Tag: Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on March 7, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

Second Sunday in Lent

For Meditation and Reflection “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Lay Reader)

Leader: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God
People: the holy habitation of the Most High.
Leader: The Lord pours forth rivers from bare mountains, and fountains in valley’s depths.
People: God opens rocks and water gushes out.
Leader: God springs forth streams in the desert.

Opening Hymn: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing #42

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 3:1-12 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “Born of the Spirit” 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: The Church’s One Foundation #386

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

The Lord’s Prayer (Ecumenical Text) Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Closing Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling #43

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.

Thought for the Day/Week “Jesus said, ‘The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’”(John 3:8)

Health Update from The United Church of Christ

Because we believe that faith communities have a special responsibility to care for our fellow congregants and communities, we are making every effort to comply with the precautionary measures recommended by our denominational leaders as the COVID-19 virus expands its presence worldwide.

We are refraining from hugs and handshakes, and are instead using nods of the head, fist bumps, elbow bumps and simple verbal greetings in their place. We have also modified our traditional method of receiving the bread and cup on communion Sundays. Many thanks to everyone for their understanding and compliance!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Childcare is offered during all worship services in the Fellowship Hall, right next door to the Sanctuary.

This Sunday –

10 am– Adult Education. Taking Down the Walls with Brenda Lyle
11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle

Next Sunday, Mar 15^th – 11 am Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Mar. 22^nd – 11am – Worship led Rev. Mary Mason

Mark Your Calendar! MARCH 22, 1PM TO 3PM

OPEN HOUSE AT THE PARSONAGE
Come – open to the neighborhood and town. See – upgrades! Look what has been accomplished to bring the Parsonage a new life.

Food Bank: Items may be placed in a box in Fellowship Hall

During the Week at St. James:

Mindfulness Meditation. Wed. mornings 10 am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!
Stretch It Out! Fri. evenings 6:30 – 7:30pm. Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.
English Language Classes for adults. Three sessions are planned for the rest of 2020. Spring: April 25 – May 23; Summer: June 16 – Aug 4; Fall: Oct 3 – Nov 21. Talk with Lauranne to volunteer.

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.

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on February 29, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

First Sunday in Lent

For Meditation and Reflection:

“Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths”
(Isaiah 2:5, 3c)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Alcuin of York, England, 8th Cent.) (Lay Reader)

Leader: Eternal Light, shine into our hearts.
People: Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil.
Leader: Eternal Power, be our support.
People: Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance.
Leader: Eternal Compassion, have mercy upon us.
People: That with all our heart, mind, soul and strength we may seek your face.

Singing (with Jennifer and Keith Taylor)

Arise Shine
Come and Find the Quiet Center

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “Lessons From the Wilderness” 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.

Singing Breathe on Me Breath of God #292

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer (Ecumenical Text) Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Singing Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness #286

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.

Thought for the Week.

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten which means “spring.” The season was originally a time of preparation for celebrating Easter and a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts. In later centuries, Lent became a time of penance for all Christians.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday, Mar. 1^st

10 am– Sunday School for Children in Fellowship Hall; Adult Education in Sanctuary, led by Brenda Lyle. Taking Down the Walls: Cultivating Compassion. Come explore spiritual practices to open our hearts and truly learn how we can follow Jesus’ commandment to love one another.
11 am- Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle
12:15 pm – Join in for Congregational Pot Luck!

Sunday, Mar. 8^th

10 am– Adult Education. Taking Down the Walls with Brenda Lyle
11 am – Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Mar. 15^th 11 am — Worship led By Rev, Mike Lyle

Sunday, Mar. 22^nd 11 am – Worship led Rev. Mary Mason

Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

During the Week at St. James:

Mindfulness Meditation. Wed. mornings10 am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!
Stretch It Out! Fri. evenings 6:30 – 7:30pm. Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.
English Language Classes for adults. Please pass the word. Saturday mornings 10am – noon. Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Help Needed: come work with adult students or help with childcare. No experience needed. Talk with Lauranne (703) 346-3071.

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.

