St. James United Church of Christ

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 27th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“How great is the mystery of the first cells which were one day animated by the breath of our souls! How impossible to decipher the welding of successive influences in which we are forever incorporated! In each one of us, through matter, the whole history of the world is in part reflected.” –  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“Inhale all the air that you can so that the Universe awakens in your heart and exhale all that is no longer of service so that the Universe flows forever in you.” – Roxana Jones

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: In this caring and supportive community, during this time of prayer and quiet reflection, we come to be emptied.

Congregation: And to be filled with the spirit that flows in and among us and throughout the world.

Pastor: We, here today, are also people of spirit. We, too, are struck in awe before the great mystery of the cosmos.

Congregation: We, too, are powerfully moved by a deep concern for our world and our care for one another.

Pastor: The spirit moves in us as in others, that we might be the embodiment of the larger life in all that we do.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn:         Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You                  No. 4

Opening Prayer

During this time of prayer and quiet reflection, may we be enabled to find that power that already lies within us: for love, for creativity, for hope. May our hearts be open to compassion,

our minds open to wisdom, our spirits open to grace. We gather, sing, pray and think – offering ourselves to and with the reverberating hum, mystery and presence of life. We acknowledge our significance and responsibility in this global village. We also acknowledge our insignificance in the face of it all: this expanding, exploding, wondrous thing called ‘universe.’  We commit again to facing each other with new desire and intention, with embrace, laughter, tears and honesty. May we always rejoice in life and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. And let our best thoughts this day be caring thoughts for others. This is our prayer. Amen. 

Scripture Reading:      Exodus 3:1-15

Sermon               “The Name Within Us All”  – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Reflective Hymn:        I Am the Light of the World               No. 584

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth.  In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn:                    You Are the Seed                      No. 528

Blessing and Sending:   

As we prepare to leave this sacred space where we have worshipped together, let us return to our work enlivened and renewed. This celebration need not cease. It can echo in our lives, in our words, in our deeds, in our moods, in our dreams. Carry the spirit of this gathering with you wherever you may go. Be a blessing in your going out and your coming in. Go in peace and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

This Sunday, October 27th: 

11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, November 10th: 

10:00am – Sunday Schools for both children and adults. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss Ch. 9 & 10 of The Phoenix  Affirmations. In the Fellowship Hall and backyard (weather permitting), Robin Scott will lead the children in spiritual discovery.

11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

English Language Classes. Saturdays 8:30am – Designed for those with a first language other than English, these classes have been going great: more participants show up every week!  We are up to 7 participants plus children. Many Thanks to Audra for leading the class, to Noemi for assisting with the class, and to Lauranne and Tena for providing childcare during class.

Serving with a Purpose It is not too late to fill out your form! Our goal is to have everyone who wants to participate in the life of the church beyond worship get the chance to take action to serve the congregation and the community. In the Fellowship Hall, find Service forms available on the bulletin board and put completed forms in the basket on top of the piano. You can also do it online:

Adult Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33HF6WZ

Children’s Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B75T56L

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.

Statement of Faith:We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

St. James United Church of Christ

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 29th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

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. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship    

Pastor: We come from different places to this sacred place of communal caring and celebration.

People: Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege.

Pastor: We are enriched by the company of each other, and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of worship.

People: May this gathering be touched with tenderness, refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day.

All: Welcome to worship.

Hymn:                         Gather Us In                                 (see insert)

Opening Prayer

A sense of Creativity is among us in the changing of the seasons. May the slowly changing leaves of autumn speak quietening words to our inner-most selves. May the breeze of these early autumn mornings bring a vitality and hope to our lives. May the symbols of this place: candle, bread and wine, speak strength and courage to our hearts and minds, as we come, and as we go. Over the years, many people 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. In all of our adequacy and inadequacy, may we be caring people. In all of our strength and weaknesses, may we be people true to our best and highest selves. In all of our happiness and sadness, may we search for the best ways to respond to life. May we become people of vitality and commitment. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. Amen.

