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Tag: Rev Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

4th Sunday in Lent

For Meditation and Reflection

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

– Anne Lamott

“You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”

– Glinda (The Good Witch)

We come together from our separate lives, each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations, our hopes, and our dreams. We are not yet fully present. The traffic, the last-minute cooking, the final details still cling to us. Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours. It is now time to let go of these pressures and embrace and become aware of the present moment…When you are ready,  repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’. Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being present in body, mind, and spirit. It means settling into where we are and simply being “here.”

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: How good it is to be alive! To feel the beat of our own hearts, the pulsing of life in our veins, the rhythm of our breathing.

People: So we come into this time of worship, of prayer and reflection with gratitude for the gift of life this day.

Pastor: In a universe so vast, may we be helped to sustain a good sense of who we are, and a good sense of worth in ourselves.

People: When time and events and people go by so fast, help us to know the power in pausing, and in pausing, help us to find our life renewed.

All: As we come and as we go, we pray that each of us, in our own small inner world, will know that we have been in a sacred place, fully present, to listen for and experience the Divine presence in our midst.

Opening Hymn:   #516  –  O Grant Us, God, A Little Space

Opening Prayer In this caring and supportive community, during this time of prayer and quiet reflection, we come to be emptied, and to be filled with the spirit that flows in and among us and throughout the world. We, here today, are also people of spirit. We, too, are struck in awe before the great mystery of the cosmos. We, too, are powerfully moved by a deep concern for our world and our care for one another. The spirit moves in us as in others. We give thanks for love, which created us, which restores us, and which connects us to each other to unite and give purpose.  Amen.

Scripture Reading:             Psalm 46

Sermon                                “Unplug”          – Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Reflective Meditation

Reflective Hymn: #288  –  Let It Breathe On Me

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:  #433  –  In the Bulb There Is A Flower

Blessing and Sending: May the places where you walk become sacred spaces of the Holy God. The places where you take your stand be signposts to the love of Christ. The places where you rest be filled with the renewing grace of the Spirit. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Mar 31st: 11:00 Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Sunday, April 7th: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle, followed by a First Sunday potluck, which will include informal, yet special poetry readings by Rev. Mike Lyle and others, from his newest book, The Everywhere of Light.

Sunday, Apr 14th: Palm Sunday Worship led by Rev. Mike Lyle

Sunday, April 21st: EASTER SUNDAY SCHEDULE

  • 6:30 Sunrise Service – TBD 
  • 8:30 – 9:30 – Potluck Easter Breakfast
  • 9:30 – 10:00 Children’s Sunday School and Easter Egg Hunt!
  • 10:00am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Fellowship Hall Update: The kitchen renewal is almost complete!  The granite countertops and sink have been installed and look fantastic! Moving forward, we need 2 or3 volunteers to put everything back into the new kitchen cabinets. See Lauranne after worship if you’re interested in helping out!

The Children’s Sunday School room is unfortunately taking some additional time to finish due to some setbacks with the drywall installation.

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

Lovettsville Food Bank:  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, February 10, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

S

Evolution Sunday

For Meditation and Reflection

“The most telling and profound way of describing the evolution of the universe would undoubtedly be to trace the evolution of love.”

― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“When a human life is open to all that humanity can be, humanity and divinity flow together as one. It was and is a radical insight, and one the consciousness of the mystic is destined to understand.”

― John Shelby Spong

Welcome and Announcements

Welcome to this place of worship, which we make special by our presence. Come into this place, where the ordinary is sanctified, the human is celebrated, the compassionate is expected. Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of this time, this life in the presentness of God.

Call to Worship

Pastor: We gather at this time and in this place to celebrate the mystery of life.

Congregation: We commit to moving beyond our previous selves and to continue emerging into persons and into a community dedicated to enhancing this world.

Pastor: We affirm the worth of all, and commit ourselves to honoring the sacred in all.

Congregation: We seek to open ourselves to be more in tune, more involved with each other and the world.

Pastor: We commit ourselves to learning, changing, thinking again…deconstructing our faith and daring again to imagine how faith and risk lead us to each other,

Congregation: engaging us all in the depths and dimensions of what it means to be human, to be neighbor, to love, to include, to laugh, to be free.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn   #495 – Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

Opening Prayer

During this time of prayer and quiet reflection, may we be enabled to find that power that already lies within us: for love, for creativity, for hope. May our hearts be open to compassion, our minds open to wisdom, our spirits open to grace. This morning, we gather, sing, pray and think – offering ourselves to and with the reverberating hum, mystery and presence of life. We commit again to facing each other with new desire and intention, with embrace, laughter, tears and honesty. May we always rejoice in life and work to cultivate a sense of its giftedness. May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions. Amen.