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on February 6, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

For Meditation and Reflection:

“It was you, O God, who made my inmost self, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Lay Reader)

Leader: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
People: The holy habitation of the Most High.
Leader: The Lord pours forth rivers from bare mountains, and fountains in valley’s depths.
People: God opens rocks and water gushes out.
Leader: God springs forth streams in the desert.

Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies #86

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “God’s Illuminating Radiance” 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: Let It Breathe on Me #288

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: There’s a Spirit in the Air #294

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.

Thought for the Day/Week

“Jesus said, ‘The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” (John 3:8)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Feb. 9^th

10 am– Sunday School for Adults and Children
11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle
12:15 pm – Council Meeting (instead of the 3^rd Sunday)

Next Sunday, Feb. 16^th– Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Feb. 23^rd– Worship led byRev. Mike Morse

Sunday, Mar. 1^st

10 am– Sunday School for Adults and Children
11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle
12:15 pm – Join in for Congregational Pot Luck!

Note: In March, Children’s Sunday School will be held on the 1^st instead of the 16^th.

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

During the Week at St. James:

Mindfulness Meditation. Wed. mornings 10 am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!
Stretch It Out! Fri. evenings 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.
English Language Classes for adults. Please pass the word. Saturday mornings 10 am – noon. Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Help Needed: come work with adult students or help with childcare. No experience needed. Talk with Lauranne.

Cover concept: “Rising above the chaos and circumstances of life is as easy as reaching up and taking hold of the umbrella of God’s Spirit.” -Carolyn Ehrman

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on January 30, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

For Meditation and Reflection:

The temple bell stops –
but the sound keeps coming
out of the flowers.
Basho – 1644-94 / translated by Robert Bly

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Alcuin of York, England, 8th Cent.) (Lay Reader)

Leader: Eternal Light, shine into our hearts.
People: Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil.
Leader: Eternal Power, be our support.
People: Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance.
Leader: Eternal Compassion, have mercy upon us.
People: That with all our heart, mind, soul and strength we may seek your face.

Opening Hymn: Beautiful Jesus #44

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “Relationship” 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: Jesus – The Very Thought to Me #507

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: All Things Bright and Beautiful #31

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.

Thought for the Week

“One is not noble who injures living creatures. They are noble who hurt no one.” (Buddha)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Feb 2^nd

10 am – Adult Sunday School with Sea Raven and Mike Morse;
11 am – Communion Worship withRev. Mike Lyle;
12:15 pm – Join in for Congregational Pot Luck!

Next Sunday, Feb. 9^th

10 am– Sunday School for Adults and Children;
11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle;
12:30 pm – Council Meeting

Sunday, Feb. 16^th– Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Feb. 23^rd– Worship led byRev. Mike Morse

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

During the Week at St. James:

Wednesdays 10 am, Mindfulness Meditation. Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!
Fridays 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Stretch It Out! Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.
Saturdays 10 am – noon, English Language Classes for adults. Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Please pass the word. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Help Needed: come work with adult students or help with childcare. No experience needed. Talk with Lauranne or Noemi.

Cover concept: With God, there’s a lot of room! “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” — John 14:2

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on January 18, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

For Meditation and Reflection:

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” (Marianne Williamson)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer

Call to Worship (John 1:14) (Lay Reader)

Leader: And the Word became flesh

People: and lived among us.

Leader: And we have seen his glory,

People: the glory of God’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Opening Hymn: Forward Through the Ages #377

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 1:29-42 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “What Are You Looking For?” 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: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness#286

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: In the Bulb There Is a Flower #433

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.

Thought for the Day/Week “As my sufferings mounted, I soon realized that there were two ways that I could respond to my situation: either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.’” Martin Luther King Jr.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Jan. 19^th 9 am – Council Meeting, all welcome; 11 am – Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Next Sunday, Jan. 26^th 11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Morse

Sunday, Feb 2^nd 10 am – Adult Sunday School with Sea Raven and Mike Morse; 11 am – Communion Worship with Rev. Mike Lyle; 12:15 pm – Join in for First Sunday Congregational Pot Luck.

Sunday, Feb. 9^th 10 am– Sunday School for Adults and Children; 11 am – Worship led byRev. Mike Lyle

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

During the Week at St. James:

Mindfulness Meditation. Wednesday mornings 10 am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!

