Sunday, September 30, 2018

Order of Worship on Sunday, September 30, 2018
Worship leaders: Rev. M. Michael Morse and Sea Raven, D.Min.

Prelude – Rockin’ UCC Part I (Sea Raven, piano)

Welcome, Announcements and Introduction (Lay leader)

Call to Worship

The Negro Speaks of Rivers
I’ve known rivers:
I’ve known rivers ancient as the world
and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I’ve known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
–Langston Hughes, 1902 – 1967

Opening Hymn: #597 Shall We Gather at the River

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Sermon: History that Refuses to Die
Rev. Michael Morse

Reflective Hymn: #582 O God of Earth and Altar

The Offerings and Offertory Music
Rockin’ UCC Part II (Sea Raven, piano)

Prayers of Joys and Concerns (Lay Leader)

Lord’s Prayer [Alternate version by Sea Raven, D.Min.]
Creator spirit, sacred are your many names. The world we know is your world – as above, so below, as without, so within. You provide for us a bounty that is beyond measure and forgive us our sins, teaching us to forgive those who sin against us. You do not betray us because of our weakness, but protect and deliver us from the consequences. Your power and glory are beyond our understanding, now and forever more, worlds without end. Amen

Closing Hymn: Down by the Riverside
Gonna lay down my burden
Down by the Riverside, Down by the Riverside, Down by the Riverside
Gonna lay down my burden, Down by the Riverside
Ain’t gonna study war no more.
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
Ain’t gonna study war no more.
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
Ain’t gonna study war no more.
Gonna lay down my sword and shield, Down by the Riverside …
Ain’t gonna study war no more…

Benediction (Reverend Michael Morse)

ANNOUNCEMENTS
This Sunday, Sept 30th: Worship led by Rev. Michael Morse and Sea Raven, D.Min.

Wednesday Oct 3rd: 7- 8pm Evening Meditation each week with Diane Younkins. No experience necessary.

Next Sunday, Oct 7th:
11 am: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
12: 30pm: First Sunday Table – pot luck lunch in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, Oct 14th:
9 am: Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall
11 am: Worship led by Seminarian Mark Dewey

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.

Ringing the Church Bell: Hey kids! Want to ring the church bell just before worship? You can add your name to the signup sheet on the back table in the sanctuary!

Our 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.