July 16, 2017
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
For Meditation and Reflection:
“There is no greater moment in life than that when we discover the unique design which has shaped our lives from the moment of birth, save one: The instant we recognize destiny, accept it and then begin to create the rest of our own lives within it using the power of free will. When this threshold has been crossed, nothing can stop our inevitable journey into the highest good for ourselves and all around us. This is healing. This is actualization. This is integration. This is joy. And it is the birthright of every incarnated soul on this planet.” -Jacob Nordby
Welcome and Announcements
Introduction for the day:
Leader: To fulfill the ancient promise of salvation God made a covenant with our ancestors and pledged them descendants more numerous than the stars.
People: Grant that all people may share in the blessings of God’s covenant.
Leader: Through dreams and visions God broadens the horizon and hope of all people.
People: May all people discover the meaning of God’s covenant, even in the midst of trial and exile.
Leader: As Christians we claim a birthright accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and sealed by the gift of the Spirit.
People: All people share equally in the Christian birthright.
Leader: We claim our birthright by following the teachings of Jesus.
ALL: May all people joyfully respond to God’s call and share in God’s promises. Amen.
Opening Hymn: Help Us Accept Each Other – Black, #388
Prayer of Confession:
Leader: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and one another.
ALL: God shows no partiality, loving us all equally. We struggle, showing partiality, loving all differently, and demanding to be treated the same. We pray to learn how the dysfunction of favoritism can get passed from generation to generation. We can change. We can be transformed. That is God’s miracle. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: As children of God we are reborn heirs. The work of Jesus covers our descendants and the balm of forgiveness runs deep. God makes us whole today. The legacy of Christ can echo in our heritage for a thousand generations.
Today’s Scripture Readings: Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Reflections by David Plume: “Our Birthright”
Responsive Sharing
Statement of Faith: ALL: 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…
Reflective Hymn: Not My Brother, nor My Sister – Black, #519
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of The People
Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: – Blessed Be the Tie That Binds – Black, #393
Benediction
Go out in joy and be led back in peace. Claim your birthright and be glad to be a part of God’s family. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
“So it was you all along…
Everyone I ever loved…it was you.
Everything decent or fine that ever happened to me,,,
everything that made me reach out and try to be better…
It was you all along.”
-C. S. Lewis
Announcements
Reminder: We are continuing to collect NEW socks and underwear to donate to the folks attending the Remote Area Medical event in SW Virginia…. until Wednesday, 7/19. Please help if you are able.
This Sunday, July 16th
Our Worship Leader will be David Plume, speaking on the topic of “Our Birthright”.
We will not be having Jammin’ At James this month, since our leader, Max Honn has other commitments for this evening. But if you miss him, he and Michael O’Brien will be playing on Saturday evening, the 15th, at Beans In the Belfry in Brunswick. We hope to resume Jammin’ in August or September.
Sunday, July 23rd
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Michael Lyle, speaking on “Our New Nature”.
Sunday, July 30th
On this fifth Sunday of the month, we will NOT be having worship at St. James, but will be joining Pastor Roland England, and his congregation at the Christian Community Church at St. Paul, in Neersville…..at 12623 Harper’s Ferry Rd. Services there begin at 10:00 a.m. Directions: 4 miles from intersection of MD Hwy 340 and Harper’s Ferry Rd, (coming from the north) and also 4 miles from intersection of VA Rte. 9 and Harper’s Ferry Rd.(coming from the south). Or check their website at: www.christiancommunityatstpauls.com. Anyone needing/wanting a ride, please speak up.
Sunday, August 6th
Our Worship leader will be Rev. Samantha Tuttle.
Sunday, August 13th
We will be having a speaker from Mobile Hope, an organization centered in Leesburg, and serving homeless and struggling teens and young adults in Loudoun County. In addition to the contribution from St. James, we will invite the congregation to make an additional offering toward their very worthwhile programs.