GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5th Sunday of Easter—Mother’s Day May 10, 2020 Pastor Ami Sawtelle Prelude Greeting and Announcements Lighting of our Light of Peace and our Prayer for Peace Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all people and nations may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God, to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. *Opening Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” #545 UMH *Call to Worship: Leader: In the Lord we seek refuge. In times of fear or danger we trust in the one who is our rock and our refuge. The Lord removes us from the traps into which we stumble and sets us back on right pathways, the Lord delivers us from our enemies and persecutors. Let us worship the Lord our God. Children’s Time Prayer of the Day (in unison): To you our rock and our Redeemer, we lift our hearts and voices in thanksgiving and praise. In this time of separation and distancing, we must worship from our homes, but our hearts remain true. We trust your love for us is greater than any challenge we may face. Guide us and keep us in all that we say and do. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns Pastoral Prayer (ending with the Lord's Prayer) Eternal Spirit, Mother and Father of us all, to you we lift hearts open to your love. We stumble and forget to love as you have loved us, but you call us back, forgive us when we confess our wrongs, and set us once again on right pathways. Heavenly One, to you we give thanks and praise, to you we lift our prayers and our hopes. On this Mother’s Day, when we cannot gather for celebration, we lift to you our mothers; those who have birthed us, yet fallen short in nurturing and protecting us. We lift to you mothers who have loved us too much, protecting us and now allowing us to grow in independence. We lift to you mothers who are all too human and fallible, yet do their best to raise us to be strong and independent. We lift to you those who may not be our biological mother, but who have adopted us, selected us and loved us to the best of their ability. And we lift to you the “other mothers”, the ones who have been mother figures in our lives, guiding and loving us the best they could. Today we lift to you the nurses in our communities, women and men who care for our loved ones when we cannot; the people in the labs seeking treatments and cures not only for the virus ravaging the world today, but for cancers and infections and all diseases affecting minds and bodies. We lift the doctors, PA’s and nurse practitioners working endless hours in hospitals and clinics, the respiratory, radiation and other therapists and technicians that help to care for and rehabilitate us. And we lift to you all others who clean and run our medical facilities. Keep them safe, give them wisdom, compassion and endurance that they may continue to care for our sick and dying, knowing you are with them. We lift those on our prayer list and those who we have named, either aloud or in our hearts, this day. May your blessings be upon them, upholding them and keeping them. You sent your son, Jesus, as teacher and healer. We give you thanks for the love he poured out each day and as he taught us disciples, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Special Music: Bob Benjamin Scripture Reading: Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 Message During Lent we sing, “What wondrous love is this O my soul, O my soul? What wondrous love is this, O my soul?” . . . We sing of the love that Jesus had that gave him strength to give his life on the cross. Even knowing the Resurrection was on the other side, that was a powerful statement of God’s love for humanity and God’s willingness to suffer for our sake. Stephen, one of the earlier followers of the teachings of the Apostles riled up some people who paid others to report that he blasphemed and turned him over to the courts. If you read Acts 6-7, you will see the background that led up to today’s pericope (scripture portion). Stephen’s love for God and belief in Jesus gave him the strength of character and the words to speak when he appeared before the court. The final straw, his vision of God’s glory and Jesus at God’s right hand, is also testimony to his deep and abiding faith and his trust. Following Stephen’s death, persecution of Christ followers increased and as a result, believers sometimes fled to what they hoped were safer areas, but in moving, they took their faith with them, spreading the stories of Jesus, spreading the love of Jesus to new areas. Even today, it sometimes looks like the church, the Body of Christ, grows better in areas where it is persecuted than in areas where it is not only legal, but mainstream. A resurgence of faith sometimes occurs in the face of a crisis such as the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Perhaps our current crisis would also fuel some of the increases in attendance, were that possible, but sustained growth in the Body of Christ is not as much about people in pews as it is about people knowing God loves them and will sustain them no matter the crisis. As we continue our journey through the current health crisis, where have we seen God’s love demonstrated? How have we experienced God’s love? Are we sharing God’s love with others? If so, how? As “social distancing” restrictions are gradually loosened, what are ways we can help our community to recover? The recovery phase is likely to be long and difficult for many but it will also be a time we can team with others, invite them to join us and in so doing, show others the love God has for them. *Hymn: “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” #126 UMH Bringing our Gifts Before God The Lord walks with us through days of thick and thin, let us offer to God gifts of thanksgiving. *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Offering Prayer (in unison): To you who love us and sustain us, we offer our gifts of thanksgiving. Multiply them that your love may spread to others through their use. Amen. *Hymn: “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” #559 UMH *Blessing, Sending Forth and Postlude Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Ami R. Sawtelle.