Reception of New Members                                      (See handout)

Sermon Series:                 

                                                     Words –

               Misinterpreted, Misunderstood, and yet…Reimagined

                                “Cross” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Reflective Hymn: #539 – Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant (Verses 1-4, & 6)

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

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

Closing Hymn:  #609 – Now is the Time Approaching

Blessing and Sending:

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.

Sharing the Peace as we go…

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, Feb 10th:  9am:  Council Meeting in Fellowship Hall on organizational structure 11:00am: Worship with Rev. Samantha Tuttle welcoming new members, Charlene DeRoche and Jean and August (Bud) Muller!

Next Sunday, Feb 17th: 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. 11am:  Worship with Seminarian Mark Dewey

Thursday Feb 21st 7-9PM Cascades Library:  VOICES OF FAITH, ISLAM with speaker, Hurunessa Fariad, of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society.  Presented in partnership with BRIDGES (Building Relationships for Interfaith Dialogue, Goodwill, Education and Service).

Sunday, Feb 24th:  Worship with Seminarian Mark Dewey

Sunday, Mar 3rd:  Communion SundayWorship with Samantha Tuttle.

Childcare: During services while the Fellowship Hall is under repair:  Parents are welcome to bring children to church. Children can share worship with adults as their attention permits and then go to the “cry room” for Childcare in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you to Katie and Greta for your 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.

Statement of Faith: We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we find spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern 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.

Sunday, January 6th, 2019

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Epiphany Sunday

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 Melton

“The text has disappeared under the interpretation.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

“A great thought begins by seeing something differently, with the shift of the minds eye.” – Albert Einstein

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: Let us be the embodiment of the larger life in all the little things we do.
People: As we listen and ponder, deepen and explore our faith…As we laugh and play, greet and touch one another,
Pastor: As we live this day in the integrity of our own selves, and as we live this day in the community of precious people,
People: Breathe through us as the Summer wind caresses our bodies, as we live in the fullness of today.
All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn #4 – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You

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Sunday, November 18, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

St. James United Church of Christ
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 18th, 2018

For Meditation and Reflection
“The loving parts of your personality have no trouble loving. That is all they do. You experience the loving parts as gratitude, appreciation, caring, patience, contentment and awe of life.” – Gary Zukav

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: We are grateful for the gift of life itself, mindful that to respect life means both to celebrate what life is and to insist on what it can become.
People: May we find it in ourselves today to work toward a better world.
Pastor: May we make use of that energy to take part in the lifting of burdens.
People: May our gratitude find expression in the care of others, both near and far.
Pastor: May we find ways to live and grow on the margins.
People: May we leave behind us a trail of encouragement and hope.
Pastor: As we come and as we go, we pray that each of us, will know that we have been in a sacred place, and that our lives have been made stronger.
All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn: #397 – Thank Our God for Sisters, Brothers

Opening Prayer
Thanks be to God, Source of all Life and Being for all things around us and within us.
For health, food, drink and warm clothes. For family, friends, good neighbors, and even enemies who pray for us. Thanks for curiosity, laughter, and the ability to learn. For truth, courage and beauty. For hospitals and libraries, theaters, parks and lakes.
We lament that so often we take common things for granted. The bed that gave us rest last night, and the new day that greeted us on waking up. The pleasures of a warm shower and the feel of a soft towel on our skin. The aroma and flavor of the toast and coffee we had at breakfast. The smooth roads and paths on which we traveled safely here.
May we always give thanks for these quiet, repetitive gifts, that make it good to be alive, and good to be here together in this sacred place.
Enriched by this time spent together may we become part of a more caring, compassionate world; may we find the courage to make more ethical choices in our relation-ships; may we foster behavior to preserve and enhance our environments. As we marvel at life, let us celebrate the times we are creators of a better world, and when we leave behind us a trail of encouragement and hope.
This is our prayer. Amen.

