Sunday, September 29th, 2019
St. James United Church of Christ
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 29th, 2019
For Meditation and Reflection
“Compassion does not just happen. Pity does, but compassion is not pity. It’s not a feeling. Compassion is a viewpoint, a way of life, a perspective, a habit that becomes a discipline – and more than anything else, compassion is a choice we make that love is more important than comfort or convenience.” – Glennon Doyle
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: Fresh anticipation percolates, as this community gathers together in this sacred place.
People: Draw a deep breath, knowing you are welcomed and valued here and now.
Pastor: Be at peace and at one with yourself and with those close by.
People: Let us affirm we are not alone. That we need others and others need us.
Pastor: To be more of who we are, to be challenged with new growth, to be fully alive!
People: Let us be guided by love and imagination for what is yet to be.
All: Welcome to worship.
Opening Hymn: O for a World No. 575
Opening Prayer
We come from different places to this sacred place of communal caring and celebration. This morning, may we be nudged to see new perspectives, to give back, to reach out, sharing our talents, our riches, and ourselves with those who are discouraged, disheartened, or simply unaware. We give thanks for the richness and diversity of human life. Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privilege. We are enriched by the company of each other, and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of celebration. May this gathering be touched with tenderness, refreshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day. May we help bring about a world filled with greater gentleness, emerging consciousness, and vibrant and liberated humanity. In honor of the spirit and presence of life, we gather in the name of that humble Galilean who dared us to dream inclusivity and belonging into being, who showed us creative ways to challenge injustice, and whose love embraced all. This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading: John 9:1-7
Sermon Outdoing Jesus
– Part Two –
“That Time with the Spit and the Mud” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Reflective Hymn: Standing at the Future’s Threshold No. 538
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: Called as Partners in Christ’s Service No. 495
Blessing and Sending:
Let us go from this place, facing and serving the world with confidence, generosity and integrity. 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. And now may the blessings of life be upon us, and upon this congregation. May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future. May the love that we share bring strength and joy to our hearts, and the peace of this community be with us until we meet again. 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, Sept. 29th
11:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Sunday, Oct. 6th – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle
Sunday, Oct 13th:
10:00am – Sunday School. Children meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss The Phoenix Affirmations, chapters 7 & 8.
11:00am – Communion Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12:30pm – Annual Members Meeting – (Friends welcome!)
1:30pm – Celebration Luncheon in Fellowship Hall
Childcare 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.