September 1, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection:
“On waking, I give thanks for arriving safely in a new dawn, for the gift of eyes to see the world, the gift of mind to feel at home in my life; the waves of possibility breaking on the shore of dawn, the harvest of the past that awaits my hunger, and all the furtherings this new day will bring.”
(John O’Donohue, 1956-2008)
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: When Morning Gilds the Skies #86
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Sermon “Heaven’s Refectory” 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: Here, O My Lord . . . #336
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and People
Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]
Closing Hymn: We Shall Overcome #570
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 real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on all day. Standing back from all your natural fussing and fretting; coming in out of the wind.”
(C.S. Lewis, 1900-1963)
Announcements
** 11 AM Worship Time Resumes this Sunday, September 1st **
This Sunday, Sept 1st
11am – Communion Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Noon – First Sunday community table potluck brunch. Plan to stay after service if you can, to share food and fellowship.
Next Sunday, Sept. 8th
10am – Sunday School starts for both children and adults and will be held every 2nd Sunday. Adults will discuss The Phoenix Affirmations (copies available) in the Sanctuary. In the Fellowship Hall and backyard, Robin Scott will lead the children in spiritual discovery.
11am – Worship led by Reverend Jerry Foltz
Sunday, Sept. 15th
9:30 – Council meeting in the Fellowship Hall.
11 am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:00-ish – Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the past few months, Samantha has hosted a short 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th. This is the last date to attend.
Sunday, Sept. 22nd, 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
Saturday, Sept. 28th
Lovettsville Oktoberfest – St. James will welcome visitors in the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary and make money selling food.
Eirik Harteis and Bud Muller are taking the lead on this. Hear about volunteer opportunities during announcements in church and watch your email for a sign-up invitation.
Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall.
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.