Sunday, October 21, 2018
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Meditation and Reflection
“We live in the Age of the Higher Brain, the cerebral cortex that has grown enormously over the last few millennia, overshadowing the ancient, instinctive lower brain. The cortex is often called the new brain, yet the old brain held sway in humans for millions of years, as it does today in most living things. The old brain can’t conjure up ideas or read. But it does possess the power to feel and, above all, to be. It was the old brain that caused our forebears to sense the closeness of a mysterious presence everywhere in Nature.” – Deepak Chopra
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: Ever present God, source and ground of all that exists, pre-sent and active everywhere in the universe, your gift is life.
People: May we be empowered to embrace life’s possibilities with positive energy.
Pastor: May we be helped to live life fully; to live life as connected-ness with God with nature and with all other people.
People: May people see in us the spirit of appreciation, gratitude, and generous self-giving, that was seen in Jesus.
Pastor: And may we be prompted to be more expansive and more inclusive as we accept our responsibility to make the forward movement of God visible in our present moments.
All: Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn: #538 – Standing at the Future’s Threshold
Opening Prayer
We gather in this sacred place to honor and affirm life. We come to consider again being the change we wish to see in the world. This morning we celebrate a journey filled with new thoughts and commitments, born out of critique and letting go. This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe, and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities. The symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, infants and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy. May we recognize these symbols as life affirming. May we seek to renew them everyday. May we be inspired to share them generously. As we meet and as we prepare to depart, may we again commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world. May each of us undertake again the appraisal and joy of living out what is dear to us, and what truly advances and invites compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, justice and love to flourish and transform. This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Mark 13:1-2, John 4:19-26
Reflective Hymn: #312 – We Love Your Realm, O God
(Verses 1, 2, 5 & 6)
Sermon: “An Elevated Understanding of What It Means to Be Human” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
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: #181 – You Are Salt for the Earth, O People
Blessing and Sending:
May the Spirit which flows through all creation, that speaks through the prophets and the poets, and which acts through those who care, be with us here today, and awaken us to the unconquerable power of life. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Oct 21st:
10:00am: Sunday School for children in Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott; for adults in Sanctuary; discussing The Phoenix Affirmations, copies available.
11:00am: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Wednesday, Oct 24th:
Morning Meditation: 10:00-11:30am
Evening Meditation: 7:00- 8:00pm each week with Diane Younkins. No experience necessary.
No evening meditation on Wed. October 31st.
Next Sunday, Oct 28th:
11am: Worship Led by Rev. Michael Lyle
12:30pm: Jammin’ at James open mic in the Sanctuary. Special Call for Contribution: Please bring decorations, goodies, or pump-kins for Halloween.
Wednesday, Oct. 31st: Halloween!
6:00-8:30pm: Come in costume or St. James teeshirt and mask to hand out goodies for trick-or-treaters. To volunteer, talk to Allison Harteis or text her at afredhart@gmail.com
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church; Thanks, Tena B, for taking our donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank.
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 dimen-sions 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.