Stretch It Out! Friday evenings 6:30 – 7:30pm. Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with relaxed stretching and strengthening for all ages. First class free.

English Language Classes for adults. Please pass the word. Saturday mornings 8:30 -10:30am. Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Volunteers Needed: Come work with adult students or help with childcare. No experience required. Talk with Lauranne

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on January 10, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

Baptism of the Lord

For Meditation and Reflection:

“There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.” (Mother Teresa)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Lay Reader)

Leader: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.
People: The holy habitation of the Most High.
Leader: The Lord pours forth rivers from bare mountains, and fountains in valley’s depths.
People: God opens rocks and water gushes out.
Leader: God springs forth streams in the desert.

Opening Hymn: Blessed Assurance #473

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17(Lay Reader)

Sermon “With Whom I Am Well Pleased” 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: Guide My Feet #497

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: O Savior, Let Me Walk with You #503

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.

Thought for the Day/Week “Those who make us believe that anything is possible and fire our imagination over the long haul, are often the ones who have survived the bleakest of circumstances themselves. They have every reason to despair, but don’t, so may have the most to teach us.’” — Paul Rogat Loeb

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Jan. 12^th 10 am – Sunday School for children and adults; 11 am – Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Next Sunday, Jan. 19^th 9 am – Council Meeting, all welcome; 11 am – Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, Jan. 26^th 11 am – Worship led by Rev. Mike Morse

Sunday, Feb 2^nd 10 am – Adult Sunday School; 11 am – Communion Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle 12:15 pm – Join in for First Sunday Congregational Pot Luck!

During the Week at St. James:

Mindfulness Meditation. Wednesday mornings 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!

Stretch It Out! Friday evenings 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Starting January 10^th, Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with stretching and strengthening for all ages. Bring a yoga mat. $10. First class free.

English Language Classes for adults. Saturday mornings 8:30 -10:30 am, Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Please pass the word. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Need volunteers: come work with adult students or help with childcare. Training provided; no experience needed.

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Written by St. James UCC on January 4, 2020. Posted in Bulletins.

Epiphany Sunday

For Meditation and Reflection:

“Am I my brother’s keeper? No, I am my brother’s brother, or my brother’s sister. Human unity is not something we are called on to create – only something we are called on to recognize.” — William Sloane Coffin

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship (Lay Reader)

Leader: The prophet’s message is confirmed.

People: We do well to be attentive!

Leader: As to a lamp shining in a dark place,

People: until the light of Christ shines in our hearts.

Opening Hymn: Arise, Your Light Is Come #164

Prayer for Illumination (Lay Reader)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (Lay Reader)

Sermon “If It Happened” 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: As with Gladness Those of Old#159

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: GoTell It on the Mountain #154

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.

Thought for the Week

“Every heart is the other heart. Every soul is the other soul. Every face is the other face. The individual is the one illusion.” — Marguerite Young (From Miss MacIntosh, My Darling)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CORRECTION: Beginning in January, Adult Sunday School will meet in the sanctuary at 10:00 on the 1^st and 2^nd Sundays of each month. In January, Mike Morse will lead an inquiry into “Saving Jesus” from the “Living the Questions” curriculum. In February, Sharon Lloyd-O’Connor will teach and, in March, Brenda Lyle.

This Sunday, Jan. 5^th 10am – Adult Sunday School with Rev. M. Michael Morse – first in a two week inquiry into “Saving Jesus” from the “Living the Questions” curriculum.

11am – Communion Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

12:15pm – Help take down the Giving Tree and join in at First Sunday Congregational Pot Luck.

Sunday, Jan. 12^th 10 am – Sunday School for children with Robin Scott and adults with Mike Morse. 11 am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Jan. 19^th– Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Jan. 26^th 11 am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

During the Week at St. James:

Mindfulness Meditation. Wednesday mornings 10:30am, Fellowship Hall. Free. All welcome; beginners encouraged!

Stretch It Out! Friday evenings 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Starting January 10^th, Fellowship Hall: Come feel good with stretching and strengthening for all ages. Bring a yoga mat. $10. First class free.

English Language Classes for adults. Please pass the word. Saturday mornings 8:30 -10:30am, Free. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Childcare provided. Fellowship Hall. Need volunteers.

