May 7, 2017

Tena Brass, Lay Leader | Rev. Esther R. Ziegler, Worship Leader

Good Shepherd of the Sheep, you have opened the door to new life for us through your dedication and your sacrifice. May we reflect your love for us by opening the doors of our hearts to you and your beloved creation.

Welcome, Announcements and Introduction

Call to Worship, Rev. Ziegler

One: Come into this place as you are: friend or stranger, lost or found, old or young.
All: Come, for you are the person the Good Shepherd loves and gives life.
One: Come as you are to worship and to be folded into God’s tender care and shelter.
All: Come, let us worship and follow the one who reigns with love.

Opening Hymn: #488 – Be Still, My Soul

Scripture Readings:
Psalm 23 | Acts 2:42-47 | John 10:1-10

Meditation: “Sheepfolds, Pastures and Perspicuity”

Pastoral Prayer

Reflective Hymn: #252 – Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Prayers of Joys and Concerns, Lay Leader

The Offerings and Offertory Music, Lay Leader

Service of Holy Communion, Rev. Ziegler

Communion Hymn: #788 – Eat this Bread

Invitation

One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
One: Blessed are you, gracious God….your goodness.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of
your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the
name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

One: We remember that….may proclaim the mystery of faith:
All: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.
One: Holy God, we pray for your Spirit.
All: Make us, though many, one. Make us, though broken, whole. Make us,
despite death, alive.
One: And so we pray:
All: Come Holy Spirit, come.

One: Let us pray together the prayer our Savior taught us:
All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your
will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from
the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and
the glory are your now and forever. Amen.
One: These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Come….for Christ’s table is
open to you. The bread we break is the bread of life. The cup we drink is the
cup of blessing and renewal in Christ.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lifegiving God, may we, who share Christ’s body, live his risen life; we, who drink his cup, bring new life to others; we whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #81 – God Be With You

Blessing and Sending

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

Announcements:

Sunday, May 7th
Our Worship Leader is the Rev. Esther Ziegler, from Frederick, speaking on “Sheepfolds, Pastures and Perspicuity”.

Next Sunday, May 14th
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle., whose message is titled “Salt Does Not Exist for Itselt” We extend a special invitation to our members and friends to join us and bring your parents, children and grandchildren for this special Mother’s Day worship service.

Sunday, May 21st
Our Worship Leader will be David Plume from Martinsburg, WV. His sermon title is “Speaking to Today’s Areopagus”.

Jammin’ At James will be held in the sanctuary from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. A light supper will be available beginning at 5:30. 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 last Sunday.

Sunday, May 28th
Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Michael Lyle.

Our Statement of Faith
 
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.