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Sunday, October 21, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection
“We live in the Age of the Higher Brain, the cerebral cortex that has grown enormously over the last few millennia, overshadowing the ancient, instinctive lower brain. The cortex is often called the new brain, yet the old brain held sway in humans for millions of years, as it does today in most living things. The old brain can’t conjure up ideas or read. But it does possess the power to feel and, above all, to be. It was the old brain that caused our forebears to sense the closeness of a mysterious presence everywhere in Nature.” – Deepak Chopra

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: Ever present God, source and ground of all that exists, pre-sent and active everywhere in the universe, your gift is life.
People: May we be empowered to embrace life’s possibilities with positive energy.
Pastor: May we be helped to live life fully; to live life as connected-ness with God with nature and with all other people.
People: May people see in us the spirit of appreciation, gratitude, and generous self-giving, that was seen in Jesus.
Pastor: And may we be prompted to be more expansive and more inclusive as we accept our responsibility to make the forward movement of God visible in our present moments.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn: #538 – Standing at the Future’s Threshold

Opening Prayer
We gather in this sacred place to honor and affirm life. We come to consider again being the change we wish to see in the world. This morning we celebrate a journey filled with new thoughts and commitments, born out of critique and letting go. This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe, and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities. The symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, infants and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy. May we recognize these symbols as life affirming. May we seek to renew them everyday. May we be inspired to share them generously. As we meet and as we prepare to depart, may we again commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world. May each of us undertake again the appraisal and joy of living out what is dear to us, and what truly advances and invites compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, justice and love to flourish and transform. This is our prayer. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Mark 13:1-2, John 4:19-26

Reflective Hymn: #312 – We Love Your Realm, O God
(Verses 1, 2, 5 & 6)

Sermon: “An Elevated Understanding of What It Means to Be Human” – Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music
Our offerings for the celebration of life in this place and beyond, shall now be received. May a good feeling be found in our hearts as these gifts are used to help free some people from hunger, lift some people from their distress, and encourage some people to be part of a better world.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

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

Closing Hymn: #181 – You Are Salt for the Earth, O People

Blessing and Sending:
May the Spirit which flows through all creation, that speaks through the prophets and the poets, and which acts through those who care, be with us here today, and awaken us to the unconquerable power of life. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you. 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, Oct 21st:
10:00am: Sunday School for children in Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott; for adults in Sanctuary; discussing The Phoenix Affirmations, copies available.
11:00am: Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Wednesday, Oct 24th:
Morning Meditation: 10:00-11:30am
Evening Meditation: 7:00- 8:00pm each week with Diane Younkins. No experience necessary.
No evening meditation on Wed. October 31st.

Next Sunday, Oct 28th:
11am: Worship Led by Rev. Michael Lyle
12:30pm: Jammin’ at James open mic in the Sanctuary. Special Call for Contribution: Please bring decorations, goodies, or pump-kins for Halloween.

Wednesday, Oct. 31st: Halloween!
6:00-8:30pm: Come in costume or St. James teeshirt and mask to hand out goodies for trick-or-treaters. To volunteer, talk to Allison Harteis or text her at afredhart@gmail.com

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.

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 seek new dimen-sions 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, October 7, 2018

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World Communion Sunday, October 7th, 2018

For Meditation and Reflection
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” – Edgar Allan Poe

“I want my boys to have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.” – Princess Diana

“God can dream a bigger dream for me, for you, than you could ever dream for yourself.”- Oprah Winfrey.

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: Here, in this space made sacred by our shared lives and our shared yearnings, may we find new courage, new generosity of spirit, forgiveness given and received, and rededication to the dreams and higher purposes of our lives.
People: Let us not add to the hopelessness that is in the world. But may wonder and adventure, curiosity and joy, live in us always.
Pastor: May there be aroused in us a determination that by the fuller living of our lives we might find the meaning that life is trying to teach us.
People: May we be filled with new passion, new resolve, to take the next step in our own lives and in the life of the Earth.
Pastor: The moments of worship quickly pass. May the little that we know become enough to guide us, while we seek for new wisdom.
People: What our prayers begin, may our lives continue. Welcome to worship.

