May 19th, 2019
St. James United Church of Christ
5th Sunday in Easter, March 19th, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection
As surely as we belong to the universe, we belong together. We join here to transcend the isolated self. To reconnect, to know ourselves to be at home, here on earth, under the stars, linked with each other. 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
Call to Worship
Pastor: May we greet one another with open hearts and minds;
Congregation: inspire each other to consider new questions
Pastor: seek deeper meaning;
Congregation: and cultivate both wisdom and compassion.
Pastor: May this time together empower us to take some steps
Congregation: so all our living is transforming
All: and the yearning of our hearts become reality.
Opening Hymn #397 – Thank Our God for Sisters, Brothers
Opening Prayer
May we in our gathering and this sacred space be blessed. May we open ourselves ever more fully to that mystery which lures us onward toward life and creativity. May we hold one another in the deep and tender places with compassion, and may we grace one another by sharing our own vulnerabilities, being ever mindful of the divinity within that makes soul mates of us all. For we gather in the name of that humble Galilean who dared us to dream peace into being, who showed us creative ways to challenge injustice, and whose love embraced all. Amen.
Scripture Reading: The Story of Jonah, selected verses
Sermon Series: “Searching for the Missed Point – Part 2” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Reflective Hymn: #286 – Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #556 – God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
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, May 19th:
9:30am – Council Meeting
11:00am – Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Next Sunday, May 26th: Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
St James will have outreach booths at two local festivals!
Volunteers needed:
Saturday, May 25th – Lovettsville Mayfest
Saturday June 22nd – Frederick Pride Festival
Have fun! Let folks know we exist! Call/text Lauranne: 703-346-3071
Remote Area Medical
We will once again be collecting NEW socks and underwear, of all sizes, for the Remote Area Medical event, which is taking place in SW VA the last weekend of June. Dave Kirk and Bill Zenner will transport all that we can collect in the gray tub in the breezeway.
Sunday, June 30th: Annual Congregational Meeting 12:30pm
Vacation Bible School! July 22-July26:
Mark your calendar if you want to volunteer or have your children participate!
Mobile Hope
This is the time of year when kids who have just turned 18 and graduated high school, can find themselves homeless. Mobile Hope is collecting gently used duffle bags, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, lotions, etc. Donations can be accepted on back pew (big basket) of sanctuary.
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 find spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and discover 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.