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Third Sunday in Easter – Native American Awareness Sunday April 26, 2020 Pastor Ami Sawtelle Prelude Greeting and Announcements Lighting of our Light of Peace and our Prayer for Peace Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all people and nations may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God, to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. *Opening Hymn: “Open My Eyes, That I May See” #454 UMH *Call to Worship: (Psalm 116) Leader: God’s ear is inclined to hear us; God hears our voices and our supplications. When we suffer distress and anguish, when we call on the Lord, our prayers are heard. Let us sing praise to God, who journeys with us in good times and in bad. All: Let us worship the Lord, our God, in joyous celebration. *Prayer of the Day (in unison): How long, O Lord, how long? We seek you morning, noon, and night, but the numbers continue to climb, more sick, more dying, more without work and income. We know you are with us. We know you care, but we need you to show forth your strength once more. We give thanks for the power you demonstrated through your son, Jesus. He healed the sick, made the blind to see and the deaf to hear. He fed many, body, mind and spirit, and he rose on the third day, proving your power over death. Heal us. Show us once more your power, by wiping out the disease that threatens us. Heal us. Strengthen the weakness of our faith and trust, showing us that you are present and that you care. We worship you this and every day, trusting your strength, your mercy and your grace. As we continue to serve you, show us new ways to show your love and mercy to others. Amen. Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
Pastoral Prayer (ending with the Lord's Prayer) As we begin a new week, we hear stories of states that are beginning to open their businesses despite the numbers of cases of the coronavirus that are still in the communities. May the people be wise in their response to the openings. May they continue the practices that will keep them safe and may they put their trust in the science that you have given us to keep us safe. We hear stories of people struggling to make ends meet, to have food on the tables, electricity and water and a roof over their heads. Help us find ways to help the most vulnerable, to share from our abundance with those who have nothing. We hear stories of families unable to be by the side of loved ones as they make their final journey home to you. We know those coming to you are not alone. Comfort their families. Give them your comfort and peace that will help them to weather this storm. We hear stories of emergency responders and health care personnel contracting the virus. Lord, in your mercy, keep all safe who put their lives on the line that others might have what they need; that they may have the care they need in the midst of difficult situations, that they may know you are the giver of life and light. Lord, we hear stories of increasing violence among family members; change the hearts of the perpetrators, help the victims to find safety; protect those that must respond to these instances and give them wisdom as they deal with all. We give you thanks, that you walk among us; holding us when no one else can; hearing us, when no one else is around; comforting us in our distress. Let us continue to walk in faith and trust, knowing that your son, Jesus, trusted you, even when he faced the cruelty of the cross. And now, as Jesus taught his disciples, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Scripture Reading Acts 2; 14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 Message Two men who knew Jesus, walking along the road, traveling about the distance from the church to Newbury. They encounter a stranger. What would they have been talking about today? Today the topic of conversation would likely be the pandemic; how so many have gotten sick; how so many have died. They likely would have talked about their own employment status, the fact that they had to stay 6-10 feet apart and wear masks in public would have been obvious. They may have spoken about the way some states were beginning to open up businesses, trying to get people back to work, and their personal feelings about whether that was too fast or not fast enough. That would have been the topic of the day. For Jesus to appear and not automatically know that these men were discussing the crucifixion and the disappearance of the body, would no more have entered their minds than the thought that the men walking to Newbury maybe talking about anything other than the pandemic would have entered ours. It is interesting to note that the “stranger,” once appraised of the matter under discussion, was not only able to enter into the discussion, but to explain what had happened from a scriptural standpoint without being recognized. It wasn’t until the journey was at an end and the stranger accepted an invitation to stay the night that the recognition came. It was not some great announcement from on high, but in the day to day setting of the dinner table. Jesus sat at table with the believers, he spoke the blessing, he broke the bread and he offered it to those at the table. It is not in great acts, touted on the news, that Jesus is most often shown to the world. It is in the simple acts of day to day living that Jesus can more often be found. The meal offered to a homeless person feeds them for that meal. A meal shared with the same person, not only feeds their empty bellies, but also acknowledges their personhood, their value. Food dropped on a person’s porch helps to fill their bellies and is important, but speaking to them, even through a closed door, helps to break the cycle of isolation so many are facing. The journey through to COVID-19 crisis can be used as a wakeup call to all of us. There was a story I read this week of a woman who lived in isolation and liked her “isolated” status