march 1, 2026

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo

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

CLICK HERE FOR HYMNS (or scroll to the bottom)

Prelude:    Debbie Deane

Chalice Lighting:   

We light this chalice remembering and honoring our own tradition

and celebrating the rich diversity of traditions among us.

As we search for justice, meaning, and purpose,

may we remember that justice, meaning, and purpose

live first in deeply listening to one another.  

Opening Hymn:   Enter, Rejoice, and Come In   SLT 361                     

Welcome & Announcement

Call to Worship:  

Welcome this day to the house of our God.

We are greeted in peace and in love.

Welcome this day to the worship of our Creator.

We worship in hope and with grace.

Welcome this day to our community of faith,

Where we are sisters and brothers in Christ.

My siblings, let us worship God.

Prayer of Invocation:   

First Sacred Reading:      Matthew 15: 21-28

²¹ Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. ²² Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ²³ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” ²⁴ He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” ²⁵ But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” ²⁶ He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” ²⁷ She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’table.” ²⁸ Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment. 

Passing of the Peace 

Sharing of Our Joys & Concerns

Prayers of the People/Pastoral Prayer

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

We give you but your own, what e'er the gift may be; All that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully

Second Sacred Reading:     Dao De Jing  Chapter 66 (translation by Stephen Mitchell, 1995)

All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.

If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them.If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.

The Master is above the people, and no one feels oppressed.She goes ahead of the people, and no one feels manipulated.The whole world is grateful to her. Because she competes with no one,no one can compete with her.

Hymn of Reflection:      Spirit of Life       SLT 123                             

Sermon:    Be Not Afraid to Change and Evolve

Service of Communion:

God is with you

And also with you

Let us open our hearts

Let us open them to God

Let us give God thanks and praise

It is a good and joyful thing to do

Closing Hymn:     You Shall Go out with Joy! 

Benediction:                           Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo

Postlude:                                Debbie Deane

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 

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