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Sunday, September 16, 2018

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24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection
“It is, indeed, a unique occasion at which the distinguished word qadosh is used for the first time: in the Book of Genesis at the end of the story of creation. How extremely significant is the fact that it is applied to time: “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” There is no reference in the record of creation to any object in space that would be endowed with the quality of holiness.”
― Abraham Joshua Heschel

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: May we find it in ourselves today to work toward a better world.
People: May we make use of our energy to take part in the lifting of burdens.
Pastor: May our gratitude find expression in the care of others, both near and far.
People: May we find ways to live and grow on the margins.
Pastor: May we leave behind us a trail of encouragement and hope.
People: May ours be a faith that is more than words and ideals.
Pastor: May ours be a faith of vitality and compassion.
All: Welcome to worship.

Music by our VBS Participants:
Jesus Loves Me
This Little Light of Mine
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands

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Sunday, September 2, 2018

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection
“Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”
– Mother Teresa

“If we’re destroying our trees and destroying our environment and hurting animals and hurting one another and all that stuff, there’s got to be a very powerful energy to fight that. I think we need more love in the world. We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.”
– Ellen DeGeneres

“To know yourself as the Being underneath the thinker, the stillness underneath the mental noise, the love and joy underneath the pain, is freedom, salvation, enlightenment.”
– Eckhart Tolle

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: Creativity God, source of our life, may we approach this day with joy.
People: We celebrate the gift of life itself and the gift of every resource that enhances life.

Pastor: Life is sometimes complicated and it can be easy to feel powerless to make a difference.
People: Our coping capacities run low. Fears and dangers can block out the awareness of the goodness and the strength that sur-rounds us.

Pastor: When time and events and people go by so fast, may we know the power in pausing, and in pausing find our life renewed.
People: We will now pause, and in this sacred place, be reminded that we are a people of God, that we are accepted and strength-ened, encouraged and blessed.
All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn #8 – Praise to the Living God

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Sunday, August 12, 2018

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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” – Steve Jobs

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: Over many years, men and women have come to this sacred place. They have been enriched. They have been strengthened. They have been renewed in spirit.
People: Today as we come to this place, may we too find the pathway and the journey that awaits us.
Pastor: In all of our adequacy and inadequacy, may we be caring people. In all of our strength and weaknesses, may we be people true to our best and highest selves.
People: May we become people of vitality and commitment.
Pastor: May ours be a faith that shines to the world as the light of deeds and the witness of actions.
People: Source and Spirit of our lives, may we respond boldly to the call for justice, for love, for joy.
All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn: #177 – God of Change and Glory

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Sunday, August 5, 2018

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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 5th, 2018

For Meditation and Reflection
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King

“Solitude is very different from a ‘time-out’ from our busy lives. Solitude is the very ground from which community grows. Whenever we pray alone, study, read, write, or simply spend quiet time away from the places where we interact with each other directly, we are potentially opened for a deeper intimacy with each other.” – Henri Nouwen

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: We marvel at life. We celebrate ourselves as a life-form giving the source of all that is, a unique expression…
People: in our awareness, in our intelligence, and in our ability to communicate.
Pastor: Enfolded in this Presence may we realize that the world of the Spirit and the world of the body do not exist alongside one an-other…
People: but within one another.
Pastor: This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe,
People: and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities.
All: Welcome to worship.

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Sunday, July 29, 2018

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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection
“Evolution rarely follows a straight line from species to species. Instead, it is more like a tree with many branches. Some branches lead to new branches, while others become dead ends.” – Robert Winston

“You have to meet people where they are, and sometimes you have to leave them there.” – Iyanla Vanzant

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship
Pastor: Let us be the embodiment of the larger life in all the little things we do
People: As we listen and ponder, deepen and explore our faith…As we laugh and play, greet and touch one another,
Pastor: As we live this day in the integrity of our own selves, and as we live this day in the community of precious people,
People: Breathe through us as the Summer wind caresses our bodies, as we live in the fullness of today.
All: Welcome to worship.

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Sunday, July 1, 2018

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13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection

“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” – Don Miguel Ruiz

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
– Nelson Mandela

“Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it our-selves. It is a daily practice… No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

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Sunday, June 10, 2018

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10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection

“When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, we can see and listen deeply, and the fruits are always understanding, acceptance, love, and the desire to relieve suffering and bring joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” – George Takei

“I’d much rather be gay than so desperately afraid of God that I couldn’t make a cake for a fellow human being.” – Bradley Gusler

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

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 val-ued 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: Gather Us In (Please see insert)

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Sunday, June 3, 2018

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9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Reflection

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela

“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” – John F. Kennedy

“Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.” – Fred Rogers

“Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” – Nelson Mandela

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship

Pastor: Gathered here, we sense the Sacred in this place. May we be awakened again to the mysteries that humble us,

