The Grafton Church

06/05/2026

Order of Worship, Grafton Community Church, 06-07-26 FINAL

Bill Watson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Grafton Community Church Worship
Time: Meeting – 9:45 a.m. June 07, 2026

Join Zoom Meeting
http://zoom.us/j/235223715

*Password: 099540
*You may need to enter this to join. Write it down; so, you have it when/if your computer/phone asks you to enter it. It may keep you out of the “waiting room.”

Meeting ID: 235 223 715

It helps to download the FREE Zoom app ahead of time.

Please mute your computer or phone microphone! Make sure there is a red slash through the microphone icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
This will make the service more enjoyable for all.

** For those with health concerns, masks and safe social distance are suggested within the sanctuary, especially so, when singing or responding in prayer! Masks are available at the rear of the sanctuary.

Order of Worship, Grafton Community Church, 06-07-26 — Summer Worship — with Holy Communion
Note: Gathering Music will begin at 9:50 with the Prelude to follow

Musician Amy Cann

Gathering Music/Prelude —

Welcome and Announcements (Linda Robertson, Council Chair)
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

*Please observe a moment of silence; so we may each offer our prayers and praise to Creator, Christ & Holy Spirit.

*Hymn #683 "O for a World" (by MT Winter, tune “O for a 1,000 Tongues”) ©

1 O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

2 O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.

3 We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

4 The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn; outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.

5 O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

All lyrics © 1995 Chalice Press
Used by Permission. CCLI License
#21383697

* Call to Worship (from “Prayers for the World & Its People,” Iona Abbey Worship Book)

One: Believing that God made and loves the world,
Many: we gather.
One: That it may be reshaped to fulfill God’s purposes,
Many: we pray.
One: To seek a wisdom deeper than our own thinking,
Many: we listen.
One: To honor God who gave us voice,
Many: we worship.

* Unison Prayer

Holy God, You have called us to follow in the way of Your Risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

*Response: (Hymn #683 Verse 5)

O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.

Scripture:

Acts 2: 41-47

Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

All who believed were together and had all things in common;

they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,

praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 4: 32-35

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of
any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.

With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was
upon them all.

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the
proceeds of what was sold.

They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need

*Hymn: #494 “They’ll Know We Are Christians" (“We Are One in the Spirit”) ©

1 We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored:
[Refrain] And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

2 We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land:
[Refrain]

3 We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride:
[Refrain]

4 All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.
[Refrain]

Reflection: “Life Together” Pastor C.J. King
Synopsis: Today, we will consider the joys and challenges of Christian fellowship, guided by scripture about the early Christian community along with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s comments on our communal Christian life together.

*Hymn #477 “Pass It On” (“It Only Takes a Spark”) ©

1 It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone; You want to pass it on.

2 What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding;
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That's how it is with God's love; Once you've experienced it,
You want to sing, "It's fresh like spring", You want to pass it on.

3 I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I've found.
On God you can depend; it matters not where you're bound.
I'll shout it from the mountain top, I want the world to know;
The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.

Holy Communion

(Bread is passed)

*Taizé: Bless the Lord, my soul and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord my soul, who leads me into life.

(Wine is passed)

*Taizé: Gloria tibi Domine, Domine.
Gloria a tibi Domine, Domine.

Offerings of the People

You can present your offering for the work of Grafton Community Church, using the “Donate Now” button on our page at The Grafton Church, or on our web site www.graftoncommunitychurch.org (The button may actually say “Shop Now,” but it has the same function.)

*Offertory —

Response: Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below – Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God above the source of gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts.
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit – Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Offertory Prayer of Dedication

The Benediction & The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.

Postlude: —

As the postlude ends, feel free to move about the Sanctuary. Music may continue as you join others for coffee or greet your friends as you exit the Sanctuary. All should feel free to share the peace of this space in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. On Zoom you may unmute your mics and begin virtual coffee hour. (You will temporarily be muted in the Sanctuary.)

In the sanctuary, use appropriate precautions for those with health concerns.*
*Masks are available in the sanctuary for those wishing to use one.

