OOS – 10-23-22
Rollercoasters, Merry-Go-Rounds and Bumper Cars
Led by Rev. Eric Cherry

Service Blurb:  Amusement parks were a frequent destination during my growing up years. Not surprisingly, I find that they are replete with metaphors for how we approach life, face risk, protect against danger, and recover from injuries. So, this morning, our faith journey makes a Mid-Autumn stop at Six Flags. 

Soul Matters Theme: Courage

Thank you to our Worship Volunteers: Worship Partner Kristin Lehoullier; Ushers Janet and John Searles; and our Coffee Angel Janet Searles

Welcome and Announcements

Chalice Lighting by Raquel V. Reyes (adapted)

Prelude: La Pythie by C. Delvalle

Opening Words 

*Opening Hymn: #300 With Heart and Mind

1 With heart and mind and voice and hand may we this time and place transcend to make our purpose understood: a mortal search for mortal good, a firm commitment to the goal of justice, freedom, peace for all. 

2 A mind that’s free to seek the truth; a mind that’s free in age and youth to choose a path no threat impedes, wherever light of conscience leads. Our martyrs died so we could be a church where every mind is free. 

3 A heart that’s kind, a heart whose search makes Love the spirit of our church, where we can grow, and each one’s gift is sanctified, and spirits lift, where every door is open wide for all who choose to step inside. 

*Unison Affirmation
Love is the spirit of this church
And service our mission
This is our great covenant
To dwell together in peace
To seek the truth in love
And to help one another

Time for All Ages

Children’s Recessional
As you journey  –  As you journey
May you know  –  May you know
Love and hope go with you  –
Love and hope go with you
Learn and grow  –  Learn and grow
           -Sung to the tune of Frere Jacques
            Words by Ann Hossler

Joys and Sorrows

Prayer by Rev. Richard Gilbert

Sung Response: #396 I Know This Rose Will Open
I know this rose will open. I know my fear will burn away.
I know my soul will unfurl its wings. I know this rose will open. 

Call for the Offering: The Sharing Locker is one of Westminster’s outreach projects and has been in operation since February 2010.  Westminster reaches out to anyone in Washington or Kent County as well as Cranston residents who are experiencing a need for assistance by offering household goods, a seasonal farmer’s market, and/or pet food.  Our operation is, by design, closely aligned with our Westminster vision and mission. We have continued to serve clients even during the pandemic. To donate: http://34.197.179.157/donate/

Offertory: Charmante Valse by C. Clement

Reading: “Three Hugs” by Rev. Barbara Fast

Sermon: “Rollercoasters, Merry-go-Rounds and Bumper Cars”

*Closing Hymn: #108 My Life Flows on in Endless Song

1 My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation. I hear the real though far-off hymn that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing! 

2 What though the tempest ’round me roars, I know the truth, it liveth. What though the darkness ’round me close, songs in the night it giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging. Since love prevails in heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing! 

3 When tyrants tremble as they hear the bells of freedom ringing, when friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing! To prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging; when friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing! 

Closing words by John Murray

Carry the Flame