Sunday, February 25, 2018
St. James United Church of Christ
Second Sunday in Lent, February 25, 2018
For Meditation and Reflection:
To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places – and there are so many – where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. – Howard Zinn
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer (Pastor)
Responsive Call to Worship (Traditional Monastic Liturgy)
Pastor: We wait for the word of the Lord as we wait for the rains.
People: And our God shall come down upon us like gentle dew.
Pastor: The hills and the mountains will be singing praise to God.
People: Every tree in the forest will be clapping its hands.
All: The Lord will come and rule for ever. Alleluia.
Opening Hymn When Morning Gilds the Skies 86
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Unseparated (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.
Hymn There is a Balm in Gilead 553
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and the People
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn We Shall Overcome 570
Prayer of 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.
Sharing the Peace as we go…
Reverend Lyle is happy to stay following the service to talk about questions, concerns or thoughts you may have about today’s worship.
And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people.
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Announcements
Childcare is now available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
This Sunday February 25th:
10 AM, meet in the Sanctuary before service for Safety Training.
Next Sunday March 4th:
Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle
After service, come help celebrate fellowship with potluck brunch in the fellowship hall. This is a regular event held the first Sunday of each month.
March 11th: Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle
March 18th: Worship will be led by Reverend Mary Mason
March 25th: Worship will be led by Dr. Reverend Mikael Lyle