People: the realities that orient us, the beauty that inform us,

Pastor: the fellowship that sustains us, and the creativity that heightens and deepens our living,

People: that we may give ourselves in honesty and openness to the larger life before us.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn #359 – O, God, Who Teaches Us to Live

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Sunday, May 20, 2018

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Pentecost Sunday

For Meditation and Reflection
“There is a new Hummer dealership in our town. In America they call a Hummer an SUV, in the rest of the world, it is a military vehicle! People in America use military vehicles to get groceries.” – Rob Bell

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Children’s Moment
The children are invited to come forward for a special lesson or story.

Call to Worship
Pastor: In this caring and supportive community, during this time of prayer and quiet reflection, we come to be emptied.

People: And to be filled with the spirit that flows in and among us and throughout the world.

Pastor: We, here today, are also people of spirit. We, too, are struck in awe before the great mystery of the cosmos.

People: We, too, are powerfully moved by a deep concern for our world and our care for one another.

Pastor: The spirit moves in us as in others, that we might be the embodiment of the larger life in all that we do.

All: Welcome to worship.

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Sunday, May 6, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

For Meditation and Reflection

“Crazy-busy is a great armor, it’s a great way for numbing. What a lot of us do is that we stay so busy, and so out in front of our life, that the truth of how we’re feeling and what we really need can’t catch up with us.” – Brené Brown

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” – Howard Thurman

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.

Call to Worship

Pastor: There is rarely enough rest in our lives. Perhaps we are too busy for rest. Perhaps we are afraid of what we might discover.

People: Today we will acknowledge that as citizens of creation, we too, need to rest.

Pastor: When we make room in our lives for rest, we are more available to affirm the worth of all, and commit ourselves to honoring the sacred in all.

People: When we rest, we create the space that allows us to effectively be more in tune, and authentically involved with each other and the world.

All: May our time together center us, provide us with perspective, and give us a sense of stillness and rest.

Opening Hymn Come and Find the Quiet Center (see insert)

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Sunday, April 15, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Third Sunday of Easter April 15th, 2018

For Meditation and Reflection
“Jesus was short on sermons, long on conversations; short on answers, long on questions; short on abstraction and propositions, long on stories and parables; short on telling you what to think, long on challenging you to think for your-self.” – Brian McLaren

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshiping at St. James for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Call to Worship

Pastor: We are enriched by the company of each other and are drawn closer to the heart of life in this time of celebration.

People: Sharing life’s journey with others is always a privi-lege. We are enriched by the company of each other and are drawn closer to the heart of love in this time of celebration.

Pastor: May this gathering be touched with tenderness, re-freshing us anew by the grace that encompasses this day

All: May we be seized with the miracle of life itself, that we might be filled with new passion, new resolve, to take the next step, on our journey together.

Opening Hymn #177 – God of Change and Glory

Opening Prayer

Enter with me that still place within, where we find not only our inmost selves, but also our connection to that creative and transforming mystery we call God. Storytelling God, who speaks to us in myths and legends and parables, may we find ourselves in those stories and grow through them. Touch our hearts with the wonder of your images so we can see ourselves more clearly in our fullness and complexity. May our time together renew our hope. May the stories we share deepen our connection. May the songs we sing lift our spirits. May our coming together bear witness to the power of love, and the possibility of community. Amen

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-25

Sermon: Memory Stewardship – by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Responsive Sharing

Reflective Hymn: #306 – The Church of Christ in Every Age

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

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

Closing Hymn: #351– I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

Blessing and Sending:

May the blessings of the Holy One be upon us and upon this congregation. May the memories we gathered here give us hope for the future. May the love we have shared bring strength and joy to our hearts, and the peace of this community be with us until we meet again.

Sharing the Peace as we go….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

Childcare is now available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.

This Sunday, April 15th

Sunday School
Children – 10:00am. Meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott.
Adults – 9:30am(childcare available). Meet in the Sanctuary with David Weintraub. We will listen to and discuss part 5 of Rob Bell’s podcast series on Wisdom – “How to Think About the News.” This is a long one, nearly an hour, so we are starting early. To listen or download, go to this page on our website:

Adult Education, Spring 2018

11:00am Worship led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle

Jammin’ at James Open Mic. Dinner at 5:30, Music 6:30 – 8:30. Max Honn and Michael O’Brian lead the monthly jam session. All musicians and music fans are invited to come dig the great acoustics in the St. James sanctuary!

