GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 26, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting
We Are in Mission:
Transition to Worship
Prayer for Peace and lighting our Candle for Peace Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5, Luke 9) Sara Dunning Lambert
Throughout the ages, disciples have said,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Lord, give us the freedom to follow you
in the ways of love.
We come from busy homes, filled with little time
to consider Christ in our lives.
Lord, give us the strength to follow you
in the ways of peace.
In times of struggle, we look to God for help.
Lord, give us the opportunity to follow you
in the ways of kindness.
Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit,
who shows us the joy of following God.
Lord, give us the patience to follow you
in the ways of faith. Amen.
*Opening Hymn “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” UMH #500
Prayer of the Day (Galatians 5) Mary J. Scifres
Speak to us, Spirit of wisdom and truth, as we worship this day. Bind us together into a community of love and peace. Live and move in our lives, that we may grow in your Spirit, deepen our faithfulness, and display the love, peace, patience, kindness, and generosity you have planted in our souls.
Scripture Readings
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Message
EliJAH and EliSHA. I don’t know about you guys, but sometimes I have problems hearing the difference in the names. Both are prophets, EliSHA was EliJAH’s disciple, the recipient of Elijah’s mantle just prior to Elijah being taken up into heaven by a fiery chariot. Today’s story is the story of that final journey. If you know of the back story, you will remember that Elijah first found Elisha plowing a field. As Elijah passed by, he placed his mantle upon Elisha’s back, inviting him on a journey of discipleship, inviting him to share Elijah’s path and learn from him. Elisha’s first response was to ask to go tell his parents good-bye. When Elijah tells him that Elijah has done nothing, Elisha returns to the field he was plowing and sacrifices the oxen he was using to plow to God. He then follows Elijah. We hear little from scripture about this journey until the very end. Elijah tries to leave Elisha behind three times and each time, Elisha refuses to leave Elijah, remaining faithful until the end of the journey.
In the church, we talk about the “passing of the mantle” many times when we are talking about a change in pastors, but there are other time in our lives that a mantle is passed. In passing the mantle, we should be focusing as much on the journey as on the final scene of the physical receipt of the mantle. The journey of learning Elisha took prior to his receiving the mantle in the dramatic scene in scripture in many ways would have mirrored what the disciples did as they followed Jesus toward Jerusalem.
The journey of discipleship is about learning, about something resembling an apprenticeship. Disciples journey with their teacher, their master. They watch the way the master utilizes time and resources. They listen to stories, some of which have very pointed plots. They see how the master interacts with others and they try to emulate the master in their own ways of dealing with the world. They may even become defensive about their master, the way the disciples in Luke’s story today became; desiring to call down fire upon those who would not receive the message of the master.
Jesus was approached by several today who thought they wanted to become disciples, learners at the feet of this master teacher, only to find themselves dismissed because they were not willing to give up everything to follow instantly; first wanting to make sure they did the things they “wanted” to do or felt obligated to do, before they began the journey with Jesus. Elisha wanted to kiss his parents good-bye and the response from Elijah suggested that that was not an acceptable answer. His new response was to sacrifice that which he had been using, both plow and animals so there was nothing holding him from following Elijah into an unknown future.
As Elijah’s journey neared its end, Elijah once more tested Elisha’s faithfulness, telling him to remain behind at three points along the journey. The prophets that joined the journey are like a chorus in an opera, telling Elisha that the Lord will be taking Elijah away that very day. Elisha, like many of us as we face the death of a loved one, tells the prophets, “be silent,” ‘don’t talk to me,’ I don’t want to hear it.’ This impending death, much like the impending death of Jesus, did not forestall Elisha from following Elijah to the end. When Elijah asks what Elisha wants, we know the mantle is about to be passed, but Elijah adds a twist indicating that the passing of the mantle is not about his decisions, but about God’s.
Whether we are passing a mantle within the family, at our work, or within a congregation, it is good that we allow God to guide our pathway. It is also good to have a time of journeying together, that the new disciple might learn from the old how to be a faithful steward, a faithful disciple. This fall, I hope to start a book study with a few people that will start us on a pathway, a journey, into visioning Grace UMC for the future. I invite all of you, in-person, on-line, reading the service only, to be in prayer over the next few weeks. Ask God if God might have a call for you to be a part of visioning new pathways, new opportunities for this congregation for the future. If God places such a desire upon your heart, let me know. I hope to have a group that includes more than the leadership team. I would like a group that is truly representative of the congregation as we journey together, listening to God’s voice and guidance as we seek to grow in Christ. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer Ami Sawtelle
Eternal One, we come before you today in the midst of the changing seasons, in a world where our climate is in crisis, in a time when our political system is so polarized that our government struggles to accomplish anything. We are tired. We are tired of a pandemic that seems to not want to let go, tired of hearing of mass shootings and arguing over whether more or fewer guns is the way to reduce the violence and bloodshed. Forgive us when we justify our actions or inactions based on what others tell us rather than on the way your Spirit leads us. Forgive us when we follow the voices of others rather than voice of Jesus. Heal our hearts. Lead us into a renewed relationship that focuses on your love for not only ourselves, but for all of creation. You have heard the prayers we have lifted, our celebrations we want you to be a part of, the struggles and burdens we want you to lift. You have also heard the many prayers we keep hidden in our hearts. We trust you to heal us, to answer our prayers, for you are merciful and loving, O God. To you be all honor and glory, now and forever, amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Ami R. Sawtelle
As Elijah passed his mantel to Elisha and soared into heaven on a chariot of fire, he passed on a mission of service to and trust in God. Our lives are part of this continuing cycle of passing the mantle from one generation to the next. May the gifts we share this day help us to prepare the next generation to take up that mantle and move forward with energy and love in the service of God.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
* Offering Prayer (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5) Mary J. Scifres
Bear fruit with these gifts we now bring, Holy One. May they bring a double share of your presence to all who are touched by them. Bless us also, who have given so generously, that we may grow in your Spirit, bringing even more generosity and love to your world. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “O Jesus, I Have Promised” UMH #396
*Benediction Sara Dunning Lambert
May the transforming love of God
work in your lives, today and always.
Go forth into the world with peace, love, and joy.
Follow Christ wherever he leads you.
Fulfill the promise found in the fruit of the Spirit. Amen.
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Call to Worship & Benediction, Sara Dunning Lambert, from Worship Elements June 26, 2022, found on MInistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
Prayer of the Day & Offering prayer by Mary J. Scifres; from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022 edited by Mary J. Scifres & B.J. Beu. Found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“As the Deer” WORDS: Martin J. Nystrom, (PS 42:1); MUSIC: Martin J. Nystrom; TUNE: AS THE DEER; © 1984 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. By The Copyright Co. CCLI #1431. Used with permission
“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart;” WORDS: George Croly, 1867 (Gal. 5:25); MUSIC: Frederick C. Atkinson, 1870; TUNE: MORECAMBE; Words and Music in the public domain. CCLI #2083. Used with permission.
“O Jesus, I Have Promised;” WORDS: John E. Bode, ca. 1866 (Lk. 9:57); MUSIC: Arthur H. Mann, 1881; TUNE: ANGEL’STORY. Words and music in the public domain; CCLI#40454. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $4,708.74
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Father’s Day
June 19, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting
We are in Mission:
Transition to Worship Ami R. Sawtelle
“As the Deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Ps 42:1) We were formed at the beginning of time in the image of God, the imago dei In that same act of creation God also put a longing in the hearts of humanity to be in relationship with God. As we worship today, may our hearts be filled and our souls be healed.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle for Peace Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship Nancy C. Townley
L: We come to you this day, with burdens and cares in our hearts.
P: Lord, take these burdens from us and ease our souls.
L: We come to you this day, with fear and uncertainty about the future.
P: Lord, calm our fears and help us to place our trust in you.
L: Come, let us worship God whose love is abundant.
P: Let us praise the God of our salvation who watches over us always. AMEN.
*Opening Hymn “As the Deer” TFWS #2025
Prayer of the Day (Psalm 42) Mary Petrina Boyd
Come, O God, be with us here. As much as a deer longs for streams of cool water, we long to know that you are with us. When trouble and sorrow come, we need you. Help us remember that you are always with us, and that your love is steadfast. Put your song into our hearts, that we may praise you this day. Amen.
Scripture Readings
1 Kings 19:1-15a
Litany/Reading Nancy C. Townley
Reader: There, that should do it. I think that I have erected enough barricades and barriers to prevent anyone from harming me and my family. We will be safe, come hell or high water. We don’t have to fear. We have full provisions, weapons, blankets, food, portable radio, cards and games to play, candles. We can ride out any storm. Bring it on!
Voice: God is waiting for you to act in ways of peace.
Reader: Peace! Hah! I don’t have time for that kind of talk! This is war! My way of life is being threatened!
Voice: God is waiting for you to place your trust in God’s care.
Reader: Right! Where has that ever gotten me? You hear the news and see the terror. It’s everywhere. I intend to make sure that it doesn’t come here.
Voice: The terror has won. It has laid claim to your life.
Reader: No it hasn’t. I’m just cautious. I don’t want to be caught unprotected, unready.
Voice: Your fear is growing; blanketing you in deep darkness. Speak your fears!
Reader: I’ve already told you. I don’t want things to change. I have worked hard for everything I have and now it could be all wiped out.
Voice: God will provide for you.
Reader: I don’t think so. My sins are too many. God doesn’t want anything to do with me. I stand here behind my walls - God doesn’t break through - God doesn’t hear my cries.
Voice: Do not be afraid. God is with you. Let your heart find rest in the Lord.
Reader: But what will happen? I am so frightened!
Voice: Come out from behind the barriers of fear and terror. Place your trust in the Lord. Build walls of peace; set tables with the food of compassion and understanding; look at one another as God’s beloved children. Know that God is with you.
Reader: Help me, Lord. Help me…….please, help me.
Voice: God will always help you.
Message
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
Lord, we hear the stories in the Bible of Christ’s forgiving love. We look at them from a distance, believing that we could never be forgiven by God. We want to measure our sins on a grand scale, but in truth it is the little ways in which we disown you and run from your presence that form the foundation of our sins. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to be open to the needs of others. We have so much that we can do, and sometimes, O Lord, we are overwhelmed by the needs. We become paralyzed and fearful. Ease our hearts and give us strength and courage to be active witnesses for you. Give us such faith that we may place our whole trust in you. This day we have brought before you the names of people near and dear to us to be lifted in prayer. Some of these needs are for healing, for comfort, for solace; others are prayers of celebration and joy. All of these things we offer to you. Help us to truly believe in your abiding love in answer to all prayers that we willingly place our lives in your care. Heal and restore us; for we ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Ami R. Sawtelle
God was watching over Elijah as he pronounced his words or warning to Ahab and stood against the many that opposed him. God is with us in the difficult places as well. Let us offer unto God our gifts of thanksgiving, that other’s might know that they too are not alone even though the world is bleak.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
* Offering Prayer Mary Petrina Boyd
Generous God, you are always with us, always caring for us, always drawing us together. We are so grateful for your loving presence. We bring our gifts before you today, that this offering may reach out in love to your people everywhere. Amen.
* Hymn to Send us Into the World “There Is a Balm in Gilead” UMH #375
* Benediction Nancy C. Townley
God has poured blessing after blessing upon you. You are healed and sent forth to serve in God’s world. Go in peace and may God’s peace always be with you. AMEN.
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Call to Worship, Litany/Reading, Pastoral Prayer & Benediction by Nancy C. Townley, found at Worship Connection for June 19, 2022 on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission
Prayer of the Day & Offering prayer by Mary Petrina Boyd; from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022 edited by Mary J. Scifres & B.J. Beu. Found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“As the Deer” WORDS: Martin J. Nystrom, (PS 42:1); MUSIC: Martin J. Nystrom; TUNE: AS THE DEER; © 1984 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. By The Copyright Co. CCLI #1431. Used with permission.
“There Is a Balm in Gilead” WORDS: Afro-American spiritual (Jer. 8:22); MUSIC: Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. By William Farley Smith, 1986; © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; TUNE: BALM IN GILEAD; words in the public domain. CCLI# 5612914. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Google Images, www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&ogbl, June 15, 2022.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $4,708.74
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
7TH Sunday of Easter
Ascension Sunday
May 29, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
Along with the Yard Sale, we are considering a Bake Sale if enough people offer to bake things. If not, just grilled chicken is a possibility....
Please tell us what you think!! Reply to Pastor Ami or Connie - celinnell77@tops-tele.com
Transition to Worship (Acts 1, Luke 24)
Wait to be clothed with power from on high. The one who ascended will come to us again, bringing new life and new hope.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship (Psalm 47)
Clap your hands, people of God.
Shout to God with cries of joy.
Look to the heavens, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Witness the power of our God.
Clap your hands, people of God.
Shout to God with cries of joy.
*Opening Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” UMH #154
Prayer of the Day
God of mystery, part the veil that keeps us from seeing your full glory and might. Open our eyes to behold the risen Christ, who ascended to you in glory. Open our hearts this day, that our spirits may ascend to you as he ascended that day. Focus our thoughts on the power of your salvation, that we may move beyond the mundane to contemplate mysteries and wonders worthy of our meditations. May we be found worthy of your great gifts, and may we be clothed with your power on high. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
Message
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
The watchword for this day is “Wait!” We have a hard time with that, O Lord. We want to get out and do something for you. We want to serve. We are itching to move and be about your work. Yet you call us to wait, until the spirit is given to us. We are afraid of waiting - because sometimes it means losing our enthusiasm. Give us courage and strength to prepare our spirits for your service. Help us to know that you are with us always, opening our hearts and minds to your work and your will for us. As we have gathered this day to hear of Jesus’ ascension, make us ready for your service. Help us to trust in all that Jesus said. For the time is coming, when our witness will be crucial, when our words and actions will reveal your love and healing power. Make us ready, Lord, for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
In thanksgiving and praise, let us offer unto God a portion of that which God has gifted us, that others may know of God’s unfailing love.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer
Your power and might, O God, bring forth our worship and praise. Your love and mercy, Compassionate One, call forth our gratefulness and thanksgiving. In appreciation for your blessing in our lives, we offer you these gifts from our hearts, this fruit of our industry. Receive them, we pray, in the name of the one who ascended to heaven, that our lives here on earth might be filled with your Spirit. Amen.
* Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” UMH #384
* Benediction
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by B. J. Beu from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022, May 29,2022, found @ MinistryMatters.com.
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – WORDS: Edward Perronet, 1779; alt. by John Rippon, 1787; MUSIC: Oliver Holden, 1792;5) TUNE: CORONATION. Words & music in the public domain; CCLI #25400. Used with permission.
Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 29, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1747; MUSIC: John Zundel, 1870; TUNE: BEECHES; words and music in the public domain. CCLI # 40306. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH Sunday of Easter
Heritage Sunday
May 22, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Prelude
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Announcements
We Are in Mission:
Transition to Worship (John 14:25-27; NRS)
[Jesus said,] “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship Psalm 67 UMH 791
*Opening Hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” UMH 723
Prayer of the Day Nancy C. Townley
How magnificent the sight must be! The vision of John proclaims a crystal river flowing from God’s throne, comforting light, peace and hope for all God’s people. Darkness is vanquished. Open our eyes and our hearts to catch a glimpse of this vision. Help us to place our trust in you, that we may faithfully serve you, knowing what awaits our eyes in glory. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Acts 16:9-15
Revelation 21:1-10, 22–22:5
John 14:23-29
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
As I was trying to write my sermon this week, I kept being distracted by thoughts of the mass shooting in Buffalo, at a local grocery in a predominantly black part of town. I was distracted by thoughts of a white teenager being so filled with hatred for people that didn’t look just like him that he drove some 200 miles in order to kill those whose skin was a different color from his. I cry unto God, why? Why have your people drifted so far from you that they think the killing of others is a good thing; that passing judgement based on their limited human understanding of the world is justified?
We are bombarded daily by the media in ways that encourage us to take specific stances, no matter what side of the political aisle we call home. There seems to be a growing pressure to believe that ours is the only way things should work, and anyone who doesn’t believe as we believe and act as we act should, at best, be demonized for their own understanding if not set up as a target for violence.
In John 14, in what is often termed Jesus’ farewell discourse, Jesus speaks to the disciples of love. Love has been Jesus theme throughout his ministry. He has called on people to love God and to love one another. In this instance, Jesus tells the disciples, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” Love of Jesus, love of God is Jesus base for bringing people into the kingdom.
In Revelation, John, during his vision, hears a voice declare, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
We see the Revelation of John as speaking of eschatological, end times, a time when judgement will come upon all the earth and people will be judged for their actions, as well perhaps for their inactions. What if we are approaching those end times? What if the wars and rumors of wars which we hear daily, threats of violence and reports of violence that permeate the media, are a part of the final days before the judgement comes? Are we ready to stand before the throne to be judged with others?
I find it interesting that John’s vision doesn’t show just a group of Jews being saved. Instead, the vision is people of all nations coming before the judgement throne, of kings from nations bringing glory into the final reign of God’s realm.
How do we tolerate the divisive rhetoric that is tearing our country apart? When we stand up for what we believe God calls us to stand for, it puts us in direct opposition to others. The most important part of our stance though is not about media pundits leading the way, telling us what we should and should not tolerate from those we oppose. It is most importantly about what God is trying to say through us. It is about speaking God’s language of love for all nations and God’s desire for all nations to come to the throne from which flows the water of life.
We may not be able to stop all the violence, hatred, greed, and desire for power that currently divides our country, but if we have the strength and courage to share a counter message of love for others, of hope, not despair, in the face of the economic challenges that now face us, if we share the grace and mercy we have received with others that they too may know God’s love, then perhaps we can be a part of the change that will help usher in God’s reign on earth.
The tree of life, with its 12 fruits, is a sign of hope in a world starving from famine, drought and fire. The leaves of that tree are for the healing of the nations. Such healing must mean an end to war, violence and hatred, but it is so slow in coming that many will die before the healing occurs. As we share the love we have experienced through Jesus Christ though, we will help others to find their way into the New Jerusalem, a place where, God dwells and hope is a realized future.
Let us stand against the hatred and subsequent violence that is ravaging our country and the world. Let us instead work for tolerance, love and peace, that all may see God’s hand in the coming of hope in the world. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
Lord, we can only imagine the scene painted for us in Revelation in which we are given a glimpse of eternity. The light of your love pours over all the land, bathing it in healing warmth and hope. We have gathered this day to celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ. He said to the disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid”. How many times we are troubled and fearful. We feel hopeless in the face of an uncertain future. Help us to place our trust in your love. Open our hearts to see the wonder of your eternity. Release us from our anger, loneliness, and despair. Bring us to the realization that in your love we may find peace and joy. For it is in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that we offer this prayer. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
The nations gathered at the throne of God to worship. We have gathered this day to do likewise. What gifts are we bringing that we may help to shine God’s light in the dark places in our community, that others may be drawn to the light and know God’s exceeding love?
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH 94
Offering Prayer
Light of the World, God of mercy and grace, receive now these small gifts, offerings of thanksgiving and praise for all you have done for us; use them to bring light to all nations, that in the fullness of time, all may gather before your throne and sing your praises. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “For the Healing of the Nations” UMH 428
*Benediction
May the God of all the nations, be gracious and bless you.
