Sunday, June 10, 2018
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Meditation and Reflection
“When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, we can see and listen deeply, and the fruits are always understanding, acceptance, love, and the desire to relieve suffering and bring joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” – George Takei
“I’d much rather be gay than so desperately afraid of God that I couldn’t make a cake for a fellow human being.” – Bradley Gusler
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: Fresh anticipation percolates, as this community gathers together in this sacred place.
People: Draw a deep breath, knowing you are welcomed and val-ued here and now.
Pastor: Be at peace and at one with yourself and with those close by.
People: Let us affirm we are not alone. That we need others and others need us.
Pastor: To be more of who we are, to be challenged with new growth, to be fully alive!
People: Let us be guided by love and imagination for what is yet to be.
All: Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn: Gather Us In (Please see insert)
Opening Prayer
We come from different places to this sacred place of communal caring and celebration. May we have a sense of gratitude for the gifts that are ours: knowledge, skills, insights. Yet may we also be nudged to see new perspectives, to give back, to reach out, sharing our talents, our riches, and ourselves with those who are discour-aged, disheartened, or simply unaware. We give thanks for the rich-ness and diversity of human life. Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege. We are enriched by the company of each other, and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of celebration. May this gathering be touched with tenderness, refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day. May we help bring about a world filled with greater gentleness, emerging consciousness, and vibrant and liberated humanity. In honor of the spirit and presence of life, we gather in the name of that humble Galilean who dared us to dream inclusivity and belonging into being, who showed us creative ways to challenge injustice, and whose love embraced all. This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 139: 13-16, Luke 10:25-37
Reflective Hymn: #427 – God Made from One Blood
Sermon:
“Celebrating Your Sacred Belonging,
When Your Neighbor Refuses To Bake You A Cake”
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: #539 – Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?
(Verses 1-4 &6)
Blessing and Sending:
May the flame that has brightened our time together warm our hearts, light our paths, and inspire our vision, as we once again go our separate ways. Walk well your journey in peace and in justice. May you be wrapped in the shawl of God’s loving. May you be cherished. May you be blessed. 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
Thank you Jesse Scobie for providing our music this morning, and sharing your gift with us!
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.
Vacation Bible School! Mon – Fri, August 6-10. Tell everyone with young 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.
Spreading the Word… St. James will have an outreach table at the Frederick Pride Festival on Saturday, June 23. If you’d like to help decorate the booth or represent St. James, please talk with Lauranne.
This Sunday, June 10:
9:30am – The Church Council will meet before worship in the Fellowship Hall.
11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, June 17: Worship led by Dr. Rev. Michael Lyle
Sunday, June 24: Worship led by Rev. Mary Mason
NOTE! Summer Worship Time in July and August is 10AM.