Outdoor Worship - October 4, 2020 - 10 a.m.
Affirmation Sunday
“…anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, The Message)
Order of Worship
OPENING SONG “Bond of Love”
Welcome
Announcements
Call to Worship (based on ABCUSA Mission Statement)
ONE: The heart of the gospel is God’s redemptive love.
ALL: We affirm our faith in Christ.
ONE: In our life together as Christians, we witness to the power of forgiveness to overcome alienation.
ALL: We affirm our faith in Christ.
ONE: In Christ we find the strength of love to transform hate.
ALL: We affirm our faith in Christ.
ONE: In Christ we find the power of grace to break the bonds of guilt, the triumph of hope over despair, and the victory of faith over doubt.
ALL: We affirm our faith in Christ.
ONE: As a people of prayer, purpose, and passion, we seek to create a community of faith where people of every race, nationality and culture gather as one in worship, service and work.
ALL: We affirm our faith in Christ.
SONG “Let the Walls Fall Down”
Introduction of Affirmand by Steve Kinson, Mentor
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-20, Jake Houlihan, Reader
Statement of Faith by Affirmand, Jake Houlihan
Introduction of Affirmand by Sue Borchard, Mentor
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 10:13, Hannah Burr, Reader
Statement of Faith by Affirmand, Hannah Burr
SONG “Come Share the Lord”
Questions to Affirmands (based on UCC Book of Worship, spoken by the pastor)
Response by Congregation (in unison): We welcome you into our church as full participating members. We affirm all that you are, and we accept you into our church family as new creations. Thank you for adding your light to ours, and remember that no matter where you go, we are here for you.
Prayer for Affirmands (Parents and family members are invited to participate in a “laying on of hands;” non-family members are invited to raise their right hands in a gesture of blessing as the pastor prays)
Right “Hand” of Fellowship (mentors, deacons, pastor)
Presentation of Bibles, certificates, gifts (mentors and deacons)
SONG “Come to the Table of Grace”
COMMUNION of the Lord’s Supper
Benediction
CLOSING SONG ‘’Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Worship Leaders:
Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor
Julie Gorman, Music Director
Hannah Burr, Affirmand
Jake Houlihan, Affirmand
Sue Borchard, Mentor
Steve Kinson, Mentor and Tech Deacon
Alan Mercer, Vocals
Kathy Danielson, Vocals and Guitar
Tom O’Toole, Tech Associate
Tim Danielson, Sound Engineer
Many thanks to:
Affirmands, their families, and mentors for inspiring our faith; members of the worship and tech teams (Julie Gorman, Steve Kinson, Marlayna Schmidt, Lyn Pickhover, Bonnie Sousa, and Sue Woodman) for their planning of this service; Steve Kinson, Tim Danielson and Tom O’Toole whose technical expertise made this service possible.
Franklin Federated Church
171 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038
franklinfederated.org; 508-528-3803
No matter who you are, where you are on your journey of life or faith, you are welcome here!
