Sunday, February 3, 2019
Forth Sunday after Epiphany
For Meditation and Reflection:
“There is a voice within you that no one, not even you, has ever heard. Give yourself the opportunity of silence and begin to develop your listening in order to hear, deep within yourself, the music of your own spirit.”
~ John O’Donohue, Anam Cara
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. The Lord will come and rule for ever. Alleluia.
Opening Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You #4
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 7:24-30
Sermon: “Choices” (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 Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face, #336
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and the People
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn How Firm a Foundation, #407
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… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Rev. Lyle is happy to stay following the service to talk about questions, concerns or thoughts you may have about today’s worship.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
Roads,
No need to wonder what heron-haunted lake
lay in the other valley,
or regret the songs in the forest I chose not to traverse.
No need to ask where other roads might have led,
since they led elsewhere;
for nowhere but this here and now is my true destination.
The river is gentle in the soft evening,
and all the steps of my life have brought me home.
~ Ruth Bidgood – b. July 20, 1922
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Feb 3rd: Worship with Rev. Michael Lyle
Next Sunday, Feb 10th: 9am: Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall on organizational structure 11am: Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, Feb 17th: 10am: Sunday School for adults in the Sanctuary led by Janell Kenzie and Brenda Lyle; Sunday School for Children resumes this month in the Fellowship Hall with Lauranne Oliveau substituting for Robin Scott. 11am: Worship with Seminarian Mark Dewey
Childcare: Children can share worship with adults as their attention permits. Childcare is available in the “cry room” at the back of the sanctuary, thanks to Katie and Greta’s gracious care of the children.
Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Thanks to all who are generously bringing non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.
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 art: Crumbs from Your Table, artist unknown, https://readingacts.com