Grafton Prayer List:

Our Planet Earth * Immigrants experiencing or facing detention or deportation in their loneliness and fear *Transgender people and their families *Those enduring times of stress *Those with PTSD & their families *Beloved pets of Grafton *Mary Karam, & the Humes family *Arlene & Ron Carey *Gaelle McLoud *The Rowley family *Carol Bason *Arthur Park *Nancy Merrill *Dick Warren *Cecile Fisher Smith *Todd Baker (Pastor Watson’s friend) *Linda Preziosi *Christine Tattersall *Karen Hunt *David Lambert *Sophie Field *Irene Rice *Max Brown *Dick Desrochers *Ben Williams (Pastor King’s husband) *Patricia Donatelli *Lorrie Young
*Ed Gruelich *Flo & Tim Bosch *Ross Ludeman *The Olsson families. *Candace Damon & the Jacobson family *The Arbuckle family *Christian Rogerson & family *Krista Gay *Lima Leland *Darlene Babbitt (Katherine Gorey’s sister) *Joanne Giel

Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
*Irene Rice & family *Family & friends of Liam Parker (Michele Chickering’s son) *Family & friends of Barbara Andrews (Meg Gonzalez’ mom) *Family & friends of Bob Haseltine *Family & friends of Denize Schemm *Family & friends of Helen Lanoie (mother of Andre Lanoie) * Family & friends of Bernard “Pete” Haley *Family & friends of Donna Rice *Family & friends of Galen Pinkham *Family & friends of Susan Lathrop *Family & friends of David James Smith (Cecile Smith’s brother in law) *Family & friends of David Fischmann (partner of Katherine Brown) *Family & friends of Estelle Pieth *Family & friends of Dave Robinson *Family & friends of Debbie Wright *Family & friends of Stephan Fitzsimmons (Caidin Domeracki’s grandfather) *Family & friends of Norm Robertson *Family & friends of Ginger Ludeman *Family & Friends of Lisa Cashetto (Lorrie Young’s sister-in-law) *Family & friends of Diana Toomey *Family & friends of Jim Webb (Angela Moulton’s Father) *Family & friends of Kenneth Dorko (Pastor Watson’s nephew) *Family & friends of Dennis Scharback *Family & friends of Arthur Park

Extended Care:
*Dottie Royal, Bromley Manor, 2595 Depot St., Manchester, VT 05255
*Addie Hall Vogel. Equinox Village, 49 Maple St. Manchester, VT 05255
*Judy & Chuck Dickison, Equinox Village, 49 Maple St. Manchester, VT 05255
*Rev. Catherine Cadieux, Sterling House, 33 Atkinson Street, Bellows Falls VT 05101

Grafton Community Church, 55 Main Street, PO Box 158, Grafton, VT, 05146, United States
(802) 843-2346 [email protected]
Our Website: www.graftoncommunitychurch.org
On Facebook: The Grafton Church

Realize Our Hope for Redemption
with Grafton Community Church

What We Do

06/03/2026

Iris on parade on this beautiful VT day at Grafton Community Church

06/01/2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IGW9px2niwbwKZ-48dpcoolOY3dJO3zD/view
Here is the link to our recording of worship from Sunday 5/31/26. Enjoy. Thanks to our guest musician Seth Phoenix

05/29/2026

Order of Worship, Grafton Community Church, 05-31-26 FINAL

Bill Watson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Grafton Community Church Worship
Time: Meeting – 9:45 a.m. May 31, 2026

Join Zoom Meeting
http://zoom.us/j/235223715

*Password: 099540
*You may need to enter this to join. Write it down; so, you have it when/if your computer/phone asks you to enter it. It may keep you out of the “waiting room.”

Meeting ID: 235 223 715

It helps to download the FREE Zoom app ahead of time.

Please mute your computer or phone microphone! Make sure there is a red slash through the microphone icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
This will make the service more enjoyable for all.

** For those with health concerns, masks and safe social distance are suggested within the sanctuary, especially so, when singing or responding in prayer! Masks are available at the rear of the sanctuary.

Order of Worship, Grafton Community Church, 05-31-26 — Summer Worship — Trinity Sunday
Note: Gathering Music will begin at 9:50 with the Prelude to follow

Musician Amy Cann — Guest Musician this Sunday: Seth Phoenix

Gathering Music/Prelude —

Welcome and Announcements (Linda Robertson, Council Chair)
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

*Please observe a moment of silence; so we may each offer our prayers and praise to Creator, Christ & Holy Spirit.

