9:30am Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Opening Song - “House of the Lord” - Makenzie Payne Time of Greeting Children’s Time Reflection on Joel - Rev. Dana Seiler Song - “Come Thou Fount/Above All Else” Sermon - “Joel: Barren Places” What time of transition or crisis have you recently navigated? The people’s crops were decimated by locusts. The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up; the grain is , the new wine is dried up, the olive oil fails. —Joel 1:10 Joel’s main message God often grows new life in places. “Even now,” declares the Lord, “ to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” —Joel 2:12 The book of Joel travels from crisis to return to restoration. Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given you the autumn rains because he is . He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. —Joel 2:23-24 What images of restoration do you see in our world? God specializes in bringing new life to barren places. Song - “Oceans” Offering and Prayer Song - “Graves into Gardens” Benediction 11:00am Prelude - “Christians, We Have Met to Worship” (Larson) - Unity Handbells Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler Leader: Come, people of God, from places of abundance and need. People: We come seeking the renewing presence of God. Leader: Though seasons of loss and devastation may surround us, People: God does not forget nor abandon us. Leader: The Lord restores, renews, and calls us back with love. People: We come to worship today to welcome the Spirit’s renewal. Hymn - “O For a World” - #386 Verses 1, 2, 4, 5 Prayer of Confession: Merciful God, we confess that we are allured by the things of this world that seem easy. We search for simple answers, get-rich-quick schemes, and shortcuts. We become comfortable with brokenness, hesitant to trust that healing and prosperity might come from You. Forgive us when we resist the movement of Your Spirit. Restore in us hearts that are open, compassionate, and ready for renewal. Bring healing where there is pain, hope where there is despair, and courage where there is fear. Transform our lives and our community so that we may reflect Your grace and restoration to the world. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Reflection on Joel Anthem - “Healer of My Heart” (Kirkland) - Unity Choir Sermon - “Joel: Barren Places” - Rev. David Bonnema What time of transition or crisis have you recently navigated? The people’s crops were decimated by locusts. The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up; the grain is , the new wine is dried up, the olive oil fails. —Joel 1:10 Joel’s main message God often grows new life in places. “Even now,” declares the Lord, “ to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” —Joel 2:12 The book of Joel travels from crisis to return to restoration. Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given you the autumn rains because he is . He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. —Joel 2:23-24 What images of restoration do you see in our world? God specializes in bringing new life to barren places. Anthem - “Seek Ye First” (Wagner) - Unity Handbells Offering and the Lord’s Prayer Doxology Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Hymn - “Change My Heart, O God” - #2152 Benediction Postlude