Gathering
Music for Meditation
Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI/20, Andante con moto, F. J. Haydn
Organ Prelude
Sheep May Safely Graze, J. S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
Setting the Table
Welcome Home
Call to Worship
One: Heaven and Earth, be witness to our work of creating a world steeped in liberation for all.
Many: We commit ourselves to working for justice,
Standing up for the defenseless,
And defending the vulnerable.
One: God, we know that the nation’s hands are bloody.
Many: We cannot change the past.
We are invited to learn from it.
We can create a new reality in the present.
One: God, we commit to being transformed people.
Many: We will no longer oppress.
We will no longer marginalize.
Poverty will no longer prevail!
Supremacy will be unwoven from this nation’s tapestry.
Inequitable laws will not thrive in our justive system.
One: God, just as you love us, we will love all people. Love will be infused in all that we do
Choral Response
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, C. Wesley, J. Zunder
*Morning Prayer
*Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Children’s Time
Special Music
The Lord Is my Shepherd, J. Rutter
Scripture Reading
John 3:1-8
Prayer for Illumination
Sermon
Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr.
Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church, NYC
Giving our Gifts to God
Music for Response
If you but trust in God to guide you, H. Walcha
Prayer of Dedication
Benediction
Postlude
Rigaudon, André Campra
Thank you to our musicians in today’s service including: Ella Torres, soprano; Danielle Romano, alto;
Josh Carlisle, tenor; Jack O’Leary, bass; Samuel Baker, organ; David Labman, piano, director.