June 4, 2017
Pentecost Sunday
For Meditation and Reflection:
As surely as we belong to the universe, we belong together. We join here to transcend the isolated self. To reconnect, to know ourselves to be at home, here on earth, under the stars, linked with each other.
Let us take a moment now to settle into the silence. Hear and feel your quiet breathing. Hear and feel the quiet of this place and this community of people. In this quiet hour may our spirits be renewed. In this gathering of old and new friends may our minds be open to new truth, and our hearts be receptive to love, as we give thanks for this life we are blessed to share.
Welcome and Announcements – A warm welcome is extended to all. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.
Call to Worship
Pastor: We give thanks for the life that pulsates within us
People: breath and heartbeat, joy and sorrow, dance and stillness.
Pastor: We give thanks for the life that ebbs and flows between us
People: loving, understanding, creating, embracing and letting go.
Pastor: We give thanks for the web of life that surrounds and sustains us
People: feeding, protecting, teaching, inspiring mutual care.
Pastor: We give thanks for the source of all life,
All: this living universe, of which our lives are an expression.
Opening Hymn: #402 – De Colores
Opening Prayer: (Unison)
At this time and as we gather in this sacred place we are aware of our breath and the life-giving air that surrounds and sustains. We are aware of the early Spring warmth in the air, and of the ground, the soil from which all living things draw their life and form. Symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, infants and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy. As we recognize these symbols of life may we be inspired to share them generously. And may we increasingly become more respectful of all that is. We are one. We are one with it all. Over many years, men and women have come to this sacred place. They have been enriched. They have been strengthened. They have been renewed in spirit. Today as we come to this place, may we too find the pathway and the journey that awaits us. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21
Sermon by Rev. Samantha Tuttle –
“What Would a Murmuration of Humanity Look Like?”
Reflective Hymn: #288 – Let It Breathe On Me
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Communion Melody – #562 – Take My Gifts
Communion
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn: #393 – Blessed Be the Tie That Binds
Benediction or Blessing and Sending
May God’s breath stream within you.
May God’s breath renew you.
May God’s breath invigorate you.
Walk with confidence into this day.
Go in Peace.
Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
Let knowledge grow from more to more,
But more of reverence in us dwell;
That mind and soul, according well,
May make one music as before.
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
“In music, in the sea, in a flower, in a leaf, in an act of kindness. I see what people call God in all these things.”
-Pablo Casals
Announcements:
This Sunday, June 4th
Our Worship Leader is the Rev. Samantha Tuttle, speaking on “What Would A Murmuration of Humanity Look Like?”
Sunday, June 11th
Our Worship Leader will be David Plume, speaking on “What Does God Look Like?”
Our monthly Church Council meeting will begin at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall.
The Lovettsville Historical Society will be meeting in the sanctuary beginning at 2:00 p.m. for a lecture presented by Prof. Paul D. McDermott: “Colonial Life in Maryland and Virginia”
Sunday, June 18th
Our Worship Leader will be Rev. Robert Close, a longtime friend of St. James. We will be particularly celebrating fathers and our graduates on this Sunday.
We will NOT be having our monthly open-mic session, Jammin’ At James this month, since our fearless leader Max Honn has other obligations on this date.
Sunday, June 25th
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.
Our annual congregational meeting will be held at around 12:15, after our post-worship fellowship.
Our Statement of Faith
We gather in worship as an inclusive community, an open & affirming community
of faith that transcends any distinctions based on gender, sexual orientation, nationality, race, or religion…
Our formal worship flows into a living worship of love and support for one another
as we pursue ways to reflect God’s reign of mercy, justice, and peace in our community and throughout the world…
….along with a continuing search for ways to celebrate the goodness of life together… and always reaching out to draw others, with total inclusiveness, into this communal experience.