Sunday, July 29, 2018
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Meditation and Reflection
“Evolution rarely follows a straight line from species to species. Instead, it is more like a tree with many branches. Some branches lead to new branches, while others become dead ends.” – Robert Winston
“You have to meet people where they are, and sometimes you have to leave them there.” – Iyanla Vanzant
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: Let us be the embodiment of the larger life in all the little things we do
People: As we listen and ponder, deepen and explore our faith…As we laugh and play, greet and touch one another,
Pastor: As we live this day in the integrity of our own selves, and as we live this day in the community of precious people,
People: Breathe through us as the Summer wind caresses our bodies, as we live in the fullness of today.
All: Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn We Limit Not the Truth of God
O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high,
O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of Clouded sky:
We praise you for the radiance that from the hallowed page,
a lantern to our footsteps, shines on from age to age.
O God, we hold this treasure from you, its source divine,
a light that to all ages throughout the earth will shine;
It is the chart and compass that all life’s voyage through,
a lantern to our footsteps, still guides, O God to you.
O make your church, dear Savior, a lamp of purest gold,
to bear before all people your true light as of old!
O teach your wandering pilgrims by this their path to trace,
till, doubt and striving ended they meet you face to face.
Opening Prayer
We are grateful for the gift of life itself, mindful that to respect life means both to celebrate what life is and to insist on what it can be-come. May we be helped to find that inner release and that outer confirmation to live life fully; to live life as connectedness with God with nature and with all other people. This gift of life has provided us with many excellent experiences, and a range of possibilities are before us every day. May we have an attitude of openness that draws us towards the best experiences and the best possibilities. And may we be prompted to be more expansive and more inclusive as we accept our responsibility to make love visible. May people see in us the spirit of appreciation, gratitude, and generous self-giving, that was seen in Jesus. This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Reflective Hymn: #510 – Grant Us Wisdom to Perceive You
(Verses 1, 3, 4)
Sermon: “A Willingness To Explore The Depths”
Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Our offerings for the celebration of life in this place and beyond, shall now be received. May a good feeling be found in our hearts as these gifts are used to help free some people from hunger, lift some people from their distress, and encourage some people to be part of a better world.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #448- Take My Life, God, Let It Be
Blessing and Sending:
And now we take our leave. Before we gather here again: may each of us bring happiness into another’s life; may we each be surprised by the gifts that surround us; may each of us be enlivened by constant curiosity. And may we remain together in spirit until the hour we meet again. 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 worship time in July and August is 10AM.
This Sunday, July 29th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Wednesday, August 1st: It’s not too late to join the Wednesday Evening Meditation Group. 7-8 PM. Open to all, ages 16+. This is a trial run; we’ll figure out the Fall with input from attendees.
Sunday, August 5: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, August 12th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Vacation Bible School: Great goodness! Registrations for St. James’ Vacation Bible School (August 6-10) have exceeded expectations and the program is now full. Many thanks to organizer, Robin Scott, booster, Tina Cheatham, and to everyone who’s volunteered to help with lessons and activities.
Worship by working: Sunday, August 26th. Worship by working. Karma yoga style, we’ll be cleaning out the dusty corners and putting things in order. Please come at 10am to join the crew!
Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church; Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank.
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.