May Christ, redeemer of all creation, heal your brokenness.
May the Holy Spirit, imbue you with peace and hope in the midst of these turbulent times. Amen.
Postlude
Worship Notes
:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Ami R. Sawtelle.
“Shall We Gather at the River” – WORDS: & MUSIC: Robert Lowry, 1864 (Rev. 22:1-5) TUNE: HANSON PLACE. Words & music in the public domain.
Prayer of the Day and Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 22, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“For the Healing of the Nations” WORDS: Fred Kaan, 1965 (Rev. 21:1-22:5) © 1968 The United Methodist Publishing House. MUSIC: John Hughes, 1907; TUNE: CWM RHONDA; in the public domain. CCLI # 1510804. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5th Sunday of Easter
May 15, 2022 Abigail Fleming
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
Transition to Worship (Acts 11: 17 NIRV)
“God gave them the same gift he gave those of us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. So who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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.
Call to Worship
An Invitation to All!
(based on Matt. 15:21-28; Isa. 56:1, 6-8; Rom. 11:1-2, 29-32)
Come and worship, all you who love and serve the Lord--
outsiders and insiders,
old-timers and new-comers,
the young, old and the in-between.
Come as you are,
for this is God’s house—a house of prayer for all people,
and God welcomes each one who comes.
*Opening Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful UMH #147
Prayer of the Day
Lord, give us new strength so that we can build places of belonging: To create a community for all to share their gifts, To know that each of us is loved, To help us to see the light of Christ in all that we serve. Let us remember that each of us is loved, each of us is willed and each of us is necessary. We pray this in your name. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
Message
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer
Holy God, we come before you in prayer,
lifting to you the joys and concerns,
the hopes and dreams of our lives.
May we also be open to your voice in our lives
that we may see with new eyes, and hear with new ears,
the direction you will have us to go.
Bless, we pray, this gathering of your people
that we may grow and flourish in your love and grace
for the purpose to which you have called us.
Hear our prayers for those whose lives have touched us--
those who are in pain, those who are ill, those who grieve.
May we touch their lives not only through our prayers,
but through our lives and actions as well.
Guide us, bless us, uplift us, and hold us,
for we are your children called to our purpose in your world.
Hear our prayers, those spoken and those hidden in our hearts,
we pray in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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,
And the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
Offering Our Gifts to God
“What gift do we bring, what measure, what token?” opening words of a hymn by Jane Marshall that remind us of our need, our desire, to give thanks and praise to God for the richness of God’s blessings. As we seek to be in ministry in our community, we must “count the cost,” the cost of what is required to keep lights and heat on, that we might provide a place of hope to others, a place that we might gather to recharge, a location that allows us to reach out to our community to offer them a haven from the cares struggles of the world.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation; through your goodness we have this money to offer, the fruit of our labour and of the skills you have given us. Take us and our possessions to do your work in the world. Blessed be God for ever.
* Hymn to Send Us Into the World Make Me a Channel of Your Peace The Faith We Sing 2171
* Benediction
Worship Notes:
Call to Worship: from https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/08/call-to-worship-august-14-2011.html
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Prayer of the Day: (From the Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education, Loyola University, Chicago.)
Pastoral Prayer:~ posted on Life in Liturgy, from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). https://lifeinliturgy. wordpress.com/
Offering Prayer: (Archdiocese of Chicago)
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4TH Sunday of Easter
Mothers’ Day – Native American Ministries Sunday
May 8, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
Transition to Worship (Acts 9, John 21) AWA 2022
We think we know what will happen and how things will turn out. But then God’s Spirit surprises us. Trust the Spirit at work in you now.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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.
Call to Worship WC
L: Awake! Rise up!
P: There is much to be done in the Lord’s Name today.
L: Get ready to worship and to serve God.
P: We are ready to hear God’s word for us and to respond in action and love.
L; Open your hearts to God’s will this day.
P: Praise be to God who walks with us and guides us. AMEN.
*Opening Hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” UMH #127
Prayer of the Day BOW 437
In you O God, every family on earth receives its name. Illumine the homes of this earth with the light of your love, granting courage to those who are hurt or lonely, endurance to those who care for sick family members, and wisdom to those in fearful times of change.
We thank you for gifts of love we have received from mother, father, spouse, child, or companion.
As we have been loved by you and by others, so may we love.
Grant us your peace, through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
(Ruth Duck. U.S.A., 20th cent. alt.)
Scripture Readings
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23 UMH 754
John 10:22-30
Message
Today is “Mother’s Day,” in the secular world a time for buying gifts for the mothers in our lives, of recognizing their importance to us. A time we also acknowledge in churches because of the importance of mothers in our own lives. Before we get all schmaltzy about it though, we must acknowledge that not all mothers fit the idyllic concept of motherhood. Some are addicted to drugs or activities that hamper their ability to properly care for their children. Some are so self-focused that children are ignored or exploited for what they can do for the mother. Some even bring physical, mental and/or emotional harm to their children. As much as we would all like to have perfect mothers, not all mothers are perfect.
Today’s reading from Acts invites us to look at another aspect of the women in our lives, this one a very positive one. “There was a disciple whose name was Tabitha,” a significant statement in the time following the death of Christ. A woman, in a society where power and honor was more focused on the men, recognized by name as a disciple, one who was “devoted to good works and acts of charity” as she lived out her discipleship each day.
Male or female, these are significant words of praise. Tabitha/Dorcas was recognized for her discipleship and for the gifts she manifests. What of us, would anyone dare to call us disciples? What would they say of our discipleship? How are we using the gifts God has given us as we live as disciples?
I have done numerous funerals, both for members of churches as well as members of the community, where people speak of how “Mom, Dad, etc.” would give people the shirt of their backs. What a wonderful epitaph, but what of their discipleship? Sometimes I will hear, “mom believed, she read her bible faithfully,” but what of her discipleship? The first group, did they acknowledge God as the source of their generosity? For the latter, did they live out their faith in ways that invited others to discover the God they followed? Did they actively live their faith in the world, or hide it beneath a bushel basket?
Discipleship is a living out of our beliefs in the world in ways that call attention, not to ourselves, but to the one who is the leader and guide of our discipleship. Discipleship is about being shepherded by Jesus and being able to recognize that voice, sharing what the voice sounds like with others, that they too may follow.
Tabitha apparently used her gifts and talents to care for the widows around her. She stopped just hearing about Jesus and began to do something for those in her community who found themselves in a lonely, challenging situation; trying to survive in a world that treated women as objects rather than as important people; that looked upon those who were widows as of even lesser value than other women who were valued as little more than possessions sometimes.
There are people in our own community who, like the widows for whom Tabitha cared, are in need of someone to care for them, to reach out in friendship to help allay the loneliness of their widow/widowerhood, to help with tasks that once were easy enough to do, but which have now become almost impossible due to declining mobility and health. There are people who suffer from isolation brought about by changes in financial circumstances as well as due to lack of transportation or other resources.
Sometimes we know of situations and try to take care of them ourselves, but perhaps, in order that we ourselves don’t become overwhelmed, we might work to invite others to join us as we minister to friends and neighbors. Are there needs in our community that could use a bit of attention? I had someone suggest recently that we find ways to become involved in ministries that help others in our community by helping with yard work or maybe some minor home repairs or building a ramp. I know that many are reaching an age where this is not of interest, but is there a way we could invite some of the youth who used to attend to be a part of such endeavors? COVID is still very much with us, but we are beginning to learn to live with it. If we are careful, wearing masks and such if the task is indoors, we might not only bring some of the young people back among us for projects, but also change the lives of our friends and neighbors as we share God’s love through hands on assistance as Tabitha did. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Shepherd of us all, we bow before you in humble acknowledgement of our failure to live as you have called us to live, in loving harmony with you while sharing the stories of your love with others through thought, word and deed. Forgive us when we stumble. Pick us up and bind our wounds, then once more set us on the pathway to loving grace that you have offered all who know and serve you. We acknowledge the wrongs we have done to other peoples, particularly of this land, but also of other countries as we attempt to impose our way of life and understanding of you upon them. We ask your loving attention and guidance to those who are mother figures in our lives, the ones who pick us up and hold us in loving arms as they wipe away our tears of despair. For those who struggle with addiction and despair, heal their hearts, minds and spirits, that they may once more find hope in life. For those who desperately want to become parents, but are unable, bring hope and open them to alternative ways of parenthood, blessing them with children who, though not of their biologic origin, are their beloved children in all aspects of the meaning of parenthood just as we have become adopted children in the family of those chosen by your Son, Jesus. For those who grieve, whether it is loss of life, loss of income, loss of material things or other losses, bring peace in the midst of their grief and hope in the midst of their despair. May your reign of peace break out in our fractured world and may those whose focus is on power at the expense of others have their hearts changed that such power may be funneled into care for all. And now Mighty One, as we remember the teachings of your precious child, we offer up the words he taught his disciples in a new way, a way the acknowledges the understanding of you from the standpoint of some of the original settlers in this land.
The Lord’s Prayer Northern Woodland Native Imagery by Pat Parent
Great Spirit,
who lives in the sky,
sacred is your name.
May your will be done with us,
as it is with the ancestors.
Give us what we need today.
Forgive us our wrongs
as we forgive those who wrong us.
And lead us not down darkened paths,
but out into the meadows of your light.
For you are everything.
Your power and glory
are greater than the sun,
and will be forever. Aho. Amen.
Offering Our Gifts to God
“What gift do we bring, what measure, what token?” opening words of a hymn by Jane Marshall that remind us of our need, our desire, to give thanks and praise to God for the richness of God’s blessings. As we seek to be in ministry in our community, we must “count the cost,” the cost of what is required to keep lights and heat on, that we might provide a place of hope to others, a place that we might gather to recharge, a location that allows us to reach out to our community to offer them a haven from the cares struggles of the world.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer
Eternal Spirit, you who created all peoples in your image, to you we offer gifts of thanksgiving and praise. We offer ourselves, that you may use us to share your love to others. We offer our time and our talents, gifts that you have given us, back to you for your use and glory. We offer our treasures, monetary and otherwise, that your name and your love may be known by all people. Take all that we have and all that we may become and use them to your glory, in the name of the Holy Trinity we pray, amen.
* Hymn to send us into the world “Easter People, Raise Your Voices” UMH #304
* Benediction
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Ami R. Sawtelle.
AWA2022 – by Mary Petrina Boyd, ”Abingdon Worship Annual 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” – WORDS: William Williams, 1745; trans. from the Welsh by Peter Williams and the author, 1771. MUSIC: John Hughes, 1907; TUNE: CWM RHONDDA. Words and music in the public domain. CCLI #1448.
WC – by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 8, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
BOW 437 from the United Methodist Book of Worship © 1992 The United Methodist Publishing House - Prayer from Touch Holiness p. 222, © 1990.Used by permission of The Pilgrim Press; 700 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.
The Lord’s Prayer - Northern Woodland Native Imagery by Pat Parent – used with permission.
“Easter People, Raise Your Voices” WORDS: William M. James, 1979; © 199 The United Methodist Publishing House. MUSIC: Henry T. Smart, 1867; TUNE: REGENT SQUARE; in the public domain. CCLI # 424764. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3rd Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Prelude
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We are in Mission:
Transition to Worship (Acts 9, John 21) AWA 2022
We think we know what will happen and how things will turn out. But then God’s Spirit surprises us. Trust the Spirit at work in you now.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Call to Worship WC
L: Christ asked Peter if he loved him.
P: Peter affirmed three times his love of the Lord.
L: Christ asks us if we love him.
P: We affirm our love of the Lord in our worship
L: Christ calls us to demonstrate our love in service.
P: Lord, help us to witness to your love in the ways in which we care for others. AMEN
*Opening Hymn “Amazing Grace” UMH #378
Prayer of the Day WC
God of power and might, let your love shine on us and through us to others. Take the blindness from our eyes and our hearts. Give us the joy of knowing and serving you in all that we say, think and do. In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Prayer of Confession WC
We rejoice in the wonder of your resurrection, O Christ, but then tend to sink back into our old ways of thinking, behaving, responding to people’s needs. We can dance with the angels and all humankind on Easter Sunday, but the days following the Day of Resurrection cause us to slip back into apathy or despair. Forgive us when we so easily become distracted by our own cares and worries that we ignore the needs of others around us. Forgive us when we forget your power and love for us. Charge us up, O Lord! Set our hearts to dancing! Give us a spirit for rejoicing, willing hearts and hands for helping, voices for praising you forever! AMEN.
Words of Assurance WC
Sing! Shout! Rejoice! Jesus calls you to serve because of his love for you. He believes in you and all the gifts you have been given! Do not be afraid. Christ is with you always.
Scripture Readings
John 21:1-19
Message
Jesus comes in everyday situations
The disciples have now seen Jesus following the resurrection, but they have not moved out from that experience to a new call to share the message, instead they have seemingly returned to some of their former occupations. The disciples appear to just be hanging around when they take a notion to go fishing. Remember, fish in the region where they were, were more likely to be caught at night rather than in daytime. This is not the first time we hear of the disciples going fishing and returning with empty nets and boats, but this time they don’t argue with the person telling them to fish on a particular side of the boat. They comply and are rewarded once more by an overabundance of fish. It isn’t until “that disciple whom Jesus loved,” recognized Jesus that things begin to change.
Jesus came to the disciples in the midst of a normal activity, fishing, calling them to shore, providing an abundant harvest for them, then inviting them to a meal.
Sometimes we get caught up in looking for Jesus in the miraculous situation or only in the building we call “the church” or some other very particular place. Jesus often comes in the everyday, in the not so unusual of a fishing trip that has been unsuccessful, in a journey, such as the one Saul was making when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, in a simple meal that ends up satisfying not only our physical needs, but somehow, in the sharing in the meal, our spiritual needs.
When we think of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus, they happen in rather ordinary circumstances, transforming those circumstances from mundane to life changing. Jesus first appears in the garden to a grief-stricken woman, offering her hope in the midst of her grief. He appears in the room with disciples who are gathered in grief and fear as they await the coming of authorities to arrest and in-prison or kill them, bringing peace and hope. He joins believers on a walk as they talk about the happenings of the previous week, their disappointment and their wonder as they share about the experience of the women at the tomb. As he breaks bread with them, he brings astonishment, amazement and joy into their lives that encourages them to run back the way they had come to share the story with others. Then, in today’s story, Jesus transforms a disappointing fishing trip into an abundant harvest, perhaps foretelling the harvest that is to come as the disciple move out. He shares a meal that feeds their physical needs, but as the meal is completed, he singles out Peter, the disciple whose faith was not strong enough to admit his relationship with Jesus on that last night before the crucifixion, extending forgiveness as he calls Peter into a lifetime of service.
As you see, Jesus comes to people at time of grief and need, as well as at other times in the ordinariness of life. Jesus can and does extend to us the hand of forgiveness, lifting us out of our self-recriminations and guilt. Jesus also calls upon us to live our lives, not with a focus on what we desire for ourselves, but calls us to lives of abundant harvest as we share the hope and joy we receive in our own encounters with Jesus and with the holy.
As we gather ‘round the table in a few minutes, let us not look for Jesus in the building and surroundings in which we gather, but in the life-giving acts of sharing bread and fruit of the vine with one another. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Time with families
Spring!
Concerns:
Ken
Gary and Linda
Ukraine
Pastoral Prayer WC
Lord Jesus, we slouch in our seats. We sit back and relax. The rush of Easter is over, the excitement which carried us to Easter and to the room where Jesus appeared to the disciples is wearing off. We just aren’t sure what to do now that the journey to the Cross is completed. Help us to understand that the Cross is not our ending point, but rather the pivotal point. Help us to be people of astounding faith, who have seen the light of Resurrection, who know that you have conquered death. Fear cannot claim and bind us. You have released us to serve others and witness to the glorious good news. As we have brought the names of those near and dear to us to you in prayer, help us to feel the rejuvenating power of your love in our lives. Inspire us to move into compassionate ministries to your world. For we ask these things in the name of our Risen Lord. AMEN
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94*
Offering Prayer (Revelation 5, John 21) AWA 2022
O God, you have power and wisdom and might. You deserve honor and glory. We come to you, Holy One, blessed by your abundant life, to offer ourselves as your faithful workers. We bring our gifts this day, trusting that they will serve your people. Amen.
Hymn of Preparation “In Remembrance of Me” (v.v. 1-2) TFWS #225
Great Thanksgiving AWA 2022
L: God be with you.
P: And also with you.
L: Rejoice and be glad.
P: We praise God with joy.
L: Thanks be to God.
P: We thank God with our whole hearts.
We join with every creature in heaven and on earth, every creature under the earth and in the sea, to sing your praises. You created all that is, bringing forth goodness and new life. You are at work in our world still, transforming lives, healing brokenness, comforting those who mourn. Your people were not always faithful. They followed their own desires, lashing out in anger, forgetting those in need. You sent prophets to call them back to your paths, reminding them of your love, and telling them to care for one another. You were always faithful, for you loved your people.
And so, we join all creation as we sing praise to you:
Worthy is our God and worthy is Jesus Christ! Power and might be yours! Wisdom and honor be yours! Glory and blessing be yours! Amen and amen. Now and forever. Amen.
You gave us Jesus to walk with us and to show us your love. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught us your ways. He showed us the abundance of your love and reminded us to share it with others.
On the night before his death, Jesus gathered with his followers, telling them to love one another. He shared a meal with them, taking bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it to them, saying, “This is my very being. When you eat this, remember that I am with you.” He took the cup, blessed it, and gave it, saying, “This is the cup of forgiveness, poured out in abundance for you and for all people. As you drink this, remember that I am with you.”
And so, we offer our very selves, with glad and grateful hearts, as we proclaim this mystery:
Christ was with us from the beginning. Christ is with us today. Christ will be with us until the end of time.
Send your spirit of abundant love upon these gifts of the earth, bread and wine. Transform them, by the power of your grace, into food for our bodies and nourishment for our souls. Send your Spirit upon us, and transform us by the power of your Wisdom, that we may become the body of Christ, feeding his lambs, and tending to his sheep. All praise is yours, God of power and might, wisdom and honor, glory and blessing. All praise is yours, now and forever.
Amen.
Prayer (May be sung to the TUNE: TEARRA BEATA; “This Is My Father’s World”)
Father of earth and heaven,
Thy hungry children feed,
Thy grace be to our spirits given,
That true immortal bread.
Grant us and all our race
In Jesus Christ to prove
The sweetness of thy pardoning grace.
The manna of thy love.
Sharing in the Feast
A Love Feast is not Holy Communion, but it is a shared meal when no one is available to consecrate the elements. It is recommended that grape juice not be used as it may confuse people. Sharing with water, coffee, tea, or other beverage as you reflect back on the above service and share insights you have gained is one possible practice in which you may wish to engage.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “In Remembrance of Me” (v.3) TFWS #2254
*Benediction
Postlude
Worship Notes
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
AWA2022 – by Mary Petrina Boyd, ”Abingdon Worship Annual 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
WC – by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 1, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“Amazing Grace,” WORDS: John Newton, 1779, st. 6 anon.; MUSIC: 19th cent. USA melody; harm. by Edwin o. Excell, 1900. TUNE: AMAZING GRACE; words and music in the public domain.
”Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” words: Thomas Ken, 1674; adapt. By Gilbert H. Vieira, 1978; Tune: LASST UNS ERFREUEN, Geistliche Kirchengesänge, 1623; harm. by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Adapt. © The United Methodist Publishing House. Music in the Public Domain. CCLI # 3063266, Used by permission.
“In Remembrance of Me,” WORDS: Ragan Courtney (Matt. 6:10; 1 Cor. 11:23-25) MUSIC: Buryl Red; TUNE: RED; © 1972 Broadman Press, assigned to Van Ness Press, Inc.; CCLI #25156. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
April’s Collections to Date: $951
Easter: $203
Other: $617
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2ND Sunday of Easter
April 24, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
Transition to Worship
Belief is one of those things with which people sometimes struggle. Even those that seem to have a strong, even powerful, faith can go through times where they struggle to believe in the face of overwhelming challenges. The disciples, despite journeying with Jesus for about 3 years, struggle the whole time with understanding Jesus and his mission. It is only after they encounter the resurrected Jesus that their faith turns a corner, and their lack of clarity is transformed into a powerful witness not to be stopped by the powers of the authorities. May the
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Call to Worship (Psalm 150)
Leader: Praise the LORD!
People: Praise God in God’s sanctuary;
Leader: praise God in the mighty firmament!
People: Praise God for God’s mighty deeds;
Leader: praise God according to God’s surpassing greatness!
People: Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
*Opening Hymn “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain” UMH #315
Prayer of the Day
Holy, merciful, and loving God, as we move from the busyness of our world to the joyous celebration of the Resurrection, we pause to reflect and give thanks to you for the gift of Jesus, for the wonder of a love willing to suffer in solidarity with the people not only of that time, but the people of all times. We remember the joy of that day, when the tomb was found empty, and Jesus appeared to some of his closest friends, and we join in the celebration. May our thoughts and prayers be found acceptable, and may we always remember, we are never alone. In the name of the Trinity we pray, amen.
Scripture Readings
First Reading Acts 5:27-32
Second Reading John 20:19-31
Message
Friday a week ago, we mourned with the disciples as they watched their hopes die upon the cruel Roman cross. They had been unable to remember what Jesus had told them of his coming death and promised resurrection. On Sunday, we journeyed with the mourning women to the garden tomb, as they prepared to honor Jesus with the last, loving preparation of his body, following his death. Their mourning turned to amazement as they found the tomb empty and encountered two heavenly messengers who reminded them of Jesus’ promise of resurrection hope. Unfortunately, when they told the disciples, they were not believed, though Peter was at least curious and checked out their story. We are now later in the day of that same day, about evening, and the disciples are in hiding for fear they will meet the same end as Jesus.
Were we in the same circumstances, I suspect we would be responding just like the disciples. Grief hits us hard, altering our ability to process information no matter how recently we have received it. We have just journeyed through 2 long years of a pandemic that doesn’t seem to want to completely let go. Many of us have things to mourn. There is the mourning of parents over the loss of educational time and the fears they have for their children while attending in-person classes. There is the mourning of those who have lost jobs and economic security due to the impact of the pandemic on the economy. There is the grief of the hundreds of thousands of families who have had a family member die because to the pandemic, as well as the mourning due to the long-term health concerns of those who suffer from “long COVID.”
As the disciples gathered that evening, I suspect their focus was on their grief. They had forgotten everything Jesus had told them his last few weeks with them concerning what was about to happen. Imagine being in the room with them. Imagine the grief, the fear, as they awaited a knock on the door announcing the presence of authorities to arrest them. We are blessed to live in a country where there is more freedom for many of us, where for the most part we don’t have to fear a knock at the door, though there are communities and groups of people, particularly those with darker skin for which such a knock at the door could be the harbinger of death.
I suspect the disciples were struggling with what God’s plan was. They had hopes that Jesus would be the one to lead them from their lives under Roman rule into a time when the Jewish people would no longer need to fear for their lives as the went about their daily tasks. I suspect many people today wonder about God’s plan in light of the pandemic. They wonder if God is even present as their loved ones are struggling to breathe, as they bury their father, their mother, the sons and daughters. They think God has deserted the world as they try to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads, just one paycheck away from homelessness. Faith in a time like this can be difficult.
Not all the disciples were present. Judas had, by now, committed suicide and Thomas was elsewhere. Those that were present must have been amazed to see Jesus in their midst, particularly as the doors were locked. How had he gotten in? But their shock quickly turned to joy, as Jesus showed them his hands and feet, confirming he was who they thought he was. They finally believed, though the strength of that faith might still be a bit shaky.
This story is often called the story of Doubting Thomas, but we know that all of the disciples had a problem with belief, despite being told by the women that Jesus was alive. We can be excused for our own struggles to believe because, unlike the disciples, we have not seen Jesus’ physical presence nor have we physically journeyed with Jesus as the disciples did for three years or so.
Despite these struggles, we are expected to believe; to believe that God was willing to become incarnate (given a human body) and walk the roads around Galilee and Jerusalem, teaching and healing wherever he went. Yet, there are so many stories, stories that capture our hopes, our needs, and seem to point to a possibility, a possibility that though difficult to accept, fills our hearts with joy.
The testimony of Peter and the others before the council, shows their move from disbelief to fully invested belief, a belief so powerful that they are willing to put their freedom, their lives on the line to standup to those who challenged them: “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29b-32)
As we hear the stories of the disciples, of the early followers of Jesus, as we later hear the stories of the early church, let us be open to the reinforcement of our own belief. Let us move from a place of unsure faith, to a place of powerful faith that fills us and moves us from timidity to a powerful witness that helps change the lives of those around us and, eventually, the world.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer
Holy One, we acknowledge that we don’t always understand what you are doing in the world. We think we know how things should work, how people should act and be treated, but we don’t always stand up and stand out when things aren’t up to your standards of unconditional love. Change our hearts. Strengthen our faith, that we may boldly stand up to those who are in power and call on them to change in ways that show your love for all.
We pray for those who are sick, are struggling with cancer, are recovering from surgery, may the caregivers be wise and compassionate and may healing occur rapidly. We pray for the people of Ukraine as they continue to stand against those who would force them from their homes, their livelihoods, their country. May your peace break out, overwhelming the powers of darkness with a light of peace so bright at all will be drawn to it. We pray for the division in our own country. May we once again work together toward common goals rather than seeking to limit the power of those who oppose us, creating a gridlock that hurts the most vulnerable in our society.
Jesus walked the highways and byways of his time, teaching, healing, feeding. When he needed strengthening, he took time away from the busyness of his ministry to withdraw to the hills for prayer. When his disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he said, “Pray then in this way,” (Mt 6:9a)
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
Jesus called to his disciples, to go from their places of comfort into the world. When they lost hope, he came to them, showing them once more the power and glory of God. May we now offer from the blessings we have received, gifts of thanksgiving and praise.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Loving God, to you we offer these, our gifts of thanksgiving and praise; accept them, accept us, multiplying our gifts that your mission may be carried from the place in which we gather, into the world that is in need of your hope and love. Amen.
* Hymn to Send Us Into the World “We Walk by Faith” TFWS @2196
* Benediction
Go into the world, confident in God’s love for the world. Enter into the life of the world, as you follow the lead of Jesus, once dead, but now alive. Walk the world with confidence, knowing the Holy Spirit is with you always.
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Pastor Ami Sawtelle.
“Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain,” Words: John of Damascus; trans. by John Mason Neale, 1859 (Ex. 15); Tune: ST. KEVIN, by Arthur S. Sullivan, 1872. Words & music in the public domain, CCLI #355929.
”Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” words: Thomas Ken, 1674; adapt. By Gilbert H. Vieira, 1978; Tune: LASST UNS ERFREUEN, Geistliche Kirchengesänge, 1623; harm. by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Adapt. © The United Methodist Publishing House. Music in the Public Domain. CCLI # 3063266, Used by permission.
“We Walk by Faith,” words: Henry Alford, alt. (Mark 9:24; John 20:27-29); tune: MARYRDOM, attr. to Hugh Wilson. Words and music in the public domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
April’s Collections to Date: $591
Donation: $5,610
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Easter
April 17, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Announcements
Transition to Worship
The darkness of the tomb on Friday, took us to the depths of despair. We, with the disciples, knew that Christ was God’s Messiah. The dawning light of Easter, the bursting forth from the ground of new life, remind us that God is always present, that God’s ways far exceed the ability of humanity to understand. The despair that filled the faithful on Friday has been transformed into joyous celebration as Jesus, the Christ, demonstrated to the world God’s power over death and brought God’s Light once more into the world.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Call to Worship
Christ is alive!
The Earth is alive!
The Light is alive!
Our hearts are alive!
Let us worship God, the bringer of life and Light into the world!
Alleluia!
*Opening Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” UMH #302
Prayer of the Day
Creator of darkness and of light, you came into the darkness of a world filled with fear, pain, and despair to bring hope to all who heard your words and followed your way. The world was unable to recognize the wonder of a new way of life, but, in your triumph over the darkness of death, your Light now shines bright bringing hope today into our world filled with fear, pain, and despair. We give thanks for the wonder of Christ’s Light that is offered to each of us that it might shine bright as we move out into the world this day. Hear our songs and prayers of joy and thanksgiving this day and know our true thankfulness for all you have done for us. Amen.
Scripture Readings
First Reading: Acts 10:34-43
Second Reading: Luke 24:1-12
Message “They did not believe” Pastor Ami Sawtelle
It has been a long couple of days. Hearts broken by the apparent death of the one they believed would lead them out of captivity to the Romans was arrested and crucified by those very Romans in collusion with the Temple leadership. Their grief was palpable. That morning, as the women gathered from their homes, and went to the tomb of Jesus, they were not thinking about all that Jesus had told them when he was talking about dying, they were just struggling with their grief. Luke’s account does not tell us that Mary, the mother of Jesus was present, but she may have been also among the women that gathered that morning.
Many of us can understand Mary’s grief and that of the women that early Easter morning. Not everyone has lost a son, but most have lost a parent, a grandparent, or a dear friend. Those first few days of grief are often overwhelming. We are in shock and move through the pre-funeral days in a haze as we try to make decisions and deal with the endless phone calls and well-wishers who are themselves struggling with what to say, how to help. We can identify with the women who gathered that day to seek to visit Jesus one more time, even though the tomb was covered by a stone they would be unable to move.
The women provided support to one another as they grieved and as prepared to do the final preparation of the body of the beloved teacher and friend, they had watched die. Imagine their response when they got to the tomb. I have often wondered whether they thought, in advance, whether they could move the stone closing the tomb or not as they gathered the spices that morning, but when they arrived, they discovered the stone was not a hindrance to their entry into the tomb.
There are so many things that can act as large stones to our lives of trust and belief. The stone sealed the tomb attempting to keep Jesus’ followers from stealing the body. The stones in our lives are the things of the world that try to keep us from trusting that God really cares when we are struggling with loss and grief. The stones are the catcalls of the world that laugh at us and tell us we are wrong when we speak of a god willing to come to earth in human form, live a fully human life and die a fully human death. While not made of mineral, they are often just as hard to remove from our pathway as was the stone the women expected to encounter that morning.
As the women approached and found the stone gone, I wonder what they were thinking? They had heard what Jesus had said about dying and coming back three days later, but it had not hit home before, were they beginning to think about it? When they found the tomb empty, they were “perplexed.” Perplexed seems such a calm word to me, I would think ‘shocked’ would be a better description, maybe even angry or amazed, depending on to what they attributed the body’s absence. Perhaps they didn’t have time to move from their shock/surprise/perplexity to some other emotion before they were terrified by the appearance of “two men in dazzling clothes.”
These poor women were on a rollercoaster of emotion, not unlike the rollercoaster many of us find ourselves on as we grieve. We remember a birthday party and a stupid joke, and we smile and laugh until we are hit by our loss and immediately move to deep sadness, sometimes perhaps even shame, that we could show any levity in the midst of our grief. If we remember the life Jesus led before his death, he loved to share in big meals, and I suspect most of them were at least relaxed and pleasant if they weren’t occasionally rowdy. Remember the wedding at Cana? Jesus promised support for his disciples to help ease their pain, but in the immediate aftermath of his death, pain was the primary emotion.
It wasn’t until the dazzling figures called the women to task that they remembered the words Jesus spoke about his death and resurrection. It took this “knock up the side of the head,” for them to begin to process their grief enough that they could imagine a different outcome. When we grieve, we often get so fixed on our grief (we are human after all) that it takes weeks, even months for us to move beyond our deep feelings of loss to hope that when our own time on earth is at an end, we will be rejoined with our loved ones. We may speak the words, even at the funeral, but the real hope of the resurrection takes time to sink in for many of us.
For the women, their interactions with the dazzling messengers began their journey from deep grief to renewed hope and deeper faith. They were so impressed by what happened to them that they had to share the good news with Peter and the other apostles. It sounds like the apostles thought the women were just, “foolish women,” gullible or some other term that indicated not only their disbelief, but their thoughts on the wisdom of women in general. While Peter didn’t believe them initially, he was at least curious to see what had brought on this seeming irrational response from the women. Peter ran to the tomb, and, looking in, confirmed the absence of Jesus’ body. He left, “amazed at what happened,” but did he believe? Maybe, but the rest of the apostles remained in denial and grief, not daring to believe the wonder of the news the women brought them.
If we struggle with accepting the story of a death on a cross, followed by time in a tomb, then a miraculous resurrection, we are in good company. Those who walked with Jesus, day in and day out over the time of his ministry, found it impossible to believe at first themselves. They struggled with faith even when Jesus was right there with them, but eventually they came to the reality of the Resurrection and the fact of Jesus’ presence among them once more.
As we celebrate Easter, as we move beyond the commercialization of chocolate bunnies, Peeps, and Jelly Beans into a reflection on the why of Easter, let us hear the story anew and let the perplexity, the amaze, the terror and all of the other emotions experienced that day flood through and out of us, and let the joyous reality of Jesus fill our hearts once more; moving us from lives of night quite sure, like the disciples, to lives of overflowing confidence and love like the apostles eventually experienced. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Connie’s birthday—drum presentation
Time with adult children
Henry (Baby K) legally free for adoption!
Bob B. is cancer free.
Prayers for the Pierson family, Joyce died this week
Don’s friend, Don, under hospice care
Bernadette, going through many tests
Family of George Pratt
Pastoral Prayer
Light of the World, we rejoice in your presence in our lives and in the joy of resurrection hope. We know you conquered the forces of evil while you walked the earth and showed your power over them even when they tried to place you in a tomb. We wish we had your strength to stand against those who oppress the weak and those unable to advocate for themselves. We wish we had your courage to stand against the forces of evil in our world today but have to admit we often shrink from confrontation and turn our backs on tasks we deem to difficult even when there are needs for us to advocate for others. Forgive us for our human frailty and so fill us with your love that we are able to be your hands, feet, and voice to and for those who are in need of your hope. Today we lift to you our prayers of hope, of joy, of sorrow, and of concern. Hear us, heal us, help us, and rejoice with us we pray. We lift to you the world which you created, asking your healing for all of creation. Bring your reign of peace into the many areas of conflict, particularly we have the people of the Ukraine upon our hearts this day. Heal the many ills that are touching upon this congregation and this community today. May all know your healing presence in their lives and lean upon your strength and support. We lift up all who mourn, may they find peace in the hope of the resurrection and trust in your grace and mercy. We share with you the joy of spring time, the return of the birds of summer and the budding of plants in our gardens and yards. You became incarnate of your mother, Mary, and walked the roads and byways as you taught your followers. When they asked you to teach them to pray, you shared these words with your disciples:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
God has done wonderful things for us and we are eternally thankful. We live in a land where, despite the divisions that have arisen recently, we still have the freedom to go where we want and to do what we want in relative peace. I say we, but there are many in our land who even today are unable to move about freely or do as they wish. They may be victims of the “white slave trade” or they don’t have the proper documentation to access needed healthcare or other support systems despite their contributions to the economy. There are others who, though here legally, even citizens of our country, are on the margins of society, struggling to make ends meet, struggling to make enough to meet their basic needs. God has richly blessed us. May we be generous in our giving of our time and treasures that those who God places in our pathway may find God’s rich blessings pour down upon them.
*Doxology
*Offering Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Life Giver, Hope Bringer, Maker of all that is and that will be, today we offer gifts of thanksgiving for the life you brought into the world that walks with us even today. Multiply them. Use them. Use us, to fulfill your promise love to the world. Amen.
*Hymn to Send us Into the World “The Day of Resurrection” UMH #303
Benediction
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Pastor Ami Sawtelle.
”Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: EASTER HYMN by Samuel Arnold. Words and Music in the Public Domain
“The Day of Resurrection” Words: St. John of Damascus; Tune: John Mason Neale; Words and Music in the Public
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
April’s Collections to Date: $591
Donation: $5,610
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Flowers in memory of:
Loved ones—the Benjamins
Hope of peace everywhere—Connie Linnell
Loved ones—Patsy Belknap
Our guardian angels—Rebecca Schramm
Mom & Dad—Rebecca Schramm
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH Sunday in Lent
Palm/Passion Sunday
“You are a group project.”
April 10, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: We stand at the precipice of Lent and Holy Week. This day moves from shouting and praising to a time of crying and lament. The drama of the story of Jesus’ last week reads like the book of our lives. Feeling hopeful one moment, we plummet the next as we deal with disappointment, danger, and grief. God’s incarnation on earth was not immune from this roller-coaster we call life. One thing we know, when the going gets rough, the last thing on our minds is climbing the ladder of self-improvement. We just want to survive, to be comforted, to have our pain known and embraced. And so we turn from the isolation of perfection and turn toward deep love. It is never too late to nurture the garden of relationships, for we are all a group project.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 126)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, God of Goodness,
we call out to you at the Gates of Righteousness,
sometimes in praise, sometimes in distress–sometimes both at once.
We long to be in your house in the presence of beloveds,
binding the festal procession with branches.
Open us this day to your love
in and through the webs of our relationships–
and in the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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 “Lord, What a Parade!”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!”)
Lord, what a parade! The crowd quickly grew;
What noise they all made in welcoming you.
"Hosanna!" they shouted. "It's David's own son!
Hosanna! Come save us! God's reign has begun!"
They welcomed you in, a conquering king,
Yet what kind of reign would you really bring?
It wasn't a war horse you rode on that day;
A creature of peace carried you on your way.
Did those in that crowd expect something more
Than one who reached out in love to the poor?
Did they think a savior with armies was best,
Or did they remember: the peaceful are blessed?
Lord Jesus, it's true — we give you glad praise,
Yet living for you will challenge our ways.
So may we be open and welcome your reign.
