Biddeford Pool
…a place of peace and Presence by the sea
Focus: “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock
Welcome:
Threshold Moment: (Video)
Music: Ode To Joy (Ludwig Van Beethoven) -Michelle Currie
Call To Worship:
L: Welcome to worship this day.
P: Thank you. We’re glad to be here.
L: Some have come seeking; some have come struggling
P: God of many names, be with each one of us today. Feed our hearts and souls with your transforming love.
L: The Holy One is truly with you all today, guiding, lifting, feeding, restoring your souls.
P: Praise be to God who continually abides with us. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
In the darkness of night and the brightness of day, you, O Holy One, are present to us. As we wrestle with situations which seem to drain us of our energy; as we struggle to find out who you call us to be, you reach out to us with reassurance of empowerment and courage for the days ahead. Calm our spirits and prepare our hearts and lives to receive your awesome grace. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Scripture: Deuteronomy 23:1-4
Listening To Summer, Macrina Wiederkehr
Sermon: What were you listening to during this summer? Listening To Summer…
I’ve been listening to …
The laughter of children playing on our street
The sound of birds singing early in the morning outside our window
The crash of waves along the beach
Greetings from neighbors as we walk each day
The crickets in the evening
The sound of my mother’s voice across the phone line or in person at a distance
The cries of families across our nation after losing loved ones to this virus
The calls for justice in the streets of our country
The joyful sounds of women’s voices celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote
I now invite each of you to share some thoughts in small groups about what you have been listening to over this summer. What have you heard? Where has the voice of God been in the midst of the sounds of summer in our midst?
Music: How Great Thou Art (Stuart K. Hine) -Michelle Currie
Musical call to Prayer: (two times)
Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People:
Closing Music: Build Your Kingdom Here (Rend Collective) -Michelle Currie
Benediction:
The Spirit sends us forth to serve. Go in peace, knowing that God will always be by your side in all that you do. Go in love, offering healing and hope to others. Go in joy, that others may be lifted and inspired in service. Amen.
Postlude: Go In Peace