*Hymn #705 “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”

1 Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
he is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
he has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; his truth is marching on.
[Refrain:]
Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

2 He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
he is sifting out all human hearts before his judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.
[Refrain]

3 In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
with a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me;
as he died to make us holy, let us die to make all free, while God is marching on.
[Refrain]

* Call to Worship (from “Prayers for the World & Its People,” Iona Abbey Worship Book)

One: Believing that God made and loves the world,
Many: we gather.
One: That it may be reshaped to fulfill God’s purposes,
Many: we pray.
One: To seek a wisdom deeper than our own thinking,
Many: we listen.
One: To honor God who gave us voice,
Many: we worship.

* Unison Prayer (by Janet Morley)

May the God who dances in creation, who embraces us with human love,
Who shakes our lives like thunder, bless us and drive us forth with power
to fill the world with her justice. Amen.

*Response: (Hymn #705 Verse 2 & refrain)

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
she is sifting out all human hearts before her judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer Them; be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah! Their truth is marching on.

Scripture:

Matthew 28: 16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted.

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

2nd Corinthians 13: 11-13

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

*Hymn: #711 “O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines” ©

O day of peace that dimly shines through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love, delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands, our hearts from envy find release,
till by God's grace our warring world shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.

2 Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb, nor shall the fierce devour the small;
as beasts and cattle calmly graze, a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love, all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled, for all the earth shall know the Lord.
All lyrics © 1995 Chalice Press
Used by Permission. CCLI License
#21383697

Reflection: “Remembering” Pastor Bill Watson
Synopsis: This Sunday, we celebrate the Trinity — Creator God, Christ – God Incarnate, and the Holy Spirit, who accompanies us always. Creator, Christ and the Spirit always encourage us to work for justice and peace. It’s difficult work, and we’re reminded of that – this Sunday especially – on the weekend set aside, here in Grafton, to honor those who gave their lives for this nation in war. The gap between peace and war is a narrow one, but we are called by our God to make room there for ourselves and for all humankind.

*Hymn #720 “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies” (America the Beautiful)
See Music Notes: (1904 version – “America”)

1 O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain;
for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed full grace on thee,
and crown thy good with servanthood from sea to shining sea.

2 O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine.

3 O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law.

Offerings of the People

You can present your offering for the work of Grafton Community Church, using the “Donate Now” button on our page at The Grafton Church, or on our web site www.graftoncommunitychurch.org (The button may actually say “Shop Now,” but it has the same function.)

*Offertory —

Response: Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below – Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God above the source of gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts.
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit – Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Offertory Prayer of Dedication

The Benediction & The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.

Postlude: —

As the postlude ends, feel free to move about the Sanctuary. Music may continue as you join others for coffee or greet your friends as you exit the Sanctuary. All should feel free to share the peace of this space in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. On Zoom you may unmute your mics and begin virtual coffee hour. (You will temporarily be muted in the Sanctuary.)

In the sanctuary, use appropriate precautions for those with health concerns.*
*Masks are available in the sanctuary for those wishing to use one.

Music Notes

“America” – 1904 poem version – Kathryn Lee Bates
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet, whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness.
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for glory-tale of liberating strife,
When valiantly for man's avail men lavished precious life.
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears.
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

Grafton Prayer List:

Our Planet Earth * Immigrants experiencing or facing detention or deportation in their loneliness and fear *Transgender people and their families *Those enduring times of stress *Those with PTSD & their families *Beloved pets of Grafton *Mary Karam, & the Humes family *Arlene & Ron Carey *Gaelle McLoud *The Rowley family *Carol Bason *Arthur Park *Nancy Merrill *Dick Warren *Cecile Fisher Smith *Dennis Scharback *Todd Baker (Pastor Watson’s friend) *Linda Preziosi *Christine Tattersall *Karen Hunt *David Lambert *Sophie Field *Irene Rice *Max Brown *Dick Desrochers *Ben Williams (Pastor King’s husband) *Patricia Donatelli *Lorrie Young
*Ed Gruelich *Flo & Tim Bosch *Ross Ludeman *The Olsson families. *Candace Damon & the Jacobson family *The Arbuckle family *Christian Rogerson & family *Lima Leland *Darlene Babbitt (Katherine Gorey’s sister)

Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
*Irene Rice & family *Family & friends of Liam Parker (Michele Chickering’s son) *Family & friends of Barbara Andrews (Meg Gonzalez’ mom) *Family & friends of Bob Haseltine *Family & friends of Denize Schemm *Family & friends of Helen Lanoie (mother of Andre Lanoie) * Family & friends of Bernard “Pete” Haley *Family & friends of Donna Rice *Family & friends of Galen Pinkham *Family & friends of Susan Lathrop *Family & friends of David James Smith (Cecile Smith’s brother in law) *Family & friends of David Fischmann (partner of Katherine Brown) *Family & friends of Estelle Pieth *Family & friends of Dave Robinson *Family & friends of Debbie Wright *Family & friends of Stephan Fitzsimmons (Caidin Domeracki’s grandfather) *Family & friends of Norm Robertson *Family & friends of Ginger Ludeman *Family & Friends of Lisa Cashetto (Lorrie Young’s sister-in-law) *Family & friends of Diana Toomey *Family & friends of Jim Webb (Angela Moulton’s Father) *Family & friends of Kenneth Dorko (Pastor Watson’s nephew)

Extended Care:
*Dottie Royal, Bromley Manor, 2595 Depot St., Manchester, VT 05255
*Addie Hall Vogel. Equinox Village, 49 Maple St. Manchester, VT 05255
*Judy & Chuck Dickison, Equinox Village, 49 Maple St. Manchester, VT 05255
*Rev. Catherine Cadieux, Sterling House, 33 Atkinson Street, Bellows Falls VT 05101

Grafton Community Church, 55 Main Street, PO Box 158, Grafton, VT, 05146, United States
(802) 843-2346 [email protected]
Our Website: www.graftoncommunitychurch.org
On Facebook: The Grafton Church

Realize Our Hope for Redemption
with Grafton Community Church

What We Do

05/28/2026

The Vermont Foodbank's Veggie Van Go will distribute food TODAY from noon to 1pm at the Newfane Church. As usual, please approach from West Street and avoid blocking traffic and driveways. Please line up no earlier than 11:45 am -- that will help the traffic flow. 🍅🥑🍎🍇🌽🌞🍉

05/25/2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZeCqWS-J-DoxxUtegcPGR_h-FH59fPb/view Here is our recording of Sunday worship from the 24th of May.

05/24/2026

Lots of hungry neighbors came out to our first Hot Dog Night of 2026. It sure was wet, but everyone was smiling!

05/24/2026

Hot Dog Night is ON 5-7, Tonight!

05/24/2026

These two powerfully spiritual women led us for our Pentecost service. How beautiful

05/22/2026

Order of Worship, Grafton Community Church, 05-24-26 FINAL

Bill Watson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Grafton Community Church Worship
Time: Meeting – 9:45 a.m. May 24 2026

Join Zoom Meeting
http://zoom.us/j/235223715

*Password: 099540
*You may need to enter this to join. Write it down; so, you have it when/if your computer/phone asks you to enter it. It may keep you out of the “waiting room.”

Meeting ID: 235 223 715

It helps to download the FREE Zoom app ahead of time.

Please mute your computer or phone microphone! Make sure there is a red slash through the microphone icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.
This will make the service more enjoyable for all.

** For those with health concerns, masks and safe social distance are suggested within the sanctuary, especially so, when singing or responding in prayer! Masks are available at the rear of the sanctuary.

Order of Worship, Grafton Community Church, 05-24-26 Pentecost Sunday
Note: Gathering Music will begin at 9:50 with the Prelude to follow
If you please, wear red for Pentecost on Zoom or in the Sanctuary.

Musician Amy Cann

Gathering Music/Prelude — "Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping" Nella L. Sweet 1867
See Music Notes

Welcome and Announcements (Linda Robertson, Council Chair)
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

*Please observe a moment of silence; so we may each offer our prayers and praise to Creator, Christ & Holy Spirit.

