Sunday, September 23, 2018
Saint James United Church of Christ
10 East Broad Way,Lovettsville, Virginia
www.StJamesUCC-love.org
For Meditation and Reflection:
This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine. But other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover and skies are everywhere as blue as mine. O hear my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine. (Lloyd Stone, 1934)
Opening Prayer (Pastor)
Responsive Call to Worship (Traditional Monastic Liturgy)
Pastor: We wait for the word of the Lord as we wait for the rains.
People: and our God shall come down upon us like gentle dew.
Pastor: The hills and the mountains will be singing praise to God.
People: Every tree in the forest will be clapping its hands.
The Lord will come and rule for ever. Alleluia.
Opening Hymn Jennifer leads us in a song she wrote
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading Luke 12:6&7
Sermon Incomprehensible (Mike Lyle)
The Offerings and Offertory Music
A Litany of Thanksgiving
Pastor: All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. All that we are, and all that we have, is your gift to us.
People: And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer ourselves, and all that we have. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.
All: Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflective Hymn #475 God’s Eye Is on the Sparrow
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and the People
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn #591 This Is My Song
Prayer of Benediction: (Pastor)
Go forward in the comfort and strength of God’s blessing. Remember that you are loved, that God is ever near, and that divine mercy is your way in the world. Amen.
Sharing the Peace as we go… and we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.
Reverend Lyle is happy to stay following the service to talk about questions, concerns or thoughts you may have about today’s worship.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Sept 23:
11 am: Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle,
12:30 pm: Jammin at James Open Mic! Offered each month in the Sanctuary. Jennifer & Keith Taylor join long-time favorites Max Hone, Michael O’Brian. Come to listen, to play, to sing along!
2:30–5 pm: Volunteers in Fellowship Hall moving furniture & making signs for Oktoberfest. Go Team!
Sept 26th, 7- 8pm: Wednesday Evening Meditation each week with Diane Younkins. No experience necessary.
Sept 28th, Friday 5-8 pm: final Oktoberfest preparations; drop off pies & any remaining food/supplies; decorate, put up indoor signs.
Saturday, Sept. 29th Oktoberfest! Featuring St. James’ traditional German Kitchen! Come engage with the larger community and raise money for a playground.
To volunteer, please sign up online per email instructions: go to
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094aa8aa28aa8-oktoberfest
or text/call Lauranne: 703-346-3071 or Eirik: 571-309-9865
Next Sunday, Sept. 30th: Worship led by Rev. Michael Morse with music by Sea Raven.
Childcare is available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.
Ringing the Church Bell: Hey kids! Would you like to ring the church bell just before worship? You can add your name to the signup sheet on the back table in the sanctuary!
Thoughts for the Day/Week
God’s Eye Is on the Sparrow (verse 2)
(by Civilla D. Martin c. 1905)
“Let not your heart be troubled”
Christ’s tender word I hear
And resting on God’s goodness
I lose my doubts and fears
Though by the path God leads me
but one step I may see
God’s eye is on the sparrow
and I know God watches me
God’s eye is on the sparrow
and I know God watches me