May Memorial Service
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026
A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives
WORSHIP LEADERS
Zachary A. Rivers Lake Fellow in Parish Ministry
Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen Associate Pastor of Care
The Congregational Committee of the Board of Deacons
John Brewer 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 MEMORIAL SERVICE
Prelude Shall We Gather at the River arr. Robert Hobby (b. 1962)
When in the Hour of Utmost Need, BWV 641 J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Chorale Prelude on ‘Eventide’ C. Hubert H. Parry (1848-1918)
Sing with All the Saints in Glory arr. James Biery Dr. John Allegar, organ (b. 1956)
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.
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.
At the River Aaron Copland John Brewer, tenor (1900-1990)
Opening Prayer Deacon Dixie Bibb
Invitation to Confession
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy, our need for you is great. We confess that we do not always have words to name our pain. In the silence, you are there. Your Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. When grief feels heavy, when friends feel far, draw us close to you and to one another. Help us to listen for your still, small voice. Anchor us in your love, which binds all things together And makes all things new, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Silent Prayer)
Assurance of God’s Grace
Song of Response Though I May Speak O
Remembrance of Loved Ones Deacon Eric Walts and Deacon Dixie Bibb
Solo Stand By Me
Albert Tindley (Soloist sings verse 1, then Congregation sings verses 1-3) (1851-1933)
Prayer for Illumination
First Scripture Lesson Psalm 34:4-7, 15-18
Second Scripture Lesson John 14:1-7 (p. 982)
Meditation The Way
“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
(John 14:5)
Moment of Silent Reflection
Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine Season by season I watch Him, amazed In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me.
I can’t remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain I can’t remember one single regret In serving God only, and trusting His hand All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me.
This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long God has been faithful, He will be again His loving compassion, it knows no end All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful, He’s always been faithful He’s always been faithful to me.
* Affirmation of Faith
Deacon Mary Henehan
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God's new heaven and new earth, praying, "Come, Lord Jesus!" With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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 #526 For All the Saints
* Benediction
* Recessional Hope Oaks, bagpipes
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.