Scripture Reading:           John 6:1-15

Sermon:                    Outdoing Jesus

 – Part Three –

                  “That Time the Kid Showed There Was Enough”                         – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Hymn:               Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?            No. 539

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Holy Communion (see handout)

Communion Melody

Hymn:                 In the Midst of New Dimensions                No. 391

Blessing and Sending:

May the places where you walk become sacred spaces of the Holy God. The places where you take your stand be signposts to the love of Christ. The places where you rest be filled with the renewing grace of the Spirit. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go…

Statement of Faith:  We gather as an Open and Affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

Announcements

This Sunday, October 13th: 

10:00am – Sunday School. Children meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss The Phoenix Affirmations, chapters 7 & 8.

11:00am – Communion Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

12:30pm – Annual Members Meeting – (Friends welcome!)

1:30pm – Celebration Luncheon in Fellowship Hall

Next Sunday, October 20th: Worship led by Rev. Robert Close

Sunday, October 27th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Many thanks to Eirik Harteis and the wonderful team who were able to help with St. James Oktoberfest outreach table, food preparation, and sales. You know who you are!  Thank you for setting up, purchasing, cooking, serving, cleaning up, and talking with folks who came by! 

Many thanks to Jessie Parsons and those helping create our Annual Celebration Luncheon, today, October 13, 2019.

Let us know how you would like to be of service in the coming year, by filling out the Serving With a Purpose form! Booklets can be found on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board or on the back table of the sanctuary! You can also do it online: 

Adult Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33HF6WZ

Children’s Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B75T56L

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass for taking our donations.

Childcare is offered during services in the Fellowship Hall.

St. James United Church of Christ

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 29th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“Compassion does not just happen. Pity does, but compassion is not pity. It’s not a feeling. Compassion is a viewpoint, a way of life, a perspective, a habit that becomes a discipline – and more than anything else, compassion is a choice we make that love is more important than comfort or convenience.” – Glennon Doyle 

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: Fresh anticipation percolates, as this community gathers together in this sacred place.

People: Draw a deep breath, knowing you are welcomed and valued here and now.

Pastor: Be at peace and at one with yourself and with those close by. 

People: Let us affirm we are not alone. That we need others and others need us.

Pastor: To be more of who we are, to be challenged with new growth, to be fully alive!

People: Let us be guided by love and imagination for what is yet to be.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn:                   O for a World                            No. 575

Opening Prayer

We come from different places to this sacred place of communal caring and celebration. This morning, may we be nudged to see new perspectives, to give back, to reach out, sharing our talents, our riches, and ourselves with those who are discouraged, disheartened, or simply unaware. We give thanks for the richness and diversity of human life. Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege. We are enriched by the company of each other, and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of celebration.  May this gathering be touched with tenderness, refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day. May we help bring about a world filled with greater gentleness, emerging consciousness, and vibrant and liberated humanity. In honor of the spirit and presence of life, we gather in the name of that humble Galilean who dared us to dream inclusivity and belonging into being, who showed us creative ways to challenge injustice, and whose love embraced all. This is our prayer. Amen. 

Scripture Reading:                 John 9:1-7

Sermon                                Outdoing Jesus 

                                                – Part Two –

                           “That Time with the Spit and the Mud”                                                                – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Reflective Hymn:   Standing at the Future’s Threshold        No. 538

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth.  In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn:     Called as Partners in Christ’s Service     No. 495

Blessing and Sending:   

Let us go from this place, facing and serving the world with confidence, generosity and integrity. Let us live out the heart of religion which is to bring together all that is divided, to live in the moment, to love mightily and to reverence the mystery, beauty and spirituality of all things and all people. And now may the blessings of life be upon us, and upon this congregation. May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future. May the love that we share bring strength and joy to our hearts, and the peace of this community be with us until we meet again. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

This Sunday, Sept. 29th

11:00am –  Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, Oct. 6th – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Oct 13th:

10:00am – Sunday School. Children meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott.  Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss The Phoenix Affirmations, chapters 7 & 8.

11:00am – Communion Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

12:30pm – Annual Members Meeting – (Friends welcome!)

