Sunday, November 4, 2018
All Saints Sunday, November 4th, 2018
For Meditation and Reflection
“This is what rituals are for. We do spiritual ceremonies as human beings in order to create a safe resting place for our most compli-cated feelings of joy or trauma, so that we don’t have to haul those feelings around with us forever, weighing us down. We all need such places of ritual safekeeping. And I do believe that if your cul-ture or tradition doesn’t have the specific ritual you are craving, then you are absolutely permitted to make up a ceremony of your own devising, fixing your own broken-down emotional systems with all the do-it-yourself resourcefulness of a generous plumber/poet.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
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: At this time and as we gather in this sacred place we are aware of our breath and the life-giving air that surrounds and sustains.
People: Over many years, people of all backgrounds and traditions have come to this sacred place.
Pastor: They were enriched. They were strengthened. They were renewed in spirit.
People: Today as we come to this place, may we too find the pathway and the journey that awaits us.
Pastor: In all of our adequacy and inadequacy, may we be caring people. In all of our strength and weaknesses, may we be people true to our best and highest selves. In all of our happiness and sad-ness, may we search for the best ways to respond to life.
People: May we be people of vitality and commitment. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the wit-ness of actions.
All: Source and Spirit of our lives, may we respond boldly to the call for justice, for love, and for joy.
Opening Hymn #294 – There’s a Spirit in the Air
(Verses 1, 3, 5, 6)
Opening Prayer
A sense of Creativity is among us… in the changing of the seasons. Let the slowly changing leaves of autumn speak quietening words to our inner-most selves. Let the breeze of these early autumn mornings bring a vitality and hope to our lives. Let the symbols of this place: candle, bread and wine, speak strength and courage to our hearts and minds, as we come, and as we go. In the silence and acceptance of this sacred place we look inward at ourselves: the advantages we have been given, the opportunities we have seized. May we have a sense of gratitude for the gifts that are ours: knowledge, skills, insights. Yet may we also be nudged to see new perspectives, to give back, to reach out, sharing our talents, our riches, and ourselves with those who are discouraged, disheartened, or simply unaware. May we be more open, tolerant and charitable toward one another and all with whom we share this globe of love and laughter and tears. May our attention be grabbed. And may we be seized with the miracle of life itself, that we might be filled with new passion, new resolve, to take the next step, risking the way of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-17
Sermon “Enacting a New Order On the World” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Holy Communion and Prayer Stations
Reflective Hymn: #340 – We Are People on a Journey
(Verses 2-5)
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Closing Hymn: #355 – God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian
Blessing and Sending:
And now may the blessings of life be upon us, and upon this con-gregation. May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future. May the love that we share bring strength and joy to our hearts, and the peace of this community be with us until we meet again. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go …
Announcements
This Sunday, November 4th:
11:00am: Worship Led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:15pm: Statement of Faith discussion (Sanctuary)
Wednesday, Nov 7th: Meditation in Sanctuary
Morning Meditation Group: 10:00-11:30am
Evening Meditation with Diane Younkins: 7:00- 8:00pm No experi-ence necessary.
Next Sunday, Nov 11th:
9:30am: Council Meeting (Sanctuary)
11am: Worship Led by Rev. Mary Mason
Sunday, Nov 18th: Worship Led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, Nov 25th: 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.
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.