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on December 22, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2019, 5:30 P.M.

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of the Advent Candles and the Christ Candle

Pastor: We light these candles as symbols of Christ.

People: Christ our hope,

Pastor: Christ our way in the world,

People: Christ our joy,

Pastor: The Prince of Peace. May the visitation of your Holy Spirit, O God, make us ready for the coming of Jesus.

All: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Hymn It Came upon the Midnight Clear #131

Children’s Time (Pastor and Children)

Hymn Away in a Manger #124

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

God of all people and all nations, God of pilgrimage and our true home, God of merciful love, light in darkness, hope in every moment; come among us this night, through your Holy Spirit, and help us find our way to Bethlehem, to the manger, to you. Amen.

Call to Worship

Pastor: Praise be to God!

People: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has visited and redeemed the people.

Pastor: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

People: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Hymn: O Come, All You Faithful – # 135

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Sermon “The Tears of Christmas” Mike Lyle

Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem – # 133

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Hymn Silent Night – #134

Closing Prayer and Blessing (Pastor)

Most holy and loving God, be our light in the darkness, our strength for the journey, our one true home – tonight and always. Amen.

Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Worship ————————————————————–

Next Sunday, Dec. 29^th, 11am – Lay-led worship offering spiritual renewal for the new year.

Sunday, Jan. 5^th, 11am – Communion Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

12:15pm – First Sunday Congregational Brunch – Please join in for pot luck in the Fellowship Hall.

Gather ——————————————————————–

Wednesday mornings 10:30am, Fellowship Hall. Free. Mindfulness Meditation. All welcome; beginners encouraged!

Friday evenings 6:30 – 7:30pm, Fellowship Hall: Stretch It Out! at the end of your week. Starting January 10^th, Come take care of yourself, bring a yoga mat, and feel good with stretching and strengthening for all ages. $10. First class free.

Saturday mornings 8:30 -10:30am, Fellowship Hall. Free. English Language Classes for adults. Led by a certified ELL teacher. Childcare provided. Please pass the word. Classes resume Sat., Jan. 11^th. Volunteers needed.

Give ———————————————————————–

The Christmas Eve offerings collected tonight will be donated to Mobile Hope, a non-profit that serves homeless teens and children in Loudoun County. See MobileHopeLoudoun.org/

Sharing Tree through December. It’s not too late to give or take something warm or fun in front of St. James! Any toys and warm clothes not taken by Jan. 5^th, will be donated to Mobile Hope.

Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on December 13, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Third Sunday of Advent

For Meditation and Reflection: “The visible world is an active doorway to the invisible world, and the invisible world is much larger than the visible.” (Richard Rohr)

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of Third Advent Candle

Scripture Reading – Isaiah 35:10

Reading – (unison) We light this candle as a symbol of Christ our Joy.

May the joyful promise of your presence, O God,

Make us rejoice in our hope of salvation.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship Pastor: Praise be to God!

People: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has visited and redeemed the people.

Pastor: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

People: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Opening Hymn: O Sing a Song of Bethlehem #51

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Sermon “Messengers” 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: In the Bleak Midwinter #128

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer[Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling #59

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.

Passing the Peace As You Go

After service, all are invited to join fellow congregants for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall.

Reverend Lyle is available after worship to discuss this service or any ideas or concerns you may have.

Thought for the Week “Christ has no body now on earth but yours. No hands but yours. No feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion may see the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless now.’” Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Dec. 15^th– 3^rd Sunday of Advent 9:30am – Council Meeting; all welcome 11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Next Sunday, Dec. 22^nd– 4^th Sunday of Advent 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

Tuesday, Dec. 24^th– Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:30pm – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Dec. 29^th 11am – Lay-led worship

It’s Christmas Sharing Tree Time! (spread the word) This has become a favorite St. James tradition. We hang gifts on the outdoor tree and invite the whole community to “Give what you can and take what you need.” Please donate unwrapped toys (new), or winter wear (new/good condition). See bins and supplies in breezeway.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on November 29, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

First Sunday of Advent

For Meditation and Reflection: “There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual – become clairvoyant. We reach then into reality. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom . . . At such times there is a song going on within us, a song to which we listen.” (Robert Henri, 1865-1929)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: You create and sustain us, our merciful and loving God.

