Sunday, May 6, 2018
Sixth Sunday of Easter
For Meditation and Reflection
“Crazy-busy is a great armor, it’s a great way for numbing. What a lot of us do is that we stay so busy, and so out in front of our life, that the truth of how we’re feeling and what we really need can’t catch up with us.” – Brené Brown
“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” – Howard Thurman
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: There is rarely enough rest in our lives. Perhaps we are too busy for rest. Perhaps we are afraid of what we might discover.
People: Today we will acknowledge that as citizens of creation, we too, need to rest.
Pastor: When we make room in our lives for rest, we are more available to affirm the worth of all, and commit ourselves to honoring the sacred in all.
People: When we rest, we create the space that allows us to effectively be more in tune, and authentically involved with each other and the world.
All: May our time together center us, provide us with perspective, and give us a sense of stillness and rest.
Opening Hymn Come and Find the Quiet Center (see insert)
Opening Prayer
This moment of quiet is an invitation to be calm in the midst of the noise of the world and our over-busy lives, to bring together thought and feeling, mind and spirit, and to find some center, some still point of perspective and peace. (Silence)
We draw near to each other, recognizing our need for divine rest. That rested, we may see afresh. That we may hear anew. That we may act again with vigor. When we are at our best, we are better equipped to participate in the creation of peace between strangers, love between friends, hope among the hopeless, and joy among the sorrowful.
May we be brokers of a spirit that offers us rest, so that we may live fully and embrace the life we’ve been given. What our prayers begin, may our lives continue. This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Reflective Hymn: #502 – Dear God, Embracing Humankind
Sermon: “Make Sure The Yoke You’re Wearing Fits”
Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Holy Communion
Communion Melody
Closing Hymn: #516 – O Grant Us, God, a Little Space
Blessing and Sending:
If, here, you have found rest, take it with you into the world. If you have found comfort, go and share it with others. If you have dreamed dreams, help one another, that they may come true. If you have known love and unity, give some back to a bruised and hurting world.
Sharing the Peace as we go… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Announcements
Childcare is now 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; Tena volunteers to take donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank at the New Jerusalem Lutheran Church.
This Sunday May 6th:
11:00am: Communion worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:30 – 3pm: Luncheon Party for Samantha!
3:00pm: UCC Installation Service. The Catoctin Association will confirm and celebrate Reverend Samantha Tuttle’s official status as Pastor of St. James.
Next Sunday, May 13th:
Church Council meeting before worship at 9:30am
Lay-led worship service at 11:00am
May 20th: 11:00am: Reception of New Members during worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle. (Want to join on a different date? Please let Lauranne, Janell, Tena, or Samantha know.)
12:30 – 3pm: Bon Voyage Party for David!
Spreading the Word … St. James will have outreach tables at:
Lovettsville MayFest on Saturday, May 26.
Frederick Pride Festival on Saturday, June 23.
Vacation Bible School! Monday – Friday, August 6-10: Tell everyone with young children! Join the fun! If you’d like to offer a short lesson or activity for the children during this half-day camp, or if you simply want to help, please talk with Robin or Janell.