August 31, 2025

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Valerie Holly

Please use this Order of Service to easily follow the service online.

CLICK HERE FOR HYMNS (or scroll to the bottom)

Prelude:   Richard Harper

Chalice Lighting:       Our Beacon of Hope by Joseph M. Curry

As we gather together for worship this morning,

Being both near and far,We light our chalice,

As we do each week.It is a symbol of our faith.

May its light be a beacon of hope for the many.

Those who feel lostThose who feel threat

Those who feel tiredThose who are uncertain.

May our beacon of hope

Help you find home

Help you feel safe

Give you respite

And honor your searching mind and spirit.

Opening Hymn:  Woke Up This Morning NCH # 85

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship:  Written by Beth Merrill Neel on her Blog “Hold Fast to What is Good”

For the beauty of the summer day,And the comfort of friends nearby;For the invitation to love and be loved,For our God who extends that call;For time set apart to nourish the soul,For time to go out into the world armed with love:For all these things we give thanks. Let us worship God.

Prayer of Invocation: 

First Sacred Reading: by author L.R. Knost (Two Thousand Kisses a Day)

“Peace is found in the end of the mundane, troublesome, and painful moments of life. Peace is found in the midst of the mundane, troublesome, and painful moments of life. As we look for the good in all things, grasp tiny moments of joy glittering in the darkness, and gather hope into a soft place to rest when life grows hard and our spirit grows weary in the journey.”

Passing of the Peace

Sharing of Our Joys & Concerns/Pastoral Prayer

Offering & Doxology:   We Give You But Your Own - NCH # 785

Second Sacred Reading:

Psalm 46:1-7 NRSV  

¹ God is our refuge and strength,    a very present help in trouble.² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,³ though its waters roar and foam,    though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,    the holy habitation of the Most High.⁵ God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;    God will help it when the morning dawns.⁶ The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter;    he utters his voice; the earth melts.⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;    the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Hymn of Reflection:  God’s Eye is On the Sparrow NCH#475

Sermon: “Shaken but Still Singing”  Rev. Dr. VH Holly

Closing Hymn: This Little Light of Mine NCH# 525

Benediction:   

 Benediction:                           Rev. Dr. Valerie Holly

Postlude:                                Richard Harper

All Souls Bethlehem Church

An Open and Affirming Congregation

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo

Ministers: All Members of ASBC

Minister Emeritus: Rev. Bill Nye 

First Time Visitor?  

Please sign our red Guest Book (located near the entrance)

and be our guest at the gathering following the service!

Interested in “Official” Church Membership?  

Please speak with Council President Raquel Irizarry about our next New Member gathering!  

An All-inclusive, Welcoming Community of Faith

born from the traditions of the:

Disciples of Christ - www.Disciples.org

United Church of Christ - www.UCC.org

Unitarian Universalist Association - www.UUA.org 

To Donate

MUSIC