People: We are the clay, and you are our potter.

Pastor: You work with us, and for us, in all things.

People: We are all the work of your hands.

Opening Hymn: We Hail You God’s Anointed #104

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9

Sermon “Clay in the Potter’s Hands” by 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: Now Bless the God of Israel #110

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #116

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.

Passing the Peace As You Go

All are invited to join fellow congregants for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall, immediately following service.

Reverend Lyle is available after worship to discuss this service or any ideas or concerns you may have.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Dec. 1^st– Advent begins 11am – Communion Worship with Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle 12pm – First Sunday pot luck brunch in Fellowship Hall. After brunch, volunteer to decorate the outdoor Sharing Tree. During Advent, we invite the whole community to “give what you can; take what you need.” 4pm – Woodgrove GSA & friends help decorate Sanctuary.

Saturday, Dec. 7^th– Parents Morning Out: (9am – noon) We will be baking and decorating Christmas cookies and doing a holiday craft. Parents, sign your children (ages 5-11) up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAB22A2F58-parents

Sunday, Dec. 8^th 10am – Sunday Schools: Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss Chs 11 & 12 of The Phoenix Affirmations. Children (ages 5-11) do a Sunday School Service Projectto make gift bags for Mobile Hope, which serves homeless teens. The goal is for the children to make up 20 gift bags. 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

Sunday, Dec. 15^th 9:30am – Council Meeting; all welcome. 11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Donations Needed This Month: (Please spread the word!)

– Mobile Hope: Socks, gloves, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, grocery gift cards, or gift bags for homeless teens. Please leave on back pew by 12/8/19.

– Sharing Tree: New toys and winter clothes, unwrapped. Please see bins and supplies in breezeway.

– Lovettsville Food Bank: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. See sign and box in Fellowship Hall.

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.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on November 16, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

For Meditation and Reflection:

“Therefore I am sure that whoever loves also fears, though it is felt but little. That fear makes us flee from all that is not good and fall into our Lord’s breast like a child in the mother’s arms, knowing God’s everlasting goodness and blessed love . . . The fear that brings us to such action is natural and gracious and good and true.” (Julian of Norwich, 1342 – 1416)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: Violence and fear destroy and confound.

People: But the Lord sustains us always.

Pastor: Nations and monuments falter and fall.

People: But God is our refuge and strength.

Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy #277

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 21:5-19

Sermon “Imperishable” 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: God of Grace and God of Glory #436

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer[Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: When Peace, Like a River #438

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.

Thoughts for the Day/Week

The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love. (William Sloane Coffin, 1924-2006)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Nov. 17^th 9am – Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall. 11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Nov. 24^th– Worship led by Rev. Dr. Mary Mason

Sunday, Dec. 1^st 11am – Communion Worship with Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle 12pm – First Sunday Community Table in Fellowship Hall. As you can, please bring something to share.

Saturday, Dec. 7^th– Parents Morning Out: 9am – noon We will be baking and decorating Christmas cookies and doing a holiday craft. Parents, sign your children (ages 5-11) up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAB22A2F58-parents

(Note: On Dec. 7^th, English Class for Adults will be held in the Sanctuary.)

Sunday, Dec. 8^th 10am – Sunday Schools: Adults will discuss Chs 11 & 12 of The Phoenix Affirmations. Children ages 5-11 will do a Sunday School Service Project to make gift bags for Mobile Hope, which serves homeless teens. * 11am – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

*To sign up to donate to Mobile Hope, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAB22A2F58-sunday

*If you can, please bring donations of: socks, gloves, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, grocery gift cards, or gift bags. The goal is for the children to make up 20 gift bags.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on November 8, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

For Meditation and Reflection:

“We are above all things loved – that is the good news of the gospel – . . . despite the fact that we have all walked in different gardens and knelt at different graves, we have all, humanly speaking, come from the same place and are heading out into the same blessed mystery that awaits us all. . . . I think maybe it is holiness that we long for more than we long for anything else.” (Frederick Buechner)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: Trust in the Lord and do good.

