Sunday, July 7th, 2019
Our Summer Worship Schedule begins this Sunday!
During the months of July and August, worship is at 10:00am.
St. James United Church of Christ
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 7th, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
“It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than watch it accumulate.” – Gloria Steinem
“My whole goal is to heal the entire planet. People say, ‘I want to change the world.’ You can change the world for better or for worse. I want to heal the whole world like a superhero would do.” – Jaden Smith (Will Smith’s son)
Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to this place of worship, which we make special by our presence. Come into this place, where the ordinary is sanctified, the human is celebrated, the compassionate is expected. Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of this time, this life in the presentness of God.
Call to Worship
Pastor: My ancestors were stars; their atoms move in me yet.
People: I am human.
Pastor: My life is intertwined with your life, with all that is animate in the world, and with Earth itself. So, too, is my future.
People: I am human.
Pastor: My understanding of reality is limited to what my mind can comprehend, my senses appreciate, and my courage bear.
All: I am human And I see, too, that you are also.
Opening Hymn #177 – God of Change and Glory
Opening Prayer
Spirit of life, in us and around us, here is our chance, once again, to live like we wish the world would live. May we find within our-selves the courage to be who we are. May we know when it is time to listen and when it is time to speak. May we trust ourselves to be the ones to find the words that need to be said or to do what needs to be done. May we trust one another and know there are many ways to go through life. May we know that though we cannot change some of what life gives to us, we can choose how we deal with what we are given. Together we can make possible justice and love. As we worship this morning, may we be reminded that we are all connected. We depend upon one another more than we know. We are one body. We are one. Amen.
Scripture Reading: James 2:14-17, Revelation 21:1-5a
Sermon: If Only The “Easy Button” Was Real! – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Liturgy – (see insert)
Reflective Hymn: #576 – For the Healing of the Nations
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Abba Prayer (unison)
God – heart of the world: revealed through every aspect of creation: understood through our awareness. May we honor the holiness of creation and act accordingly so that your love is reflected in the way we live. May we always be thankful for the food we eat and the friends we have. May we forgive those who transgress against us and be forgiven for our own. In the freedom of love may we live as your heartbeat and not be compromised by hesitation. Through our freedom, may your justice be seen and heard and experienced forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Communion
Communion Melody
Closing Hymn: #349 – I Come with Joy
Blessing and Sending:
May the love that gives life its beauty, the reverence that gives to life its sacredness, and the purposes that give to life its deep significance, be strong within each of us and lead us into ever deepening relationships with all of life. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go…
Announcements
Our Summer Worship Schedule begins this Sunday!
During the months of July and August, worship is at 10:00am.
This Sunday, July 7th
10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
11:00am – Council meeting at the Parsonage.
*Our usual first Sunday potluck brunch will be moved to next Sunday.*
Next Sunday, July 14th
10:00am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
11:00 – Potluck Brunch
Sunday, July 21st – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
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!!!
Inova Blood Drive Saturday, July 20th: 9:30-2pm. Hosted by The Divine Club Worldwide and St. James. See sign-up link in your email.
Vacation Bible School! July 22nd – July 26th (please see insert)
THANK YOU! to everyone who donated items during June for Remote Area Medical and Mobile Hope.
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.