Sunday, November 17, 2019
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
For Meditation and Reflection:
“Therefore I am sure that whoever loves also fears, though it is felt but little. That fear makes us flee from all that is not good and fall into our Lord’s breast like a child in the mother’s arms, knowing God’s everlasting goodness and blessed love . . . The fear that brings us to such action is natural and gracious and good and true.” (Julian of Norwich, 1342 – 1416)
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer (Pastor)
Call to Worship
Pastor: Violence and fear destroy and confound.
People: But the Lord sustains us always.
Pastor: Nations and monuments falter and fall.
People: But God is our refuge and strength.
Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy #277
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 21:5-19
Sermon “Imperishable” Mike Lyle
The Offerings and Offertory Music
A Litany of Thanksgiving
Pastor: All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. All that we are, and all that we have, is your gift to us.
People: And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer ourselves, and all that we have. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.
All: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflective Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory #436
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and People
Lord’s Prayer[Traditional, with “debts”]
Closing Hymn: When Peace, Like a River #438
Benediction (Pastor)Go forward in the comfort and strength of God’s blessing. Remember that you are loved, that God is ever near, and that divine mercy is your way in the world. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day/Week
The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love. (William Sloane Coffin, 1924-2006)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Nov. 17th 9am – Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall. 11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle
Sunday, Nov. 24th– Worship led by Rev. Dr. Mary Mason
Sunday, Dec. 1st 11am – Communion Worship with Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle 12pm – First Sunday Community Table in Fellowship Hall. As you can, please bring something to share.
Saturday, Dec. 7th– Parents Morning Out: 9am – noon We will be baking and decorating Christmas cookies and doing a holiday craft. Parents, sign your children (ages 5-11) up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAB22A2F58-parents
(Note: On Dec. 7th, English Class for Adults will be held in the Sanctuary.)
Sunday, Dec. 8th 10am – Sunday Schools: Adults will discuss Chs 11 & 12 of The Phoenix Affirmations. Children ages 5-11 will do a Sunday School Service Project to make gift bags for Mobile Hope, which serves homeless teens. * 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
*To sign up to donate to Mobile Hope, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAB22A2F58-sunday
*If you can, please bring donations of: socks, gloves, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, grocery gift cards, or gift bags. The goal is for the children to make up 20 gift bags.
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.