People: May the Lord give strength to the people!

Pastor: O taste and see that the Lord is good!

People: God is our refuge and strength!

Opening Hymn: When Love Is Found #362

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 20:27-38

Sermon “Three Weddings and a Funeral” 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: There Is a Balm in Gilead #553

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer[Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace#547

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.

Thoughts for the Day/Week

“Each time members of the tribe die, the self we were with them dies too, which is to say that the kind of words we spoke only to them – were only to them – and the kind they spoke only to us are spoken no longer. . . . but the words they were are added to the vocabulary of the heart, where we have more than just ears for hearing them.” (Frederick Buechner)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Nov 10^th – 10am – Sunday Schools for both children and adults. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss Ch 9 & 10 of The Phoenix Affirmations. In the Fellowship Hall and backyard (weather permitting), Robin Scott will lead the children in spiritual discovery.

11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Next Sunday, Nov. 17^th – 9am – Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall.

11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Nov. 24^th– Worship led by Rev. Dr. Mary Mason

Sunday, Dec. 8th – Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

Childcare is offered during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank to Tena for taking our donations.

ESL Classes continue Saturdays 8:30am. Many thanks to Audra and Noemi for teaching; Lauranne and Tena for childcare.

Serving with a Purpose If you haven’t already filled one out, Service forms are on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Please put completed forms in the basket on top of the piano. You can also do it online – see website for links.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on November 1, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

A Service of Healing and New Beginnings

For Meditation and Reflection:

A new church is being born. It may not be the church we expect or want. The church of the future may not include our favorite liturgy or hymn, our central theological principle, or even our denomination! God’s promises always arrive with surprises in them. The form of the new world and new church is not in our hands. (Loren B. Mead, The Once and Future Church.)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: We do not worry about our life.

People: God gives us what we need.

Pastor: We are not afraid.

People: God is our refuge and strength.

Opening Hymn: Arise Shine Jennifer Taylor

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 12:22-32

Sermon “New Beginnings” 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:I Will Always Be With You

Jennifer Taylor and Diane Younkins

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer[Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: We Are One . . . Jennifer Taylor

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.

Thoughts for the Day/Week

Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed that grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. And the kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with the flour until all of it was leavened. (Luke 13:18-21)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Nov. 3^rd

11am – Communion Service led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle music by Diane Younkins and Jennifer Taylor

12pm – First Sunday Community Table pot-luck in Fellowship Hall.

Next Sunday, Nov 10^th

10am – Sunday Schools for both children and adults. Adults meet in the Sanctuary to discuss Ch 9 & 10 of The Phoenix Affirmations. In the Fellowship Hall and backyard (weather permitting), Robin Scott will lead the children in spiritual discovery.

11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Nov. 17^th

9am – Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall.

11am – Worship led by Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, Nov. 24^th– Worship led by Rev. Dr. Mary Mason

Adult Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33HF6WZ

Children’s Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B75T56L

Saturdays 8:30am – English Language Classes for those with a first language other than English. Many Thanks to Audra for leading the class, to Noemi for assisting with the class, and to Lauranne for providing childcare during class.

Childcare is offered during services in the Fellowship Hall.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food items to church. Thank to Tena for taking our donations.

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on October 4, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

For Meditation and Reflection:

On waking, I give thanks for arriving safely in a new dawn, for the gift of eyes to see the world, the gift of mind to feel at home in my life; the waves of possibility breaking on the shore of dawn, the harvest of the past that awaits my hunger, and all the furtherings this new day will bring.

(John O’Donohue, 1956-2008)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: Trust in the Lord and do good.

People: May the Lord give strength to the people!

Pastor: O taste and see that the Lord is good!

People: God is our refuge and strength!

Opening Hymn: Spirit of the Living God #283 (Twice)

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 17:5-10

Sermon “The Faith We Already Have” Mike Lyle

September 1, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on August 31, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

For Meditation and Reflection:

“On waking, I give thanks for arriving safely in a new dawn, for the gift of eyes to see the world, the gift of mind to feel at home in my life; the waves of possibility breaking on the shore of dawn, the harvest of the past that awaits my hunger, and all the furtherings this new day will bring.”

