Second Sunday after Pentecost
For Meditation and Reflection:
“So, the Church is not to be understood primarily as a means to the end of transforming society. This would be to trample over the uniqueness and infinite worth to God of the Christian community. Besides, the amazing and profound fact is that the Church most transforms society when it is itself growing and being perfected in the love of Christ. In fact, when the Church is taken merely as a means to transform society, very little is accomplished. For in that case the uniqueness of the Church is denied and we enter the battle on the same terms as secular and godless forces. We assume the battle for right and justice can be won by force, by technique, by doing. It can’t. These very clearly are not the weapons of Christian warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20). Truly Christian transformation of culture comes through Christlike (and hence sacrificial) love, community and being. But this by no means cancels out the responsibility to do, to act, to walk in the words of God. Rather, the being and the doing go together. The being is fundamental, but the doing is the natural result.”
– Howard A. Snyder, The Community of the King
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer (Pastor)
Call to Worship
Pastor: Trust in the Lord and do good.
People: May the Lord give strength to the people!
Pastor: O taste and see that the Lord is good!
People: God is our refuge and strength!
Opening Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory #436
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Sermon “Modern Disciple Making” Mike Lyle
The Offerings and Offertory Music
A Litany of Thanksgiving
Pastor: All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. All that we are, and all that we have, is your gift to us.
People: And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer ourselves, and all that we have. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.
All: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflective Hymn: In the Midst of New Dimensions #391
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and People
Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]
Closing Hymn: Forward through the Ages #377
Benediction (Pastor) Go forward in the comfort and strength of God’s blessing. Remember that you are loved, that God is ever near, and that divine mercy is your way in the world. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
“The Church on its pilgrimage is not deserted or forgotten by God; it is not wandering totally in the dark. Even though it is not the kingdom of God which is to come, it is already under the reign of God which has begun.” ~ Hans Kung, The Church
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, June 23rd: Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle
Next Sunday, June 30th: Worship led by Rev. Rev. M. Michael Morse
Sunday, July 7th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, July 14th: Worship led by Rev. Rev. M. Michael Morse
Last chance for Donations Needed this month
Remote Area Medical event, in SW VA June 28-30. Please donate NEW socks and underwear, all sizes, for those who come for free medical care. Dave Kirk and Bill Zenner will take all we can collect to the event! See gray tub in breezeway through Tues June 25th.
Mobile Hope: Mobile Hope is collecting gently used duffle bags, plus toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries. This is the time of year when kids who have just turned 18, can find themselves homeless. Please leave donations on back pew this Sunday, June 23th.
Vacation Bible School! July 22-July 26:
Registration forms for children ages 4-11 wishing to participate are available in the Fellowship Hall and at www.stjamesucc-love.org
Sign up to Volunteer and/or donate needed materials! Robin Scott has emailed invitations, just click on the SignUpGenius link.
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.