ORDER OF SERVICE
In the beginning . . . .
The First Day: Genesis 1:1-5
Candle Lighting
Sharing the Peace of Christ
The Second Day: Genesis 1:6-8
Sung Response – VU 710 Shall We Gather at the River HANSON PLACE
The Third Day: Genesis 1:9-13
Prayers
The Fourth Day: Genesis 1:14-19
Learning a Song – MV 39 Mother Earth, Our Mother Birthing MIRACLE
The Fifth Day: Genesis 1:20-23
Poem – “Be Still in Haste” by Wendell Barry
Offering
Offertory Music – “River” Julian Pattison
The Sixth Day: Genesis 1:24-31
Reflection
Hymn – MV 41 O Beautiful Gaia Carolyn McDade
The Seventh Day: Genesis 2:1-3
Blessing
Offering Leadership Today
Rev. Emily Gordon, Natalie Jahn, Matthew Boutda, Michael Dorang, Emily Pollock, Nancy Stewart, Murray Fenner, Courtney Dakers, Rachel Wood, Sheila McCoy, Peter Bull, Chris Norman
BEHIND THE MUSIC:
Sung Response – VU 710 Shall We Gather at the River
This traditional Christian hymn originally titled “Hanson Place,” written by American poet and gospel music composer Robert Lowry. It was written in 1864 and is now in the public domain. The title “Hanson Place” is a reference to the original Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn, where Lowry, as a Baptist minister, sometimes served. The song’s lyrics refer to the Christian concept of the anticipation of restoration and reward, and reference the motifs found in Revelation 22:1-2 – a crystal clear river with water of life, issuing from the throne of heaven, all presented by an angel of God.
Offertory Solo – River by Julian Pattison
Julian is a pianist/keyboardist in the vicinity of Vancouver, British Columbia, and found his passion for music at an early age. His piano style combines elements of pop, jazz, hip-hop, funk, latin, blues, gospel and folk – and results in a fresh approach to music new and old. Julian holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Capilano University and leads music at Mount Seymour United Church.
Closing Hymn – MV 39 Mother Earth, Our Mother Birthing
This new hymn celebrates the four traditional elements of creation and the interconnectedness of the Creation through time and place. The words were written by Norman Habel in 1999. Neil Weisensel composed the tune in 2006. In introducing this song, Habel says, “The occasion for this song was the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. John Sabel, who is a poet and a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi. The poem honours St. Francis by acclaiming Earth, Air, Water, and Fire as our kin, components we have in common with planet Earth and with Jesus of Nazareth.”