Sunday Order of Service

APRIL 27, 2025

PRELUDE Follow the Dream words by John Parker
music by Vicki Tucker Courtney
The Chancel Choir
Tristan Strelitzer, choral director
Katherine Turner, guest collaborative pianist

OPENING WORDS “The Embers of Imagination” by Michelle Collins
read by Rev. Dena McPhetres
Associate Minister
CHALICE LIGHTING Jeremy Koenen, Worship Associate

*OPENING SONG “Change is Coming” text by adrienne marie brown
music by Molly Bajgot
Change is coming, what do we need to imagine
I know from brokenness there’s whole

NEW MEMBER CEREMONY (see insert)

MINDFULNESS MOVEMENT MEDITATION with Simone Ferro
CENTERING HYMN 123 “Spirit of Life”

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Jeremy Koenen

UNISON AFFIRMATION OF OUR MISSION (CONGREGATION)
We gather to nurture the spirit, engage the mind, and inspire action.

OFFERING AND THE CHILDREN’S RECESSIONAL

HYMN 1018 (teal) “Come and Go with Me”
At 9 a.m., children and teachers join in singing verse 1, then proceed to religious education as the congregation continues to sing you on your way.

This month we share 50% of all non-pledge cash in our offering plate with Seeds of Health. To contribute, put cash or checks made out to Seeds of Health in the offering plate and we will forward it for you. Or text 73256 with message give2uu. To contribute to First Church, give cash or checks made out to FUSM in the offering plate or text to give with a credit or debit card.

WORSHIP ASSOCIATE STORY Jeremy Koenen

INTERLUDE I Dream A World words by Langston Hughes
music by Andre J. Thomas
The Chancel Choir

SERMON “What Do We Need to Imagine?” Rev. Dena McPhetres

INTERLUDE Imagine by John Lennon
arr. Kirby Shaw
The Chancel Choir

CLOSING WORDS “Let Us Sing the Magic of Imagination”
by Susan L. Van Dreser

EXTINGUISHING THE FLAMING CHALICE Jeremy Koenen

*RECESSIONAL HYMN 305 “De Colores”