Sunday, November 18, 2018
St. James United Church of Christ
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 18th, 2018
For Meditation and Reflection
“The loving parts of your personality have no trouble loving. That is all they do. You experience the loving parts as gratitude, appreciation, caring, patience, contentment and awe of life.” – Gary Zukav
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: We are grateful for the gift of life itself, mindful that to respect life means both to celebrate what life is and to insist on what it can become.
People: May we find it in ourselves today to work toward a better world.
Pastor: May we make use of that energy to take part in the lifting of burdens.
People: May our gratitude find expression in the care of others, both near and far.
Pastor: May we find ways to live and grow on the margins.
People: May we leave behind us a trail of encouragement and hope.
Pastor: As we come and as we go, we pray that each of us, will know that we have been in a sacred place, and that our lives have been made stronger.
All: Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn: #397 – Thank Our God for Sisters, Brothers
Opening Prayer
Thanks be to God, Source of all Life and Being for all things around us and within us.
For health, food, drink and warm clothes. For family, friends, good neighbors, and even enemies who pray for us. Thanks for curiosity, laughter, and the ability to learn. For truth, courage and beauty. For hospitals and libraries, theaters, parks and lakes.
We lament that so often we take common things for granted. The bed that gave us rest last night, and the new day that greeted us on waking up. The pleasures of a warm shower and the feel of a soft towel on our skin. The aroma and flavor of the toast and coffee we had at breakfast. The smooth roads and paths on which we traveled safely here.
May we always give thanks for these quiet, repetitive gifts, that make it good to be alive, and good to be here together in this sacred place.
Enriched by this time spent together may we become part of a more caring, compassionate world; may we find the courage to make more ethical choices in our relation-ships; may we foster behavior to preserve and enhance our environments. As we marvel at life, let us celebrate the times we are creators of a better world, and when we leave behind us a trail of encouragement and hope.
This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 19:1-10
Sermon: A Circle of Abundance – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Reflective Hymn: #575 – O for a World
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Our offerings for the celebration of life in this place and beyond, shall now be received. May a good feeling be found in our hearts as these gifts are used to help free some people from hunger, lift some people from their distress, and encourage some people to be part of a better world.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn: #32 – God of the Sparrow God of the Whale
Blessing and Sending:
The God we worship is never confined to this holy place. So go and travel with the God who is found in ordinary and surprising places. May the quality of our lives be our benediction, and a blessing to all whom we touch. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go…
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 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Nov 18th:
10:00am: Sunday School, Adults meet in Sanctuary, discussing The Phoenix Affirmations, copies available. Children’s Sunday School will resume when the Fellowship Hall is open.
11:00am: Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Wednesday, Nov 21st
Morning: meditation 10:00-11:30am held in the Sanctuary until repairs to Fellowship Hall are completed.
Evening meditation with Diane Younkins is suspended beginning this week and through the holidays. Interest in this group will be re-assessed after the first of the year.
Next Sunday, Nov 25th and Dec 9th: Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Sunday, Dec 2nd and Dec 16th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, Dec 16th is New Member Sunday! Want to become a member? Please talk with Lauranne (703-346-3071) or Janell janellkinzie@verizon.net or (540) 822-3954
Lovettsville Food Bank: In honor of Malcolm Baldwin’s life, please make an extra effort to bring non-perishable food items to church. Malcolm was a long-time friend of the St. James congregation. He contributed to many local organizations, working tirelessly for social justice, love, and kindness. Thanks, Tena, for taking our donations and for asking that we remember Malcolm by giving.
Soon St. James will start collecting new toys and winter gear for our Christmas GivingTree..
The donation of a 6 – 7′ artificial tree would be appreciated.
Meanwhile, gently used winter clothes are being collected at the Lovettsville Firehouse.
Childcare during services has been suspended until the Fellowship Hall is available. Parents are welcome to bring children to church. Children can share worship with adults as their attention permits and then go to the “cry room” in the back of the sanctuary.
Thanks to those who cleaned out and rearranged the children’s room at the back of the Sanctuary. A few minutes help moving the small table and some toys from Fellowship Hall today before or after worship would be appreciated.