September 17, 2017
Order of Worship on Sunday, September 17th 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: The symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, children and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy.
Congregation: May we recognize these symbols as life affirming. May we seek to renew them everyday. May we be inspired to share them generously.
Pastor: As we meet and as we prepare to depart, may we again commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world.
All: Welcome to worship
Opening Hymn: #1 – Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Opening Prayer: (Unison)
We gather in this sacred place to honor and affirm life. We come to consider again being the change we wish to see in the world. This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe, and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities. The symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, children and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy. May we recognize these symbols as life affirming. May we seek to renew them everyday. May we be inspired to share them generously. As we meet and as we prepare to depart, may we again commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world. May each of us undertake again the appraisal and joy of living out what is dear to us, and what truly advances and invites compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, justice and love to flourish and transform. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Luke 4: 16-21, Matthew 4: 12-17
Sermon by Rev. Samantha Tuttle – “How Did Jesus Interpret the Scriptures?” (Part 2)
Responsive Sharing
Reflective Hymn: #43 – Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Our Offerings
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord’s Prayer (Traditional with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #76 – Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Pastor’s Blessing and Sending
May the Spirit which flows through all creation,
that speaks through the prophets and the poets,
and which acts through those who care,
be with us here today, and awaken us
to the unconquerable power of life.
Go in peace, and may the peace of God
go with you.
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
Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.
– Marian Wright Edelman
Announcements:
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 !