Sunday, August 5, 2018
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 5th, 2018
For Meditation and Reflection
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
“Solitude is very different from a ‘time-out’ from our busy lives. Solitude is the very ground from which community grows. Whenever we pray alone, study, read, write, or simply spend quiet time away from the places where we interact with each other directly, we are potentially opened for a deeper intimacy with each other.” – Henri Nouwen
Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.
Call to Worship
Pastor: We marvel at life. We celebrate ourselves as a life-form giving the source of all that is, a unique expression…
People: in our awareness, in our intelligence, and in our ability to communicate.
Pastor: Enfolded in this Presence may we realize that the world of the Spirit and the world of the body do not exist alongside one an-other…
People: but within one another.
Pastor: This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe,
People: and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities.
All: Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn Gather Us In (see insert)
Opening Prayer
Here, in this space made sacred by our shared lives and our shared yearnings, may we find new courage, new generosity of spirit, forgiveness given and received, and rededication to the higher purposes of our lives. Let us not add to the hopelessness that is in the world. But may wonder and adventure, curiosity and humor, live in us always. May there be aroused in us a determination that by the fuller living of our lives we might find the meaning that life is trying to teach us. 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 trans-formation 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. What our prayers begin, may our lives continue. This is our prayer. May it be so. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-36
Reflective Hymn: #398 – Shadow and Substance
Sermon: “When In Doubt, Go All In”
Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Holy Communion
Communion Melody
Closing Hymn: #495 – Called as Partners in Christ’s Service
Blessing and Sending:
Our time in this sacred place may have ended, but our connection to each other and our respective communities remain. Together may we walk the path of justice, speak words of love, live the self-less deed, tread gently upon the earth, and fill the world with com-passion. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Summer worship time in July and August is 10AM.
This Sunday, August 5th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
This week: Vacation Bible School is happening! August 6-10.
Both registrations and volunteers have exceeded expectations! It will be a great week! Thank you to Robin Scott and to all involved for bringing grace and fun for families at St. James!
Next Sunday, August 12th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Also, children who participated in VBS are invited to participate in a short presentation at the beginning of worship.
Sunday, August 19th: Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle
11:30 Following worship and fellowship we’re having our second “Open mic and Jammin’ at James” session of the summer. All are welcome to bring instruments and play or just join in the fun of singing along!
Sunday, August 26th: Worship by working. We’ll be cleaning out the dusty corners and putting things in order. Please come at 10am to join the crew! Then maybe out to eat?!
Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church; Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank.
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.