Sunday, October 7, 2018
World Communion Sunday, October 7th, 2018
For Meditation and Reflection
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” – Edgar Allan Poe
“I want my boys to have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.” – Princess Diana
“God can dream a bigger dream for me, for you, than you could ever dream for yourself.”- Oprah Winfrey.
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: Here, in this space made sacred by our shared lives and our shared yearnings, may we find new courage, new generosity of spirit, forgiveness given and received, and rededication to the dreams and higher purposes of our lives.
People: Let us not add to the hopelessness that is in the world. But may wonder and adventure, curiosity and joy, live in us always.
Pastor: May there be aroused in us a determination that by the fuller living of our lives we might find the meaning that life is trying to teach us.
People: May we be filled with new passion, new resolve, to take the next step in our own lives and in the life of the Earth.
Pastor: The moments of worship quickly pass. May the little that we know become enough to guide us, while we seek for new wisdom.
People: What our prayers begin, may our lives continue. Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn #376 – God, We Thank You for Our People
Opening Prayer
In the midst of our everyday we are faced with choices and possibilities. Creativity and hope are bubbling within us. Each day brings opportunities to lift us, to challenge us, to fascinate us…our minds, our relationships, our bodies. May we strive to see beyond our limitations. May that which lies waiting in our hearts come to birth within and through us. May we live into each new day the fullness of each possibility…May we experience during this Autumn season, times when we need to be silent and when to listen. May each day surprise us again and again, and as may the beginnings and dreams planted at this time, come to new promise even in the midst of change and loss. As we reflect on the issues of this day in our wider world may we honor the many ways in which our sisters and brothers in many places weave healing and hope into the world. Together, may our common desires for peace and love create within us the courage and opportunity to work together toward such a dream. This is our prayer. May it be so. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Luke 4:16-21, Luke 7:18-22
Reflective Hymn: #495 – Called as Partners In Christ’s Service
Sermon “The Unchanging Dream” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Responsive Sharing
The Offerings and Offertory Music
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Holy Communion (Please see handout)
Communion Melody
Closing Hymn: #391 – In the Midst of New Dimensions
Blessing and Sending:
Go in peace. Live simply, at home in yourself. Be just in your word, just in deed. Remember the depth of your own compassion. Crave peace for all peoples in this world, beginning with yourselves. And as you go, go with the dream of that peace set firm in your heart. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for First Sunday Table pot luck lunch and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, October 7th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:30pm: First Sunday Table – pot luck lunch in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday Meditation Oct 10th:
Morning 10:00-11:30am
Evening 7:00-8:00pm
Each week in the Fellowship Hall with Diane Younkins No experience necessary.
Next Sunday, Oct 14th:
9:00am: Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall
11:00am: Worship led by Seminarian Mark Dewey
12:30pm: Oktoberfest Debrief
Sunday, Oct 21st:
10:00am: Sunday School for children in Fellowship Hall; adults
in Sanctuary.
11:00am: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Heads up for Halloween! St. James will not be dark and empty this year… We will do something fun for the kids. Talk to Allison Harteis, she’s heading up our Halloween happening!
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 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.