Sunday, April 22nd: Worship will be led by Rev. Mike Morse with music by Sea Raven

Sunday, April 29th: Worship will be led by Rev. Michael Lyle

Sunday, May 6th:

11:00am: Worship will be led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

12:30-3:00pm: Luncheon Party!

3:00pm: UCC Installation Service – The Catoctin Association will confirm and celebrate Reverend Samantha Tuttle”s official status as Pastor of St. James.

Our Statement of Faith

We gather in worship as an inclusive community, an open & affirming community of faith that transcends any distinctions based on gender, sexual orientation, nationality, race, or religion.

Our formal worship flows into a living worship of love and support for one another as we pursue ways to reflect God’s reign of mercy, justice, and peace in our community and throughout the world…

along with a continuing search for ways to celebrate the goodness of life together ……and always reaching out to draw others, with total inclusiveness, into this communal experience.

Sunday. April 1, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Easter Sunday

For Meditation and Reflection
“Without Easter, there would be no Christianity! Whatever it was that constituted the Easter experience, the obvious fact is that there was enormous power in that moment that cries out for explanation.” – John Shelby Spong

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshiping at St. James for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Call to Worship
Pastor: We come together this Easter morning to rejoice in the ongoing creation around us and within us. We would remember the teachings of Jesus, whose words and deeds embodied the outreaching of unconditional love. And we acknowledge that we yearn to be touched by such love.
People: On this Easter morning may our senses come alive, ready to respond to all the beauty and harmony of life around us.
Pastor: May the symbols of this place, cross and table, book and candle, bread and cup, speak strength and courage to our hearts and minds, as we come and as we go.
People: On this Easter morning may the heavy stones which burden us be rolled away, releasing our spirits to love and to new life.
Pastor: As we celebrate the message of Easter, may we be helped to say yes to life, yes to a new beginning, yes to the presence that gives us courage for whatever is ahead of us.
All: On this Easter morning may we discover a joyous and courageous faith coming alive within us all. Welcome to worship!

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Sunday, March 4, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Third Sunday of Lent March 4th, 2018

For Meditation and Reflection
We come together from our separate lives, each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations, our hopes, and our dreams. We are not yet fully present. The traffic, the last minute cooking, the final details still cling to us. Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours. It is now time to let go of these pressures and really arrive… When you are ready, repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’. Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being present in body, mind, and spirit. It means settling into where we are and simply being “here”.

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshipping at St. James for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Call to Worship

Pastor: We gather in community to rest from our labors, to greet our neighbors,

People: and to open our being to insight and intuition of that greater reality of which we are a part.

Pastor: May we find in our time together, inspiration and renewal. May we touch the holy in each other and be touched by the graciousness of life.

People: And may we find here a calm peacefulness that will carry us through the days ahead.

Opening Hymn #592 – God of the Ages, Who with Sure Command

Opening Prayer
In each moment of this day resides incredible power: new life, new healing, new opportunity. May this time together empower us to take some new steps so all our living is transforming and the yearning of our hearts become reality. May your presence comfort us, and also confront us, with the responsibility of making your spirit of love flesh in our actions. May it be so. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Acts 17:22-28

Reflective Hymn: #560 – By Whatever Name We Call You

Sermon Series:

Unbelievable — Reimagining God – by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Responsive Sharing

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

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

Holy Communion

Communion Melody

Closing Hymn: #556 – God Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens

Blessing and Sending:

If, here, you have found freedom, take it with you into the world.
If you have found comfort, go and share it with others.

If you have dreamed dreams, help one another,
that they may come true.
If you have known love and unity, give some back
to a bruised and hurting world.

Sharing the Peace as we go……. And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.


Announcements

Thank you to Jesse Scobi for providing our music this morning. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

Childcare is now available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.

This Sunday March 4th:
After service, come help celebrate fellowship with potluck brunch in the fellowship hall. This is a regular event held the first Sunday of each month.

Next Sunday, March 11th:
Church Council meeting before worship at 9:30am

Jammin’ at James open mic is happening March 18th with Dinner at 5:30, Music 6:30 – 8:30. Max Honn and Michael O’Brian, lead the monthly jam session. All musicians and music fans are invited to come dig the great acoustics in the St. James sanctuary!

