Sunday, September 9, 2018
For Meditation and Reflection:
Though the human body is born complete in one moment, the birth of the human heart is an ongoing process. It is being birthed in every experience of your life. Everything that happens to you has the potential to deepen you. It brings to birth within you new territories of the heart.
–John O’Donohue, Anam Cara
Welcome and Announcements
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 #4 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)
Today’s Scripture Reading Matthew 17:24-27
Sermon Children of the King
Rev. 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.
Hymn #28 For the Beauty of the Earth
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the Pastor and the People
The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)
Closing Hymn #497 Guide My Feet
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.
Rev. 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, September 9:
9am – Council Meeting
11am – Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Next Sunday, September 16:
10am – Sunday School –a new season begins! Children in Fellowship Hall; adults in Sanctuary. Adult Text: Phoenix Affirmations, copies available.
11AM – Worship let by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Children from VBS will sing at beginning of service.
Sunday, September 23: Worship led by Rev. Michael Lyle
Saturday, September 29: Oktoberfest – St. James’ German Kitchen
Fun and fundraising! Watch email for details on what you can do or talk with Eirik or Lauranne.
Sunday, September 30: Worship led Rev. Michael Morse with music by Sea Raven
Thoughts for the Week:
How a Place Becomes Holy
Sometimes a man
will start crying in the middle of the street,
without knowing why or for whom.
It is as though someone else is standing there,
holding his briefcase, wearing his coat.
And from beneath the rust of years,
come to his tongue the words of his childhood:
“I’m sorry,” and “God,” and “do not be far from me.”
And just as suddenly the tears are gone,
and the man walks back into his life,
and the place where he cried becomes holy.
–Yehoshua November
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 texts, and discover 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.