1:30pm – Celebration Luncheon in Fellowship Hall

Childcare during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.

Statement of Faith:We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

St. James United Church of Christ

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 15th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“The Person Who Says It Cannot Be Done Should Not Interrupt The Person Doing It!” – Chinese Proverb

“When your dreams include service to others – accomplishing something that contributes to others – it also accelerates the accomplishment of that goal. People want to be part of something that contributes and makes a difference.” – Jack Canfield

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: For all that is our life we offer thanks and praise.

Congregation: For all life is a gift which we are called to use, to build the store of common good.

Pastor: As we worship together this morning, may we know once again that we are not isolated beings but connected.

Congregation: In mystery and miracle.

Pastor: To the universe.

Congregation: To this community.

All: And to each other.

Opening Hymn:      Praise with Joy the World’s Creator   No. 273

Opening Prayer

Storytelling God, who speaks to us in myths and legends and parables, teach us to find ourselves in those stories and to grow through them. Touch our hearts with the wonder of your images so we can see ourselves more clearly in our fullness and complexity. Strengthen us and nurture us. Grant us excitement and joy in this hour of worship, as we learn what it means to participate in what so

often seems completely impossible. Amen

Scripture Reading:      John 2:1-11, John 14: 8-12

Sermon                           Outdoing Jesus 

                                            – Part One –

                               “That Time the Wine Ran Out”                                                           – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Affirmation of Faith: (see insert)

Reflective Hymn:   Christians, Rise and Act Your Creed   No.537

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth.  In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn:     For The Healing of the Nations     No. 576    

Blessing and Sending:   

The God we worship is never confined to this holy place. So go and travel with the God who is found in ordinary and surprising places. Let us go from this place, facing and serving the world with confidence, generosity and integrity. All Let us live out the heart of religion which is to bring together all that is divided, to live in the moment, to love mightily and to reverence the mystery, beauty and spirituality of all things and all people. Amen. 

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Statement of Faith:We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

Announcements

This Sunday, Sept. 15th

9:30am – Council meeting in the Fellowship Hall.

11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

12:00-ish – Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the past few months, Samantha has hosted a short 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th.  This is the last date to attend.

Next Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 22nd – 11:00am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

Saturday, Sept. 28th – Lovettsville Oktoberfest – St. James will welcome visitors in the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary and make money selling food. Eirik Harteis and Bud Muller are taking the lead on this. Hear about volunteer opportunities during announcements in church and watch your email for a sign-up invitation. 

Sunday, Sept. 29th – 11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Save the Date: Sun, Oct 13, St. James Annual Meeting!

September is Voter Registration Month

September 20th is Strike for Climate day https://globalclimatestrike.net/

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.

Tomorrow is our last 10:00am service! Come help us close out the summer, by joining us for a special Breakfast and Informal Worship Service! We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall for breakfast, community, and hymns! Breakfast will include: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and more!

St. James United Church of Christ

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 18th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“We are the representatives of the cosmos; we are an example of what hydrogen atoms can do, given 15 billion years of cosmic evolution.” – Carl Sagan

“The requirements for our evolution have changed. Survival is no longer sufficient. Our evolution now requires us to develop spiritually – to become emotionally aware and make responsible choices. It requires us to align ourselves with the values of the soul – harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for life.” – Gary Zukav

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 gather at this time and in this place to celebrate the mystery of life.

Congregation: We commit to moving beyond our previous selves and to continue emerging into persons and into a community dedicated to enhancing this world.

Pastor: We affirm the worth of all, and commit ourselves to honoring the sacred in all.

Congregation: We seek to open ourselves to be more in tune, more involved with each other and the world.

Pastor: We commit ourselves to learning, changing, thinking again…deconstructing our faith and daring again to imagine how faith and risk lead us to each other,

Congregation: engaging us all in the depths and dimensions of what it means to be human, to be neighbor, to love, to include, to laugh, to be free.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Song:       Gather Us In (please see handout)

Opening Prayer

We gather in this sacred place to honor and affirm life. We come to consider again being the change we wish to see in the world. This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe, and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities. The symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, children and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy. May we recognize these symbols as life affirming. May we seek to renew them everyday. May we be inspired to share them generously. As we meet and as we prepare to depart, may we again commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world. May each of us undertake again the appraisal and joy of living out what is dear to us, and what truly advances and invites compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, justice and love to flourish and transform. Amen.

