195 Years of Ministry
MCCC: Our Journey Presentation
I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD.
They will be My people, and I will be their God,
For they will return to Me
With all their heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)
OPENING: Pastor Chad
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church
We are a community seeking to have open minds, open hearts, and open arms, building community in a fragmented world.
- We want to welcome everyone who is in the house today, everyone online, and everyone downstairs watching our live telecast. We are grateful for all the many ways you can join us for worship on this Lord’s Day.
Today is a very special day in the life of our congregation. On January 27th, 1827 the Church of the Disciples of Christ in Mantua was founded and here we are together 195 years (and 3 days) later still doing ministry in the Name of Jesus Christ. Founder’s Day has been a celebration day in the life of our church, but many years ago the tradition died away. We would like to bring it back and celebrate this Sunday year-after-year.
The group of folks you see before you, led by Rev. Nancy Humes, have been studying together for several months after worship. Looking at the roots of our Christian tradition in Judaism, the history of Christianity, and the history of the church. We have gleaned stories and wisdom from these discussions and hope to share them with you today. We have been blessed by all the voices here on the chancel and especially from Nancy’s excellent leadership. This way we celebrate Founder’s Day may change from year to year and so this is a living tradition -- to be changed, adjusted, and added to. Thank you to this WHOLE group for all their hard work.
Throughout the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam….special holy days, festivals, and rituals are created to honor and remember sacred parts of our history. As traditions we find ways to recall those ways that God has moved in our midst.
Our service today draws grateful inspiration from the Jewish tradition of the Seder meal. We have formed our own Founder’s Day service using symbolic foods, formative questions, candle lighting, and history all very much inspired by this wonderful tradition. The service is divided into 4 sections, symbolized by 4 cups -- Remembrance and Celebration, Promise for the Future, Blessing, and Gratitude. All of which takes us through this special service. Remember, this is not a Seder meal, but we are filled with admiration and awe in the way history is shared in such meaningful and faithful ritual. We hope this way of worship speaks to your faith, shares the incredible history, and inspires us toward a bright present and future.
Gracious God, for the gift of this day and the opportunity to celebrate we give you thanks. Open our minds, eyes, and ears to experience what you would have for us today, through the Power of the Holy Spirit! Amen.
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Ally Bozeka
OUR CELEBRATION
HYMN: We Call Ourselves Disciples
We call ourselves disciples, as pilgrims on the way
We seek the truth in wisdom, and beauty in each day
As women, men, and children, we serve Christ’s path to clear
In joyful expectation we see God’s reign draw near.
THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE DAY
LD 1: We are all created in the image of God – in the image of God – God created us. Furthermore, God has entrusted us with God’s creation calling us to be stewards – caretakers of ALL of the creation.
ALL: We fully recognize that Jesus was Jewish and that this creates a unique bond between us and our Jewish and Islamic brothers and sisters.
LD 1: Respecting this bond of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, we celebrate our common roots, our past, our present and our future.
ALL: We celebrate our joys and our sorrows – that have called us to be a people of the ONE GOD.
LD 1: Whether we call you God - Adonai, Yahweh, God, or Allah, we do not want this to be divisive but rather cause for us to recognize that although we use different names, different modes of worship and different rituals we can and should celebrate our commonality.
ALL: We are one serving the same Creator.
LD 1: We study our pasts, our present and our futures.
ALL: And we want to do nothing more than work together to make THIS world the place God intended.
LD 1: Let us begin.
LIGHTING THE CELEBRATORY CANDLES
ALL: Happy are those of steadfast faith who still can bless the light of candles shining in the darkness . . . . Rejoice, O Earth, in those who keep the way, for there is still song for them within you.
LD 1: In praising God we say that all life is sacred.
In kindling festive lights, we preserve life’s sanctity.
With every holy light we kindle, the world is brightened to a higher harmony.
(We pause as the Candles are lit.)
ALL: We praise You, God, majestic sovereign of all life, who hallows our lives with commandments and bids us kindle festive holy light.
LD 1: In offering praise to God we acknowledge that all life is sacred. With every candle that is lit, the world is made brighter for all.
ALL: We are each on our own journey of faith and yet we travel together, supporting one another in our quest to become God’s hands and feet to bring peace and harmony to all of God’s Creation.
LD 1: Please be seated.
THE FIRST CUP
THE CUP OF REMEMBRANCE & CELEBRATION
Our Story Begins
Led by Roger Cram
REMEMBERING SORROW
Led by Katie Baird
SHARING OUR CONTINUITY WITH PAST TRADITIONS
Led by Jon Secaur
OUR QUESTIONS
Led by Nancy Humes
TELLING OUR STORY
Led by Roger Cram
THE FOUNDING OF OUR CHURCH
Led by Kaite Baird
CALLED TO SERVE
Led by Jon Secaur
Please join me in singing our Mission Hymn:
So now the vision brightens, the light of Christ burns still
In hearts of all disciples to be the church God wills.
From quiet meditation, and joyous hymns of praise
We go to do God’s mission! Christ, lead us all our days!
THE SECOND CUP
THE CUP OF THE PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE
Led by Nancy Humes
THE THIRD CUP
THE CUP OF BLESSING
Led by Roger Cram
COMMUNION
Led by Katie Baird & Steve Hurd
Please join me in singing our Communion Hymn:
We join with all disciples to live the Word in deed
To share the cup of wine and the bread with all in need;
To work ‘til God’s compassion and righteousness prevail
‘Til all this planet’s people know justice without fail.
ALL: Amen.
THE FOURTH CUP - THE CUP OF GRATITUDE
Led by Jon Secaur
BENEDICTION
Led by Nancy Humes
LDR 1: Please rise and join me in our Benediction.
ALL: This privilege we have shared – celebrating our past, our present and our future will continue year after year – reminding us all of our calling as God’s people until God’s peace - God’s Shalom has come for all of creation.
LDR 1: Peace!
ALL: Peace for us! For Peace for Everyone!
LDR 1: For all people, this is our hope.
ALL: Next year, may all be free!
LDR 1: Yes. Peace for all.
ALL: And All means ALL!
LDR 1: Please join me in singing our closing hymn:
As people sharing one world, we pray for peace to reign
To learn to share resources is best for all to gain
The power rests within us, we simply need to share
And spread God’s peace completely,
this is our solemn prayer.
LDR 1: And all of God’s people say AMEN.
ALL: AMEN!