Sunday, November 11, 2018
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost & Veterans Day
For Meditation and Reflection:
Compassionate God, Source of mercy, we pay tribute to those veterans who have served our country, to express our gratitude for their courage and selflessness, both among us today and those of generations past. May we uphold the values of freedom, of the inherent dignity of every human being, by our own right conduct, by the kindness and tolerance we show to one another. May we lead the world by example, and become a light to the nations. Then will the labors and sacrifices of these veterans be honored not in words alone, but by our deeds. Amen
–Rabbi Lawrence Milder
Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg.
The Lighting of the Candles
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship Rev. Dr. Mary Mason
Opening Hymn: Come Holy Spirit
(sung to the tune of #42, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing)
Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove.
With all thy quickening power;
Come, shed abroad a savior’s love,
And that shall kindle ours.
Responsive Reading
Leader: The Spirit of God is singing a new song.
People: Words of life, healing, and reconciliation.
Leader: We are no longer strangers or people far away.
All: We are family, welcoming one another
as Jesus has welcomed us.
Hymn: O For a Church (see insert)
[sung to tune #42, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing]
Scripture Reading: The Book of Ruth: Mark 12:41-44
Sermon: From Generation to Generation
by Rev. Dr. Mary Mason
Reflective Hymn: Welcoming God (see insert)
[sung to tune #473, Blessed Assurance]
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Doxology: (note new words)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
In heaven above and earth below!
One God, three persons, we adore:
To God be praise for evermore! Amen.
Prayers
All: God of Life, we praise you for your abiding presence from generation to generation, blessing all people, strengthening us to lives of service, empowering us to embrace the needs of the world and the needs of each other.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
All: God of widows and strangers, protect the oppressed and forgotten, and inspire us to feed the hungry with good things. Give us open hearts and minds to respond with love to the world as we pray together…
Lord’s Prayer [Use debts or trespasses as you prefer]
Closing Hymn: Go Walk with God (see insert)
[sung to tune #100, All Praise to Thee My God This Night]
Taking the Light of the Candles Out to the World
Blessing and Sending
Go in peace. Celebrate the wonders of creation, and know that in all the seasons of our lives God is with us. Listen to the songs of the falling rains and the hymns of glowing golden fall trees. Touch the earth with love and respect. May God bless us and hold us gently as we seek to do God’s work in the world. Amen
Sharing the Peace as we go…
Prayer to Carry with Us
Eternal God, we lift before you all who govern our country. May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from you to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people. Drive from us cynicism, selfishness, and corruption; grant in your mercy just and honest government; and give us grace to live together in unity and peace we pray. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Next Sunday, Nov 11th:
9:30am: Council Meeting (Sanctuary)
11am: Worship Led by Rev. Mary Mason
Wednesday, Nov 14th: Meditation in Sanctuary
Morning: 10:00-11:30am
Evening: 7:00- 8:00pm weekly with Diane Younkins.
No experience necessary.
Next Sunday, Nov 18th: Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, Nov 25th: Worship Led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Sunday, Dec 2nd: Worship Led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, Dec 8th: Worship Led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Childcare in the Fellowship Hall is suspended during repairs.
Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thanks, Tena, for taking our donations.
Our 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 discover 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.
Image credit: Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Ruth in Boaz’s Field,
National Gallery, London