Merlin Snider
Faith, the Good, the Bad, and the Daily
A whole and happy life is impossible without faith, or trust, that in a world that often seems senseless, there is indeed good reason to get up in the morning and carry on. What keeps you going? When I was 14 my Dad gave me J.B. Phillips’ little book, “Your God is Too Small.” Each chapter covered a limited, and limiting, conception of God: “Resident Policeman, ” “Grand Old Man,” and so on. I understood that, whatever ultimate reality there is, it’s the image we have in our head that shapes how we move through the world, how we treat others and ourselves. In time I saw that some of the ideas and figures and movements that capture human devotion are downright frightening, such as cult leaders, nationalism, ideology, and tribalism. My personal lifelong project has been a search for a faith that encompasses everything, all people, and every culture, in a daily experience of love and wholeness
Order of Service:
March Theme – Renewing Faith
Prelude – Anthony Concepcion
Call to Worship – Matt Chapa
Welcome – Matt Chapa
Chalice Lighting – A Joyful Volunteer Being Chosen By Sam!
Opening Hymn – #361 Enter, Rejoice and Come In!
Time for All Ages –Matt Chapa – Always By My Side by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Offering Words – Merlin Snider
Offering Music – Abide by Carrie Newcomer and Parker J. Palmer
Joys and Sorrows – – You may write your Joys and Sorrows in the chatbox during the service.
Time of Meditation & Reflection – Merlin Snider
Meditation Song – #391 Voice Still and Small
Sermon – Faith: the Good, the Bad and the Daily – Merlin Snider
Closing Hymn – #1015 I Know I Can
Benediction – Merlin Snider
Announcements – Matt Chapa
Postlude – Anthony Concepcion
Break-out Rooms:
- Service discussion & newcomers welcome
- Social Justice actions & discussion
- 70+ Seniors
- Parents and young adults