Joyful music, prayer, preaching, scripture and communion filled the sanctuary of the Congregational Church of Manhasset, UCC, as those attending the 2005 Metro Annual Meeting gathered for worship.
Just before worship, in the " Power of Invitation and Welcome" experience, each participant had written on a God Is Still Speaking card a single sentence of commitment describing "How I can be more welcoming in my church." Before taking our seats in worship, we handed our card to an usher. Sally Norris and Youngren Ponnuraj took turns reading the commitments before the cards were hung on a tree at the front of the sanctuary.
Jimmy Only welcomed us and gave the invocation, a time to pray.
Freeman Palmer led us in a litany of praise which recognized some of the elements of diversity. The following groups read sections of the litany: People under 50 years of age, people of color, European Americans, lay people, clergy, people over 50 years of age.
Peg Mainusch read the Old Testament scripture, Genesis 18:1-8. In this passage Abraham and Sarah gave an extravagant welcome to three strangers who appeared at the entrance of their tent during the heat of the day.
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In his sermon, Christopher Ponnuraj asked, "Are we made of the same stuff as Abraham?" He reminded us that God is looking for the servant heart and highlighted three elements of the welcome given by Abraham and Sarah:
Quickly they made the visitors welcome.
They sacrificed the best of their food, drink and shade for the visitors.
Their ministry of hospitality was quiet.
Thus Sarah and Abraham turned the strangers into honored guests.
Chris suggested that no one wants to be a stranger; we all want to belong to something. He urged us to open to "others" our churches, homes and hearts.
During the offering members of the choirs of the Congregational Church of Manhasset and the Congregational Church of South Hempstead sang Healing River.
Ruby Wilson led us in the dedication of offering and hospitality intentions which included:
We will be ambassadors, making our services accessible. We will respond with joy when visitors arrive.
Elsa Callender led us in the Eucharist, celebrating the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
As we came forward to be served the bread and the grape juice, soprano Cynthia Servetas sang Amazing Grace.
Closing this communion service we sang Let Us Break Bread Together.
Manuel Castro led us in prayers of intercession and thanksgiving ending with:
Lord, you have called us to serve you.
Grant that we may walk in your presence.
Until, at the end of our journey,
We know the joy of our homecoming
And the welcome of your embrace,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our closing hymn was the spirited Sent Forth by God's Blessing.
Deborah Dee Brayton led us in the benediction - "Let us go forth into the new seasons of our lives."
Reported by Lucy Werner
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