Scripture Reading:         John 1: 1-5, John 8: 1-11

Sermon                “The Capacity of Our Greatest Expression”   – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Reflective Song:       Indescribable (please see handout)

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth.  In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Song:  When the Stars Burn Down (please see handout)

Blessing and Sending:   

And now may the blessings of life be upon us, and upon this congregation. May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future. May the love that we share bring strength and joy to our hearts, and the peace of this community be with us until we meet again.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Thank you to Oli Covington for providing our music this morning. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

Announcements 

Summer Schedule:  10am worship July and August.  

This Sunday, August 18th:

10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

11:05-ish – Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to  structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the next several months, Samantha will host a short, 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th.  Next dates to attend are: 8/18 & 9/15.

11:30 am – Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, August 25th:

10:00am – Please join us for breakfast & informal worship in the Fellowship Hall. Dave Kirk and Bill Zenner will do the cooking!

Sunday, Sept 1st: 11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Sept. 8th: 10:00am is the start of Sunday School to be held every 2nd Sunday.

Parsonage Project:  Please call or text Lauranne at 703-346-3071 if you can spend a few hours clearing out the Parsonage. Teens and young adults will earn $15/hr. We need to get this done in August!

Adult English Classes:  Saturdays at 12 noon during August in the St. James Fellowship Hall.  No registration required. If popular, classes will be offered indefinitely.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.

Statement of Faith:We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

St. James United Church of Christ

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 4th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“We speak about being healthy and our well-being, but we act more like human doings than we do like human beings. Therefore, instead of to-do lists we need to-be lists. Instead of thinking about what you want to do, think about who you want to be. Do you want to be more self-aware? Do you want to be more conscious? Do you want to be a better person? Do you want to be a difference in the world? We need to move away from what we want to do in situations to who we want to be in situations.” – Jay Shetty

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship    

Pastor: There is rarely enough rest in our lives. Perhaps we are too busy for rest. Perhaps we are afraid of what we might discover.

People: Today we will acknowledge that as citizens of creation, we too, need to rest.

Pastor: When we make room in our lives for rest, we are more available to affirm the worth of all, and commit ourselves to honoring the sacred in all.

People: When we rest, we create the space that allows us to effectively be more in tune, and authentically involved with each other and the world.

All: May our time together center us, provide us with perspective, and give us a sense of stillness and rest.

Hymn:      #8 – Praise to the Living God

Opening Prayer

This moment of quiet is an invitation to be calm in the midst of the noise of the world and our over-busy lives, to bring together thought and feeling, mind and spirit, and to find some center, some still point of perspective and peace. We draw near to each other, recognizing our need for divine rest. That rested, we may see afresh. That we may hear anew. That we may act again with vigor. When we are at our best, we are better equipped to participate in the creation of peace between strangers, love between friends, hope among the hopeless, and joy among the sorrowful. May we be brokers of a spirit that offers us rest, so that we may live fully and embrace the life we’ve been given. What our prayers begin, may our lives continue. This is our prayer. Amen.

Scripture Reading:   Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Matthew 11:28-29

Hymn:            Come and Find the Quiet Center     (see insert)

Sermon:    Perhaps that whole “finding balance” thing is a myth – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Hymn:   #562  –  Take My Gifts

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Holy Communion 

Communion Melody

Hymn:    #516 – O Grant Us, God, a Little Space

Blessing and Sending:

If, here, you have found rest, take it with you into the world. If you have found comfort, go and share it with others. If you have dreamed dreams, help one another, that they may come true. If you have known love and unity, give some back  to a bruised and hurting world.

Sharing the Peace as we go…

Announcements

During the months of July and August, worship is at 10:00am. 