Hosanna! Come save us! Renew us again
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Jesus orchestrated a low-budget parade into a city where he knew his days were numbered. “Get me a colt,” he said. Not a steed. Not a float. A young, green donkey (not the color, that’s horse-speak for not-ridden-a lot-yet). And folks gathered and his friends started some liturgical shouting that ticked off the local priests. Life is hard and we all need friends and sometimes big, loud, praying that will not be messed with. We are created for interdependence. So all our hiding and pretending that we are “perfectly fine” all on our own just won’t work. Get on the donkey when you need to and let people lay down their cloaks for you and make some noise for you. ‘Cause you know you will do it for them too when the chips are down. What keeps you from connectedness with others? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Letter to the Philippians: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from isolation
as we are called into the kind of community Christ had in mind for all.
We are invited to the audacity of interdependence
so that we might recognize love in its giving and receiving.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading Psalm 31:9-16 UM 764
Gospel Reading Luke 19:28-40
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“We are a group project.”
MESSAGE Pastor Ami Sawtelle
As we enter Holy Week, that period of time between the celebratory parade of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his death and burial at the end of the week, the news is full of stories of the atrocities in Ukraine. Though we still hear about the Jan. 6, 2020 violence in our own capitol, even that news pales in light of what is happening in Ukraine.
We hear of atrocities the Russians have visited upon those who have not fled their homes in time and we speak of how evil Mr. Putin is. What is our world coming to? What does this have to do with Palm/Passion Sunday and Jesus?
The people of Ukraine have pulled together, finding support from many of the European countries, even the United States, though that support is limited for fear of setting off a world war rather than keeping it a regional conflict that will hopefully not spread into the rest of Europe. Many of the people of the US, despite their political persuasion are pulling together, are beginning to unify, as they call for support of the people of the Ukraine though they are less desirous of putting troops on the ground and more interested in a negotiated peace. World powers are pulling together in a united effort to dissuade the Russian aggression.
Jesus pulled people together, particularly those who were considered ‘unworthy’ by the priests and Temple leadership Jesus found a way of inviting people to join his movement, a movement to reform the ‘church’ of the day and bring people of disparate backgrounds together in ways that might change the world, to change it for the good.
Though Jesus knew his earthly time was limited, he wanted to rally the people together, to give them a chance to celebrate before he would be betrayed, deserted and denied by his closest friends. His was not a preplanned military parade demonstrating his fire power and ability to destroy large segments of the population. It was not a parade filled with clowns, floats, and bands, but was instead a simple, impromptu affair with him mounted on an unbroken donkey, riding down a street lined with the coats off people’s backs and some tree branches rather than a red carpet.
I suspect the Temple priests and Roman occupiers were not impressed. I suspect they may have been a little
concerned, the priests because they didn’t buy in to what Jesus was espousing, the Romans due to the potential
that this lowly street preacher might stir up trouble, something they would not want on their record when it got to Caesar.
Whether it is Volodymyr Zelensky, struggling to lead his country in this time of war, or Jesus Christ as he approached Jerusalem and the cross or any of us on any given day, at times, we all need to feel the presence and support of others. Too often, when the times are tough and the chips are down, we try to withdraw from the world, try to hide our struggles and our challenges. We all need to know that someone is there to help us through. That is one of Jesus’ messages to people as he spoke of the in-breaking of the Reign of God into the world. Jesus wanted people to know that they were not alone, that Jesus’ presence on earth assured them that God knew what was happening and that God still cared.
Though we may think of ourselves as ‘independent,’ like any three-year-old espousing, “I can do it myself,” we all need help sometimes. And when we no longer need help, or sometimes even when we still need help, we are able to help and advocate for others. God created us in God’s image, not so we could live independently and do it ourselves, but so we could be in relationship with God and with one another. We speak of a “triune” God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; God who is in relationship with God’s self.
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: We are about to make a turn into Holy Week. As we do, we remember the suffering of that week is not simply located in the time and place of Jesus. Suffering continues. Oppression is not eradicated. There are lonely, scared, hungry, homeless and despairing loved ones that are part of the “group project” that is humanity. And so we enter a time of prayer that parades of protest will turn one day to parades of joy.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn “Stand by Me” UMH 512
A Blessing for When You Feel Lonely
“Blessed are we who cry out,
‘God, I need a friend to share the simple unaffected joys that come,
the troubles unbidden, those too heavy to sustain…’
Blessed are we, opening our hands in readiness,
to risk intimacy, to receive the gift of friendship, and give it in return.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the lonely bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection: $3,457
April’s Collections to Date: $1,880
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
Love Feast: © 1992 UMPH, Prayer by Charles Wesley, from UM Book of Worship © 1992, The United Methodist Publishing House. Used with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for When You Feel Lonely” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“Lord, What a Parade!” Biblical References: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-10; Matthew 5:9 Tune: Joseph Martin Kraus, 1784; until recently attributed to Johann Michael Haydn ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!"); Public Domain; (MIDI); Text: Copyright © 2011 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/. Used with permission.
“Stand by Me,” Words: Words and Music Charles Albert Tindley, ca 1906 (Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25); arr. By William Farley Sith, 1989 © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. CCLI #1208398. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
p with God’s self.
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5TH Sunday in Lent
“We are fragile.”
April 3, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: The story of Jesus includes many moments around tables, as this was part of his ritual of relationship even to the last. In this fifth week of the Lent season, we will hear a story of love and devotion from the disciple Mary, directed at Jesus at the table. As we will see, Jesus tries to prepare his beloved companions for his death. Talk of death is like a gut-punch to many of us; we would rather believe we and our loved ones are invincible, are able to will ourselves into being strong. We all know that isn’t always how the story goes. We are fragile. Our lives, like the plants in the gardens we tend, are susceptible to elemental dangers and a life-cycle of letting go in order to live.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 126)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Lover of Souls,
we call out to you.
You know our tears and sorrows,
and you bear the seeds of grief with us.
Open us this day to your comfort
that nurtures these seeds into sheaves of joy–
the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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 Lord Went to a Dinner”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: ANGEL'S STORY 7.6.7.6 D ("O Jesus, I Have Promised”)
The Lord went to a dinner, and Mary took perfume.
As she anointed Jesus, the fragrance filled the room.
She'd sat as a disciple, she'd been a faithful friend,
and now, with costly fragrance, she honored Christ again.
Soon Judas was complaining, "This gift could have been sold;
We could have helped the poor here — the young ones and the old.
Yet Jesus said, "My people will always help the poor,
but Mary chose to give this — to me, her dying Lord."
Her gift was her expression of thankfulness and praise,
and so it makes us wonder, in these long Lenten days:
What would we give to Jesus if he sat at our meal?
What gift would be our kindness and what would it reveal?
O Lord, today we offer the best that we can bring --
our worship as a fragrance, our love, an offering.
And now, as we're reminded the poor are with us still,
we pray that we may serve them — to honor you, as well.
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Jesus speaks the words no one wanted to admit: he was not always going to be around. “Oh, don’t say that,” so many of us have said to a loved one who speaks the truth about the fragility of life. Perhaps we get uncomfortable because it reveals the precious nature of the present moment, laying bare the beauty and horror of it all. The indescribable pain we know we will one day face invades our senses like a pervasive perfume, inescapable. What if we stopped denying the limited nature of our lives and breathed in deeply the fragrance of vulnerability? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
the need to avoid suffering at the cost of denying the fullness of life.
We are invited into the knowledge that Christ’s vulnerability
in life, death, and resurrection
shows us the sacred nature of the heights and depths
of sorrow and joy in our own saga.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading
Gospel Reading John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“We are fragile.”
As Jesus draws near to Jerusalem, he takes time out to spend with friends. They gather at the table where Martha served those gathered. Mary, one who had been known to sit at the feet of Jesus ignoring her “responsibility” to help her sister, once more attracts attention as she uses a costly perfume to wash Jesus’s feet, then rather than using a towel to dry them, she uses her hair. Why she did this is unknown, but in doing so, she stirred up a bit of trouble.
Judas objects, citing the need to feed the poor. Jesus on the other hand talks about his death and the absence in their lives this will cause. Jesus knows his time is short and acknowledges that as he says, “leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.” Roughly a week following this scene, Jesus will hang on the cross.
Grief, the elephant so often in the room. We sometimes talk about grief when someone dies, though the conversation is not always an easy one, but what about other griefs we encounter?
Grief is about loss, loss of a job, loss of friendship, loss of health, the list goes on. We recognize it when someone dies and the family and near friends begin the process of grief, but what about the teenager, uprooted from familiar surroundings and forced to move because of a family breakup, or the need to follow a parent’s job? What about the grief that come’s as a marriage ends or with the diagnosis of cancer or other catastrophic disease? What happens as we grow older and begin to recognize we can no longer do some of the things which we have enjoyed through the years because our bodies have “betrayed” us?
Grief is all around us, but we rarely talk about it, because it is plain hard. Grief can make it difficult to get up in the morning or to get to sleep at night. It can even wake us in the middle of the night and keep us awake for hours. Grief over the loss of a loved one is readily acknowledged and, at least for a while, people are supportive, or at least try to be. They often struggle with what to say and some of what is said in an attempt to comfort only intensifies the grief, that is the reality of our human condition.
But, what about other griefs? When we must leave a home filled with memories, whether young or old, there is likely be a grieving period, a time where we are able to name our grief, the losses we feel, the uncertainty that surrounds us, and expect others to be supportive rather than judgmental. When we have suddenly lost our job with no warning, perhaps a company downsizes or closes and lets a number of people go, there will be grief and enough to spare as people not only need to find a new job, perhaps relocate, but must also have some space to mourn that which was a part of their lives
Life is fragile. Young people tend to have a rather cavalier attitude, an attitude of invincibility that is far from reality as they step off into the world. They step off as if nothing can defeat them, but then reality raises its ugly head and they need to have someone to whom to turn, someone who won’t judge them, but will hear their cries and comfort them in their struggle.
As we get older and recognize just how fragile life is, whether we have watched our parents die or lost a pregnancy or seen a spouse or child struggle with cancer or other potentially terminal disease or have been diagnosed ourselves, we know life is fragile. We too need to be able to turn to someone who understands our loss, our pain.
Grieving helps us deal with such loss. Grieving and its several stages has a purpose. It allows us to cope with what can seem overwhelming at first. Unfortunately, there are many in our society that encourage us to rush through the grieving process, sometimes even our own family systems encourage us to “move on,” to not take the time we need to move through the grieving process. Jesus gathered with friends for dinner and brought up his impending death. Later in John, Jesus speaks extensively with his disciples about his death and their grief. Sometimes we need to grieve, we need to allow others to see our grief, not wallow in it, but acknowledge its presence and the challenges we face. By acknowledging and working through our own griefs, we give others permission to work through their griefs as well. We also learn to sit with those who are grieving, not demanding attention, not trying to tell them how to cope, but being a supportive presence that allows the grieving individual the space to open up about the struggles, the fears, the sorrows, with which they must now contend.
Our faith in God is an important part of our grieving process. It can inform our responses as long as we don’t get too caught up with ‘mandatory’ joy over our loss, because our loved one has gone to heaven. The reality about all of our griefs is that no matter how large or small our grief, there is One who not only understands it, but is willing to walk with us through it. God may not intervene to keep us from losing a job or save a dying child, but God will always be there with us, holding our hand, offering us comfort in the midst of our misery. Jesus experienced the fragility of life. He knew how hard his friends and disciples would struggle after his death and he took time to spend with them to prepare them for his death.
As we encounter difficult times in our lives, as we struggle with grief over what might have been, let us not beat ourselves up too much if we don’t sail through as society might encourage us. Let us not avoid talking about the elephant in the room, missing those chances to let others know how much they mean to us. Instead let’s acknowledge the wonder of time spent with friends and family, following Jesus’ example of not avoiding the elephant, but instead acknowledging the difficulties and seeking God’s strength to get us through.
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Fragility is not only OK, it is also necessary. To know and respect our own limited nature, our vulnerability to the forces of life, we are able to see and be with those who are hurting. We enter our prayers for all who suffer in mind, body, and spirit–vowing to tend with care to those for whom deaths, of many kinds, seem near.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Mona (Not Connie’s) – was refusing care, but after we started praying last week, began to accept care
Concerns:
Andy Boyce (Elsie’s grandson-in-law) – stage 3 esophageal cancer
Katherine
Colleen (Downs) broken bones
Mona (Not Connie’s) – in hospital following crash – broken bones and pneumonia
Sue Cole COVID
Ken – Cancer
Ukraine
Divisiveness in our country
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Love Feast
Prayer (May be sung to the TUNE: TEARRA BEATA; “This Is My Father’s World”)
Father of earth and heaven,
Thy hungry children feed,
Thy grace be to our spirits given,
That true immortal bread.
Grant us and all our race
In Jesus Christ to prove
The sweetness of thy pardoning grace.
The manna of thy love.
Sharing in the Feast
A Love Feast is not Holy Communion, but it is a shared meal when no one is available to consecrate the elements. It is recommended that grape juice not be used as it may confuse people. Sharing with water, coffee, tea, or other beverage as you reflect back on the above service and share insights you have gained is one possible practice in which you may wish to engage.
Closing Hymn “Be Still My Soul” UMH 534
A Blessing for When You’re in Grief
"Blessed are you, dear, dear one,
doing this holy work of suffering what must be suffered.
Of grieving what has been lost.
Of knowing the unthinkable truth that must be known.
This grief can make you feel on the other side of glass from the world around you,
a force field of different realities separating you.
Yet blessed are you in yours, for yours is the one most seen
by God who breathes compassion upon you, even now.
Who has walked this path, and who leans toward you,
gathering you up into the arms of love. Rest now, dear one. You are not alone.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the grief stricken parts,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
Love Feast: © 1992 UMPH, Prayer by Charles Wesley, from UM Book of Worship © 1992, The United Methodist Publishing House. Used with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“The Lord Went to a Dinner” Biblical Reference: John 12:1-8; Tune: Arthur Henry Mann, 1888 ("O Jesus, I Have Promised"), Public Domain, (MIDI); Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/; used with permission.
“Be Still My Soul,” Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752; trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1855 (Ps. 46;10) Public Domain; Music: Jean Sibelius, 1899; arr. From The Hymnal, 1933; Tune: FINLANDIA, 11.10.11.10.11.10; Arr. © 1933, renewed 1961 Presbyterian Board of Cristian Education; CCLI #5604159; used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4TH Sunday in Lent
“We often believe we are the problem”
March 27, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: Each week of this Lent season, we are focusing on ways that we can practice a counter-cultural theology that emphasizes the beauty and grace of the reality of life-right-now rather than waiting with increasing judgment to reach some vision of a perfected existence. Our ladder-climbing efforts sometimes end up taking us down a rung or two as things don’t work out just right. And so let us continue to turn ladders into gardens, nurturing our souls and embracing our holy, “good enough,” lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 32)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, God of Forgiveness,
we call out to you and
and you surround us with deliverance.
You love us infinitely more than we love ourselves or others.
Open us this day to your counsel,
helping us be more merciful, more grace-filled,
so that we might rejoice in simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song “We’re Part of the Blessing”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: ASH GROVE 6.6.11.6.6.11 D ("Let All Things Now Living”)
We're part of the blessing of God's new creation;
The world may not see it, but we know it's true.
For God in Christ Jesus has given salvation;
The old life is gone! God makes everything new!
We're part of the blessing, for we are God's children.
We're loved and forgiven! We're welcomed back home.
And now we are called to be part of God's kingdom,
To welcome the children God claims as his own.
A man had two sons and the younger said to him,
"I want my inheritance now! It is mine!"
His father divided the property with him;
That son spent it all and was soon feeding swine.
But then he remembered his father providing;
He thought he would beg to go home as a slave.
His dad saw him coming as he stood there waiting;
He ran out to greet him and welcome and save.
We're part of the blessing of God's new creation;
As we have been welcomed, may we share God's grace.
There's no room for grumbling in God's gracious kingdom;
There's no place to question God's loving embrace.
The outcast, the sinner, the poor, struggling mother,
The addict, the seeker, the one who is lost --
God welcomes them home and invites them to dinner --
God runs out to greet us through Christ and his cross.
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Today we will hear how the Prodigal Son lives high on the hog and then famine strikes in the land of his dream vacation. And so he heads home, tail between his legs, expecting that he has lost it all. To his surprise, his extravagant failure is met with extravagant love and grace. We can be pretty hard on ourselves when things don’t go as planned. Guilt, shame, and fear of being seen as a failure can leave us wallowing in the pig pen. Our delusions of a perfectible life keep us disappointed in ourselves. Truth is, life is a big ole risk every single day and facing whatever each day holds is not only good enough, but worthy of love and grace. Do you find yourself being unrealistically hard on yourself? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Second Letter to the Corinthians: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
the guilt and shame of our past failings and our present unrealistic expectations.
We are invited to rejoice that each day is a new beginning,
so that we might enjoy, and not dread, the life before us.
And know, that despite our sometimes-faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
Gospel Reading Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“We often believe we are the problem.”
The Message
I find the story of the Prodigal Son(s) an intriguing one. Do we talk about an unforgiving son who only sees his brother’s return and welcome as a slap in the face for his own hard work? What about the younger son who has basically declared his father dead, and now comes crawling home? What about the Jewish cleanliness laws that forbid consuming pigs? We could go on and on about the possible sub-stories and themes we find in this parable Jesus spoke to a gathering of Pharisees and scribes as Jesus himself cared for the sinners and tax collectors.
Let’s begin by looking at the people gathered around Jesus, the ones identified as sinners and tax collectors, what might Jesus be saying to them in this story? What might Jesus be saying to us?
Who might we consider to be those gathered around Jesus that day? We don’t divide as sinners and tax collectors versus Pharisees and scribes, so who might we see in the crowd? Might we equate certain ethnic or racial groups with the sinners and tax collectors? What about other denominations or religious groups? Do we see through eyes that look at the quality of a person’s clothes and make judgements in that way? And what OF the Pharisees and scribes, do we see them as rich or of a certain ethnic, racial or religious background?
Jesus speaks to all of the people gathered, allowing them to see themselves in the story without pointing a finger. Perhaps a Pharisee might see himself as the younger son, seeing the sins he himself has committed through the years and his return to following the Law. Perhaps he’ll see himself as the older son, frustrated and angry that the younger son has been welcomed with such extravagance. We might wonder if he gets the message that the father shared with the older son.
We are human. On any given day, we might find our own story as that of the younger son, or the older son, or even the father. When we find ourselves with the younger son in particular, do we beat ourselves up, over and over and over, carrying around a load of guilt and shame? How would it feel to be that younger son, having let our guilt and shame sink us into the deepest troughs of despair, willing to eat the pods, the swill, that has been offered to the pigs, then, bowing our heads in defeat and returning home in our continued guilt and shame, hoping just to be able to get a job that will feed us and put a roof over our heads? So many people stop there. Either they don’t take the next step, or society is more like the angry brother than the loving father. The younger son is met by a loving father who forgoes convention to run to him, hug him and call for extravagance to celebrate his return, how might this wayward son have felt?
Knowing the story, we all want to see that loving father running toward us, reaching out to hug us, offering us a robe and a ring and killing the fatted calf. Unfortunately, too often the world tells us how worthless we are, ‘get a job’, ‘take a shower’, ‘what are you doing in my neighborhood’, ‘leave the drugs, alcohol, etc. and clean yourself up,’ ‘get over it, she’s/he’s dead, move on with your life.’ We need to see the loving father waiting for us, not the angry older brother. The world needs to see the loving father waiting for them, not the resentful, self-righteous older brother.