most of the time. She was independent and really didn’t want to ask help from others, but when a neighbor made a second contact that she was going to the store and offered to pick up some things, the woman allowed her to help. It was a big step, but helped her to recognize her own needs in the midst of the isolation, her need for, at least occasionally, human interaction and contact. Let this be a wakeup call to all of us. We are an independent group of folks, but sometimes it is important to acknowledge our own needs and allow others to reach out and help us. It helps not only us sometimes, but the person offering the assistance, as they experience the joy of giving. We know that this crisis will eventually pass. Life as we once knew it may be a lot longer in coming, if ever, but the ability to go out, to go to restaurants and theaters, to attend sporting events and have a BBQ with our neighbors will happen. As we work to help one another, as we allow others to help us, we need to keep in mind that, “God’s got this.” God will get us through all that is happening and, once it is behind us, we will be able to see God’s hand in how people responded. We are over six weeks into this situation and we still have close to a month, at best, to go, but we can weather this storm as we have weathered others, as long as we trust the stranger that opened the eyes of the believers. If we believe that Jesus is with us in our struggles, that “God’s got this,” then we will find the additional strength that will help us get through this crisis and any others that may arise. *Hymn: “Abide with Me” #700 UMH Bringing our Gifts Before God What do we have to offer to God? We are struggling to make ends meet, but God has richly blessed us. The woman who gave only 2 small coins was more celebrated because she gave from her poverty, than the rich who would never miss the coins they placed in the alms box. When we give in thanksgiving for what God has given us, we often find ourselves richly blessed by God’s love. *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Offering Prayer (in unison): We praise you, God of all, and offer these small gifts in thanksgiving for the riches you have given us. Use them to further your message of love and grace in a world desperate for touch and contact. Amen. *Hymn: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” #133 UMH *Blessing, Sending Forth and Postlude Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Pastor Ami Sawtelle. GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Date: April 19, 2020 2nd Sunday of Easter Pastor Ami Sawtelle Prelude Greeting and Announcements L: Christ is risen! P: Christ is risen indeed! All: Alleluia! Lighting of our Light of Peace and our Prayer for Peace: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all people and nations may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God, to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. *Opening Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #384 UMH *Call to Worship: (Acts 2) The Lord is always before us. The Lord is at our right hand so that we will not be shaken. Our hearts are glad, our tongues rejoice, and we will live in hope, for we know we will not be abandoned no matter the threats, no matter the conflicts, for our Lord is the great God of all creation, having proven God’s power over death, through the resurrection of Jesus, God’s only son. Let us worship our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. *Prayer of the Day (in unison): Mighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as we worship today, from homes or places of work, we dream of gathering in your house once more, worshiping you side by side with our fellow believers; but we know that it is better that we worship at home alone or with our families, or joined by the gifts of technology you have given us. We give you thanks for your presence in our lives, the many gifts you have given us, particularly we thank you for your Son, who died that we might know the strength of your love and your gift of forgiveness. Aw we worship you this day, receive our songs of praise and our prayers of thanksgiving. Amen. / Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns · healthcare workers · good health · ability to meet by technology · people alone and having difficult time of it · people depressed · Those providing services to those in need · Students learning through technology · Domestic violence · Thurston Family on loss of Clarence · Those that run errands for those at home Pastoral Prayer (ending with the Lord's Prayer) Merciful and loving God, you have blessed us even in times of uncertainty and fear. Your presence with us in these days of isolation bring us comfort and hope. There are so many struggling today, putting their lives on the line in the midst of this crisis, to you we offer our prayers of hope and of love. We give you thanks for days of health and strength, for times with friends, family and co-workers. We look forward to gathering once more to share in the special celebrations of life and trust in your presence while we are apart. God of hope and of light, to you we offer our prayers. We give you thanks for healthcare workers, for grocery store clerks and stockers, for long haul drivers, for police and firefighters, for electricians and plumbers, for oil & gas deliverers and linemen and all who are considered essential and step up despite the challenges and dangers. Keep them safe, help them to be compassionate and caring, give them wisdom and strength. Strong and protective God, to you we offer our prayers. We give you thanks for those who are sick, whether at home or in the hospital, for those who are on the brink of death or have died, whether from COVID-19 or crashes or other causes. We thank you for your quiet presence with them, calming their fears, walking with them through the darkest night. Bring to them the light of your love and your mercy. Compassionate