Skip to main content

Sunday, October 27th, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

St. James United Church of Christ

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 27th, 2019

For Meditation and Reflection 

“How great is the mystery of the first cells which were one day animated by the breath of our souls! How impossible to decipher the welding of successive influences in which we are forever incorporated! In each one of us, through matter, the whole history of the world is in part reflected.” –  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“Inhale all the air that you can so that the Universe awakens in your heart and exhale all that is no longer of service so that the Universe flows forever in you.” – Roxana Jones

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Call to Worship    

Pastor: In this caring and supportive community, during this time of prayer and quiet reflection, we come to be emptied.

Congregation: And to be filled with the spirit that flows in and among us and throughout the world.

Pastor: We, here today, are also people of spirit. We, too, are struck in awe before the great mystery of the cosmos.

Congregation: We, too, are powerfully moved by a deep concern for our world and our care for one another.

Pastor: The spirit moves in us as in others, that we might be the embodiment of the larger life in all that we do.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn:         Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You                  No. 4

Opening Prayer

During this time of prayer and quiet reflection, may we be enabled to find that power that already lies within us: for love, for creativity, for hope. May our hearts be open to compassion,

our minds open to wisdom, our spirits open to grace. We gather, sing, pray and think – offering ourselves to and with the reverberating hum, mystery and presence of life. We acknowledge our significance and responsibility in this global village. We also acknowledge our insignificance in the face of it all: this expanding, exploding, wondrous thing called ‘universe.’  We commit again to facing each other with new desire and intention, with embrace, laughter, tears and honesty. May we always rejoice in life and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. And let our best thoughts this day be caring thoughts for others. This is our prayer. Amen. 

Scripture Reading:      Exodus 3:1-15

Sermon               “The Name Within Us All”  – Rev. Samantha Tuttle 

Reflective Hymn:        I Am the Light of the World               No. 584

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

We are surrounded by the beauty of the Earth. We are supported by the abundance of the Earth.  In thankful response let us share our offerings as part of our celebration of life in this place.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns 

The Lord’s Prayer  (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn:                    You Are the Seed                      No. 528

Blessing and Sending:   

As we prepare to leave this sacred space where we have worshipped together, let us return to our work enlivened and renewed. This celebration need not cease. It can echo in our lives, in our words, in our deeds, in our moods, in our dreams. Carry the spirit of this gathering with you wherever you may go. Be a blessing in your going out and your coming in. 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, October 27th: 

11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, November 10th: 

10:00am – Sunday Schools for both children and adults. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss Ch. 9 & 10 of The Phoenix  Affirmations. In the Fellowship Hall and backyard (weather permitting), Robin Scott will lead the children in spiritual discovery.

11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

English Language Classes. Saturdays 8:30am – Designed for those with a first language other than English, these classes have been going great: more participants show up every week!  We are up to 7 participants plus children. Many Thanks to Audra for leading the class, to Noemi for assisting with the class, and to Lauranne and Tena for providing childcare during class.

Serving with a Purpose It is not too late to fill out your form! Our goal is to have everyone who wants to participate in the life of the church beyond worship get the chance to take action to serve the congregation and the community. In the Fellowship Hall, find Service forms available on the bulletin board and put completed forms in the basket on top of the piano. You can also do it online:

Adult Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33HF6WZ

Children’s Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B75T56L

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, 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.