March 11th: Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle
March 18th: Worship will be led by Reverend Mary Mason
March 25th: Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle

February 11, 2018

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Transfiguration Sunday February 11, 2018

For Meditation and Reflection
“Inner Presence, Outer Purpose” – By Eckhart Tolle. A New Earth.

“Being at one with what is doesn’t mean you no longer initiate change or become incapable of taking action. But the motivation to take action comes from a deeper level, not from egoic wanting or fearing. Inner alignment with the present moment opens your consciousness and brings it into alignment with the whole, of which the present moment is an integral part. The whole, the totality of life, then acts through you.”

Welcome and Announcements

A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshipping at St. James for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence enriches both us and this time of celebration together.

Call to Worship

Pastor: We have come into this place of hope
where our hearts and minds are opened to the future.

People: We have come into this place of justice where we set aside our fear to name freely every oppression.

Pastor: We have come into this place of song where we unite our voices in the somber and the beautiful melodies of life.

People: So let us celebrate this richness and diversity of life.

All: Welcome to worship.

Opening Hymn #73 – Enter, Rejoice, and Come In

Opening Prayer

Unpredictable, irrepressible, dancing, laughing Spirit, when we’re tempted to be cautious and hesitate, draw us forward into the surprising and joyful future you have waiting for us. When we’re tempted to opt for certainty, free our spirits to adventure and risk, as your people have always done. When we’re tempted to be shackled to comfort and conformity, enable us to leave such things behind, call us through your people into the surprise of each new day. Clear our vision, so we may see things, to which we’ve paid no attention in the past. Sharpen our listening, so we may hear pleadings and cries we’ve never heard before. Strengthen our hands, so we may do things we’ve previously not dared try. Put a new spring into our step, so we may follow your leading into new situations. And draw us dancing and laughing into tomorrow. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Mark 9:2-9

Sermon: The Evolutionary Effect of Light – by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Responsive Sharing

Reflective Hymn: #584 – I Am the Light of the World

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Doxology: #780

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

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

Closing Hymn: #82 – Go, My Children, with My Blessing

Blessing and Sending:

May we be wholly present in our own lives, ready to be surprised by the wonder of each ordinary moment. May the light around us guide our footsteps. May God’s breath stream within us. May God’s breath renew us. May God’s breath invigorate us. Go in peace, and may the peace of God go with you.

Sharing the Peace as we go…….And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

Childcare is now available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.

This Sunday February 11th:

The Church Council will meet before worship at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall.

Next Sunday, February 18th:

Sunday School (Adult and Children) on Febrary 18 at 10AM. Every third Sunday, children meet in the Fellowship Hall with Robin Scott. Adults meet in the Sanctuary with David Weintraub. We are currently listening to and discussing a Rob Bell podcast series.

Jammin’ at James open mike is happening February 18 with Dinner at 5:30, Music 6:30 – 8:30. Max Honn and Michael O’Brian, lead a monthly jam session. All musicians and music fans are invited to come dig the great acoustics in the St. James sanctuary!

Lovettesville Historical Society is meeting on February 18th at 2:00pm.

Worship next Sunday, will be led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle.

February 25th, worship will be led by Rev. Mike Lyle.

Our Statement of Faith

We gather in worship as an inclusive community, an open & affirming community of faith that transcends any distinctions based on gender, sexual orientation, nationality, race, or religion.
Our formal worship flows into a living worship of love and support for one another as we pursue ways to reflect God’s reign of mercy, justice, and peace in our community and throughout the world… along with a continuing search for ways to celebrate the goodness of life together ……and always reaching out to draw others, with total inclusiveness, into this communal experience.

December 10, 2017

Written by St. James UCC on . Posted in Bulletins.

Second Sunday in Advent

For Meditation and Reflection:

A warm welcome is extended to all, especially those who are worshipping at St. James this Advent season for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship ….Advent Candle of Peace

Pastor: As this season of Advent unfolds around us, the silent prayers of peace lie like stars hidden in a clouded night.
People: May we inspire the world with peace.
Pastor: May we touch it to our lives that in every place of stress, frustration, or fear, we might feel the presence of peace easing our hearts and transforming our lives.
People: And may we share its healing power with our children, that they might become the inspiration through which peace makes its way to a new yet-dreamt-of world.
All: May Peace light the world this Christmas. Light candle

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