St. Andrew’s United Church “Things do not change- we change.” Thoreau January 25, 2015

Opening our Doors PreludeBeth Josephson Welcome & Announcements - Observer Subscriptions: $ Prayer Shawls available * Passing the Peace * Hymn “In the Bulb…” (Voices United #703 & Screen)

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. - Words & Music: Natalie Sleeth

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau * Invitation to Worship One: What gift can we bring, what present, what token? What words can we convey it- the joy of this day? ALL:When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, what song can we offer in honor and praise?

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau One: Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true. ALL:Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau One: Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring, ALL:the Word is our promise, always, forever, we rest in God's keeping and live in God's love.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau One: This gift we now bring, this present this token, these words can convey it- the joy of this day! ALL:When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, then our song will convey our honor and praise! AMEN. - Jane Marshall (1980)

Opening our Hearts Prayers for Peace & Candle Lighting Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer OffertoryBeth Josephson Presentation of Tithes & Offerings * Song“God of Love”

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau God of love, hear our prayer, bless this offering we bring you. May our lives do your will, guide and guard us forever. Give us courage to stand for truth, help us care for others. God of love, hear our prayer, bless this offering we bring you. * Prayer of Dedication

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau * Hymn“Come Touch our Hearts” (More Voices #12 & Screen) Come touch our hearts that we may know compassion, from failing embers build a blazing fire; love strong enough to overturn injustice, to seek a world more gracious, come touch and bless our hearts.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau Come touch our souls that we may know and love you, your quiet presence all our fears dispel; create a space for spirit to grow in us, let life and beauty fill us, come touch and bless our souls.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau Come touch our minds and teach us how to reason, set free our thoughts to wonder and to dream; help us to open doors of understanding, to welcome truth and wisdom, come touch and bless our minds.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau Come touch us in the moments we are fragile, and in our weakness your great strength reveal; that we may rise to follow and to serve, steady now our nerve, come touch and bless our wills.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau Come touch us now, this people who are gathered, to break the bread and share the cup of peace; that we may love you with our heart, our soul, our mind, our strength our all, come touch us with your grace. - Words & Music: Gordon Light

Opening our Minds Children`s MessageRev. James Ancient Wisdom: I Cor. 7:29-31 Song “Tis the Gift to Be Simple” (x3) Contemporary Wisdom MessageRev. James

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free, tis the gift to come down where you ought to be, and when we find ourselves in the place just right, it will be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed; to turn, turn will be our delight til by turning, turning, we come round right.

Opening our Minds Children`s MessageRev. James Ancient Wisdom: I Cor. 7:29-31 Song “Tis the Gift to Be Simple” (x3) Contemporary Wisdom MessageRev. James

Opening our Minds Children`s MessageRev. James Ancient Wisdom: I Cor. 7:29-31 Song “Tis the Gift to Be Simple” (x3) Contemporary Wisdom MessageRev. James

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau CHANGE IS… Article: Apostle Paul: Dan Harris: natural essential fundamental to our bodies. to our beliefs. to our behavior.

Opening our Lives * Congregational Prayer One: Let us pray: ALL:Sustaining God, in the midst of our day, and embraced by your world, we call upon your wisdom; we draw upon your strength; we rely upon your grace.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau Help us to continue faithfully in your way, by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus. AMEN. * Hymn “I Danced in the Morning” (Voices United #352 & Screen)

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau I danced in the morning when the world was begun, and I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun, and I came down from heaven and I danced on earth, at Bethlehem I had my birth. Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee, but they would not dance and the would not follow me; I danced for the fishermen, for James and John; they came with me and the dance went on. Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame; the holy people said it was a shame; they whipped and they stripped and they hung me high; and left me there on the cross to die. Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black; it’s hard to dance with the devil on your back; they buried my body and they thought I’d gone, but I am the dance and I still go on. Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau They cut me down and I leapt up high; I am the life that will never, never die; I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me; I am the Lord of the dance, said he. Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he. - Words: Sydney Carter

“Things do not change- we change.” - Thoreau * Benediction * Love us into fullness, touch us with your grace; Jesus in your mercy, draw us to your face. Love us into fullness, hold us in your care, cheer us with your presence here and everywhere. Love us into fullness, and we will be strong; Jesus walk beside us, fill our hearts with song. * Postlude Beth Josephson

HAVE A GREAT WEEK! “Things do not change- we change.” Thoreau