Sunday, March 11, 2018
Fourth Sunday in Lent
For Meditation and Reflection
It appears that whenever God is defined in any other way than as a supernatural being who stands ready to come to our aid, then prayer, as most people have traditionally under-stood it, loses most of its meaning. – John Shelby Spong
Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshipping at St. James for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.
Call to Worship
Pastor: Loving God, within and around us, we revere you. We seek to live life as you would want us to do:
People: with love and respect for all people and all things in the uni-verse.
Pastor: May we find each day sufficient for our needs. And find for-giveness when we do wrong,
People: just as we forgive those who do wrong to us.
Pastor: In times of trouble, may we center our lives in you.
People: For your being is love, which comes with strength and with beauty.
All: Throughout eternity. Amen.
Opening Song Gather Us In (See Handout)
Opening Prayer
Indwelling God, infused throughout all existence, we honor you with many names. Your realm is within the human heart. We accept life for all that it can be, on earth as throughout all creation. May we
continue to draw sustenance from this earth, and may we receive forgiveness equal to our own. May we ever move from separation toward union, to live in grace, with love in our hearts, forever and ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:12-18
Sermon: Reimagining Prayer – by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Sharing
Reflective Song Shattered (Unconditionally) by Oli Covington
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer
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 for-ever and ever. Amen.
Closing Song #539 – Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?
Blessing and Sending:
And now may the blessings of life
be upon us, and upon this congregation.
May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future.
May the love that we share
bring strength and joy to our hearts,
and the peace of this community be with us
until 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
Thank you, Oli Covington to for providing our music this morning. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
ANNOUCEMENTS
Childcare is now available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
This Sunday March 11th:
The Church Council will meet before worship at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall.
Next Sunday, March 18th:
Sunday School (Adult and Children) on March 18 at 10AM Every third Sunday, children meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott. Adults meet in the Sanctuary with David Weintraub. The discussion will be part 4 of Rob Bell’s podcast series on Wisdom – Life and Death and Vegetables. See our website for the link to listen or download.
Jammin’ at James open mike is happening March 18 with Dinner at 5:30, Music 6:30 – 8:30. Max Honn and Michael O’Brian, lead a monthly jam session. All musicians and music fans are invited to come dig the great acoustics in the St. James sanctuary!
March 18th: Worship will be led by Reverend Mary Mason
March 25th: (Palm Sunday) Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle
April 1st (Easter Sunday) Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle