June 11, 2017
Trinity Sunday
Worship leader – David Plume
For Meditation and Reflection
Holy, holy, holy God, in calling forth creation from the void, revealing yourself in human flesh, and pouring forth your wisdom to guide us, you manifest your concern for your whole universe. You invite us, as your people, to gather the world’s needs into our hearts and bring them before you.
Welcome, announcements and Introduction:
Call to Worship
Leader: In the name of the Creator, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Leader: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
People: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
Leader: In the beginning the Spirit of God swept over the face of the waters.
People: In the beginning God said, “Let us make humankind in our image.”
Leader: And so we came into being, created by God who exists in community.
People: We are here as God’s community to worship the Source of our being.
Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy – Black, #277
Prayer of Confession Leader: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and one another.
ALL: Holy God, We were created in your image, an image of mutuality and respect for one another; an image of a dance ever moving, ever in tune one with others; an image of community with shared blessing and mission. You have given us dominion over the work of your hands. You have charged us to be fruitful and multiply, to make disciples of all nations. Forgive us God; we have denied our purpose. We have abused the earth’s resources for our own selfish gain and the consequences wreak havoc upon the fish of the sea, the birds of the air and every living thing that moves upon the earth. Forgive us God; we have defiled your image. We have regarded some of your children as beyond the reach of your love and care because their professed faith in you, or lack thereof, is different from our own. Forgive us God; for we have sinned.
Words of Assurance
Leader: God desires to see broken relationships restored and has heard our prayer. In the name of Jesus the Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Scripture Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20
Reflections by David Plume: “What Does God Look Like?”
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: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness – Black, #286
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Joys and Concerns – Prayers of The People
Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise – Black, #1
Benediction: God sends us from this place to engage the world with the good news of the community of God in our words and actions. This is what we were created for. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit will go with you and before you, today and ever more. Amen.
Sharing the peace as we go….and we hope you can join us for coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
We believe in God Beyond us…..
Maker and sustainer of all life and all creation;
We believe in God Beside us…..
Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh;
We believe in God Within us…..
The Holy Spirit and life-giving breath of each of us, and
of the Church.
Announcements:
This Sunday, June 11th
Our Worship Leader is David Plume, speaking on “WhatDoes 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. Prof. Paul D. MeDermott will be speaking on “Colonial Life in Maryland and Virginia”.
Sunday, June 18th
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Robert Close, a long-time 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 on this date, since our fearless leader, Max Honn, has other commitments. We hope you will join us next month for this enjoyable fellowship.
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.