Bulletin – Sunday, April 19, 2020

April 19, 2020
Earth Day

Approach

Candle Lighting

Call to Worship

Hey there, sun and moon! Hey there, shining stars!
Praise God in highest heaven.

Hey there, wind and water! Hey there, grass and trees!
Praise God all over the earth.

Hey there, whoever flies! Hey there, whoever swims!
Praise God from the heights and depths.

Hey there, old and young! Hey there, big and small!
Praise God, everyone!

Music – “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

Our Prayer to Greet God!

God, you love the earth you made, the sea and the sky, the animals and the trees, the birds and the bees. You even love the ground under our feet. We thank you for making so many bright and beautiful things – including all of us. You made us all for a purpose. Today help us think about why we’re here in the middle of this bright and beautiful world. We join our voices with the wind and the waves, the geese and the gophers to praise your holy name. Amen!

We say Sorry to God!

God, we love the earth you made, with trees to climb, water to swim and grass to play on. Yet sometimes we forget to look after the earth. We make lots of garbage to bury. We dump things down the drain without thinking. We push animals out of their homes as if we owned everything. Forgive us when we forget the earth belongs to you.

God Forgives Us

Time for All Ages

The Word

Scripture Reading:

Genesis 1:1-2:4a

Story Time – “Fergie Cleans Up”

An original story by Nancy Cocks © 2003
An illustrated version by Novalis Press, Ottawa, ON

Focus on Earth Day – “Thinking About Dirt”

Music – “Morning Has Broken”

The Response

Prayers of the People

God bless the earth and the ground we walk on. Wherever we run and jump, walk and hike – make us grateful for the ground under our feet.
God bless us and all creation.

God bless the earth and the dirt we dig in. Bless the seeds we sow and make them grow, Bless the plants and flowers with rain and sun. Bless the worms that wiggle and the bees that visit. Whenever we taste something from our gardens make us grateful for the dirt we dig in.
God bless us and all creation.

God bless the earth and the wind that blows. Bless us with the summer breeze to cool us down. Wherever the wind has turned into storms give people strength and courage to pick up the pieces of their lives, and rebuild their homes. God keep us safe from storms this year.
God bless us and all creation.

God bless the earth and the rain that falls. Bless the water that refreshes the earth and allows us to drink, bathe and play in it. Wherever the water has turned into floods give people strength and courage to clean up the mess and rebuild their communities. God keep us safe from floods this year.       
God bless us and all creation.

God bless the earth and the sky above us. Bless the air we breathe and the sun that rises. Bless the stars that twinkle and the dancing Northern Lights. Help us live wisely under the sky. Caring for the air we breathe, the water that flows, the wind that blows and everything that grows.     
God bless us and all creation.

Help us remember the earth and everything in it belongs to you. Let us treat everything as your gift. Let us remember that your gift of your presence is always with us as we remember those in this community for whom we pray…Let us pray now together ‘The Jesus Prayer”

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Music – “This is God’s Wondrous World”

Benediction

Mountains and rushing streams,
Bless the Lord.

Seagulls with salty screams,
Bless the Lord.

Snowshoe hare, polar bear,
Bless the Lord.

Praise God, O praise God forever. Sunrise every morning,
Bless the Lord.

Worms in the garden,
Bless the Lord.

Fast talkers, slow walkers, Bless the Lord. Praise God, O praise God forever. Frogs, turtles, snails, Bless the Lord. Robins, wrens and quails,
Bless the Lord.

Cat people, dog people,
Bless the Lord.

Praise God, O praise God forever. Soil for the front yard,
Bless the Lord.

Deer in the backyard,
Bless the Lord.

Everybody here say,
Bless the Lord.

Praise God, O praise God forever. Amen.

Music – “Like a Rock”