This Sunday, August 4th: 

10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

11:00am – Potluck Brunch 

Next Sunday, August 11th: 

10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle

11:00 – Potluck Brunch 

Sunday, August 18th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, August 25th: Please join us at 10:00 a.m. for breakfast and informal worship in Fellowship Hall.  Food will be prepared by Dave Kirk, Bill Lowry and Bill Zenner for this last Sunday of our summer hours.

Adult English Classes:  Saturdays at 12 noon during August in the St. James Fellowship Hall.  No registration required. If popular, classes will be offered indefinitely.

Parsonage Project:  We will be having a few clean-up days over at the Parsonage during August. Our next gathering will be today at 5:00pm. Wear old clothes! 

Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the next several months, Samantha will host a short 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th.  Dates to attend are: 8/18, & 9/15.

Greeting Cards: Donations of extra greeting cards would be appreciated and will be used for congregational care and communication.  See basket on back pew in sanctuary.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass for taking our donations.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!

Statement of Faith:  We gather as an Open and Affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

St. James United Church of Christ

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 21st, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” – Glinda (The Good Witch)

We come together from our separate lives, each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations, our hopes, and our dreams. We are not yet fully present. The traffic, the last-minute cooking, the final details still cling to us. Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours. It is now time to let go of these pressures and embrace and become aware of the present moment…When you are ready,  repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’. Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being present in body, mind, and spirit. It means settling into where we are and simply being “here.”

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 marvel at life. We celebrate ourselves as a life-form giving the source of all that is, a unique expression…

People: in our awareness, in our intelligence, and in our ability to communicate.

Pastor: Enfolded in this Presence may we realize that the world of the Spirit and the world of the body do not exist alongside one another…

People: but within one another.

Pastor: This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe,

People: and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn:   #181 – You Are Salt For the Earth, O People

Opening Prayer

During this time of prayer and quiet reflection, may we be enabled to find that power that already lies within us: for love, for creativity, for hope. May our hearts be open to compassion, our minds open to wisdom, our spirits open to grace. We gather, sing, pray and think – offering ourselves to and with the reverberating hum, mystery and presence of life. We acknowledge our significance and responsibility in this global village. We acknowledge our insignificance in the face of it all: this expanding, exploding, wondrous thing called ‘universe’. We commit again to facing each other with new desire and intention, with embrace, laughter, tears and honesty. May we always rejoice in life and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. And let our best thoughts this day be caring thoughts for others. This is our prayer. May it be so. Amen.

Scripture Reading:     Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 1:46-55

Sermon                     “Authentic Power?”   – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Reflective Hymn: #134 – Silent Night

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth.  In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn:  #563 – We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky

Blessing and Sending:

Our time in this sacred place may have ended, but our connection to each other and our respective communities remain. Together may we walk the path of justice, speak words of love, live the selfless deed, tread gently upon the earth, and fill the world with compassion. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

Summer Schedule:  10am worship July and August.  

This Sunday, July 21st

10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

11:05-ish – Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the next several months, Samantha will host a short 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th.  Dates to attend are: 7/21, 8/18, & 9/15.

Next Sunday, July 28th – Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle

Backyard Fencing Underway:  Over the next few weeks, Andrew Potter and Lovettsville Troop 962 are building a wooden fence behind the Fellowship Hall along with two benches and raised flower beds along the side fence. They intend to be done before VBS. Wow. Community!!!

Vacation Bible School start Tomorrow! July 22nd – July 26th

See website for enrollment and volunteer information.

Adult EL Classes:  Saturdays at 12 noon during August.  

Free English Language classes are offered in the St. James Fellowship Hall. No registration required. If popular, classes will be offered indefinitely.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care! 

Statement of Faith:We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

Our Summer Worship Schedule begins this Sunday!

During the months of July and August, worship is at 10:00am. 

St. James United Church of Christ

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

“It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than watch it accumulate.” – Gloria Steinem

“My whole goal is to heal the entire planet. People say, ‘I want to change the world.’ You can change the world for better or for worse. I want to heal the whole world like a superhero would do.”    – Jaden Smith (Will Smith’s son)

Welcome and Announcements

Welcome to this place of worship, which we make special by our presence. Come into this place, where the ordinary is sanctified, the human is celebrated, the compassionate is expected. Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of this time, this life in the presentness of God.