*Hymn #237 “On Pentecost They Gathered” ©

1 On Pentecost they gathered quite early in the day,
a band of Christ’s disciples, to worship, sing, and pray.
A mighty wind came blowing, filled all the swirling air,
and tongues of fire a-glowing inspired each person there.

2 The people all around them were startled and amazed
to understand their language, as Christ the Lord they praised.
What universal message, what great good news was here?
The Christ, once dead is risen to vanquish all our fear.

3 God pours the Holy Spirit on all who would believe,
on women, men, and children who would God’s grace receive.
That Spirit knows no limit, bestowing life and power.
The church, formed and reforming, responds in every hour.

4 O Spirit, sent from heaven on that day long ago,
rekindle faith among us in all life’s ebb and flow.
O give us ears to listen and tongues a-flame with praise,
so people of all nations glad songs of joy shall raise.
All lyrics © 1995 Chalice Press
Used by Permission. CCLI License
#21383697

* Call to Worship (from “Prayers for the World & Its People,” Iona Abbey Worship Book)

One: Believing that God made and loves the world,
Many: we gather.
One: That it may be reshaped to fulfill God’s purposes,
Many: we pray.
One: To seek a wisdom deeper than our own thinking,
Many: we listen.
One: To honor God who gave us voice,
Many: we worship.

* Unison Prayer

Creator, Holy Spirit, hear us when we pray. Breathe fire into our flagging spirits today.
Your mighty wind still lives in power. Renew our church; help us respond to this hour. Amen.

*Response: (Hymn #237 Verse 4)

O Spirit, sent from heaven on that day long ago,
rekindle faith among us in all life’s ebb and flow.
O give us ears to listen and tongues a-flame with praise,
so people of all nations glad songs of joy shall raise.

Scripture:

Acts 2: 1-8 and 11b-13

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem.

And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.

Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? …

… In our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”

All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

John 20: 19-22

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the [Judean authorities], Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

*Hymn: #254 “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”

1 Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.

2 Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure,
until with thee I will one will to do and to endure.

3 Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.

4 Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.

Reflection: “What Does This Mean?” Pastor C.J. King
Synopsis: Today, we consider two times when the disciples received the Holy Spirit. The first occasion was a private one; the second was very public. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and how are we called to respond?

*Hymn #253 “Spirit, Come, Dispel Our Sadness”
See Music Notes:

1 Spirit, come, dispel our sadness; pierce the clouds of nature’s night;
come, O Source of joy and gladness, breathe your life, and spread your light.
From the height that knows no measure, as a gracious shower descend,
bringing down the richest treasure we can wish, or God can send.

2 Let your fire heal our dissensions, let your flame refine our goals,
let your peace resolve our tensions, send your dove to soothe our souls.
Let your wind flow fresh within us, sweeping clean all hate and strife
from our hearts; O come and win us for a more abundant life.

3 Author of the new creation, come, anoint us with your power.
Make our hearts your habitation; with your grace our spirits shower.
Hear, O hear our supplication, blessed Spirit, God of peace!
Rest upon this congregation with the fullness of your grace.

Offerings of the People

You can present your offering for the work of Grafton Community Church, using the “Donate Now” button on our page at The Grafton Church, or on our web site www.graftoncommunitychurch.org (The button may actually say “Shop Now,” but it has the same function.)

*Offertory: — Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) Fr. Jacques Berthier/ Taizé community Taizé

Response: Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below – Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God above the source of gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts.
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit – Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Offertory Prayer of Dedication

The Benediction & The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.

Postlude: — "Remembrance" Charles Henrywood
Set to the tune "Finlandia", these words were written for a Welsh service of remembrance in 2009
See Music Notes

As the postlude ends, feel free to move about the Sanctuary. Music may continue as you join others for coffee or greet your friends as you exit the Sanctuary. All should feel free to share the peace of this space in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. On Zoom you may unmute your mics and begin virtual coffee hour. (You will temporarily be muted in the Sanctuary.)

In the sanctuary, use appropriate precautions for those with health concerns.*
*Masks are available in the sanctuary for those wishing to use one.

Music Notes
"Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping"
Kneel where our loves are sleeping, dear ones loved in days gone by,
Here we bow in holy reverence, our bosoms heave the heart-felt sigh.
They fell like brave men, true as steel, and pour'd their blood like rain-
We feel we owe them all we have, and can but kneel and weep again.

