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September 3, 2017

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

NOTE – WORSHIP TIME RETURNS TO 11:00 AM

Worship Leader: – Rev. Dr. Mary Mason

For Meditation and Reflection

“A hundred times every day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other people, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.”
– Albert Einstein
Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship – Psalm 8 – #624, Black hymnal

Opening Hymn: #436 – God of Grace and God of Glory

Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Reflections by Rev. Mason: “Take Heart, Take Courage”

Reflective Hymn: #438 – When Peace Like a River

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Invitation to Communion
Leader: Jesus said, I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; you shall never thirst.
People: In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table seeking God;s spirit in the sharing of this bread and cup.
Leader: God be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to God.
Leader: Gracious God, we ask you to bless this bread and cup and all of us with the outpouring of your Holy Spirit.
May we, your church, be salt and light and leaven for peace and love in all the world.
All: Amen.
Breaking of the Bread and Pouring of the Wine.
Sharing of the Elements

Communion Hymn: #349 – I Come With Joy

Prayer of Thanksgiving (in unison)
We give thanks, Eternal God, that you have refreshed us at your table. Strengthen our faith, increase our love, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace. Amen.

Prayers of Joys and Concerns
Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

Lord’s Prayer (Traditional with “debts”)

Closing Hymn: #293 – Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Benediction – Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you will join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall. Please share our potluck lunch this first Sunday of the month.

Thought for the Day/Week

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality….I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
– Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Announcements

This Sunday, Sept. 3rd – WORSHIP TIME AT 11:00 A.M. Our Worship Leader will be Rev. Mary Mason, speaking on “Take Heart, Take Courage.”

Sunday, September 10th – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.

Sunday, September 17th – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.

We hope to inaugurate another season of “Jammin’ at James”. Come and join us for the fellowship of shared music-making with Max Honn from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Bring your instruments and your voices!!

Sunday, September 24th – Our Worship Leader will be Rev. Guy Johnson. Our annual ‘Blessing of the Animals’ will be held behind Fellowship Hall. Come and bring your beloved animal friends along.

Sunday, October 1st – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.

Sunday, October 8th – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Michael Lyle.

FOR OUR VISITORS: Since the retirement of our pastor in January, we at St. James have been on a journey of discernment ……re-evaluating our worship and our direction and mission as a congregation. During this process, we have welcomed a number of visiting ministers and speakers to share their messages of faith and service from our pulpit; several of these have become active friends of St. James. We have had open forums to discuss the needs of the congregation and the community. We plan to continue this process through this calendar year, although we are calling more often on those pastors whose messages fit most closely with our values. We always welcome input from visitors and those who are new to our community. WELCOME !