Call to Worship    

Pastor: My ancestors were stars; their atoms move in me yet.

People: I am human.

Pastor: My life is intertwined with your life, with all that is animate in the world, and with Earth itself. So, too, is my future.

People: I am human.

Pastor: My understanding of reality is limited to what my mind can comprehend, my senses appreciate, and my courage bear.

All: I am human And I see, too, that you are also.

Opening Hymn      #177 – God of Change and Glory

Opening Prayer

Spirit of life, in us and around us, here is our chance, once again, to live like we wish the world would live. May we find within our-selves the courage to be who we are. May we know when it is time to listen and when it is time to speak. May we trust ourselves to be the ones to find the words that need to be said or to do what needs to be done. May we trust one another and know there are many ways to go through life. May we know that though we cannot change some of what life gives to us, we can choose how we deal with what we are given. Together we can make possible justice and love. As we worship this morning, may we be reminded that we are all connected. We depend upon one another more than we know. We are one body.  We are one. Amen. 

Scripture Reading:       James 2:14-17,   Revelation 21:1-5a

Sermon:              If Only The “Easy Button” Was Real!                             – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Responsive Liturgy – (see insert)

Reflective Hymn:    #576 – For the Healing of the Nations

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

Abba Prayer (unison)

God – heart of the world: revealed through every aspect of creation: understood through our awareness. May we honor the holiness of creation and act accordingly so that your love is reflected in the way we live. May we always be thankful for the food we eat and the friends we have. May we forgive those who transgress against us and be forgiven for our own. In the freedom of love may we live as your heartbeat and not be compromised by hesitation. Through our freedom, may your justice be seen and heard and experienced forever and ever. Amen. 

Holy Communion 

Communion Melody

Closing Hymn:            #349 – I Come with Joy

Blessing and Sending:

May the love that gives life its beauty, the reverence that gives to life its sacredness, and the purposes that give to life its deep significance, be strong within each of us and lead us into ever deepening relationships with all of life. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go…

Announcements

Our Summer Worship Schedule begins this Sunday!

During the months of July and August, worship is at 10:00am. 

This Sunday, July 7^th

10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

11:00am –  Council meeting at the Parsonage.

*Our usual first Sunday potluck brunch will be moved to next Sunday.* 

Next Sunday, July 14^th

10:00am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

11:00 – Potluck Brunch 

Sunday, July 21^st – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Backyard Fencing Underway:  Over the next few weeks,Andrew Potter and Lovettsville Troop 962 are building a wooden fence behind the Fellowship Hall along with two benches and raised flower beds along the side fence. They intend to be done before VBS. Wow. Community!!! 

Inova Blood Drive Saturday, July 20^th: 9:30-2pm. Hosted by The Divine Club Worldwide and St. James. See sign-up link in your email. 

Vacation Bible School! July 22nd – July 26th (please see insert)

THANK YOU! to everyone who donated items during June for Remote Area Medical and Mobile Hope. 

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass for taking our donations.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care! 

Statement of Faith:  We gather as an Open and Affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

St. James United Church of Christ

Pentecost Sunday June 9th , 2019

For Meditation and Reflection  

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson 

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship  

Pastor: In this caring and supportive community, during this time of prayer and quiet reflection, we come to be emptied.

People: And to be filled with the spirit that flows in and among us and throughout the world.

Pastor: We, here today, are also people of spirit. We, too, are struck in awe before the great mystery of the cosmos.

People: We, too, are powerfully moved by a deep concern for our world and our care for one another.

Pastor: The spirit moves in us as in others, that we might be the embodiment of the larger life in all that we do.

All: Welcome to worship.

Recognizing our Graduates

Opening Hymn   This Is a Day of New Beginnings – #417 

Opening Prayer

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 Summer 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 2:1-18

Sermon:              Searching for the Missed Point – Part 4 – by Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Responsive Sharing 

Reflective Hymn         Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness – #286

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (traditional, with debts)

Closing Hymn          Help Us Accept Each Other – #388 

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.