and caring God, to you we offer our prayers. We give you thanks for the leaders of our country, for scientists and government workers, for those the media and their attempts to help us understand what is happening. Make them wise, compassionate and strong. May their focus continue to be about the needs of the weak, the poor and the helpless and not about the desires of the rich and famous. Wise and guiding God, to you we offer our prayers. We give you thanks for your church, the body of Christ, its head. We give you thanks for our bishop, Bishop Sudha Devadhar, our district superintendent, Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, our pastor and the many leaders of our congregation. May their faith be unwavering, their guidance be from you and their hope contagious. Sustaining God, to you we offer our prayers. We acknowledge mighty one, that we sometimes lose hope of ever being with our loved ones again. We lose hope that this disease will someday be controlled and that we will be free to move about our community and the larger community around us. Forgive us when our hope fails and our trust in you dims. Reignite our faith in times of trouble and darkness that we may share your light and your love with others. We trust in your forgiveness for we know that Christ showed your power over sin and death, that we might know your mercy and forgiveness. As he taught those that sat at his feet, learning to love and share your love, so we are also bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Scripture Reading Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Psalm 16 (p. 748 UMH) 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Message The rules for social distancing are about a month old now, but for many, it probably seems to have been going on for even longer. We are a gregarious people by nature. Most of us need and want to be with people on a regular basis, talking with people, going to or participating in sporting events, going to the movies and restaurants, shopping in brick and mortar stores of various kinds, so this need to stay inside, to stay isolated can get wearing. What are some of the frustrations this current crisis is causing in your life? Frustration is only the beginning of the story. Some of us are also living in fear. Being inside, away from contact with people, doors closed, only going out when absolutely necessary and then only with gloves and mask, coming home to sanitize everything, while not over doing it is also playing with our ability to trust and building fear in some. Loss of income because our shops and non-essential businesses are closed is also an area that can breed fear. What is causing you to be fearful? Jesus had been crucified, died and was buried. The disciples were in fear as they gathered the evening following Jesus’ resurrection. They feared the authorities might arrest them because they followed Jesus, so they hid out with the doors locked. Unsure of who to trust, the gathering was limited. Then Jesus entered the room saying, “Peace be with you.” We so want Jesus to enter our homes, to offer us peace, protection and hope. We are desperate to see the scars on his hands and feet, the hole in his side, to know, to really know, that he is real, that he is alive, that he is with us. I wonder how we might react were Jesus to walk into our home today. Would we take his temperature; demand he wear a mask; hand him a pair of gloves, so we feel safe? Would we run in fear that a stranger had entered our “safe space”? The disciples didn’t believe it at first themselves. They didn’t trust that this was indeed the teacher they had followed for three (3) years, eating together, traveling together, praying together, so I think our own reactions might be forgiven. They needed proof. Thomas, who wasn’t present at the time, didn’t believe the others in the room. He had lost some of his ability to trust. When Jesus appeared among them a second time, he seemed to know of the loss of faith that Thomas was suffering and after again greeting the gathering, “Peace be with you,” he offered Thomas a look at his hands, feet and side, giving him the concrete proof he needed to fully believe. As we continue this time of isolation, whether alone or with family members, let us trust to the witness of the disciples. Let us not demand the concrete proof of pierced hands and feet, but let us turn loose our frustrations and fears, placing them in God’s hands and trusting that we are never alone, that Jesus walks with us. Let us find hope in the locked room that didn’t keep Jesus away and let us remember that Jesus is our rock and our refuge. Should family, friends, or even we ourselves contract the virus, let us trust the great physician, who lent his wisdom to the healthcare workers of today and let us find solace in the comfort of his arms throughout this crisis. The crisis is not over, but some of the numbers are slowing their climb. We don’t want to move together too soon, but we know if we trust Jesus and follow is instructions, we can still share his love while staying safe ourselves as we more fully utilize the technologies we have to reach out to others and share the stories of hope Jesus gave us. *Hymn: “The Day of Resurrection” #303 UMH Bringing our Gifts Before God Though we may not be gathered in God’s house, though we may not be able to move about as freely as we would like, God continues to bless us and walk with us. Let us now offer God our gifts of thanksgiving and praise. *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Offering Prayer (in unison): As we offer you our gifts of thanksgiving and praise, O God, multiply them, that they may stretch your loving arms to encircle all that are in need or in fear in this time of distancing. May we continue to serve you with all that we are and all that we have that all may know of your love. Amen. *Hymn: “Thine Be the Glory” #308 UMH *Blessing, Sending Forth and Postlude Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Pastor Ami Sawtelle. March 15, 2020
