May 21, 2017
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Worship Leader: David Plume
For Meditation and Reflection:
Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty, and restore all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ. We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love and peace, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Welcome, Announcements and Introduction
Call to Worship:
Leader: We long for community and the Presence of God.
People: In whom we live and move and have our being.
Leader: This day, Christ tells us that we will never be alone. An Advocate will share our journey.
People: With whom we will live and create community and celebrate being.
Leader: May the ever present love of God be with you.
People: And may the joy of Christ surround you.
Leader: May we know the presence of the Advocate as we gather in this community of peace, continuing to share the cost of discipleship with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.
All: As an Easter People following a Risen Lord, may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us. Amen.
Opening Hymn: #575 – O For a World
Prayer of Confession:
Leader: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and one another.
All: Holy Advocate, it seems, at times, we forget that you know us at our very depth. We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us, and that our lives have lacked meaning and purpose. You have called us to great things, but we focus instead on what we lack, rather than on Whose we are. By your mercy, help us to live out the commandments of Christ beyond these walls, beyond this hour, and in so doing, may we become for the world, the very presence of justice, hope and peace.
Words of Assurance: All of us have been created and called to be in community. Know this, but more importantly, live this. As God’s children, we are loved and equipped for great ministry. Follow Jesus’ commandment to love boldly as you are held in the grace and love of God.
Today’s Scripture Readings Acts 17:22-31 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21
Reflections: “Speaking to Today’s Areopagus”
Responsive Sharing
Statement of Faith: All
We gather in worship as an inclusive community, an open and 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 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: #531 – God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Prayers of Joys and Concerns: Lay Leader
Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn: #522 – I Love to Tell The Story
Benediction: All
We now go back into the world from which we have come. Let love be true
and freely given. And may we be encouraged and blessed by the Advocate whose love warms and surrounds us like the sun, believing that God is
with us always, as close as our beating hearts. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
Lord…..who can be trusted with power? And who may act in your place? Those with a passion for justice, who speak the truth from their hearts; who have let go of selfish interests, and grown beyond their own lives; who see the wretched as their family, and the poor as their flesh and blood. They alone are impartial and worthy of the people’s trust. Their compassion lights up the whole earth, and their kindness endures forever. Psalm 15
Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world….. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead
Announcements:
This Sunday, May 21st
Our Worship Leader is David Plume from Martinsburg, WV.
Jammin’ At James will be held in the sanctuary from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. All are welcome to participate in the open mic, or just enjoy the good music provided by Max Honn and friends. We extend a special invitation to the members of Grace Episcopal Church in Brunswick to join us, and thank them for allowing us to share their worship at the end of April..
A Memorial service and Celebration of Life for Cliff Walker, longtime member of St. James and resident of Lovettsville, will be held in our sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. today.
The regular meeting of the Lovettsville Historical Society will be rescheduled.
Sunday, May 28th
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Michael Lyle, and his sermon is titled
“Listening In”.
Sunday, June 4th
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.
Sunday, June 11th
Our Worship Leader will be David Plume.
Sunday, June 18th
Our Worship Leader will be Rev. Robert Close, a longtime friend of St. James.
We will especially be celebrating fathers and our graduates on this Sunday.
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.