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Sunday, February 2, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

For Meditation and Reflection:

The temple bell stops –

but the sound keeps coming

out of the flowers.

Basho – 1644-94 / translated by Robert Bly

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Alcuin of York, England, 8th Cent.) (Lay Reader)

  • Leader: Eternal Light, shine into our hearts.
  • People: Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil.
  • Leader: Eternal Power, be our support.
  • People: Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance.
  • Leader: Eternal Compassion, have mercy upon us.
  • People: That with all our heart, mind, soul and strength we may seek your face.

Opening Hymn: Beautiful Jesus #44

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “Relationship” 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: Jesus – The Very Thought to Me #507

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: All Things Bright and Beautiful #31

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.

Thought for the Week

“One is not noble who injures living creatures. They are noble who hurt no one.” (Buddha)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Feb 2nd

  • 10 am – Adult Sunday School with Sea Raven and Mike Morse;
  • 11 am – Communion Worship withRev. Mike Lyle;
  • 12:15 pm – Join in for Congregational Pot Luck!

Next Sunday, Feb. 9th

  • 10 am– Sunday School for Adults and Children;
  • 11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle;
  • 12:30 pm – Council Meeting

Sunday, Feb. 16th– Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Feb. 23rd– Worship led byRev. Mike Morse

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

During the Week at St. James:

  • Wednesdays 10 am, Mindfulness Meditation. Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!
  • Fridays 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Stretch It Out! Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.
  • Saturdays 10 am – noon, English Language Classes for adults. Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Please pass the word. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Help Needed: come work with adult students or help with childcare. No experience needed. Talk with Lauranne or Noemi.

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.

Cover concept: With God, there’s a lot of room! “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” — John 14:2

Relationship with God, Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle