Sunday, March 31, 2019
4th Sunday in Lent
For Meditation and Reflection
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
– Anne Lamott
“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: How good it is to be alive! To feel the beat of our own hearts, the pulsing of life in our veins, the rhythm of our breathing.
People: So we come into this time of worship, of prayer and reflection with gratitude for the gift of life this day.
Pastor: In a universe so vast, may we be helped to sustain a good sense of who we are, and a good sense of worth in ourselves.
People: When time and events and people go by so fast, help us to know the power in pausing, and in pausing, help us to find our life renewed.
All: As we come and as we go, we pray that each of us, in our own small inner world, will know that we have been in a sacred place, fully present, to listen for and experience the Divine presence in our midst.
Opening Hymn: #516 – O Grant Us, God, A Little Space
Opening Prayer In this caring and supportive community, during this time of prayer and quiet reflection, we come to be emptied, and to be filled with the spirit that flows in and among us and throughout the world. We, here today, are also people of spirit. We, too, are struck in awe before the great mystery of the cosmos. We, too, are powerfully moved by a deep concern for our world and our care for one another. The spirit moves in us as in others. We give thanks for love, which created us, which restores us, and which connects us to each other to unite and give purpose. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46
Sermon “Unplug” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Reflective Meditation
Reflective Hymn: #288 – Let It Breathe On Me
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: #433 – In the Bulb There Is A Flower
Blessing and Sending: May the places where you walk become sacred spaces of the Holy God. The places where you take your stand be signposts to the love of Christ. The places where you rest be filled with the renewing grace of the Spirit. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you.
Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Mar 31st: 11:00 Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, April 7th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle, followed by a First Sunday potluck, which will include informal, yet special poetry readings by Rev. Mike Lyle and others, from his newest book, The Everywhere of Light.
Sunday, Apr 14th: Palm Sunday Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle
Sunday, April 21st: EASTER SUNDAY SCHEDULE
- 6:30 Sunrise Service – TBD
- 8:30 – 9:30 – Potluck Easter Breakfast
- 9:30 – 10:00 Children’s Sunday School and Easter Egg Hunt!
- 10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Fellowship Hall Update: The kitchen renewal is almost complete! The granite countertops and sink have been installed and look fantastic! Moving forward, we need 2 or3 volunteers to put everything back into the new kitchen cabinets. See Lauranne after worship if you’re interested in helping out!
The Children’s Sunday School room is unfortunately taking some additional time to finish due to some setbacks with the drywall installation.
Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you, Katie and Greta, for your gracious care!
Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.
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.