Sunday, October 13th
St. James United Church of Christ
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 29th, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection
Let us take a moment now to settle into the silence. Hear and feel your quiet breathing. Hear and feel the quiet of this place and this community of people. In this quiet hour may our spirits be renewed. In this gathering of old and new friends may our minds be open to new truth, and our hearts be receptive to love, as we give thanks for this life we are blessed to share.
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 come from different places to this sacred place of communal caring and celebration.
People: Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege.
Pastor: We are enriched by the company of each other, and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of worship.
People: May this gathering be touched with tenderness, refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day.
All: Welcome to worship.
Hymn: Gather Us In (see insert)
Opening Prayer
A sense of Creativity is among us in the changing of the seasons. May the slowly changing leaves of autumn speak quietening words to our inner-most selves. May the breeze of these early autumn mornings bring a vitality and hope to our lives. May 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. Over the years, many people have come to this sacred place. They have been enriched. They have been strengthened. They have been renewed in spirit. Today as we come to this place, may we too find the pathway and the journey that awaits us. 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 sadness, may we search for the best ways to respond to life. May we become people of vitality and commitment. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. Amen.
Scripture Reading: John 6:1-15
Sermon: Outdoing Jesus
– Part Three –
“That Time the Kid Showed There Was Enough” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Hymn: Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant? No. 539
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Holy Communion (see handout)
Communion Melody
Hymn: In the Midst of New Dimensions No. 391
Blessing and Sending:
May the places where you walk become sacred spaces of the Holy God. The places where you take your stand be signposts to the love of Christ. The places where you rest be filled with the renewing grace of the Spirit. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. 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 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.
Announcements
This Sunday, October 13th:
10:00am – Sunday School. Children meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss The Phoenix Affirmations, chapters 7 & 8.
11:00am – Communion Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:30pm – Annual Members Meeting – (Friends welcome!)
1:30pm – Celebration Luncheon in Fellowship Hall
Next Sunday, October 20th: Worship led by Rev. Robert Close
Sunday, October 27th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Many thanks to Eirik Harteis and the wonderful team who were able to help with St. James Oktoberfest outreach table, food preparation, and sales. You know who you are! Thank you for setting up, purchasing, cooking, serving, cleaning up, and talking with folks who came by!
Many thanks to Jessie Parsons and those helping create our Annual Celebration Luncheon, today, October 13, 2019.
Let us know how you would like to be of service in the coming year, by filling out the Serving With a Purpose form! Booklets can be found on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board or on the back table of the sanctuary! You can also do it online:
Adult Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33HF6WZ
Children’s Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B75T56L
Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass for taking our donations.
Childcare is offered during services in the Fellowship Hall.