You see, the father saw the younger son through eyes of love. He saw the son as “good enough,” despite his time of wasteful demeaning living. Job loved his children so much that he would make sacrifices to God just in case his kids had sinned. While acknowledging their possibility of sinning, he saw them through eyes of love that wanted them to be good enough in their own walk toward God. This father continued to love a son that had as much as told him, “you are dead in my eyes.”
Let us confess our sins before God, then let God take them, and quit beating ourselves up, instead accepting that God knows we are human and called humanity, at the beginning of time, good. Let us look to the undercurrents in our community, in our country and in the world, that tell people that they are not ‘good enough’ because of their gender, their color, their ethnic heritage or whatever it might be and create a base of love that invites others to acknowledge their human failings. Instead of beating themselves up over and over with the help of well-meaning people around them. Let them find a community that loves them and finds them good enough, encouraging them to continue to grow in love and knowledge of God who, having come to earth in human form, knows what it means to live through difficulties, struggles and in a community of those who don’t understand and who base their actions on that lack of understanding.
Let us look at one another through eyes that see and acknowledge our differences, but rather than using those differences, as did the Pharisees and scribes, as ways of judging others as less than, unworthy of, or just plain bad, due to their differences, let us see the wondrous beauty of a world filled with varieties of people who God has created, and seek to help one another along a pathway to God, that God will call “good enough.”
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Blaming is a typical human behavior. We’ve talked about those times when we blame ourselves harshly, and we know we often turn the blame on others. A particular attitude of blaming happens in a culture that has identified “goodness” with “boot-strapping effort.” So many who are victims of systematized oppression are blamed for their own circumstances. They end up being deprived of just resolutions to the deprivation that results from unjust systems. As individuals, as a society, and as a church, we must work to eradicate this kind of blaming and its resulting layers of suffering.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Baby K’s Mom has given up custody, Tim and Cathy will soon be able to start the adoption process
Keith Michelson – home, but needs continued prayer
Dottie saw a flock of geese flying North – Spring is coming!
Concerns:
Colleen (has Downs) fell and broke bones
Mona (not Connie’s Mona) in ICU following crash, multiple broken bones in feet particularly, pneumonia now
Ken – Throat Cancer
Andy Boyce Cancer
Steve Oakland (Emmaus Community) multiple surgeries and long recovery
Baby K’s Mom has given up custody – prayers for peace and healing
Friend spreading son’s ashes – prayers for peace
Lillian – Cindy’s sister-in-law’s sister surgery Wednesday
Friend has died, prayers for family and friends
Keith Michelson – home Friday, doing well but still needs prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn “This is a Day of New Beginnings” UMH 383
A Blessing for Becoming Real
"Blessed are you who do not despise your realness.
It may hurt. You may not recognize yourself in the mirror.
But this is what we hoped for, right?
To live and love. To be loved.
To have our experiences show on our faces and in our cells.
It is the real life of Jesus in us, being made visible, as all our seams show.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the broken bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“We’re Part of the Blessing” Biblical References: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3,11b-32; Tune: Traditional Welsh melody ("Let All Things Now Living"), Music: Public Domain; (MIDI); Text: Copyright © 2016 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved; New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/
“This Is a Day of New Beginnings,” Words: Brian Wren, 1978; alt. 1987 (Rev. 21:5); Music: Carlton R. Young, 1984; Tune: BEGGININGS; Words © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; Music © 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; CCLI #231043; used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3RD Sunday in Lent
“Lots of things can be medicine.”
March 20, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: As we continue our look at what it means to release oppressive expectations about perfection in our lives and in our faith, this week we turn to a harmful idea that the prescription for our fear of failure is to simply work harder. As the book Good Enough reminds us, “We might feel we are climbing an ‘endless staircase’ of achievement, for high grades or success…[in] caregiving, work, or social pressure.” This Lent, we are taking some time to stop climbing ladders and staircases, to tend our souls slowly and lovingly, tilling the soil and fertilizer, and embracing our holy, “good enough,” lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 63)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Our Balm, Our Feast
we lift our hands and call your name,
in need of healing–thirsting and hungry.
Your steadfast love is better than life.
Open us this day to your nourishment
in the songs of the land, in the beauty of the sky–
in the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song “The Gifts of God are Free”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: ST. THOMAS 6.6.8.6 ("I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord")
The gifts of God are free — the water, milk and wine;
The feast of God's community is set — for all to dine.
O God, we tend to see a world of limits here;
We share your gifts reluctantly and hoard them out of fear.
And yet you give your grace like food from heaven above;
Your church becomes a welcome place, a banquet of your love.
There's joy, and joy to spare; there's bread that satisfies;
You call us now to seek and share your love that changes lives.
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: In our Gospel scripture today, we will hear about the unproductive fig tree. Oh, the shame of being unproductive! Cut it down! Make room for a more dedicated and hard-working fig tree! Who among us is living up to our fullest potential? The productivity experts these days can diagnose what’s wrong and sell us the antidote in 3 amazing sessions for a low-low price that is guaranteed to turn our lives around. But the gardener offers an alternative medicine–nurture it slowly, letting it soak in the manure all around until it can get the good stuff out of it. Lying fallow and getting fertilized with laughter and tears at the crappy stuff of life can help heal what ails us. Is this not sometimes productive enough? What productivity expectations are holding you captive? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from Isaiah: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Know that already, God is offering us love enough
no matter how much we attain or achieve.
We are invited to release oppressive expectations of ourselves and others
so that we might recognize true worth afforded to all.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading Isaiah 55:1-9
Gospel Reading Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?'
He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’"
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“Lots of things can be medicine.”
Oh, the shame of the unproductive fig tree. Cut it down! Make room for a more dedicated and hard-working fig tree! Who among us is living up to our fullest potential? The productivity experts these days can diagnose what’s wrong and sell us the antidote in 3 amazing sessions for a low-low price that is guaranteed to turn our lives around. But the gardener offers an alternative medicine–nurture it slowly, letting it soak in the manure all around until it can get the good stuff out of it. Lying fallow and getting fertilized with laughter and tears at the crappy stuff of life can help heal what ails us and that is sometimes productive enough.
Isaiah 55:1-9
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 6Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalm 63:1-8 (UM788)
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. 5My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips 6when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness. 6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” 6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
“Burnout,” a term coined by Herbert Freudenberger in 1970 (Burnout: A Socio-Cultural History, by Wilmar B. Schaufeli, https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/481.pdf), is a term often heard in not only the business world, but in many professions today. Dictionary.com defines this as: fatigue, frustration or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork or intense activity. (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/burnout).
So often in today’s world, we are encouraged to do more, be more, with fewer resources and in a shorter amount of time. Society has set expectations that people are superhuman, that there is infinite amounts of time and energy in a day so that we can accomplish more at work and still be able to care for our families at home, keeping a perfect (read “Southern Living” or “Good Housekeeping” quality) house, cooking healthy meals for everyone to sit at the table as a family to eat, reading a bedtime story with our children after helping them with their homework, taking them to (insert one or more of the following: soccer, dance, basketball, football, etc.) and still have time to sit and relax with our spouse before getting at least eight hours of sleep each and every night.
How many of us are exhausted just by reading the above paragraph? It didn’t include a few of the other things that we are told we should do every day, spend time with God in prayer, read your Bible every day, spend time in meditation, go for a run/walk/workout at least 30 minutes every day.
The pandemic may have something of a silver lining for some people, it has taught many people the importance of self-care and work-life balance.
Many people from the “Post War” and “Boomer” generations have been taught a work ethic that encourages us to work and care for others, but to make time for God and to rest on the Sabbath. Later generations, (to include some of those in the later years of the Boomers) as they have become more and more secularized have moved away from time for God in order to make time for more work, in order to buy more things.
The parable of “the Fig Tree,” speaks to our need to be nourished and cared for on a regular basis. The owner wants to just throw the tree out and replace it with a newer, younger tree that might give the desired product. The gardener on the other hand recommends patience and nurture for an additional year, suggesting that such care might make a difference in the yield.
Perhaps the gardener has been ignoring this poor tree, perhaps, the gardener wants to try a new kind of fertilizer or a different cultivation style, we aren’t given those pieces of information. The important thing is, “have patience, lets try something else before throwing up our hands and giving up.”
Burnout can happen with our devotional time and in our prayer life also. As we use the same materials over and over, though they may become like very special friends, they may also feel stale and no longer feed us. If that is the case with you, try something new. Do you like to draw? There are prayer practices and devotional practices that use art as a centering space. Do you find sitting quietly doesn’t work for you? Pray while doing the dishes or take a walk (now you’re getting exercise too) and pray or use recorded devotional materials as you walk.
Our devotional time is about spending time with our Creator, not doing something that has lost meaning for us in the flood of things we must do each day. Find a practice and try it for a season, does it produce growth, or are you still stuck in the same rut? If it hasn’t worked, try a new practice until you find something that so resonates with your heart that you find life without it to be less attractive. There is no particular devotional plan that works for everyone, find one that works for you and do it at the frequency that works for you and let that be good enough. God wishes us to find joy in our lives, listen to the prophet Isaiah in today’s reading. Know that faith in God and in God’s Son, Jesus, is good enough and joy can be yours.
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Often our religious debates within Christianity have focused on what makes us “worthy” of salvation… is it faith alone or the work that we do to follow rules and answer God’s call? Many have wanted an easy answer, “just tell me what I have to do to enter the kin-dom of heaven!” This week we have affirmed that God’s love and grace come without price and making ourselves sick with overwork is not the answer to what ails us. And yet, God does call us to work together to alleviate the suffering of others. Why? Not so we can buy the golden ticket to eternal life, but so that all might know a heaven of help right here on earth.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Presence of Ken, Phillis, Stephany & Charen in worship today
Refugees from Ukraine that have reached safety & those giving them shelter and assistance
Concerns:
The people of the Ukraine & all those in harm’s way
Our president and all world leaders
Mr. Putin, may his heart be changed
For those seeking shelter
A friend with Crohn’s disease
Baby K’s birth mom, giving up rights on Thursday
Cathy and Tim as they continue to care for Baby K and are looking to beginning the adoption process
Elizabeth – up and down hill struggles
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” UMH 480
A Blessing for Slowing Down
“…blessed are we who stop—okay, maybe not stop entirely,
who are we kidding—but who slow down.
We who discover rest and new life and renewal
when we step off the treadmill (or at least turn it down).
We who remember that the world keeps spinning without us.
And thank God for that. We who remember we are loved, loved, loved. Just being us.
Benediction And now, may the God who loves all of creation, and you–without price,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for Slowing Down” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“The Gifts of God Are Free” Biblical Reference: Isaiah 55:1-9, Tune: The Universal Psalmodist, 1763; adapted by Aaron Williams, 1770 ("I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord") Public Domain, (MIDI);Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” Words; George Matheson, 1882; Music: Albert L. Peace, 1884; Tune: ST. MARGARET, 88.886l; Words & Music in the Public Domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2ND Sunday in Lent
“Ordinary lives can be holy.”
March 13, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: We continue our movement through the Lent season this week with another kind of “letting go.” This week we lament that so much in life is out of our control. This is frustrating to us and so sometimes we have been tempted to believe the sayings that tell us if we just “think positively,” we can turn it all around. Yet our experience tells us that this doesn’t always work. Let us turn ladder-climbing toward the expectation of a perfect life into garden-tending, nurturing “what is” and embracing our holy, good enough, lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 27)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Our Light and Salvation,
we call out to you,
sometimes afraid of the adversaries in life.
Shelter us in days of trouble, lead us on level paths.
Open us this day to your grace and peace,
transform our frustrations
into simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song “Take Time to Be Holy” UMH 395
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Even Jesus got dang frustrated when folks didn’t behave as he would have liked. We probably aren’t receiving death threats from Herod as Jesus was, but our wellbeing could be threatened by the idea that if we just try hard enough, are nice enough, say just the right thing, life will always go our way. We run around in so many directions, trying to herd the chicks into some imagined semblance of perfect formation (have you ever tried to herd chicks?). What if we could let go of needing all things and all people to be “just so” and instead learn to dance with the unfolding of that which is not ours to control? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Psalmist: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
feeling alone in fixing what feels oh so wrong with this world,
inviting us to let go of the need to be God,
so that we might recognize that God is with us, offering courage in difficulty.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading Psalm 27
Gospel Reading Luke 13: 31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you."
He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.'
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“So much is out of our control.”
“I wish I had never been born.” “Why did God make me like this?” “If God has known me and loved me since before I was born, why is my life so hard?” “If God is love and God is good, why is there evil in the world?” “I wish God would take control of everyone’s life so we could live in a better world…” The list goes on and on as people struggle with a lack of control in their lives. I would guess that anyone who has been a pastor for any length of time has not only heard many of these questions but has heard them more than once.
We live in a world where ’might is right’ seems the operative phrase to describe how so many seem to function. We live in a world where we feel control is often taken away from us. We live in a beautiful home in a nice area, and someone breaks in and steals our stuff. We live in a quiet, out of the way spot, and a forest fire or tornado devastates our home and surrounding area and we have no control over what happens. We receive a dreaded diagnosis such as cancer, or other debilitating disease that we may can fight, but at the cost of our dignity, our pride, our general wellbeing.
Life is difficult and often we feel we have little or no control over how our lives are lived. Where is God in the midst of this? “Why does God seem to answer the prayers of some, but not of others?” we ask.
We have a picture of an ideal life in our minds, a life without struggle, without conflict, with everyone having all they need and then some, but God doesn’t make it happen. Instead, God looks to us to help make the world into what God desires it to be. God uses us as agents to share God’s love with others by acting out of a place of love in our daily activities, by doing concrete things that make God’s love visible to those who are in a more difficult situation that are we.
When we pray, “thy will be done,” we are giving our will, our control in some sense, over to God. We ask that things be about God and not about our pleasure, our wants our desires. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray for the things we want, God hears our prayers and many are answered if we learn to look for an answer other than the exact one we desire. Answers come through the presence of other people in our lives, or changes in circumstances and we miss seeing God’s hand in the midst of it.
Jesus is enroute to Jerusalem, but he has not reached there when the pharisees accost him. Are they acting out of selfish need, care for Jesus or a desire to serve God? For Jesus, serving God means doing the difficult thing. Continuing his journey to Jerusalem could not have been easy, knowing what he knew. He knew that going to Jerusalem was inviting trouble and likely he would die there. He was preparing his disciples for that very thing. How in control do you think Jesus felt at this time? He continued on his way despite the potential death he knew he was facing.
We, like Jesus, must submit our control to God, but just like Jesus it will not be easy. I often think of a hand extended in front of me when I want to give something to God. Unfortunately, too often as I stretch my hand out, I quickly close it and jerk it back, not entirely sure I want to trust God to take care of whatever it is, rather trying to maintain my own control, trying to “do it myself” as has often come from the lips of little children.
Each time we attempt to offer up something to God, we need to try to not take it back rather allowing God to take it and to help us to deal with it as a team effort. Every time we ‘stretch out our hand’ to give it up, we are taking a step closer to God. We are not perfect, nor will we be perfect in an instant, but each attempt is a ‘good enough’ step to begin or strengthen our journey towards perfection in God’s love.
Prayers of the People
That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Sanctification, or the process of being set apart or made holy, is a theological concept that has been greatly debated over time–are we made holy in a once-and-done kind of way or are we always simply moving in that direction based on our merits? It is as if once the debate is settled, then we can know what to do and control the outcome of goodness for ourselves. And yet, if we worry less about our own sanctification and more on treating the world, the planet, and all the creatures, especially those who are suffering, as holy and worthy of our love, then we will be acting on what we can control, sharing what we have with others.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Joy Michelson Clancy is present in worship
Lillian saw a flock of robins – hope for spring
Keith Michelson is showing progress
Connie’s daughter Sara and her family are home safely
Concerns:
People of Ukraine, Poland, Russia and all that are impacted by the conflict between Mr. Putin and the Ukraine
Shureen’s cousin Darrell whose daughter Hillary died, leaving 2 children (8 &2)
Teenagers, particularly those 14&15 years old who are struggling
Amy - Carol & Tom Whitney’s daughter
Ami – Lianna leaving
Chris – paperwork for Medicaid for Bob
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn/Song “Since the Lord is My Salvation” Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D ("Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”)
Since the Lord is my salvation,
Is there anyone to fear?
As a citizen of heaven
why should I feel worry here?
In a world that's lost and broken
and where sin and death abound,
We rejoice for God has spoken:
we are safe, on solid ground.
God will hide me in the shelter
when the days of trouble come.
Though a war may rise against me,
God's own tent will be my home.
I will trust what God has given,
I will trust God's word to me:
I'm a citizen of heaven
and it's what I'll always be.
Even when I hear the warning,
"Find a safer, easier way,"
I'll be faithful in the morning
and at noon and close of day.
As a citizen of heaven,
I have nothing I should fear;
For in Christ, I am forgiven,
and I'm called to service here.
You, O Lord, are my salvation;
make me strong to live for you.
May I care for your creation,
love the stranger, speak what's true.
May I share what you have given;
may I see each person's worth.
As a citizen of heaven,
make me useful here on earth.
A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling
“Blessed are you who see things clearly, where struggle is everyone’s normal.
You walk among the fellowship of the afflicted, a club no one wants to join.
And while this life isn’t shiny, it does come with superpowers.
Superpowers of ever-widening empathy and existential courage
that gets you back up after another fall
and a deepened awe at the beauty and love that can be found amid life’s rubble.
Like flowers that grow from the cracks in the sidewalk.
These virtues blossom in you. And thank God for you.
Blessed are all of us who struggle, for we are in good company,
and we’ll never walk alone.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially when it’s painful,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
Since the Lord Is My Salvation – Words: Copyright © Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.; Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D ("Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”) In the public Domain.
Take Time to Be Holy – Words: William D. Longstaff, ca. 1882 (1 Pet. 1:16); Music: George C. Stebbins, 1890; Tune HOLINESS 65.65 D. Words and Music in the Public Domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH1ST Sunday in Lent
1st Sunday in Lent
“Ordinary lives can be holy.”
March 6, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome
Threshold
Leader: The liturgical season of Lent developed over the centuries as a time of deepened reflection. Originally a period of preparation for baptisms on Easter Eve, it later became a time for all Christians to take stock of their lives and examine how the connection to their faith was progressing–or not–and to recommit to a life of goodness. This year we will indeed open up and take stock. But rather than feel guilty (a popular Lenten pastime) about what we haven’t accomplished in our lives and faith, we will spend some time questioning how our culture’s obsession with achievement and perfection actually keeps us from the true depths of life and faith. This Lent, we’ll take some time to turn ladder-climbing into garden-tending, nurturing our souls and embracing our holy, “good enough,” lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough. [repeat]
Calling on God
Based on Psalm 91
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Our Refuge and Shelter,
we call out to you,
sometimes in praise, sometimes in distress–as life goes.
Whether we perceive it or not, you are there.
