Sunday, May 26, 2019
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Gathering Music
For Meditation and Reflection:
Biblical “Sin” as Escalatory Violence
From How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian,
Genesis 4 is not simply about an original fratricide. It is about escalatory violence almost as a seductive inevitability. But, of course, it is also about a God who asserted that it was not inevitable and proclaimed that it could be overcome: “You will rule over it.” In other words, the normalcy of human civilization is not the inevitability of human nature. […] We humans are not natural born killers (if we were, would we suffer posttraumatic stress after battle?). The mark of Cain is on human civilization, not on human nature. Escalatory violence is our nemesis, not our nature; our avoidable decision, not our unavoidable destiny. It is our “original sin,” but could then – and can still – be overcome.
By John Dominic Crossan
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship: Psalm 67, hymnal page 663
Hymn: Awake, Awake to Love and Work #89
Gathering Prayer
Sharing of Joys and Sorrows
Pastoral Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Acts 16:9-15
Revelation 21:10, 22:1-5
Sermon: Radical Disciplelship
Rev. M. Michael Morse
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sung Response: #785
We give you but your own, whate’er the gift may be
All that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully
Hymn: O Holy City, Seen of John #613
Benediction
Passing the Peace
Music to Take the Light out into The World
We hope you will join us next door in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and conversation.
Announcements
This Sunday, May 26th: Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
Next Sunday, June 2nd:
11am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:30pm – First Sunday Potluck in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, June 9th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, June 16th: Worship led by Rev. Mary Mason
Saturday June 22nd – Frederick Pride Festival
Have fun! Be a witness for love at St James’ booth! To volunteer, Call/text Lauranne: 703-346-3071
Remote Area Medical
We are collecting NEW socks and underwear, all sizes, for the Remote Area Medical event, in SW VA June 28-30. Dave Kirk and Bill Zenner will donate all we can collect! See gray tub in the breezeway.
Mobile Hope
This is the time of year when kids who have just turned 18, can find themselves homeless. Mobile Hope is collecting gently used duffle bags, plus toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries. Donations can be left in the big basket on back pew in the sanctuary.
Vacation Bible School! July 22-July26:
Mark your calendar if you want to volunteer or have your children participate! Registration forms are available in the Fellowship Hall.
Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!
Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: 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.
Cover Photo: Stepping Stones, photographer unknown