September 10, 2017
Order of Worship on Sunday, September 10th, 2017
Welcome and Announcements – Welcome to this place of worship, which we make special by our presence. Come into this place, where the ordinary is sanctified, the human is celebrated, the compassionate is expected. Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of this time, this life in the presentness of God.
Call to Worship:
Pastor: Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege.
Congregation: We are enriched by the company of each other.
Pastor: We are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of celebration.
Congregation: May this gathering be touched with tenderness,
Pastor: refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day.
Congregation: Together may we support each other,
Pastor: empower each other,
All: welcome each other.
Opening Hymn: #28 – For the Beauty of the Earth
Opening Prayer: (Unison)
During this time of prayer and quiet reflection, may we be enabled to find that power that already lies within us: for love, for creativity, for hope. May our hearts be open to compassion, our minds open to wisdom, our spirits open to grace. This morning, we gather, sing, pray and think – offering ourselves to and with the reverberating hum, mystery and presence of life. We commit again to facing each other with new desire and intention, with embrace, laughter, tears and honesty. May we always rejoice in life and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Luke 4: 16-21, Matthew 4: 12-17
Sermon by Rev. Samantha Tuttle – “How Did Jesus Interpret the Scriptures?” (Part 1)
Responsive Sharing
Reflective Hymn: #4 – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
Our Offerings
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord’s Prayer (Traditional with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #539 – Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant? (Verses 1-4 & 1 again)
Pastor’s Blessing and Sending
And now may the blessings of life
be upon us, and upon this congregation.
May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future.
May the love that we share
bring strength and joy to our hearts,
and the peace of this community be with us
until we meet again.
Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Announcements:
Sunday, September 17th – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.
We hope to inaugurate another season of “Jammin’ at James”. Come and join us for the fellowship of shared music-making with Max Honn from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Bring your instruments and your voices!!
Sunday, September 24th – Our Worship Leader will be Rev. Guy Johnson. Our annual ‘Blessing of the Animals’ will be held behind Fellowship Hall. Come and bring your beloved animal friends along.
Sunday, October 1st – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Samantha Tuttle.
Sunday, October 8th – Our Worship Leader will be the Rev. Michael Lyle
FOR OUR VISITORS: Since the retirement of our pastor in January, we at St. James have been on a journey of discernment ……re-evaluating our worship and our direction and mission as a congregation. During this process, we have welcomed a number of visiting ministers and speakers to share their messages of faith and service from our pulpit; several of these have become active friends of St. James. We have had open forums to discuss the needs of the congregation and the community. We plan to continue this process through this calendar year, although we are calling more often on those pastors whose messages fit most closely with our values. We always welcome input from visitors and those who are new to our community. WELCOME !