INVOCATION – “To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places– and there are so many– where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.” -Howard Zinn, “The Optimism of Uncertainty.”CALL TO WORSHIP – “For Those Who Could Use a Nudge” by Micah Bucey

Leader: May these words be the first of many affirming nudges you notice today whether the message that resonates most with you is

Section One: Keep going!

Section Two: Please pause

Section Three: You’re amazing!

Everyone: You’re doing ok

Leader: or something else, and may you marvel at how, if you pay attention, affirming nudges often come in truly unexpected places

Section One: some words on social media, a call or text

Section Two: an email, 

Section Three: a postcard

Everyone: the random kindness of a stranger,

Leader: and while you’re waiting for the next nudge to come your way, may you support the cycle, serving as the gentle nudger for someone else who (like all of us) is fervently longing to feel affirmed.

Amen.

OPENING SONG – “The Welcome Table.” Traditional.

I want to sit at the welcome table…sit at the welcome table one of these days.
I’m gonna feast on milk and honey…feast on milk and honey one of these days.
I’m gonna tell God how you treat me…tell God how you treat me one of these days.
All of God’s children gonna sit together…children gonna sit together one of these days.

TIME WITH CHILDREN – “Miss Twiggley’s Tree,” by Dorothea Warren Fox, as told by Glenn Terry as the Narrator, Mary Crummer as Miss Twiggley, Talia Raymond as the Mayor’s Wife, and Art Crummer as the Mayor.
BIRTHDAYS

INTERLUDE 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Talia Raymond

SUNG RESPONSE – “Oh Lord, Hear My Prayer #91 in the gray songbook
(sing 3x)
Oh Lord, hear my prayer, oh Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me. Oh Lord, hear my prayer, oh Lord, hear my prayer, come and listen to me.

SPECIAL MUSIC AND OFFERTORY – “Crowded Table,” by the Highwomen. Offered by Stella Bachmann, Elena Frenock, and Magnolia Demers.

SERMON – “A Seat at the Table” – Andy Bachmann

PRAYER

FINAL SONG- “Gather Us In” 

BENEDICTION