Sunday, September 15th, 2019
St. James United Church of Christ
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 15th, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection
“The Person Who Says It Cannot Be Done Should Not Interrupt The Person Doing It!” – Chinese Proverb
“When your dreams include service to others – accomplishing something that contributes to others – it also accelerates the accomplishment of that goal. People want to be part of something that contributes and makes a difference.” – Jack Canfield
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: For all that is our life we offer thanks and praise.
Congregation: For all life is a gift which we are called to use, to build the store of common good.
Pastor: As we worship together this morning, may we know once again that we are not isolated beings but connected.
Congregation: In mystery and miracle.
Pastor: To the universe.
Congregation: To this community.
All: And to each other.
Opening Hymn: Praise with Joy the World’s Creator No. 273
Opening Prayer
Storytelling God, who speaks to us in myths and legends and parables, teach us to find ourselves in those stories and to grow through them. Touch our hearts with the wonder of your images so we can see ourselves more clearly in our fullness and complexity. Strengthen us and nurture us. Grant us excitement and joy in this hour of worship, as we learn what it means to participate in what so
often seems completely impossible. Amen
Scripture Reading: John 2:1-11, John 14: 8-12
Sermon Outdoing Jesus
– Part One –
“That Time the Wine Ran Out” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Affirmation of Faith: (see insert)
Reflective Hymn: Christians, Rise and Act Your Creed No.537
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: For The Healing of the Nations No. 576
Blessing and Sending:
The God we worship is never confined to this holy place. So go and travel with the God who is found in ordinary and surprising places. Let us go from this place, facing and serving the world with confidence, generosity and integrity. All Let us live out the heart of religion which is to bring together all that is divided, to live in the moment, to love mightily and to reverence the mystery, beauty and spirituality of all things and all people. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
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, Sept. 15th
9:30am – Council meeting in the Fellowship Hall.
11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:00-ish – Our Evolving Organizational Structure – The Church Council has been in conversation with Pastor Samantha on how to structure ourselves in a way that aligns best with our current stage of ministry together. Over the past few months, Samantha has hosted a short 20 minute review and Q/A in the sanctuary, describing a potential Church Structure that will be voted on during our next Annual Meeting on October 13th. This is the last date to attend.
Next Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 22nd – 11:00am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse
Saturday, Sept. 28th – Lovettsville Oktoberfest – St. James will welcome visitors in the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary and make money selling food. Eirik Harteis and Bud Muller are taking the lead on this. Hear about volunteer opportunities during announcements in church and watch your email for a sign-up invitation.
Sunday, Sept. 29th – 11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Save the Date: Sun, Oct 13, St. James Annual Meeting!
September is Voter Registration Month
September 20th is Strike for Climate day https://globalclimatestrike.net/
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.