Sunday, April 29, 2018
Order of Worship for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
Musician: Janell Kinzie
For Meditation and Reflection:
“How foolish and blind are those who choose to cross through the water when the road has been built for them! This road is such a joy for those who travel on it that it makes every bitterness sweet for them, and every burden light. Though they are in the darkness of the body, they find light; and though they are mortal, they find life without death. For through love and the light of faith they taste eternal truth, with the promise of refreshment in return for the weariness they have borne.” — Catherine of Siena, (1347 – 1380)
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer (Pastor)
Responsive Call to Worship: (Traditional Monastic Liturgy)
Pastor: We wait for the word of the Lord as we wait for the rains.
People: And our God shall come down upon us like gentle dew.
Pastor: The hills and the mountains will be singing praise to God.
People: Every tree in the forest will be clapping its hands. The Lord will come and rule for ever. Alleluia!
Opening Hymn: #8 – Praise to the Living God
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Scripture Reading: John 15:9-17
Today’s Sermon: An Exquisite Danger — Reverend Mike Lyle
The Offerings and Offertory Music
#780 – The Doxology
A Litany of Thanksgiving
Pastor: All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. All that we are, and all that we have, is your gift to us.
People: And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer ourselves, and all that we have. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.
All: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflective Hymn: #99 – Abide With Me (verses 1-4)
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and the People
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #23 – There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy
Prayer of Benediction: (Pastor)
Go forward in the comfort and strength of God’s blessing. Remember that you are loved, that God is ever near, and that divine mercy is your way in the world. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go…
… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Reverend Lyle is happy to stay following the service to talk about questions, concerns or thoughts you may have about today’s worship.
Announcements
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church; Tena volunteers to take donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank at the New Jerusalem Lutheran Church.
Next Sunday, May 6:
11:00am: Communion worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:30 – 3pm: Luncheon Party for Samantha!
3:00pm: UCC Installation Service. The Catoctin Association will confirm and celebrate Reverend Samantha Tuttle’s official status as Pastor of St. James.
Sunday, May 13: Lay-led worship service.
Sunday, May 20:
11:00am: Reception of New Members during worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle. (Want to join on a different date? Please let Lauranne, Janell, Tena, or Samantha know.)
12:30 – 3pm: Bon Voyage Party for David!
Spreading the Word … St. James will have outreach tables at –
Lovettsville MayFest on Saturday, May 26.
Frederick Pride Festival on Saturday, June 23.
Mon – Fri, August 6-10: Vacation Bible School! Tell everyone with young children! Join the fun! If you’d like to offer a short lesson or activi-ty for the children during this half-day camp, or if you simply want to help, please talk with Robin or Janell.
www.stjamesucc-love.org