May Memorial Service
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025
A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives
WORSHIP LEADERS
Rev. Danny L. Carpenter Lake Fellow in Parish Ministry
Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen Associate Pastor of Care
The Congregational Committee of the Board of Deacons
Jared Slothower Soloist
Dr. John Allegar Organist and Assistant Director of Music and Fine Arts
Hope Oaks, Bagpipes
All music in this service used by permission: CCLI License #719352; OneLicense #A-715008; or public domain.
VISUAL ASSISTANCE
Please speak to an usher if you need a large print bulletin or hymnal.
May 21, 2025
MAY MEMORIAL SERVICE
Prelude Rhosymedre
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Nimrod (from Enigma Variations, Op. 36) Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Dr. John Allegar, organ arr. Robert Gower (b. 1952)
Welcome Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen
Sung Call to Worship
Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod, With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God?
Yes, we’ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God.
Shall We Gather At the River? Aaron Copland Jared Slothower, tenor (1900-1990)
Soon we’ll reach the shining river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace.
Yes, we’ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God.
Opening Prayer Deacon Mary Henehan
* Opening Hymn #543
Abide with Me EVENTIDE (verses 1-3)
Invitation to Confession Rev. Danny L. Carpenter
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, you know the burdens we carry: burdens of grief, of things said or left unsaid; burdens of harm caused and painful memories. Where we have caused hurt, forgive us. Where we have become lost in despair, rescue us. Where we struggle to forgive ourselves, free us to accept the forgiveness that comes from you. Anchor us, once again, in your gracious and enduring love, from which nothing can separate us.
Set us free from our sins, and restore to us the joy of your salvation, now and forever. Amen. (Silent Prayer)
Assurance of God’s Grace
Song of Response
Though I May Speak
Prayer for Illumination
First Scripture Lesson Psalm 13 (p. 484)
Second Scripture Lesson Romans 8:26-27, 31-35, 37-39 (p. 1030)
Meditation Nothing Can Separate
Rev. Danny L. Carpenter
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38-39)
Moment of Silent Reflection
Response to the Word Hymn #400 When We Are Living SOMOS DEL SEÑOR (sung in English)
Remembrance of Loved Ones
Deacon Suzanne Baach and Deacon Cyndi Countryman
Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
* Closing Hymn #276 Great Is Thy Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS
* Benediction
Recessional
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
John Newton Hope Oaks, bagpipes (1725-1807)
Please join us as we walk to the location of our tree planting ceremony. This tree is planted in remembrance of our loved ones who now rest peacefully in the arms of God.