To the Friends and Family of Grace United Church (GUMC): It was a difficult, but I believe necessary, decision to temporarily suspend worship as a gathered Body of Christ, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. We will be regularly monitoring the situation and as soon as it is felt we can safely do so, we will resume community worship. Times like this invite us to step up in many ways: 1. Ensuring our pledge or weekly giving continues, ensures the bills continue to be paid. 2. Checking in with friends and family by phone helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can offer opportunities for shared prayer or devotional time. These calls also help identify people in need of assistance getting groceries or other essentials, but who are unable/fearful of going out or are in need of a call from the pastor. This does not mean you have to do the shopping, but perhaps can find help for them by contacting the pastor. (I will try to be in phone contact with everyone for whom I have numbers during this crisis, but won’t be able to speak with everyone every week) 3. Find new ways to connect with God. Prayer is an essential part of communion with God. For a couple of years now, I have been part of a group that prays “The Lord’s Prayer at noon every day. Perhaps you might set an alarm to remind you and join us today/tomorrow. 4. Protecting the health of the community will mean that we are temporarily discontinuing the availability of showers. (This does not mean church members, but if you are ill we ask you not come into the building.) Jean and others who use the office are still able to come in, but I encourage people to call, rather than come in, if you need something. 5. I will be devising worship plans that you can use at home. If you have an e-mail address, please share it with us/check that we are using the best address. E-mailing the information saves time and money. If you don’t have an e-mail, we will “snail mail” the information to you. 6. Please share God Sightings and prayer requests with the church office so we can include them with worship information. Jean and I will work on a newsletter/bulletin insert to help keep folks abreast of the situation regarding church, etc. but your input will also be helpful. In Romans 5:3b-5 (NRSV) Paul tells the community “We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” This time of not gathering and of avoiding physical contact, in and of itself, causes suffering for some, but we know that God is with us through it all. Let us stay in touch, one with the other, to encourage and care for each other. Yours in Christ, Pastor Ami Sawtelle Date: March 22, 2020 4th Sunday in Lent
As we enter into this time of “distant worship,” it has been suggested that we strive to “worship at the same time.” Besides praying “The Lord’s Prayer” together a noon each day, we can use the worship information below for Sunday worship at 10:00 a.m. As you prepare for your time of worship, first prepare a space. Think of things that might make the space special: a cross, a/some candles, sea shell(s), flowers, etc. Have a Bible handy and a hymnal if you have one available. (You are welcome to borrow one from the church, just remember to return it when we are once again able to gather in the sanctuary.) For some, music is an important part of worship, consider adding a device to provide appropriate music to your gathering space. (CD player, MP3, records, iPod . . .) If you are gathering with family, invite them into the space. Turn off the TV and other distractions as you enter into the worship experience. Greeting and Announcements Life in this time of self-isolation/quarantine can be stressful. Be kind to yourself and others around you. Take time to be together reading, watching a movie on the TV, playing board games or doing a jigsaw puzzle. Also, spend time alone, allowing yourself the space to silently scream about what is happening. If you have children at home, find creative ways to help them learn. Trivia games can help learn about history and geography, create your own cards to make them age appropriate by using ½ of a 3x5 card. Cook or do things like measuring a room to calculate the amount of paint needed for a wall. There are numerous ideas available on the internet or from their teachers. The phone at the church will be checked regularly for messages and, as long as I am in the house, I will answer the church line as well as my personal one: 222-5247. If you have a prayer request, are just in need of someone to speak with, or need help getting food or other essentials, please call and I will do what I can, to include adding prayer requests to the prayer list. If you leave a message on my personal voice mail, I will likely get back to you more quickly than if it is on the church machine, but I will get back to you either way. If you have an email address, please let us know so we can discontinue sending you a paper copy. Please email: [email protected] with email address. If you no longer want to receive an email or a paper copy, leave a message at 222-9062. Lighting of our Light of Peace and our Prayer for Peace Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all people and nations may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God, to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. *Opening Hymn: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” #381 UMH *Call to Worship: (Ephesians 5, John 9) When the world is dark and full of hate and fear, when we cannot see God we will turn on the light. When we cannot find our way back to love and peace we will turn on the light. When our vision dims due to the darkness within we will turn on the light. Christ opens our eyes with the gift of sight. The light of the world is Jesus Christ. Come and worship the one who brings sight to the blind. Hallelujah! Praise God, the light of the world! *Prayer of the Day (in unison): (Ephesians 5, John 9) Gracious God, who created us in God’s own image, we are grateful for all that you have done for us, for all that you are doing in us, and for all that you will do through us. Open our eyes to see your presence among us, moving in powerful ways at all times and in all places. Open our ears to hear familiar words in new ways-- ways that will change us and challenge us to become the people you created us to be. Grant us the power and the courage to come out of the darkness and into the light of Jesus Christ, that we may serve you by serving others. We love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen. Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns This is a time to review the prayer list that has been already shared and make a list of other prayers to share with the church office so they may be sent out next week. This is also a time to review the previous week and note where God has been present, where the vail has become thin and you have been able to see/hear/feel God’s presence. It is also a time to give thanks for personal health, a place to stay, food and the many gifts God has provided in our lives. Spend time asking for God’s healing, patience and mercy, then spend time in silence, listening for God’s response. Pastoral Prayer (ending with the Lord's Prayer) (Following each petition, pause to think of those you know that might be a part of the group lifted, then respond, “Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”) God of grace and mercy, we are afraid, we are frustrated, we are already tired of being stuck with little chance for socializing in our community. Forgive our weakness and help us remember that we are not in this alone. · Keep safe our first responders, healthcare workers and all who put their own health and life on the line to care for those who are affected by this pandemic. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For those who are sick, we ask your healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For those who are dying, ease their fears, bring them peace and comfort their families in this time of grief. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For the vulnerable in our community, the aged, those with pre-existing conditions, those that are more likely to be exposed to this virus, keep them safe and healthy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For the hungry, help us find ways to feed them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For those without shelter, help us find ways to obtain housing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For those with mental health issues, bring peace, healing and strength. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. · For those with addictions, strengthen their resolve to step away, remove the desire and fill the emptiness with your love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We know you are a God of love and of hope, as we continue our journey through this difficult time, help us keep our focus on the hope that comes from you, and to know that this will eventually pass and we will again be with our friends and families out and about in our community. Guide us strengthen us and keep us in this and all times. (ARS 2020) And now, as Jesus taught his disciples, so may we be bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Special Music (take some time in silence or with music that feeds you as you prepare to read the scriptures. Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Message Take time to read through all of the scriptures once. Select one that seems to speak more strongly to you and read it again, more slowly, looking for words or phrases that stick out, that call for your attention. Spend some time in silence letting the words settle into your soul. Read the Scripture one more time, listening for God’s love and hope in the midst of our time of struggle. Take some more time in silence or, if you have family members present, share some of your thoughts about the scripture. *Hymn: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” #138 UMH Bringing our Gifts Before God (Take time to place your offering in and envelope so you can send/drop it to/at the church office.) God has always walked with us. God continues to walk with us. God sends us out to care for others. As you offer your gifts to God, know that this is what helps us to continue to serve God in the Bradford, VT area, feeding the hungry, helping house the homeless and providing space for people to encounter God. *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Offering Prayer (in unison): (Psalm 23) God of light and love and peace, we praise your name for leading us in paths of righteousness, that we may come into your presence, forgiven and free. We give you thanks for guiding us to this place: where we may rest beside the still waters of your grace, where we are filled with the good gifts of your goodness and mercy. We worship you with all that we are, and we bless your name for all that we will be as we continue on our journey-- a journey that leads us to your kingdom, where we will dwell with you forever. We offer you these gifts, that you might bless them and send them out into the valley of the shadow of death, and everywhere in need of your light. Amen. *Hymn: “It Is Well with My Soul” #377 UMH *Blessing, Sending Forth Know that God sent Jesus, The Good Shepherd, to watch over us and guide us. The Holy Spirit is with us, even in the midst of the struggles of our current time. Stay home, stay connected by phone and internet and share the love God has for all peoples. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, Amen. Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Sharon McCart, from Ministry Matters: Worship Elements: March 22, 2020. https://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/entry/4792/worship-elements-march-22-2020. |
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