(John O’Donohue, 1956-2008)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: Trust in the Lord and do good.

People: May the Lord give strength to the people!

Pastor: O taste and see that the Lord is good!

People: God is our refuge and strength!

Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies #86

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Sermon “Heaven’s Refectory” Mike Lyle

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on July 27, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Second Sunday after Pentecost

For Meditation and Reflection:

Eternal God, hallowed be your name.

Early in the morning, before we begin our work, we praise your glory.

Renew our bodies as fresh as the morning flowers.

Open our inner eyes, as the sun casts new light upon the darkness.

Deliver us from captivity.

Like the birds of the sky, give us wings of freedom to begin a new journey.

As a mighty stream running continuously, restore justice and freedom day to day.

We thank you for the gift of this morning, and a new day to work with you.

Amen.

(Masao Takenaka, Japan, 20th cent.)

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: Trust in the Lord and do good.

People: May the Lord give strength to the people!

Pastor: O taste and see that the Lord is good!

People: God is our refuge and strength!

Opening Hymn: Not My Brother, Nor My Sister #519

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Sermon “No Magic Words” Mike Lyle

Reflective Hymn: I Need You Every Hour #517

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and People

Lord’s Prayer [Traditional, with “debts”]

Closing Hymn: Sweet Hour of Prayer #505

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.

Thought for the week

Prayer is not the words, but the silence between the words that the Spirit fills with grace. We remember to pray, because that same Spirit reminds us. We remember to enact what we glean in prayer, because that same Spirit is beside us, within us, before and behind us. We find courage to keep moving forward, because that same Spirit walks beside us.

Announcements

Summer Schedule: 10am worship July and August.

This Sunday, July 28^th – Worship with Rev. Michael Lyle

Next Sunday, Aug 4^th – Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, August 11^th – Worship with Rev. Michael Lyle

Sunday, August 18^th – Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Adult English Classes: Saturdays at 12 noon during August in the St. James Fellowship Hall. No registration required. If popular, classes will be offered indefinitely.

Parsonage Project: We will be having a few clean-up days over at the Parsonage during August. Meet up with Lauranne at coffee hour today if you want to help organize or join this adventure!!

Vacation Bible School spent last week learning how to love our planet home. The garden beds created by the Boy Scouts are flourishing and “bedazzled.” Squash and broccoli are planted and the butterfly garden is finished. Take a look! Many thanks to Robin Scott and all who helped make VBS a success.

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!

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.

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Written by St. James UCC on June 21, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

For Meditation and Reflection:

“So, the Church is not to be understood primarily as a means to the end of transforming society. This would be to trample over the uniqueness and infinite worth to God of the Christian community. Besides, the amazing and profound fact is that the Church most transforms society when it is itself growing and being perfected in the love of Christ. In fact, when the Church is taken merely as a means to transform society, very little is accomplished. For in that case the uniqueness of the Church is denied and we enter the battle on the same terms as secular and godless forces. We assume the battle for right and justice can be won by force, by technique, by doing. It can’t. These very clearly are not the weapons of Christian warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20). Truly Christian transformation of culture comes through Christlike (and hence sacrificial) love, community and being. But this by no means cancels out the responsibility to do, to act, to walk in the words of God. Rather, the being and the doing go together. The being is fundamental, but the doing is the natural result.”

– Howard A. Snyder, The Community of the King

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship

Pastor: Trust in the Lord and do good.

People: May the Lord give strength to the people!

Pastor: O taste and see that the Lord is good!

People: God is our refuge and strength!

Opening Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory #436

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Sermon “Modern Disciple Making” Mike Lyle

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on May 10, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

For Meditation and Reflection:

“If we only had eyes to see and ears to hear and wits to understand, we would know that the Kingdom of God in the sense of holiness, goodness, beauty is as close as breathing and is crying out to be born within ourselves and within the world; we would know that the Kingdom of God is what we all of us hunger for above all other things even when we don’t know its name or realize that it’s what we’re starving to death for. The Kingdom of God is where our best dreams come from and our truest prayers.”

– Frederick Buechner

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 Spirit of the Living God #283

(Sing Three Times)

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading John 10:22-30

Sermon The Sound of His Voice (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 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us #252

Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and the People

The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn The Day of Resurrection #245

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.

