Sunday, April 28, 2019
Second Sunday of Easter
Gathering Music
– Rev. M. Michael Morse
For Meditation and Reflection:
During Holy Week, many of us sang and reflected upon the great hymn, “O Sacred Head Now Wounded.” The wounds of grief, anguish, guilt, and death seemed overwhelming. Easter is the proclamation that these wounds shall not prevail, nor be victorious. Post Easter, we sing another hymn, same magnificent tune, same harmony by J.S. Bach, “We Yearn, O Christ for Wholeness.” This hymn was written by Dosia Carlson, inspired by Harold Wilkie – who was born without arms, and was the principal voice behind the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act. The work of healing, restoration, health care, and wholeness is the Easter message in action.
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship:
Isaiah 55
One: Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without price.
All: Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
One: Incline your ear, and come to me; listen so that you may live.
All: For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty.
Hymn: “Now the Green Blade Rises” #238
Gathering Prayer (Pastor)
Sharing of Joys and Sorrows
Pastoral Prayer
Reverend. M. Michael Morse
Scripture Readings: Mark 2:1-12
Sermon: Healing and Health Care
Hymn: “We Have the Strength to Lift and Bear” #178
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sung Response: #785
We give you but your own, whate’er the gift may be
All that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully
Hymn: “We Yearn, O Christ, for Wholeness” #179
Benediction
Sharing the Peace as we go… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation next door.
Thought for the Day/Week
Good news: Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, levels of anxiety, depression and stress. And research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as you age.
From “Forgiveness, Your Life Depends on It” at www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Announcements
This Sunday, Apr 28th: Worship with Rev. M. Michael Morse
Next Sunday, May 5th: 11am – Communion Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle; 12:15pm – First Sunday Potluck Brunch
Sunday, May 12th: Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle
Sunday, May 19th: 9:30am – Council Meeting; 11am – Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Festivals: St James will have outreach booths at Mayfest (Sat 5/25) and Frederick Pride (Sat 6/22). Volunteers needed. Have fun! Demonstrate radical welcome! Call/text Lauranne: 703-346-3071
Fellowship Hall Update: Our new kitchen is almost complete – a new refrigerator is on the way! Thanks to Tena, Jessie, Lauranne and her sister, all the kitchen gear is put away in newly lined drawers and cabinets. Now, we just need a volunteer or two to line the old shelves – which are staying.
Meanwhile, the Sunday school room walls are up, thanks to Bud and Mike, with finishing work to be done soon.
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.