Sunday, July 1, 2018
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Meditation and Reflection
“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” – Don Miguel Ruiz
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
– Nelson Mandela
“Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it our-selves. It is a daily practice… No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
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 remember we are called to appreciate and protect the whole of creation, always cherishing, nurturing and renewing the earth.
People: We remember we are called to be in relationship, living and working with one another, supporting and healing one another.
Pastor: We remember we are called into a community, working for the common good of all, making choices that bring hope, justice and freedom to our world.
People: May we welcome the stranger, offering support to those who have recently arrived, and giving comfort to the homesick.
Pastor: May we promote justice, tolerance, openness and respect, that ensures lasting peace and racial harmony.
All: May we be enabled to reverence each person, to reach out to those in need, to value and appreciate those who differ from us, to share the resources of our nation.
Opening Hymn #591 – This Is My Song
Opening Prayer
Enter with me that still place within, where we find not only our in-most selves, but also our connection to that creative and transforming mystery we call God.
We come into one another’s presence seeking some part of our-selves, knowing that we do not live alone, knowing that we cannot live fully if we are for ourselves alone. We come as ordinary people, each with strengths and each with weaknesses, aware of our short-comings. Our lives set before us many tasks. We are not always equal to them. Too often we fall short of our best expectations of ourselves. And yet, here we are, not always perfect, not always wise, but always wondrously and mysteriously human. May our time together renew our hope. May the stories we share refresh our courage. May the songs we sing lift our spirits. On this Summer day, we bring to mind the many calls for peace in our world. God longs for peace but we live in a divided world. Our thinking is often muddled. Our emotions are mixed. Our actions inconsistent. May we move from confusion to being a people of clarity. May we move from greed to being a people of generosity. May we move from violence to being a people of peace. God longs for shalom – peace. God longs for justice. God longs for healing and wholeness. May we have the wisdom and the courage and the love to persevere when all else fails. This is our prayer. May it be so. Amen.
Scripture Reading: John 8:31-47 (Translation: The Message)
Sermon: “The Ultimate Mic Drop!” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Communion Hymn: #340 – We Are People on a Journey
Holy Communion and Communion Melody
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #576 – For the Healing of the Nations
Blessing and Sending:
Fall in love with living and join the celebration of life. Wrestle with the chaos and the pain within yourself and within the world. And may the God of peace and joy, who is continually making all things new, embrace you as a partner in the divine creating. Go in peace, and may at 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, July 1: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
10 AM Service in Sanctuary
11AM coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall
11:30 Annual Congregational Meeting in Sanctuary
Next Sunday, July 8: Annual St. James Pot Luck Picnic!
We’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall starting at 10AM for shared brunch and include worship time in the festivities. We’ll set up indoors or out depending on the heat… Musicians, feel free to bring your instruments and share you gift of music with us!
Wednesday Evening Meditation Group. 7-8 PM, July 11, 18, 25, Aug 1. Open to all, ages 16+. This is a trial run; we’ll figure out the fall with input from attendees. Call Diane to sign up 240-344-2544
Donate Underwear for RAM Mission: Please bring new under garments (for any size/age) to church before July 19th for Remote Area Medical mission.
Vacation Bible School! Mon – Fri, August 6-10. Tell everyone with children, ages 3 to 10. Join the fun! If you’d like to offer a short activity for the children during this half-day camp, or if you simply want to help, please talk with Robin or Janell.
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church; Thank you to Tena Brass for taking our donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank at the New Jerusalem Lutheran Church.