Thoughts for the Day/Week

“We have to let go in order to be; we have to stop forcing ourselves, or we will never enter our own belonging. There is something ancient at work in us creating novelty. In fact, you need very little in order to develop a real sense of your own spiritual individuality. One of the things that is absolutely essential is silence, the other is solitude.”

– John O’Donohue

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, May 12^th: Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Next Sunday, May 19^th: 9:30am – Council Meeting; 11am – Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, May 26^th: Worship led by Rev. M. Michael Morse

Volunteers needed. St James will have outreach booths at two local festivals:

Saturday, May 25^th – Lovettsville Mayfest
Saturday June 22^nd – Frederick Pride Festival

Have fun! Let folks know we exist! Call/text Lauranne: 703-346-3071

Sunday, June 30th: Annual Congregational Meeting 12:30pm

July 22-July26: St. James Vacation Bible School. Mark your calendar if you want to volunteer or have your children participate! (Please excuse last week’s misprint of the dates.)

Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Greta and Katie for your gracious care!

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.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on April 12, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Sixth Sunday of Lent
Palm Sunday

Musician: Sea Raven on piano

Prelude: Laudate Dominum (Taize)

For Meditation and Reflection:

On Palm Sunday, the church remembers Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem just days before his death. The gospels report that he arrived in the city on a donkey and was greeted by an expectant crowd in a manner fit for a king: the people waved palms in reverence and laid them in his path. Acknowledging the one who had come to save, they shouted “Hosanna,” a word derived from the Hebrew scriptures, meaning “Save, we pray.”
The liturgical color for this day is red, the color of the Passion. On this last Sunday of Lent, we are closer than ever to the hope of Easter, but we are also entering into Holy Week, the most solemn week of the church year, set aside for remembering the events of Christ’s last days.

– Beth Bevis, God For Us

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer (Pastor)

Call to Worship:

Pastor: Hosanna to the Son of David!

People: Hosanna in the highest!

Pastor: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

People: Hosanna in the highest!

Opening Hymn: All Glory, Laud, and Honor #216

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-40

Sermon A Change to Live With by Mike Lyle

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on February 2, 2019. Posted in Bulletins.

Forth Sunday after Epiphany

For Meditation and Reflection:

“There is a voice within you that no one, not even you, has ever heard. Give yourself the opportunity of silence and begin to develop your listening in order to hear, deep within yourself, the music of your own spirit.”

~ 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 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You #4

Prayer for Illumination (Pastor)

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 7:24-30

Sermon: “Choices” (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 Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face, #336

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the Pastor and the People

The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional, with “debts”)

Closing Hymn How Firm a Foundation, #407

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.

Thoughts for the Day/Week

Roads,

No need to wonder what heron-haunted lake

lay in the other valley,

or regret the songs in the forest I chose not to traverse.

No need to ask where other roads might have led,

since they led elsewhere;

for nowhere but this here and now is my true destination.

The river is gentle in the soft evening,

and all the steps of my life have brought me home.

~ Ruth Bidgood – b. July 20, 1922

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Feb 3^rd: Worship with Rev. Michael Lyle

Next Sunday, Feb 10^th: 9am: Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall on organizational structure 11am: Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, Feb 17^th: 10am: Sunday School for adults in the Sanctuary led by Janell Kenzie and Brenda Lyle; Sunday School for Children resumes this month in the Fellowship Hall with Lauranne Oliveau substituting for Robin Scott. 11am: Worship with Seminarian Mark Dewey

Childcare: Children can share worship with adults as their attention permits. Childcare is available in the “cry room” at the back of the sanctuary, thanks to Katie and Greta’s gracious care of the children.

Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Thanks to all who are generously bringing non-perishable food items to church. Thank you, Tena Brass, for taking our donations.

Cover art: Crumbs from Your Table, artist unknown, https://readingacts.com

Tag: Rev. Dr. Michael Lyle

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Sunday, October 6, 2019

September 1, 2019

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Second Sunday after Pentecost

For Meditation and Reflection:

Call to Worship

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Jessie Parsons

Mike Lyle

UCC Website