Sunday, September 16, 2018
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Meditation and Reflection
“It is, indeed, a unique occasion at which the distinguished word qadosh is used for the first time: in the Book of Genesis at the end of the story of creation. How extremely significant is the fact that it is applied to time: “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” There is no reference in the record of creation to any object in space that would be endowed with the quality of holiness.”
― Abraham Joshua Heschel
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: May we find it in ourselves today to work toward a better world.
People: May we make use of our energy to take part in the lifting of burdens.
Pastor: May our gratitude find expression in the care of others, both near and far.
People: May we find ways to live and grow on the margins.
Pastor: May we leave behind us a trail of encouragement and hope.
People: May ours be a faith that is more than words and ideals.
Pastor: May ours be a faith of vitality and compassion.
All: Welcome to worship.
Music by our VBS Participants:
Jesus Loves Me
This Little Light of Mine
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands
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 3:1-6
Reflective Hymn: #277 – Holy, Holy, Holy
Sermon:
“Reclaiming Distinction and Awareness in a 21st Century World”
– 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: #417 – This Is a Day of New Beginnings
Blessing and Sending:
As we prepare to leave this sacred space where we have wor-shipped 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 the Fellowship Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Worship time for Fall/Winter/Spring is 11:00 am.
This Sunday, Sept 16:
10 am: Sunday school for adults in Sanctuary, for children in Fellowship Hall.
11 am: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle.
Sept 19th : 7 – 8pm Wednesday Evening Meditation each week with Diane Younkins. No experience necessary.
Next Sunday, Sept 23:
11 am: Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle,
12:30 pm: Jammin’ at James open mic – come to play, to listen, to sing!
Saturday, Sept. 29th Oktoberfest! Our goal is to raise $2000 as a down payment on playground equipment! We’re doing our famous German Kitchen again this year at St. James. Please sign up online per email instructions or let Lauranne or Eirik know how you can volunteer.
Ringing the Church Bell: Hey kids! Would you like to ring the church bell just before worship? You can add your name to the sign-up sheet on the back table in the sanctuary!
Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church; Thanks, Tena B, for taking our donations to the Lovettsville Food Bank.
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
Statement of Faith: We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. To-gether we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient 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.