Open us this day to your presence
in the smile of a friend, in the call of a bird–
in the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and Our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song
“Our Lord, You Were Sent”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: FOUNDATION 11.11.11.11 (“How Firm a Foundation”)
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: We find ourselves hungry for many things that we believe will bring us satisfaction. In today’s Gospel, the devil lays a bet that Jesus will jump at the chance for glory, fame, and the quick fix. Who wouldn’t? But Jesus keeps up the pithy one-liners long enough that the Tempter just has to slink away. What are the temptations that catch your ear, singing out promises that your life should be more special than it is? What if ordinary life is already holy–as is? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Letter to the Romans: “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
the temptations of the “not enough-ness” of our time,
inviting us to love and revere the seeming ordinariness of the day-to-day
so that we might recognize its true beauty.
And know, that despite our sometimes-faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading
Romans 10:8b-13
Gospel Reading
Luke 4: 1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’”
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“Ordinary lives can be holy.”
As we listen to the news coming out of Ukraine we see a large, powerful nation forcing its will upon a much smaller nation. Some of the reports suggest part of the reason for this is a desire by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to bring back the old Soviet Union, to regain the previous empire. He has previously invaded Chechnya and Belarus still leans more to its previous Russian attachments, but there appears to be fear that the NATO alliance is gaining too much power in relation to Russia and the previous, Cold War power known as the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR).
What does this world leader have to do with today’s scripture and our series, Good Enough?
In our introduction today, Marcia McFee talked about our hunger for things that will satisfy. Many of our lives are spent hungering for things that will satisfy. Advertisers play upon that very thing, “If you buy…” We are surrounded by a culture that encourages us to feed our hunger in whatever way we think we will receive satisfaction/satiation. “Are you sad, depressed, feeling like your world is out of control? Take this pill, try this drug, drink this liquor and all of your troubles will go away.” “You can feel less lonely if you watch these scantily/unclad women demean themselves for your pleasure.” And the many other ways we are lured into feeding our hungers by means other than looking to God.
Mr. Putin believes that by attacking/conquering the Ukraine, his hungers, his wants and desires will be satiated. He has no interest, at least so it seems, in what God would desire in this situation. Instead, his “god” for want of a better term, is power, power over the people of his country (he has changed the country’s constitution so he can remain president into the 2030s), power over surrounding nations and perhaps he has a desire for world domination. Part of what may be going on is also fear, fear that his country will be surrounded by nations belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); fear of loss of power and prestige both on the world stage and at home.
In our Gospel passage today, Jesus is tempted by the “devil,” first being encouraged to “command this stone to become a loaf of bread,” to satiate the hunger in his belly after being in the wilderness for 40 days without food. Now to me, this one is interesting in that Jesus has waited 40 days and likely had the power to change a stone into bread at any point during that time frame. Why would he, at this eleventh hour so to speak, change a stone into bread at the encouragement of one who is trying to entrap him. Yet, this happens all the time as we go to the internet to purchase that which we can live without because someone told us it would make our lives better. Jesus’ response is a quote from Scripture, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
The devil then reached out, tempting him with power. This is the place that so many slip. We see the trappings of power and we want them for ourselves. We are led to believe that the more power one as the better one’s life is. When we have power, our needs, our wants, our desires will all be fulfilled, if we just have enough power. We miss the part where there is a price for that power, just as Mr. Putin has missed this same point. In order to obtain the power, Jesus must worship the devil. In order for us to obtain the power, we may have to consider “selling our souls to the devil.” Power does not come without a price, be it giving up time with family and friends or turning our backs on the moral convictions with which we have been raised or standing in the shadow of a greater power in hopes that we will garner a bit of that power from that shadow. Jesus’ response, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” reminds us that our power, our strength, our purpose should come from God and our trust in God should be the guiding star of our lives.
Too often, we try to depend upon ourselves to satisfy our hungers and desires rather than turning to a power greater than we that is truly interested only in what is good for us. If we look to God to satiate our hungers, to fill our wants and desires, life will not magically become better. We won’t suddenly become rich and famous, but life will become more satisfying, for as we walk in God’s pathways, as we follow God’s Son, Jesus, we will find those things God calls us to do will fill some of that emptiness, will satiate some of that want and desire.
As we journey through this Season of Lent, perhaps we will find a practice that will remain with us not only during this season, but through the many seasons of our lives, a practice that will help feed our spirits and strengthen our faith. Jesus spoke of faith as small as a tiny seed as being a faith that was “good enough.” May we find a faith that is good enough and a practice that is good enough to feed that faith regularly.
Prayers of the People
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Our prayer song in this Lent season is written by an evangelist who wrote in the 19th century, Daniel S. Warner. A newspaper publisher and outspoken believer in sanctification (the movement toward perfection), he nonetheless penned this hymn drawing on First Timothy 6, a text that reminds us not to slip from the desire to see one’s family well-fed and clothed to seeing them more well-fed and clothed than others. Embracing a good enough life means also embracing the need for the ordinariness of all lives to be good enough–cared for enough, sheltered and fed enough, loved enough. As long as this is not true in this world, we will pray and work for justice. And so Warner’s first verse is followed by an adapted new second verse turning our attention to the needs of the world.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Eliza’s baby—Roman Lorenzo, born 2/21, 7 lbs. 11 oz., 19” long
Shureen—prayers offered during a difficult time
Rebecca having tea with Vera
Elizabeth made a snow angel
Rob Elder and Pat Benjamin—prayers of thanksgiving
Pastor Bumshik and family have found a house
Concerns:
Ukraine
Gary Moore
Lillian & Richard Moon
Bob Benjamin
Connie—Sarah & family flying to FL
Keith Michelson—continued prayers
Katharine & others with dementia
Elizabeth—health problems
Rebecca—Co-worker with heart issues
Offering
Doxology
Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God,
in light of your extravagant blessings–
no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–
we offer our gifts and ourselves,
and know that you transform what we plant
into the produce of love.
Amen.
Love Feast
When circumstances and concern for the common good keep us from gathering to share the Eucharistic Feast in person we gather to pray, separated in the body, yet ONE IN THE SPIRIT and ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!! 1
CENTERING: Recognizing the presence of God
God is with us. [We are not alone.]
Christ is with us. [The Risen One has met us,
blessed and fed us on the road that leads us home.]
The community of the Holy Spirit is with us.
[We gather with the communion of the saints in light
throughout history and with God’s people around the world.]
With brothers and sisters, absent in body but united in Spirit, we pray:
Holy One, Trinity of grace and power,
Maker and Mother, Beloved and Lover, Father and Friend:
Thanks be to you, O God!
[You are ever the father who gives us bread, not stones.
You are the mother who never forgets we’re her own.
From the beginning of life to the closing of time,
you are the One who is with us to the end.]
And so, with all who breathe on earth and all who sing in heaven,
we praise your name and join Creation’s song:
(said or sung or read silently)
[Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done in whom this world rejoices,
The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore,
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.]
Martin Rinkart, 1663, translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1858
WORD AND RESPONSE
First reading: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Light the candle.
[Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. You are our Risen Lord in whom light has conquered darkness.]
Sit silently in the light, feeling the power and presence of the Risen Christ.
Second reading: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Hold the Bible.
[Here in our hands is the story of God’s covenant of steadfast love with God’s people. We are assured of God’s presence with us at all times and places – even in the midst of fear and difficulty.]
Sit quietly and absorb the stories of God’s love and grace that can sustain you wherever you are.
Third reading: On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38)
Hold the glass of water in your hands.
[Without water, there can be no life. In creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the water and brought forth light. God brought John to the Jordan River to call us to repentance. We were nourished in the water of the womb. We were baptized by water and the Spirit into God’s family. Water reminds us of the gifts of creation that God has so abundantly given us, and of the love and grace we have all received.]
Drink the water slowly. Feel it flow into your body. Know that God’s love is flowing into your body and soul right now.
Fourth reading: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Take a piece of bread in your hands.
[Christ broke bread and fed the multitudes. Christ broke bread and formed a new covenant with his closest friends and with all who break bread in remembrance of him. Christ was made known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread. Bread reminds us that, just like individual grains of wheat are gathered together to make a single loaf, we who are scattered are one body in Christ.]
Break and eat the piece of bread that you are holding. Remember the times you have received bread in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Remember those who gathered with you. Remember the presence of Christ in that moment. Be assured that Christ is with you in every moment of your life. Sit silently and allow Christ’s love to surround you.
PRAYER
In the silence after every petition (marked by . . .), specific names or situations may be spoken aloud or held closely in the heart.
Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, you speak to us words of life.
Call forth in us rivers of living water, and feed our deepest hunger.
[In trying times, in times of loneliness or confusion, in times we feel most alone,
remind us that we are never alone, for you are with us always.]
Hear us now, and pray for us in our weakness with sighs too deep for words,
as we lift up:
[God of compassion, hear our prayers;
fill us with your grace, and inspire us to be instruments of mercy and hope,
for we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.]
Closing Hymn/Song “Open My Eyes, That I May See” UMH 454
A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey
“Blessed are you who realize there is simply not enough–time, money, resources.
Blessed are you who are tired of pretending that raw effort is the secret to perfection.
It’s not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you who need a gentle reminder that even now, even today,
God is here, and somehow, that is good enough.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the ordinary parts,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All readings are from New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the United States of America, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN 37214.
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
Love Feast - ©2020 by The Order of Saint Luke; Prepared by Beth Fender, OSL; Elizabeth Moore, OSL; and Dwight Vogel, OSL
1 This service may be done alone, with another, or in a digitally-gathered community. Bracketed material may be read by a second voice. Note: At this point in digital technology, we recommend that one other voice speak the responses, rather than multiple people speaking at once..
2Adapted from Great Thanksgiving Four by Heather Murray Elkins in The Book of Offices and Services of The
Order of Saint Luke, OSL Publications, 2012, pp. 22ff.
3All readings are from New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN 37214.
Permission granted for reproduction in print or on the web by including this permission statement.
Our Lord, You Were Sent – Words: Copyright © Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.; Tune: FOUNDATION 11.11.11.11 (“How Firm a Foundation”) In the public Domain.
Open My Eyes, That I May See Words and Music by Clara H. Scott, 1895, Tune: OPEN MY EYES 99.09 with Refrain. In the Public Domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $1,580
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Ash Wednesday
March 2, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold Moment
Leader: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, a time when we aspire to make some room for deeper introspection and practices that will draw us into the love and assurance of faith. But sometimes faith can feel not as assured as we hoped for. We can feel “less than,” perceiving that others seem to be able to be “more faithful” in their practices and beliefs. This Lent, rather than change for “the best,” we’ll seek to gain momentum one day at a time, “to reach for a faith that is never perfect, but good enough.”
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Calling on God
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Merciful God,
make yourself known to us.
Be present with us in this often-troubled journey of life.
Create in us hearts that are open to transformation.
Give us the patience of practice in this Lent season–
ordering our days with time enough for you.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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 “Be Thou My Vision” UMH #451
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Jesus used the word “hypocrite” to describe those who put on airs in public to make people believe that they were holy, that their religious practice was… well… perfect. But their hearts were actually not in the practice, rather in the rewards that public approval could bring them–which is here today, often gone tomorrow. Sometimes it is life itself that robs us of the shiny, perfect life that we had planned for ourselves. A diagnosis. A broken heart. A lost opportunity. What places in your life and faith could you begin to lose from the chains of perfectionism? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the prophet Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to lose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?… Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.”
Know that already, God is offering us
freedom from the bonds of perfectionism,
inviting us to break the yoke of what “should be”
so that we might discover what “might be” when we
honor the small steps that are actually possible, in this moment, for this one day.
And know, that despite our sometimes-faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading (NRS)
Psalm 51:1-17
Gospel Reading (The Message)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding.
2 "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure - 'play-actors' I call them - treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get.
3 When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks.
4Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
5"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
16 "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint.
17If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face.
18 God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well. A Life of God-Worship
19 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or - worse! - stolen by burglars.
20 Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars.
21 It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“Perfectionism is impossible. Transformation isn’t.”
It is Ash Wednesday once more, a time we begin our journey through Lent. Our Psalm declares our repentance and our wish for God’s mercy in light of the things we have done while our Gospel reminds us not to be showy about who we go about living lives of holiness. We hear these scriptures year after year and we try, we really try to live up to them, but sometimes we wonder if we are good enough when all is said and done.
Living lives of holiness is not easy. It requires work. Not hard heavy or even harsh work, but it requires a level of commitment that has a tendency to change the way we live our daily lives. Each year we are called upon to spend the time of Lent reflecting on our relationship with Jesus. It is recommended we take up some practice that will help us to improve that relationship as we get to know and understand God better. But sometimes we just don’t manage to stay the course with increased Bible studies, more time in prayer, time spent in silent meditation or fasting on a regular basis. We sometimes feel inadequate to the task.
Jesus walked the streets of Galilee and the area around Jerusalem, he knew how hard the average person worked to be faithful to God and he saw how those who had time and money showed their “piety” in ostentatious ways. He didn’t lift of the ostentatious as examples, he called upon his followers to speak with God in the places where no one else saw. He knew how hard it was to walk the way of righteousness and encouraged people to do their best, to have the faith of a mustard seed.
As we journey through Lent this year let us do the best we can to follow Jesus. Let us seek the practices that feed our spirits as well as connect us with the Holy One. If we are supposed to read a certain amount of scripture each day and we slip, let us forgive ourselves and try again the next day. If we forget to stop and pray, ask God’s forgiveness and strength, and try again the next day. As we struggle through the disciplines designed to draw us closer to God, such work will change us, transform us, for as we draw near to God, we will see the world through different eyes, eyes focused on God’s desires to bring the heavenly real into reality in the here and now.
We are sinful creatures, but God created us in God’s own image and called us good. Let us struggle and do the best we can and let that be good enough. We are imperfect, but God loves us just the same. God is love and God’s love helps us to be good enough.
Ritual of Ashes and Turning Ladders into Gardens
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Our ritual of receiving ashes will be accompanied this year by placing the small treasures of sprouts and shoots of plants on a transformed and repurposed ladder-garden. This image will remind us each week to spend time tending the things that are beautiful and growing already in our midst rather than constantly climbing and reaching for more–for those things we think we are “supposed” to achieve or have in our lives.
We are reminded in the Ritual of Ashes that we are part of the dust and debris of this earth. Just as things of creation grow but also die in the cycle of life, so too our lives have times of growth and times of decay and death. Placing the sign of the cross on our foreheads with ashes is a reminder of this difficult reality but also a reminder of the presence of God, the grace of Christ, and the power of the Spirit in all of it. Early Christians were anointed with the sign of the cross on their foreheads at their baptism. This “sign and seal,” as it is called, is a way to remember that we are marked and held as God’s own, through all of the transformations and transitions we face.
For those receiving a USPS delivered order of worship, a cross shaped bookmark with ash markings on the cross has been included. Please take a few minutes of silence to contemplate the cross and ashes. Meditate upon what the imposition of ashes means to you and your walk with Jesus during this season of Lent. I am trying to figure out how to get crosses to those who will not be worshiping with us in person and hope that as you reach this point in the service one will be readily available for your contemplation and meditation.
Closing Hymn/Song
“Sing Out! We’re Made of Common Dust”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: CANONBURY 8.8.8.8 ("Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak")
Sing out! We're made of common dust;
One day, to dust we shall return!
Yet, God, you've placed your mark on us
And so for you our spirits yearn.
This gift of ashes we receive
Reminds us we belong to you.
You call us to repent, believe,
and seek your Way in all we do.
The dust and dirt of children's play,
of youthful times, of working years
Are part of life — and life's decay;
We wash the dust with sorrow's tears.
We sing, O God, of what you give:
This ash reminds us we are yours.
In life we're claimed, in death we live!
In Christ our life, your love endures.
A Blessing Before a Fast
Leader: Our Lent series, “Good Enough,” is based on a book of devotions by the same name by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Kate Bowler is a seminary professor whose research about the history of the prosperity gospel and self-help movements in the US laid the groundwork for her latest NY Times bestselling books about dealing with the pressure to “live your best life now” when life throws you curveballs that make constant upward achievement very difficult… like the cancer she has dealt with over the last few years. In the Good Enough book of devotions, she and Jessica Richie offer wonderfully graceful invitations to seek alternatives to the pressure of perfectionism. We hope that you will make reading these daily devotions part of your Lent practice and join one of our small groups for debriefing and deepening your experience through conversation with others.
As Kate and Jessica say in their book, “a fast is giving up something—anything—to make more room for God. It might be a break from social media or Netflix, caffeine, unkind words, alcohol, or holding a grudge. If you are someone who has a complicated relationship with restricting food, skip that for now. Try something else instead. Remember, this isn’t about punishing yourself or a thinly veiled version of a diet. Share your intention with a friend to reinforce your commitment, but do your fast in secret—just between you and God. Try it out for a week, and then reassess.”
And so, each worship experience will end with a blessing from the book. Here is “A Blessing Before a Fast.”
Blessed are you, ready to open yourself to a new joy, a doorway that until now has been hidden. In this culture of acquisition and gain, blessed are you desiring fresh ears to hear what might be a bit too loud. Who take the next step to turn it down a notch and make more space for God. Who discipline yourself, with time, intention, and hope, anticipating God to show up in your discomfort. Trusting that when we need God, God promises to be there.
God, give me courage, give me strength, give me hunger for you. Let this set time of less be a chance for more of you. Let this fast be an entrance into the discernment I desire, the divine presence I’m longing for, and the hope to will what You will, oh God, to be who You’ve called me to be.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the imperfect bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“A Blessing Before a Fast” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
Be Thou My Vision – Words: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary E. Byren, 1905; versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt. (Public Domain)
Music: Trad. Iris Melody; harm. by Carlton R. Young, 1963. (Original tune in the Public Domain) Alt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; harm. © 1964 Abingdon Press. Used with permission., CCLI #3063376
Sing Out! We’re Made of Common Dust - Biblical Reference: Genesis 3:19
Tune: Robert Schumann, 1839 ("Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak")
Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lenten book study, "Good Enough" by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie will begin Thursday March 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Transfiguration Sunday
February 27, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning from the World to Worship
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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 ”When Morning Gilds the Sky” UMH #185
Call to Worship (Psalm 99) Shelley Cunningham
The Lord reigns.
Let the nations tremble.
The Lord reigns.
Let them praise God’s holy name.
The Lord reigns.
Let the peoples rejoice in awe and wonder.
The Lord reigns.
Let them shout in exaltation!
Prayer of the Day Nancy C. Townley
Lord, it seems so long ago that we heard your words at Jesus’ baptism. You reminded us that he is your beloved Son with whom you are well pleased. Again today we hear your words that we are to listen to him, to pay attention. Open our hearts this day, Lord, to hear the words of Jesus, to follow in his footsteps, and to serve You. For we ask this in Christ’s Name. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Exodus 34:29-35
2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2
Luke 9:28-36
Reader’s Theater (Based on Luke 9) Nancy C. Townley
Reader 1: Wow! An invitation to the top of the Rock. Imagine all the people who would like to have that one!
Reader 2: That’s for sure! We must be something really special to get this invitation!
Reader 3: Wait until my friends hear! I can’t decide whether I will tell them before we go up on the mountain or wait until we come back down, if we do.
Reader 1: Well, any way you look at it - it’s a privilege!