Announcements 

Congratulations to our Graduates!!!

Today we celebrate our graduates, Kate Sulek from Tuscarora High School, Tara Kulak, from Woodgrove High School, and Ammon Harteis from The College of William & Mary.  Congratulations!  Love and best wishes to you all !

This Sunday, June 9th:  11am Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Next Sunday, June 16th:  Worship led by Rev. Mary Mason      *No Church Council Meeting*

Sunday, June 23rd: Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, June 30th: Worship led by Mike Morse

Saturday June 22nd – Frederick Pride Festival  

Have fun! Be a witness for love at St James’ booth! To volunteer, Call/text Lauranne:  703-346-3071

Remote Area Medical

We are collecting NEW socks and underwear, all sizes, for  the Remote Area Medical event, in SW VA June 28-30. Dave Kirk and Bill Zenner will donate all we can collect! See gray tub in the breezeway.

Mobile Hope

This is the time of year when kids who have just turned 18, can find themselves homeless. Mobile Hope is collecting gently used duffle bags, plus toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries. Donations can be left in the big basket on back pew in the sanctuary. 

Vacation Bible School!  July 22nd – July 26th:

Mark your calendar if you want to volunteer or have your children participate! Registration forms are available in the Fellowship Hall.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!

Statement of Faith:  We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.

St. James United Church of Christ

Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 2nd, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.” –  Steve Jobs

“I think technology really increased human ability. But technology cannot produce compassion.” – Dalai Lama

“Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared.” – J. K. Rowling

Welcome and Announcements

Welcome to this place of worship, which we make special by our presence. Come into this place, where the ordinary is sanctified, the human is celebrated, the compassionate is expected. Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of this time, this life in the presentness of God.

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 sus tains 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   #177  –  God of Change and Glory

Opening Prayer

We come from different places to this sacred place of communal caring and celebration. In the silence and acceptance of this sacred place we look inward at ourselves: the advantages we have been given, the opportunities we have seized. May we have a sense of gratitude for the gifts that are ours: knowledge, skills, insights. Yet may we also be nudged to see new perspectives, to give back, to reach out, sharing our talents, our riches, and ourselves with those who are discouraged, disheartened, or simply unaware. Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege. We are enriched by the company of each other, and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of celebration. May this gathering be touched with tenderness, refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day. Together may we support each other, empower each other, welcome each other. Amen.

Scripture Reading:            Genesis 11: 1-9    

Sermon:               Searching for the Missed Point – Part 3 – Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Reflective Hymn: #340  –  We Are People On a Journey

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Holy Communion  

Communion Melody

Closing Hymn:  #495  –  Called As Partners In Christ’s Service

Blessing and Sending:

Let us take on this week’s life with renewed hope and imagination. May the rhythms of our coming together: the melodies of our celebration, and the harmonies of our farewells, uplift our souls this day, and into the inviting future. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you.

Sharing the Peace as we go…

Announcements

This Sunday, June 2nd:  

11:00am Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

12:15pm – First Sunday PotluckBrunch  

Next Sunday, June 9th^th:  Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle.  

Sunday, June 16^th:

9:30am – Council Meeting

11am – Worship led by Rev. Mary Mason

Saturday June 22nd – Frederick Pride Festival  

Have fun! Be a witness for love at St James’ booth! To volunteer, Call/text Lauranne:  703-346-3071

Remote Area Medical

We are collecting NEW socks and underwear, all sizes, for  the Remote Area Medical event, in SW VA June 28-30. Dave Kirk and Bill Zenner will donate all we can collect! See gray tub in the breezeway.

Mobile Hope

This is the time of year when kids who have just turned 18, can find themselves homeless. Mobile Hope is collecting gently used duffle bags, plus toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries. Donations can be left in the big basket on back pew in the sanctuary. 

Vacation Bible School!  July 22 – July26:

Mark your calendar if you want to volunteer or have your children participate! Registration forms are available in the Fellowship Hall.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass for taking our donations.

Statement of Faith:  We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.