Sunday, July 21st, 2019
St. James United Church of Christ
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 21st, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection
“You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” – Glinda (The Good Witch)
We come together from our separate lives, each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations, our hopes, and our dreams. We are not yet fully present. The traffic, the last-minute cooking, the final details still cling to us. Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours. It is now time to let go of these pressures and embrace and become aware of the present moment…When you are ready, repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’. Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being present in body, mind, and spirit. It means settling into where we are and simply being “here.”
Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.
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 another…
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: #181 – You Are Salt For the Earth, O People
Opening Prayer
During this time of prayer and quiet reflection, may we be enabled to find that power that already lies within us: for love, for creativity, for hope. May our hearts be open to compassion, our minds open to wisdom, our spirits open to grace. We gather, sing, pray and think – offering ourselves to and with the reverberating hum, mystery and presence of life. We acknowledge our significance and responsibility in this global village. We acknowledge our insignificance in the face of it all: this expanding, exploding, wondrous thing called ‘universe’. We commit again to facing each other with new desire and intention, with embrace, laughter, tears and honesty. May we always rejoice in life and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. And let our best thoughts this day be caring thoughts for others. This is our prayer. May it be so. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 1:46-55
Sermon “Authentic Power?” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Reflective Hymn: #134 – Silent Night
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth. In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #563 – We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky
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 selfless deed, tread gently upon the earth, and fill the world with compassion. 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 Schedule: 10am worship July and August.
This Sunday, July 21st
10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
11:05-ish – Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the next several months, Samantha will host a short 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th. Dates to attend are: 7/21, 8/18, & 9/15.
Next Sunday, July 28th – Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Backyard Fencing Underway: Over the next few weeks, Andrew Potter and Lovettsville Troop 962 are building a wooden fence behind the Fellowship Hall along with two benches and raised flower beds along the side fence. They intend to be done before VBS. Wow. Community!!!
Vacation Bible School start Tomorrow! July 22nd – July 26th
See website for enrollment and volunteer information.
Adult EL Classes: Saturdays at 12 noon during August.
Free English Language classes are offered in the St. James Fellowship Hall. No registration required. If popular, classes will be offered indefinitely.
Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.
Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!
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.