living and has not let our feet slip… Come and hear all you who fear God, and I will tell you what God has done for me… truly God has listened, and has given heed to the words of my prayer.” Let us lift up our voices to our God, who listens:
All: Gather us now, O God, for a time of praise and joy. Unite us through your Advocate, for spiritual community, to share our bounty and burdens, and to celebrate how your Word moves from generation to generation. Open our hearts to awe, our eyes to wisdom, and our hands to service. Draw us to the wonders of eternity, and let us delight in Jesus’ way. We pray this as Christ’s Body, Amen.
*Assurance of Forgiveness
*Response in Praise
Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Celebrate this day of days!
Christ is Risen! Hush in wonder; All creation is amazed.
In the desert all-surrounding, see, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of grace abounding, Bring a taste of love unknown.
*Sharing of Peace
The Day’s Psalm Ps. 150
The Celebration of Music Ministry
All: We unite in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners in Christ’s service. We promise our mutual Christian love, our respect and support, our assistance and encouragement, together and faithful in the church of Jesus Christ. We hear God calling us to a new thing often, so we rejoice in this new thing, in God’s way. Alleluia! Amen.
*Hymn Response #264 When in our Music God is Glorified
(During the hymn children are invited to Church School)
The History of the Church Acts 17: 22-31
The Gospel Reading John 14: 15-21
The Morning Meditation The Rev. Kenneth F. Baily
Call to Offering
Choral Offering “To Heav’n I lift mine eyes” (Watts/Lyon)
*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Christ the word in flesh born low,
Praise Holy Spirit evermore,
One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
“Our Father and Mother…trespasses…”
*Hymn #257 Give Praise to the Lord
*Benediction
*Benediction Response “God be with You” (William Tomer)
Postlude Fugue on “St. Anne” (J.S. Bach)
* Those who are able please stand
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Our worship is “masks optional.” We continue to be careful,
our leaders are vaccinated, and our choir continues with masks.
We now pass plates for our offering. Meanwhile, you are welcome to
use our website for any offerings; and thank you.
Thanks to worship leaders Kenneth Baily, Wendy Donnell,
Yevgenia Semeina, Jan Zimmerman, Isabelle Draper, Misha Hill.
NHCC is an Open and Affirming, Still Speaking congregation
where all are welcome regardless of the divisions or separations
that some in society would impose: whoever you are, you are
welcome in God’s house. “In Christ we are a new creation,”
so we are blessed to be together in Christ’s name.
Would you like to learn more about membership at NHCC?
Contact Ken Baily or any Deacon (readers and welcomers).
“Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Isaac Watts