St. Andrew’s United Church June 28, 2015 Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Dalai Lama

Opening our Doors Musical Prelude Doug Bothwell Welcome & Announcements Apostolic Blessing: One: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All: And also with you.

Children’s Time Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Liz

* Hymn: “Spirit, Open My Heart” More Voices # 79 Refrain: * Passing the Peace * Hymn: “Spirit, Open My Heart” More Voices # 79 Refrain: Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living. As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

God, replace my stony heart with a heart that’s kind and tender. All my coldness and fear to your grace I now surrender. Refrain: Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living. As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Write your love upon my heart as my law, my goal, my story. In each thought, word, and deed, may my living bring you glory. Refrain: Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living. As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

May I weep with those who weep, share the joy of sister, brother. In the welcome of Christ, may we welcome one another. Refrain: Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living. As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving, Spirit, open my heart. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

* Invitation to Worship: One: We have come together to celebrate God's presence. All: God is love. One: We have come together to open ourselves to new opportunities to act out God's love. All: God's love in our actions speaks louder than words. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

One: We have come together to experience God's love in our midst. All: Thanks be to God. One: God has given us love to share with each other. One: God has gathered us into a community of care and worship. Amen Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Opening our Hearts Prayer of Approach: Loving God, you created us to live in a loving relationship with you and each other. Open our hearts and our minds, so that we may hear your voice. Open our eyes so we may see your love in all of your people that we meet today and every day.

Help us to answer your call to action by reaching out to our fellow brothers and sisters in need. By the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen Joys & Concerns Silent Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Presentation of Tithes & Offerings Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

do your will, guide and guard us forever. Offertory *Song: “God of Love” (Sung to the Tune of Edelweiss) God of love, hear our prayer, bless this offering we bring you. May our lives do your will, guide and guard us forever. Give us courage to stand for truth, help us care for others. God of love, hear our prayer, bless this offering we bring you. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

* Hymn: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” Voices United # 375 Refrain: * Prayer of Dedication * Hymn: “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” Voices United # 375 Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

You moved on the waters, you called to the deep, then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep; and over the eons you called to each thing: wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

You swept thro’ the desert, you stung with the sand, and you goaded your people with a law and a land; and when they were blinded with their idols and lies, then you spoke thro’ your prophets to open their eyes. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill, then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still; and down in the city you called once again, when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes, from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams, our women see visions, our men clear their eyes, with bold new decisions your people arise. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro’ the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Opening our Minds Contemporary Wisdom John 10: 11-18 and 1 John 3: 16-24 * Hymn: “Come and Find the Quiet Centre: Voices United # 374

Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace, God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, face to face, making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun, raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

In the spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain, let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain: there’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care, in the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare! Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Message: “God’s Love in Action” Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Opening our Doors Congregational Prayer * Hymn: “I Have Called You by Your Name” More Voices # 161

I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have gifted you and ask you now to shine. I will not abandon you; all my promises are true. You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

I will help you learn my name as you go; read it written in my people, help them grow. Pour the water in my name, speak the word your soul can claim, offer Jesus’ body given long ago. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

I know you will need my touch as you go; feel it pulsing in creation’s ebb and flow. Like the woman reaching out, choosing faith in spite of doubt, hold the hem of Jesus’ robe, then let it go. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

I have given you a name, it is mine; I have given you my Spirit as a sign. With my wonder in your soul, make my wounded children whole; go and tell my precious people they are mine. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

*Song: “Wherever You May Go” More Voices # 216 * Benediction *Song: “Wherever You May Go” More Voices # 216 Refrain Only: Wherever you may go, I will follow, and your people shall be my people too. for I would be faithful, loyal and true. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama

Postlude Doug Bothwell Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Dalai Lama