Prelude Arabesque B. Wrangell (1862-1901)
Welcome, Welcome Back
Choral Introit Sing Out a Joyful Song Dale Wood
Call to Worship
*Hymn No. 464 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
*Unison Prayer of Gathering and New Life
One voice: The Prophet Isaiah hears God call for a new thing, which springs forth. The Psalmist invites us to sing to God a new song. And the Apostle Paul asserts that in Christ we are a new creation. None of our ancestors neglected nor forgot what was old, but all of them understood that Jesus’ way draws us forward: creating, building and hoping. This is the Spirit that gathers us in worship and gathers us in prayer. Let us pray together:
All: Ancient and ever-living God — who was and is and will be, gather us in worship together now. Empower us to lean upon everlasting arms, even while we reach out to the needs of today. Inspire us to give thanks for our ancestors, even as we invest in the hopes of our descendants. Unite us in the renewing gifts of worship and prayer, in Jesus’ name, 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.
The Early Church Acts 9: 36-43
The Children’s Time
Go, my children, with my blessing, Never alone. Waking, sleeping,
I am with you; You are my own. In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever. Go, my children, with my blessing – You are my own.
The Apocalypse Revelation 7: 9-17
The Choral Anthem Be Thou My Vision John Rutter
The Eastertide Affirmation Kenneth Baily
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer Our father and mother… trespasses…
*Hymn No. 298 There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy
*Benediction
*Choral Response Go in Peace Wood
Postlude Grand Choeur in G major T. Salome (1834-1896)
* Those who are able please stand
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During this time of covid caution we welcome all to safe, cautious congregational assembly. It is good to worship together. To care for one another we wear masks
(except for worship leaders at times) and our leaders are vaccinated.
We have a touch-free offering today. Please leave a gift in the basket, deliver an envelope after worship, go online, or any touch-free method you wish.
Thanks to worship leaders Kenneth Baily, Lynd Matt, Yevgenia Semeina,
Wendy Donnell & Jeff Small
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.
Newton Highlands Congregational Church, UCC
54 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA
www.nhcc.net 617 527 3898
The Morning Meditations:
“Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”
— Oscar Wilde, paraphrasing St. Augustine
“Has the god you have outgrown, still got a strange grip on you?
… Have I ever been able to trust the God
I’ve always wanted to believe?”
— Belden C. Lane