WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS – Ruth Saunders

PRELUDE – Shirell Hix on cedar flute and Nan Ryan on handpan

*RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP – from “In Praise of the Earth,” by John O’Donohue. Led by Heather Dewar

One: Let us thank the Earth that offers ground for home and holds our feet firm
to walk in space
Open to infinite galaxies.

All: Let us ask forgiveness of the Earth for all our sins against her.

One: Let us salute the silence and certainty of mountains:
Their sublime stillness, their dream-filled hearts.

All: Let us ask forgiveness of the Earth for all our sins against her.

One: Let us remember within us the ancient clay, holding the memory of
seasons,
The passion of the wind, the fluency of water, the warmth of fire,
The quiver-touch of the sun and shadowed sureness of the moon.

All: Let us ask forgiveness of the Earth for all our sins against her;
That we may awaken, to live to the full the dream of the Earth,
Who chose us to emerge, and incarnate its hidden night
In mind, spirit, and light.

HYMN – “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky”

TIME WITH CHILDREN – “When I Was Young in the Mountains,” by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Diane Goode. Offered by Renee Andrews

BIRTHDAYS   

INTERLUDE 

A Prayer by Helen Weaver, offered by Ruth Saunders

Almighty God, who are mother and father to us all,
Look upon your planet Earth divided:
Help us to know that we are all your children;
That all nations belong to one great family,
And all of our religions lead to you.

Multiply our prayers in every land
Until the whole Earth becomes your congregation,
United in your love.
Sustain our vision of a peaceful future
And give us strength to work unceasingly
To make that vision real. Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC AND OFFERTORY – “Amazing Grace” – Shirell Hix, instrumental track (Shirell Studios) and cedar wood flute

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Hannah Norton

SCRIPTURE READING – Matthew 17:20

“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

HYMN – “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”

SERMON – “On NOT Moving Mountains” – Daniel Webster

SPECIAL MUSIC – “You Don’t Have to Move That Mountain,” by Keith Whitley, offered by Susan Kirkland, Mary Caraher, Les Caraher, Ellen Ribe, and Art Crummer 

BENEDICTION – from the Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu holy book

Let us be united;
Let us speak in harmony;
Let our minds apprehend alike.
Common be the end of our assembly;
Common be our resolution;
Common be our deliberations.
Alike be our feelings;
Unified be our hearts;
Common be our intentions;
Perfect be our unity.

“ALLELUIA”

Announcements

May 26 COVID Update – Although the COVID-19 virus is still detectable in nearly all Alachua County wastewater samples, the levels remain low. Also, the low test positivity rate indicates that the virus is not spreading rapidly. These data suggest that County residents have a relatively low risk of serious illness from COVID (the green zone). For churchgoers, N-95 and KN-95 masks are not required but should be considered by people with medical risks (including those aged over 65) who have not received a bivalent booster within the last 6 months.​