Event details
Sunday Worship Service with Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel, Princeton University - virtual event
Join us online for Sunday Worship! The service will have magnificent music provided by Penna Rose, Director of Chapel Music, and Eric Plutz, University Organist. The recorded service is available Sunday at 8am here Chapel Service . This service will remain archived after the premiere (along with concerts and other amazing programs), and we encourage you to return to them whenever you might find that to be helpful.
Please note this is a fully virtual event.
Preaching today, Sunday, April 25, is Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel, Princeton University.
Bulletin for Sunday, April 25, 2021 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Invitatory: Chorale Prelude on "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" by Dale Wood (1934-2003)
Welcome and Announcements: Dean Thames
Call to Worship: Alexandra Miller-Knaack
Reading: Psalm 23 (Read by Nathaniel J. Hontz ’21)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Anthem: Bound for the Promised Land (Promised Land) arranged by Mack Wilberg
Reading: John 3:16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before God whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and God knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from God whatever we ask, because we obey God’s commandments and do what pleases God. And this is God’s commandment, that we should believe in the name of the Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Sermon: “The Radicality of Neighbor Love” by Dean Boden
Hymn: My Shepherd is the Living God (Consolation)
My shepherd is the living God, I therefore nothing need; in pastures fair, near pleasant streams you settle me to feed. You bring my wandering spirit back when I forsake your ways, and lead me for your mercy’s sake in paths of truth and grace.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others come and go –no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.
Pastoral Prayer
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Princeton: O Eternal God, the source of life and light for all peoples, we pray you would endow this University with your grace and wisdom: give inspiration and understanding to those who teach and to those who learn; grant vision to its trustees and administrators; to all who work here and to all who bear her name give your guiding Spirit of sacrificial courage and loving service. Amen.
Anthem: Psalm 23 by Bobby McFerrin (b. 1950)
Benediction
Voluntary: Alla Hornpipe from Water Music Suite in D, HWV 349 by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
The University Chapel is a welcoming community of faith. We gather to sing God's praises, to hear God's living Word, to seek justice, and to proclaim God's love for all people.
University Chapel Staff: The Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel; The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel; Penna Rose, Director of Chapel Music; Eric Plutz, University Organist; Elizabeth Powers, Chapel Administrator; Alexandra Miller-Knaack, Seminarian Intern; Edgar Gomez, Sexton; Lisa McGurr, Sexton
Calendar: All events are fully virtual and available online at chapel.princeton.edu
Sunday, May 2, 2021, University Chapel Service. The preacher will be Dean Thames.
For additional information, please visit chapel.princeton.edu or call 609-258-3047.
Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.