Order of Service
Worship Leader David Hereth
Time for All Ages
Liturgist Kim Francis
Music Ellen Gozion, Dir. of Instrumental Music with Madeline Celi Kitch, piano; Michele Bankole, soprano.
Tech
Worship Coordinator Chrisie Ambrass
Prelude Touch the Earth Lightly, written by Shirley E. Murray (1931-2020); Music by Colin Gibson, 1992. Performed by Madeline Celi.
Welcome Chrisie
Introit Mother Earth Song by Denean – Dance Choir. Music performed by Michele Bankole, soprano and Ellen Gozion, piano
Lighting the Chalice and Call to Worship Kim
Opening Hymn #116 I’m On My Way
I’m on my way to the freedom land. (x3)
I’m on my way, great god, I’m on my way.
The road is long to the freedom land. (x3)
I’m on my way, great god, I’m on my way.
Goin’ side by side to the freedom land, (x3)
We’re on our way, great god, we’re on our way.
We’re on our way to the freedom land. (x3)
We’re on our way, great god, we’re on our way.
Collective Reading Kim
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.
We covenant:
To practice Interdependence, we honor the interdependent web of all existence;
To practice Pluralism, we celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology;
To practice Justice, we work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive;
To practice Transformation, we adapt to the changing world;
To practice Generosity, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope;
To practice Equity, we declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.
We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love
Story for All
Singing For Our Children This Little Light of Mine (please remain seated)
This little light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it shine! (x3)
Let it shine! (x3)
Building up a world, I’m gonna’ let it shine! (x3)
Let it shine! (x3)
Offering Kim
Donations by check may be mailed to the church office. Electronic donations can be made online through the church website or by texting “give” to (412) 435-1050 and following the instructions.
Share the plate for April is the Afro American Music Institute
Joys and Sorrows: During the offertory music, you are invited to light a candle or place a stone in Blessed Community water as you offer silent gratitude or prayers. Two tables are in the sanctuary; one in the front, to the right of the platform, and one in the back right alcove.
Offertory Music Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118 by Franz Schubert (1797-1828) sung Michele Bankole, soprano
Meditation, silence, or prayer Kim
Musical Response There is a Balm – Michele Bankole, soprano and Madeline Celi Kitch, piano
Reading Kim
Sermon “A Life of Resistance” David Hereth
Hymn #108 How Can I Keep from Singing?
Extinguishing the Chalice Flame Kim
We extinguish this flame but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment: these we carry in our hearts until we are together again.
Benediction David Hereth
Postlude Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Thomas Dorsey — sung by Michele Bankole, soprano
To donate to Share the Plate
– by check mailed to the church office, please include STP on the memo line
– online on the church website, use the drop down to select Plate.
– by texting “Give” to 412-435-1050 following the directions with the word share or pledge after the donation amount as appropriate.
To make a pledge payment
-by check, please put pledge in the memo line
– online on the church website, keep the default General Fund 2025 option
The Afro American Music Institute (AAMI) which was founded by the late Dr. James Johnson and his wife Pamela, is a Pittsburgh based organization dedicated to promoting the arts. Thousands of students of all ages and from diverse communities have developed their talent at AAMI through a curriculum that embraces music throughout the African Diaspora.
Michele Reneé Bankole is a classically trained African-American soprano of Creek and Blackfoot descent, celebrated for her expressive artistry and commanding stage presence. Based in Pittsburgh, she has performed leading and featured roles in opera, theater, and festival productions nationwide. Her recent portrayals include Marie/Etta James in *The Blues Roots*, Nadia in *Our Song*, and Madame Flora in *The Medium*. Michele’s performances have appeared at the International Black Theater Festival, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, and the Colour of Music Festival. With a deep commitment to storytelling and cultural expression, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to every role. Michele studied Opera at Oklahoma City University and has trained with esteemed vocal coaches. Her work reflects a passion for honoring heritage, uplifting community voices, and creating transformative experiences through music.