Chorus
Kneel where our loves are sleeping,
They lost but still were good and true,
Our fathers, brothers fell still fighting,
We weep, ‘tis all that we can do.

Here we find our noble dead, their spirits soar’d to Him above,
Rest they now about his throne, for God is mercy, God is love.
Then let us pray that we may live, as pure and good as they have been,
That dying we may ask of him, to open the gate and let us in.

Hymn #253 “Spirit, Come, Dispel Our Sadness”
Arranger Joshua Leavitt’s (1794-1873) Vermont connection: He was born in Heath, MA; earned a degree from Yale College; practiced law in Putney, VT; then graduated from Yale Seminary, was ordained and served as a Congregational minister at Stratford, CT, for four years; then he moved to New York City to serve as Secretary of the American Seamens’ Friend Society. He was for many years musical advisor to the most famous revivalist of the Second Great Awakening, Charles Grandison Finney

Remembrance

Grant peace, O Lord, across our strife-torn world, where war divides and greed and dogma drive.
Help us to learn the lessons from the past, that all are human and all pay the price.
Grant rest, O Lord, to those no longer with us; who died protecting us and this their land.

And some there be who no memorial have; who perished are as though they’d never been.
For our tomorrows their todays they gave, and simply asked that in our hearts they'd live.
We heed their call and pledge ourselves again, at dusk and dawn - we will remember them!

Grafton Prayer List:

Our Planet Earth * Immigrants experiencing or facing detention or deportation in their loneliness and fear *Transgender people and their families *Those enduring times of stress *Those with PTSD & their families *Beloved pets of Grafton *Mary Karam, & the Humes family *Arlene & Ron Carey *Gaelle McLoud *The Rowley family *Carol Bason *Arthur Park *Nancy Merrill *Dick Warren *Cecile Fisher Smith *Dennis Scharback *Todd Baker (Pastor Watson’s friend) *Linda Preziosi *Christine Tattersall *Karen Hunt *David Lambert *Sophie Field *Irene Rice *Max Brown *Dick Desrochers *Ben Williams (Pastor King’s husband) *Patricia Donatelli *Lorrie Young
*Ed Gruelich *Flo & Tim Bosch *Ross Ludeman *The Olsson families. *Candace Damon & the Jacobson family *The Arbuckle family *Christian Rogerson & family *Lima Leland

Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
*Irene Rice & family *Family & friends of Liam Parker (Michele Chickering’s son) *Family & friends of Barbara Andrews (Meg Gonzalez’ mom) *Family & friends of Bob Haseltine *Family & friends of Denize Schemm *Family & friends of Helen Lanoie (mother of Andre Lanoie) * Family & friends of Bernard “Pete” Haley *Family & friends of Donna Rice *Family & friends of Galen Pinkham *Family & friends of Susan Lathrop *Family & friends of David James Smith (Cecile Smith’s brother in law) *Family & friends of David Fischmann (partner of Katherine Brown) *Family & friends of Estelle Pieth *Family & friends of Dave Robinson *Family & friends of Debbie Wright *Family & friends of Stephan Fitzsimmons (Caidin Domeracki’s grandfather) *Family & friends of Norm Robertson *Family & friends of Ginger Ludeman *Family & Friends of Lisa Cashetto (Lorrie Young’s sister-in-law) *Family & friends of Diana Toomey *Family & friends of Jim Webb (Angela Moulton’s Father) *Family & friends of Kenneth Dorko (Pastor Watson’s nephew)

Extended Care:
*Dottie Royal, Bromley Manor, 2595 Depot St., Manchester, VT 05255
*Addie Hall Vogel. Equinox Village, 49 Maple St. Manchester, VT 05255
*Judy & Chuck Dickison, Equinox Village, 49 Maple St. Manchester, VT 05255
*Rev. Catherine Cadieux, Sterling House, 33 Atkinson Street, Bellows Falls VT 05101

Grafton Community Church, 55 Main Street, PO Box 158, Grafton, VT, 05146, United States
(802) 843-2346 [email protected]
Our Website: www.graftoncommunitychurch.org
On Facebook: The Grafton Church

The Holy Spirit Awaits You At
Grafton Community Church

What We Do