Sunday Order of Service

MARCH 23, 2025

ORDER OF SERVICE

PRELUDE                          “Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity (Thaxted)”

from The Planets, op.32

by Gustav Holst

Teresa Drews, piano

OPENING WORDS           “A Theology Adequate for the Night”      by Nancy Shaffer

read by Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom

Senior Minister

CHALICE LIGHTING                                            Desiree Pointer Mace, Worship Associate

*OPENING HYMN (insert)                “Hymn of Hope”             by Anne Heaton

TIME FOR ALL AGES                   “Giraffes Can’t Dance”         by Giles Andreae

read by Rev. Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson

Minister of Religious Education

CANDLE OF LIFE

SPOKEN MEDITATION                                  Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom

SILENCE

CENTERING HYMN 123                     “Spirit of Life”

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS                    Desiree Pointer Mace

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 95                                     “More Love Somewhere”

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 Plastic Free MKE. To contribute, put cash or checks made out to Milwaukee Riverkeeper with memo Plastic-FreeMKE 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                          Desiree Pointer Mace

INTERLUDE                                               We Are   by Ysaye Barnwell

The Chancel Choir

Tristan Strelitzer, choral director

Teresa Drews, collaborative pianist

SERMON                                     “Trust in the Universe?”              Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom

INTERLUDE                                                Everyone Sang    Music by Linda Kachelmeier, Words by Siegfried Sassoon

The Chancel Choir

CLOSING WORDS                                                              Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom

EXTINGUISHING THE FLAMING CHALICE                   Desiree Pointer Mace

*RECESSIONAL HYMN 108   “My Life Flows On In Endless Song”