[Readers move to the front of the worship area, and sit near the worship center display. They will need to be seen and to project their voices. One of them may remain standing, if that is appropriate]
Reader 2: Look at this! It’s misty up here. I thought it would be clear.
Reader 3: At least we can still see Him. I feel a little bit better about this. This is sure different than I thought it would be.
Reader 1: We’re probably here because we are the bravest of the group, if you know what I mean. I don’t think the others would be able to enter such an unknown situation.
Reader 2: It’s good for us to be here with you, Master. We are glad you invited us.
Reader 1: Listen, we have a good plan. This is a nice place. We could build some festival booths. You know, one for You, one for each of your friends. How would you like that?
VOICE 1: (offstage - use a microphone if available, otherwise speak loudly, but don’t shout): Be quiet! Listen to Jesus! This is my Son, my Chosen!!
[Readers bow their heads; if one is standing, have him/her kneel or sit down as if contrite]
VOICE 2: (offstage - use a microphone, speak clearly, but don’t shout - the voice should be compassionate, not harsh): It is time for us to go from this place. Listen and observe. Do not talk about what you have seen, but remember what has been shown to you, for the times ahead will be challenging and you will need to understand all that you have seen. Do not think that this will be easy, for the path is rough, but God is with us. Come, let us go back to the valley where the work will begin.
Message “Ya Gotta Come Down from the Mountain” Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Many people have had what some call “Mountain Top Experiences,” those times in their lives when they have been acutely aware of God’s presence at a moment in time that focuses their attention on God and on God’s power. Today’s pericope, scripture passage, from The Gospel According to Luke, draws our attention to just such an experience by Jesus and three of his disciples.
It is not unusual for us to want to remain in the moment of our encounter with God, to bask in the “holiness of the situation,” to hold on with both hands to the feelings we have experienced in that very special time. Peter, as he offers to build three dwellings, may be having similar thoughts and feelings. He has been in the presence of the one who, just a little over a week previously, he had declared to be the Messiah of God and two of Judaisms most revered ancestors and prophets. Unsurprisingly he appears overwhelmed with awe.
Unfortunately, we like the disciples, cannot dwell in the rarified atmosphere of our mountain top experiences. Our lives are not spent shut away from the world with all of its struggles and temptations sitting in amazed contemplation of the wonders of God. Our lives are spent in the trenches, just as the lives of the disciples, working to make ends meet and at the same time sharing news of God’s realm and the love God has for all people with others. Not all of us even have mountain top experiences, just as not all the disciples were a part of this particular experience, in fact, nine of the disciples were not present when Moses and Elijah appeared. They may have been elsewhere napping, but were quite possibly engaging with people, telling them about Jesus and trying to heal the ills of those they encountered. This is where we too are often called to be working while others are up on the mountain.
As we read the second part of today’s story, we encounter Jesus the day following the mountain top experience. It is back to life as he has been living, encountering people on the street, talking about God’s kin-dom, and healing those who come to him. Today though, we hear a bit of frustration in Jesus’ voice. The disciples have not been able to heal a boy. We don’t know who has tried, but whomever it was, they were unsuccessful in driving the demon causing the seizures out of the boy. Were Peter, James, and John involved or was it some of those who had not had that mountain top experience? Earlier in chapter 9, Jesus has given the disciples power to heal and to drive out spirits yet even now, they don’t manage to help this hurting family.
When we have been on a mountain top, we still encounter some of the same struggles we had before. We may feel like our lives have been massively changed, transformed, but when we encounter the realities of life, no one else seems to have changed. Those that were difficult before are still difficult with which to deal, though our insight into the situation may be differently nuanced. The paper carrier will still be unable to get the paper on the porch near the door and the kids next door will still play their music too loud.
The thing that has changed is our faith. We potentially see the world in a different manner as we are better able to see through the eyes of Jesus. We have had an encounter that can deepen and redefine our faith, but with that deepening faith, we are called out of our comfort zone to take steps in following Jesus that put us in difficult situations, sometimes at home, sometimes in the local community. When we come down from the mountain, and we gotta come down sometime, our lives are really no longer our own, they belong to the One who created us and redeemed us, to God and to God’s Son, Jesus. A mountain top experience doesn’t need to be talked about or discussed, but its impact on our lives should become apparent as we live accordingly.
We have spoken much about love over the last few months, but as we come down from the rarified air, the love Jesus had for the world should become apparent in us as we go about our daily lives. It should be reflected in how we engage in difficult situations and how we treat those we encounter on the streets that are in need of our assistance. While transformation may come in a “mountain top experience,” the way we manifest the true impact of that transformation is not seen in the rarified air of the mountain top, but in the dirty smelly streets where Christ’s love is most needed.
May our journey in the streets and by-ways of our community and the world truly show others the transformation that has occurred in our lives. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
We picture the mountain top experience of the disciples, Peter, James, and John, chosen to go up to the mountain top with Jesus, to receive a new vision. But it wasn’t what was expected. They were awed and frightened. They didn’t know what to do. One wanted to build special festival booths for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, where people could come to receive healing and blessing. It would have been so easy to stay up on the mountain and never again to descend to the hungering valley below. But Jesus has work for us to do. We are called to receive the blessing, not for ourselves alone, but to give it to others; to offer healing, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, hope and peace. These are difficult things to do in the face of the anger and hostilities that seem to abound in the world. We are not alone. God is with us. Just as we have asked for God’s healing mercies in the prayers we have offered for others, so we are recipients of God’s love and strength. Feel the power of God’s love flooding over you, coursing through your veins, encompassing your spirit! Let God’s strength and hope abide in you. Then be prepared to go and bring that blessing to others, in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Psalm 99, Luke 9, 2 Corinthians 3) Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino
As individuals and as the church, one of the ways we shine in the world is by giving to others through our own skills and talents, as well as through our gifts of money. In so doing, we participate in the great plan of God to transform our world. So, let us give with joy, as we are able.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer (Luke 9, 2 Corinthians 3) Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino
Jesus, Child of God, Chosen of God, you shone upon the mountain with your glory. You shone in many other ways, as you healed the sick and fed the hungry. You continue to shine today, every time we follow your loving example. Bless our gifts of every kind— our energy and talent, our treasure and mission. May your light shine through these gifts, that our world may be transformed by your power. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Be Thou My Vision” UMH #451
*Benediction Nancy C. Townley
Mountaintop experiences are wonderful. There is so much to see, but you are called now to go to the valley where there is much to be done. You are not alone; God goes with you, bringing healing, hope and peace. Go now in God’s peace and let it flood through you to others. AMEN.
Resources:
Call to Worship by Shelley Cunningham from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. – found at Worship Elements – Ministrymatters.com. Used with permission.
Prayer of the Day, Dialogue, Pastoral Prayer and Benediction by Nancy C. Townley from Worship Connections on Ministrymatters.com. Used with permission.
Invitation to the Offering and Offering Prayer by Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used with permission.
When Morning Gilds the Sky – Words and Music in the Public Domain
Be Thou My Vision - CCLI #3063376, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $3,130
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
7TH Sunday after Epiphany
February 20, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Love is an all or nothing proposition. Only by loving your enemies as well as your friends do you live as children of the Most High. (Luke 6) B. J. Beu
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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 “Where Charity and Love Prevail” (v.v.1,2) #549 UMH
Call to Worship (Luke 6) Joanne Reynolds
God sets before us this day life and death, blessings and curses.
We will seek God’s blessings.
Choose life, that you and your descendants may live.
We will choose life.
Love the Lord your God, and hold fast to God’s holy ways.
We will follow in the ways of our ancestors who abided in faith.
Come, let us worship.
Prayer of the Day Joanne Reynolds
Loving God, we come before you today, seeking your blessings and your protection from the allure of sin. Heal us with your love, that we might love one another. Show us the truth we have found in Jesus. Embolden our courage, that we may seize the opportunities you place before us. Strengthen our resolve to spread your word and ways, and remind us that your guidance is always present through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Luke 6:27-38
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
What happens when we start loving our enemies, praying for those who curse and abuse us, and doing good for those who hate us?
Jesus speaks about forgiveness and love in these verses from Luke and in Genesis, the tail end of the story of Joseph, we see a family reunited and able to survive despite the difficulties of a famine impacting the whole area.
Let’s start with Joseph. We haven’t been reading the story during this lectionary cycle, it just seems to pop up out of nowhere, so let’s review briefly.
Joseph is the son of Jacob. He seemed to be his father’s favorite and was a dreamer of dreams that placed him above his whole family. His brothers sold him to Ishmaelite traders who later sold him as a slave to Potiphar whose wife tried to seduce Joseph. When Joseph turned her down, she claimed he had tried to seduce her and he was jailed. He interpreted dreams of some individuals with which he was jailed and was later remembered by one of them when Pharaoh had a dream no one could interpret. Joseph has played a game with his brothers, who did not recognize him until today’s passage, as they came to get food for their families.
Joseph had recognized his family and while frustrated over having been sold into slavery, saw God’s hand in the situation as he was now in a position to ensure the survival of his family. Joseph was likely hurt and angry at the time he was sold, but he has matured and during that maturation process has suffered much and learned much. This has put him in a position to care for not only his household, but to care for the entire nation.
What if Joseph had remained bitter and angry with his brothers? Had he not forgiven them and had them bring their families and flocks to Goshen, Jacob’s line may have died out. Imagine the faces of these men standing before Joseph when he reveals who he is. They writer tells us, “Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.” (Genesis 45:3) Though they eventually regretted what they had done to their brother due to its effect on their father, they never imagined encountering him again. Were I the one standing there, I may have feared Joseph would take out revenge on me and my family for what had occurred so many years previously. Feuds have erupted within families for less and have resulted in deaths and irreconcilable differences.
In a situation where today we might expect enmity and anger, we instead find a variation on love your enemies and do good for those who hate you.
It isn’t easy to love those against whom you stand. We are seeing this in our country today where the political climate is so polarized that it is difficult to accomplish anything in Congress because the sides are so closely matched in numbers. This discord has reached a level where people who used to be friends with members of the other party are no longer able to have those personal relationships that encourage bipartisan workings.
How do we deal with those who stand against us? We have voted to become a Reconciling Congregation, a part of a movement within the church that recognizes people are people despite the differences in how they understand their gender identity or who they prefer to partner with in a loving relationship. This alone may put us at odds with friends and neighbors along with perhaps our political stance on a number of things. The struggle is, we need to continue to pray for those who are opposed to us, not only that they change their minds, that’s just selfish, but for their wellbeing, for health and safety. We need to “do the right thing” no matter how difficult that might be in the midst of the storm.
When we live out Jesus’ call in the Sermon on the Plain, to love without reservation especially those who don’t love us, we stand a chance to change the world. Doing good, despite the difficulties we may have can eventually breakdown barriers that divide us. While a two-way street might be easier, even when we must go against the current, like a salmon swimming against the current, we can achieve God’s purpose of sharing love in tangible and intangible ways that can help make the world into a better place to live.
There’s a song I learned many years ago. I have not been able to discover who wrote it, but one verse says: “It’s love, it’s love, it’s love that make the world go ‘round.” God tells us and Jesus reemphasizes it, “love makes the world go ‘round” and we are a part of helping spread that news to those we know and those we haven’t met yet. Go out today and share God’s love with someone.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Pastor Bumshik Min is moving to Suncook, NH effective March 1, 2022
Hannah Davis--joining “Teach for America.” Will be teaching in Nashville, TN at a STEM preparatory school
Robert’s Thrift Store, for what it has done for the community
Concerns:
Concerns over possible “first strike option” being used in Ukrainian situation
Gary Moore – recovering from surgery
Carolyn and her family (Bob Benjamin’s sister) on the death of Carolyn’s daughter
Shureen – Addis Joe – new great granddaughter due mid-March was born last week, weighing a little over 4 pounds. Likely to be in hospital for a few weeks, Mom to go home this week
Eliza & Julio’s baby due date was February 14, anxiously awaiting the baby’s arrival
People in turmoil
Hymn “Where Charity and Love Prevail” (v.v. 3,4) UMH #549
Pastoral Prayer
Life giving God, we come before you this day, seeking forgiveness, seeking hope, seeking love. You have called us to be sharers of your love with others, but sometimes we struggle just to love those we know, much less the nebulous “others” we don’t know. We seem to struggle for survival ourselves sometimes and wonder why we should give of that which we have worked so hard to attain that others may find their way eased or that they might share power with us when they seem to have not worked for it. Forgive us when we fail to live up to the example set by your Son, Jesus, and help us to more faithfully align our own understanding with his. As we seek to become better disciples, hear us when we pray for strength and forgive us. When we pray for others, hear our prayers and bring healing, hope, forgiveness and strength. As we journey forth this day, let us see the face of Jesus in each person we meet, and let us treat them as we would treat your true Son, expecting no reward but the reward of your approval and love. Jesus is our exemplar, even in prayer, and as he taught his disciples so long ago, we boldly pray today:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Luke 6:38, NRSV) Joanne Reynolds
Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over . . . for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Now is the time to present our gifts and offerings to God with praise and thanks.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer Joanne Reynolds
O God, your goodness and generosity are limitless and eternal. We bring before you our gifts, as echoes of your generosity, that they may be used for good. We know that it is more blessed to give than to receive. May our giving be a sign of this blessing for others and for our course in faith.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Where Charity and Love Prevail” (v.v. 5.6) UMH #549
Benediction
Liturgy today, unless otherwise indicated, by the individuals noted from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used with permission.
Centering Words by B.J. Beu, from Worship Elements found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $1,580
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH Sunday after Epiphany
February 13, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
How fickle is the journey of life! Blessings walk alongside curses. Hope intertwines with despair. Goodness is shadowed by wickedness. (Luke 6, Psalm 1) Mary J. Scrifes
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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 “Step by Step” W&S #3004
Call to Worship (Psalm 1, CEB) Ministry Matters
Leader: The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful.
People: Instead of doing those things, these persons love the LORD’s Instruction, and they recite God’s instruction day and night.
Leader: They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.
People: That’s not true for the wicked! They are like dust that the wind blows away.
Leader: And that’s why the wicked will have no standing in the court of justice—neither will sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
People: The LORD is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed.
Prayer of the Day James G. Kirk
O God, you are like an ever-flowing stream, watering the earth and refreshing creation. We draw from your Holy Spirit life-giving sustenance. We are cleansed of all sin through Christ our Savior. We receive from your Word wisdom to guide us; we sing praises to you for your life-giving care, amen.
Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 17:5-10
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
An election is coming. It may still be several months away, but it will come, for we are already being bombarded by news of one party gaining while another party loses seats.
One of the challenges of a democratically elected government is to whose voice should we as Christians listen when we are deciding for which candidate we should vote. Should we listen more to the Green Party? After all, they are supposed to be sponsoring candidates that really care about God’s creation? What about the Independents, the Republicans or the Democrats, should we vote for one of them and stick to the party line? Particularly the Republicans, after all, they are supported by a sub segment called, ‘the religious right,” so shouldn’t we vote for them?
When we are considering for whom to vote, perhaps we should first read what the Lord is saying in Jeremiah and in Luke today.
The Lord, through the prophet, Jeremiah, speaks to people about trusting “mere mortals.” When we listen to politicians speak, are they truly basing what they say on a desire to serve and please God, or are they trying to feather their personal nests, ensuring they receive the power they think they deserve and with that power shaping the world to fit their own version of what is right or are they listening to God and despite what may be popular, trying to serve God and the people of God to the best of their ability.
In a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887, Lord Acton is credited as saying, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always evil men.” (Found at - https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/absolute-power-corrupts-absolutely.html)
Lord Acton suggests that too much power vested in a single person tends to corrupt the individual. When we approach an election, we should do so by looking at the individuals, not the party. In today’s world, with the lightning speed of communication, the ability to travel the world rapidly, and the many voices at the table, whether in the newspaper, on the news channels, or on the internet, it is sometimes difficult to sort through all of the information produced and listen to the voice of God.
The world speaks to us through many competing voices, trying to convince us that their voice is the one to which we should listen; their candidate is the one for whom we should vote. But, what does God say?
When we listen to Jesus as he stands on the plain, speaking primarily to his disciples, but surrounded by others, some who have been healed and others who know that by just touching Jesus’ person, they too will be healed, they too will feel his power, who will also hear his words we hear him speak of blessings and woes, blessings for the destitute, those who are struggling for survival, and woes for those who are rich, who have power and abuse such privilege. As we hear his words, of blessing and woe, some may make us wonder about what this means for our own lives. Are we a part of those to whom Jesus is saying “Woe to…” or are we of the other group, the group who are receiving God’s blessing despite what our lives might look like in this instance in time?
Town meeting season is upon us, then later will be primaries and in the fall, the mid-term elections. Our responsibility, as people of God, is to sort through the chaff, that which blows away in the wind leaving behind grain that is to be eaten; disregarding the grandstanding, the rhetoric that distracts us from the more substantive issues, and look at the entire process through ears focused on God’s message; eyes focused on the in-breaking realm of God and God’s call to righteousness and care for the disenfranchised and marginalized. For when our focus is on God; when we use God’s grace and mercy to guide our focus; we move from the margins ourselves, into the bright light and joy of God’s unending love and salvation.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Beth is excited for Carol who is flying from Arizona to California to see her brother Richie
Concerns:
Hannah & Grace
Healthcare workers struggling to care for victims of COVID
For those depressed & for those who work hard, but need a boost
Gary and Linda Moore
Family of Bobbi Gallerani as they grieve
Lillian & Richard
Lexie & Baby
Porcupine that is damaging house and trees
Those who may now get a break as COVID numbers begin to drop
Pastoral Prayer
Powerful Giver of Life, we bow before you this day acknowledging we have a tendency to stray away from you call to care for others as we care for ourselves. You ask us to love extravagantly, but we want to hoard the love for ourselves and for our families. You call us to share our wealth, but often we fear that in sharing, we will not have enough. Your son, Jesus, called woe to those who are poor blessed and told those who were comfortable with wealth and adequate food. Help us to see our lives through your eyes; lead us to more closely walk the path you desire; and forgive us when we falter, gently leading us back. We lift to you this day all who are grieving, may they find peace and comfort through your presence. To you we cry out for the sick, whether mentally, physically or spiritually, seeking your healing grace in their lives, your hope for their future. We lift up those who give of themselves that others may flourish, the mental healthcare workers, the medical professionals, teachers and so many more who serve you daily in the places you have called them to serve. We rejoice together with you as we see the sun, the birds and all of creation surrounding us with promise and hope. We rejoice in the mile markers of life and give thanks for your healing touch. Gracious God, you are merciful and holy, your love knows no bounds. You sent your only Son, Jesus, to live and walk among us, giving up his position beside you for a brief while that we might learn more of your love and grace, then dying that we might look forward to eternal life with you. As he taught his disciples that day, so we boldly pray;
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
God has called us out of our comfort zones and into a world filled with wonder and hope. The gifts we now offer are offered unto God for blessing and to be used to further God’s reign on earth, that all may know the hope that comes through God.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer Mary J. Scifres
Blessed God, with these gifts, bring food to the hungry, hope to the despairing, and comfort to the sorrowful. Bless these gifts and our very lives, that we may be blessings of hope for your world.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Jesus Calls Us” #398 UMH
Benediction
Call to Worship from Prayers for February 13, 2022 by MinistryMatters.com Used with permission.
