Gathering Music

“Hakuna Wakaita Sa Jesu”
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Call to Worship

Brendan Fox

One: We bid you welcome who come with weary spirit seeking rest.
All: Who come with troubles that are too much with you, who come hurt and afraid.
One: We bid you welcome who come with hope in your heart.
All: Who come with anticipation in your step, who come proud and joyous.
One: Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey
All: All are welcome in this place!

Sung Evening Confession

“Beautiful Things”

Scripture

The Rev. Dr. J. Terry Todd

Ruth 1:16-18 NRSV

16 Ruth said to Naomi,

“Do not press me to leave you
or to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people,
and your God my God.
17 Where you die, I will die—
there will I be buried.
May the Lord do thus and so to me,
and more as well,
if even death parts me from you!”

18 When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.

Sung Response

“House of God” words by Laurie Zelman and music by Mark Miller

Reading

Brinna Kolitz

Excerpt from “Of Being Woven” by Rumi

The way is full of genuine sacrifice.

The thickets blocking the path are anything
that keeps you from that, any fear
that you may be broken to bits like a glass bottle.
This road demands courage and stamina,
yet it’s full of footprints! Who are
these companions? They are rungs
in your ladder. Use them!
With company you quicken your ascent.

You may be happy enough going along,
but with others you’ll get farther, and faster.

Someone who goes cheerfully by himself
to the customs house to pay his traveler’s tax
will go even more lightheartedly
when friends are with him.

Every prophet sought out companions.
A wall standing alone is useless,
but put three or four walls together,
and they’ll support a roof and keep
the grain dry and safe.

When ink joins with a pen, then the blank paper
can say something. Rushes and reeds must be woven
to be useful as a mat. If they weren’t interlaced,
the wind would blow them away.
Like that, God paired up
creatures, and gave them friendship.

Silent Reflection

Sung Response

“House of God” words by Laurie Zelman and music by Mark Miller

Prayers for Friends

Mark Miller

All: We hold _____________ in the light of God, may Love surround them

Blessing

Kelsey Wallace

Sending

“All My Days”

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Worship Notes:

Call to Worship:
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/02/opening-litany-we-bid-you-welcome.html

Prayers of the People adapted from:
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/10/prayers-of-people-we-will-love.html

Rumi, Jalal Al-Din. The Essential Rumi – reissue: New Expanded Edition (pp. 246-247). HarperCollins e-books. Kindle Edition.