Prayer of the Day by James G. Kirk from “When We Gather: A book of prayers for worship” by James G. Kirk. © 2001 James G. kirk. Published by Geneva Press. Used with permission.
Centering Words & Offering Prayer by Mary J. Scifres from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used with permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $1,580
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5th Sunday After the Epiphany
February 6, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning to worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
In this season of light, God’s grace has been given to strengthen and enlighten us. May our epiphanies and jolts of wisdom lead us to a path free from shame. (Isaiah 6, Luke 5, 1 Corinthians 15)
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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 Summons” 2130 TFWS
Call to Worship F. Willis Johnson
We are here, Lord. Now what?
Follow me!
We have dedicated our lives to study, Lord. Now what?
Follow me!
But, we have partners, families, and responsibilities, Lord.
Follow me!
The days of our lives are filled with hurriedness and important task, Lord.
Follow me!
There are bills to pay, obligations to honor, aspirations to fulfill, Lord.
Follow me!
I want to serve you, love your people, and glory your name, but really know how, Lord.
Follow me!
Can’t it wait?
Follow me!
Where? For how long?
Follow me!
Prayer of the Day (Isaiah 6, Luke 5, 1 Corinthians 15) Michelle L. Torigian
Divine Deliverer of compassion, you call us to follow your voice. “Whom shall I send?” you asked us. With hearts of hope and souls filled with courage, we respond, “Here I am. Send me.” You evaporate our shame, and joyously embrace our authentic selves. May we continue to open ourselves to you, and may we embrace our full humanity as you do. Amen
Prayer of Confession (Luke 5, Isaiah 6) Michelle L. Torigian
Too often, we have clung to thoughts that we are too sinful for you. Too often, we have fused our shameful pasts with a closed future. From these beliefs, we condemn ourselves to an outlook without hope. “Go away from me!” we exclaim like Peter. “I am way too lost,” we think like Isaiah. But you have something different in mind. You see us as so much more. You see our divine image, and our creator-bestowed gifts. Save us from our negative self-talk, that we may embrace your calling for our lives. Amen.
Words of Assurance (1 Corinthians 15) Michelle L. Torigian
The grace of God has molded us throughout our lives and will continue to do so until our final breath. God’s grace is never in vain. Even as God embraces our past, God moves us into the future— a future filled with hope, and the fulfillment of dreams.
Passing of the Peace of Christ (Luke 5) Michelle L. Torigian
Behold the children of God surrounding you. Through your words and your smiles, acknowledge the spark of the divine within them. See the presence of Christ in the faces of your neighbors, affirming that we are all treasured children of God.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 6:1-13
Luke 5:1-11
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
I like to fish. When I was a kid growing up, we had a family friend, one we called ‘aunt,’ who had a pond in her front yard. My folks would take us there to fish. One time I caught a 21” bass. We also fished when we went camping and occasionally my dad would take us out in the boat to fish. I have to admit, I kinda like this story of Jesus telling the fishermen to lower their nets, even though they are the experts and have been fishing all night and are pretty sure there are no fish present. It reminds me that Jesus knows much more than to we about what is going on.
Today, we have two stories of call dealing with five different individuals. First, we have Isaiah, a man who admits his sin and claims it disqualifies him for service as a prophet of God. Next we have four disciples, only one of which actually speaks, and he too claims he is sinful.
Too often we look at ourselves through a very human lens and let that lens limit our abilities to accomplish that to which God calls us. We proclaim our sin, our weakness, or some other attribute we think disqualifies us and use that as an excuse to sit on the sidelines and watch rather than engaging the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us to advance God’s plan for our lives and the life of the world around us.
Let’s look at the Gospel story a minute. Simon, later called Peter, and Andrew have had a long, hard night of fishing with no reward for their labors. No fish means nothing to sell to purchase food and necessities for the family and no fish to bring home for food for their families. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are partners with Simon and Andrew, and have the same problems as Simon and Andrew when it comes to income and feeding the family.
Kenneth E. Bailey, in his book, “Jesus Though Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural studies in the Gospels,” talks about the story from a cultural standpoint. Earlier Jesus had healed Peter’s mother, setting up a situation where Peter felt obligated to help Jesus, so when Jesus arrived and climbed into Peter’s boat, asking him to row out a little to allow him to preach, Peter felt obligated to oblige. Despite the fact that Peter was likely almost, if not literally, exhausted following a long night of fishing with nothing to show for it, he obliged Jesus, setting up a situation where he had no option but to hear what this roadside teacher had to say. Now Peter wasn’t able to just sit and rest, falling asleep while Jesus spoke. If you’ve ever fished a larger lake from a boat, you know how that boat tends to drift with the prevailing winds or any current from a stream or river entering the lake. Peter had to work to keep the boat in a relatively stable place for Jesus to be able to share his message, which Peter did despite his fatigue.
For most people, there have been times in our lives that we have felt obligated to do something for someone despite our fatigue or busyness. Do we always accept these interruptions with aplomb or do we turn our backs or, though we do the task, act in ways that suggest our “disgust” or frustration with the situation? Some of that comes through when, after finishing his sermon, Jesus instructs Peter to row out to the deep water and cast out his nets to catch fish. Kenneth E. Bailey suggests a note of professional superiority in Peter’s reply. He paraphrases the reply as:
“Listen Teacher! My boys and I are professionals. We know where the fish feed—it’s along the shore, and the best time to catch them is at night. That’s why we were out on the lake all last night. We’re not stupid! We have just worked the fishing areas and caught nothing…”
You get the idea. He thinks Peter was pretty frustrated by the instructions but did what Jesus said just to show Jesus how wrong he was. Needless to say, with the haul of fish, Peter had the proverbial mud on his face.
What of ourselves? Are there times we want to pull out the “I know better than you card,” when asked to do something to further God’s reign on earth?
Peter’s response tells us how he felt as he fell down at Jesus’ feet and proclaimed his sinfulness. We like to work within our comfort zones. For Peter, he was comfortable fishing for fish has he had been taught and had had some success with through the years. Jesus turned his understanding and his life upside down when he experienced the miracle of the ‘big catch.’
The Holy Spirit has gifted each person in the congregation with specific gifts that are to be used for the betterment of God’s reign here in this time. Do we recognize God’s superior knowledge of our abilities, or do we decide we know better than does God what we are able to accomplish?
I invite us to take some time this week to actually listen for what God is saying to us in the right this minute, this day, this week. Let us bow down before God’s superior wisdom, acknowledging that the one who has known us since before our creation in our mother’s womb, may have a better idea where fish can be caught than do we.
Let us hear Jesus’ response to Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” and let us respond with alacrity and leave our preconceived notions behind us and follow Jesus into a new life focused on reaching the people God wants us to reach. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Sun is shining
Birds at feeders
Stephanie’s help
Concerns:
Healthcare workers struggling to care for victims of COVID
Christy Manning
Jennifer Manning - Brianna has COVID
Maddie
Richard Pike – New town maintenance person – has cancer
Michelle – numbers are elevated and had to have another infusion and treatment for cancer
Youth/hothead adults
Beth’s care givers
Pastoral Prayer
Loving God, to you we come for sustenance and care, for support during difficult times and companionship as we celebrate. Hear our heartfelt prayers of struggle, of concern for family friends and neighbors, of desire for a better world where all may have enough, and war and violence are no more. Wipe out the pandemic, bringing us to the new world you have planned, may it be a world where people seek what is best for others, not just themselves and where hope is always connected with you. You have called each of us to live in harmony with you and we desire that relationship with our whole hearts, give us the strength to act upon your call that we may be a part of the change that our world so needs. Comfort those who mourn this day. Strengthen those who struggle. Place your healing hand upon the sick and injured, bringing a new sense of wholeness to their lives. As we look at the world let us continue to celebrate the varieties of the weather and the seasons and help us keep hope alive through good times and difficult. All this we pray in your holy name. And now, as Jesus taught his disciples, so we boldly pray together:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (1 Corinthians 15) Michelle L. Torigian
The Divine Deliverer of compassion and care is calling us to serve, and to share our talents and treasures for the good of God’s realm. No matter how we have fallen short in the past, God’s grace assures us a variety of gifts to contribute. How is God calling us to share today?
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer Michelle L. Torigian
Loving God, Deliverer of compassion, you call us to share our treasures and talents, and the work of our hands. With hearts filled with hope, we praise you for our bounty. Forever shall we sing of your generous ways, Holy One. Amen.
Love Feast
PRAYER
Father of earth and heaven,
Thy hungry children feed,
Thy grace be to our spirits given,
That true immortal bread.
Grant us and all our race
In Jesus Christ to prove
The sweetness of thy pardoning grace,
The manna of thy love.
PASSING OF THE BREAD
The bread is passed from person to person. Each person may be invited in passing the bread to quote a scripture verse. The leader may receive last and close with a few words, a short prayer, or an invitation to new commitment to Christ and a holy life.
PASSING OF THE LOVING CUP
The cup is share. A pitcher or cup of water or other beverage may be passed and each person pour a small amount into their own cup for consumption.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Jesus Calls Us” #398 UMH
Benediction
Call to Worship by F. Willis Johnson from Sermon Options February 6,2022, found on MinistryMatters.com
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy today by Michelle L. Torigian, from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
Love Feast – from UMCDiscipleship.org/resources, prayer is a traditional prayer from John Wesley.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
January’s Collection to date: $2,950
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4TH Sunday after Epiphany
January 30, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
God has known us, loved us, and been with us since before we were knit together in our mothers’ wombs. Sink into the arms of Love this day, and trust the hand that holds you, for we have abided in this love long before we first drew breath. (Jeremiah 1, Psalm 71, 1 Corinthians 13)
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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 Gift of Love” #408 UMH
Call to Worship Nancy C. Townley
L: God has called each one of to serve, using the gifts we have been given.
P: I don't know where to start.
L: Place your trust in God's guidance.
P: What if I fail?
L: God is with you - place your trust in God's presence.
P: Help me, O God, to trust in you and in your gracious gifts to me. Help me to serve others in your name. AMEN.
Prayer of the Day Nancy C. Townley
Gracious God, we come to you with day, seeking your guidance and strength. You have called us to ministries for which we feel inadequate. Help us to understand that it is your love that will support and sustain our efforts. Give us the courage to place our trust in your abiding presence. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 1:4-10
1Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30 – Dramatization by Nancy C. Townley
Parts
Narrator
Reader 1
Reader 2
Reader 3
Jesus
Reading
Narrator: Jesus read the scroll of Isaiah and proclaimed that he was the one who was sent to fulfill the mandate of God, to serve and care for others. The proclamation was not treated too kindly by those who were present.
Reader 1: Who do you think you are, Jesus of Nazareth? You were born here. We remember what you were like when you were a little child, a teenager, and a young adult?
Reader 2: Jesus, why don't you just keep quiet? You are supposed to follow your father Joseph in the carpentry business. You have a family which needs you. Why are you making such waves?
Reader 3: Do you just want to stir up trouble here in your hometown?
Jesus: Think about it. All those times when you could have been serving God by really caring for the people. Remember the time when there was a great famine? What did you do? You said, "I'll take care of my family. Everyone else is on their own." You cried to God and said "Send someone to help us.. ...we are your most deserving ones, you owe us this help." But God send Elijah, our great prophet, to a poor widow. It was she, with the little that she had, who helped Elijah and others.
Reader 1: What do you know about this? Just stories! We were the faithful ones, the chosen people of God. God chose us and should have seen Elijah to each of us.
Reader 2: You weren't there. You don't know the whole story. I might have helped if I had realized the scope of the problem. Someone should have contacted me and explained it to me.
Reader 3: Listen, Jesus, you are just stirring up trouble. Keep quiet. Let bygones be bygones.
Jesus: You have many lepers here in the land and yet you turn your backs on them. Most of them have been your friends and neighbors, but when they contracted leprosy, they were forced out of their homes, out of their town, out of the compassion of their family and friends. You asked them to shout "Unclean! Unclean!" so that you wouldn't be bothered and could run from them. But in God's wisdom, the prophet Elisha was sent to Naaman, a Syrian, and healed him. He alone was worthy.
Reader 1: Now you've gone and done it! You blame us for everything! You have taunted us for the last time! We want you out of this town; out of our lives!
Reader 2: Get out of here! We should stone him for what he has said against us good people. How dare he!?
Reader 3: I told you…didn't I. But you wouldn't listen. Now you have lost your friends and neighbors because of your words.
Narrator: And the people rose up against Jesus, took him to the top of a steep hill and were going to throw him over the precipice. Jesus looked at them with great pity, and then turned and walked away through the midst of them.
Message
1Corinthians 13, often known for being read at weddings, but when we put it in the context of a letter to the people of Corinth it can change our understanding of how it works in our own lives.
Many times in the Hebrew Testament (Old Testament) there are stories of conflict between the prophets God has appointed and the ones to whom the leaders listen. Whether it is Jeremiah who, though young, was called by God to bring a message of both disaster and hope or Ezekiel, there were not infrequently challenges to the prophecy by those who desired positions of power in the court of the Jewish leaders.
One of the big differences between the groups of prophets beyond who they served, Jewish leaders or God, was the effect on the people God claimed as a special, beloved people. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the like tended to speak from a point of love for the people of God, while the false prophets tended to speak from a perspective of love for themselves.
As we read 1 Corinthians 13 we hear a number of spiritual gifts that are mentioned in chapter 12, listed again in chapter 13, but in 13 we are told that even if we have these same gifts, it is important for us to manifest love as we use them in our daily lives. Verse 2 says, “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” Wow! That is a pretty solid indictment of those who use their powers of prophecy to serve their personal desires rather than using them to aid the people to whom God has called them to prophesy.
As I said a couple of weeks ago, we are all blessed with various spiritual gifts, but Paul tells us we must have not only gifts, but love, in order to fulfill God’s call on our lives.
Say I have the gift of hospitality, but I only welcome those who have power and money, shoving aside the homeless, the poor, those with mental challenges and such. How might I be using, or misusing, this gift God has given me?
Think about your own lives, the gifts God has given you, and why you use them the way you do? Are you manifesting love for others as you use them or are you more interested in lining your own nest?
Paul says this about love:
“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
As we think about the variety of gifts that are present in our congregation, let us begin imagining how we might make a powerful statement of love as we begin to emerge from the pandemic. Please send me thoughts and ideas (e-mail or snail mail [US Postal Service]) so we may dream of a future where Grace UMC, Bradford, VT is noted for the gifts it has and the love it shares with the community. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
"If I speak in the languages of humankind or the angelic host, but do not have love I am just like a noisy clanging cymbal. If I have wonderful powers to see all the great possibilities in serving the Lord, and the wondrous journey which God has placed before us, but don't have love in my heart and in my actions, I am just making empty noises." Lord, too often we are like loud clanging cymbals or empty promises. We say we want to do things, but we back away because we think things will be too tough for us. We don't believe that you will be with us, guiding, healing, and strengthening us for service. So rather than doing your work, we just go through the motions. You are LOVE. In you resides all hope, peace, and justice. Your love has been poured out on us and all creation from before the beginning of time. Teach us again the great message of hope. Remind us that love is also risk. We risk censure and alienation from people who don't understand. Let us know that you are with us, through this time. Give us courage to be your faithful witnesses, by the kinds of loving service and care we give to others. For we ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering our Gifts to God (Jeremiah 1, 1Corinthians 13) Joanne Carlson Brown
We have been called to speak and to live out the radical, abiding love of God in the world. We do so by offering all that we are, all that we do, and all that we have, knowing that God will use us and our gifts to bring the beloved community ever closer to being realized in this world.
*Doxology “Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven” (verse 1) #66 UMH
*Offering Prayer Joanne Carlson Brown
Gracious and loving God,
receive our gifts of self and substance.
They have belonged to you
since our very beginning.
We give them freely, joyfully, prayerfully.
With them we praise you.
With them we celebrate the great power
that is love--
a love that abides always,
a love that radically transforms,
a love that makes us whole.
*Hymn to send us into the world “Now Praise the Hidden God of Love” #2027 TFWS
*Benediction
Transitioning to Worship by B. J. Beu, from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022 edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
Call to Worship, Prayer of the Day, Dramatization of Luke 4, Pastoral Prayer, by Nancy C. Townley, from Worship Connection found at ministrymatters.com. Used by permission.
Invitation to the Offering and Offering Prayer by Joanne Carlson Brown from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Found at, Worship Elements on ministrymatters.com. Used by permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
January’s Collection to date: $2,950
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Third Sunday After the Epiphany, January 23, 2022
Invitation to Worship with Cathy Richards-Marcy
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, clothe us in the mantle of praise that we may always rejoice in proclaiming your glory and in receiving your blessings, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Opening Hymn: “Come Let Us All Unite to Sing”
Call to Worship Psalm 119
Prayer of the Day
Leader: God of all kindness, we thank you for the many ways your love enters our lives.
People: You have filled our mouths with laughter and our tongues with singing.
Leader: Accept our sacrifice of song in your church on earth,
People: and grant us a part in the music of your church in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Message: Cathy Richards-Marcy
Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” UMH #89
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering our Gifts of Thanksgiving and Praise
Doxology (please sing)
This is the day,
this is the day,
that the Lord hath made,
that the Lord hath made,
Let us rejoice,
let us rejoice
and be glad in it,
and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day,
this is the day that the Lord hath made.
Offering Prayer
Overflowing joy welled up in rich generosity in the Macedonian churches two thousand years ago. May our gifts be not just financial, but also in our joyful spirits. AMEN
Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Now Thank We All Our God” UMH #102
Benediction
Spirit of Peace, quiet our hearts, heal our anxious thoughts, free us from our fretful ways. Breathe on us your holy calm so that in the stillness of your presence we may open ourselves to trust and be transformed. AMEN
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2ND Sunday after Epiphany
Human Relations Sunday
January 16, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Cathy Richards-Marcy will be preaching on January 23. We will be on zoom through that date. The Ad Council will be evaluating the COVID situation to determine when it will be reasonable to return to in-person worship after January 23.
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. (1Corinthians 12:4-6; NRS)
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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 “Spirit of God” (v.v. 1-3) TFWS #2117
Call to Worship (1Corinthians 12) Erik Alsgaard
L: There are many gifts, talents, and abilities given by God.
P: But there is only one Spirit.
L: There are a variety of things we can do to serve the Lord.
P: But it is the same Lord we all serve.
L: There are many activities we can do to serve God:
teach, sing, clean, preach, play, work...
P: But all these are activated by God.
L: There are many manifestations of God's Spirit
in the world.
P: It is impossible to list them all.
L: To say that one is better than another is foolish.
P: God gives to each as God chooses.
All: Thanks be to God!
Prayer of the Day (1Corinthians 12) Erik Alsgaard
God of all good gifts,
we thank you and praise you.
Your Spirit has touched our lives,
bringing wisdom, ability, strength, courage,
and passion.
Enable us to use our gifts
in service to you and to others.
In all that we do,
and in all that we are,
may your name be glorified,
that your kingdom will be with us
and reside here on this earth.
We pray this in the name of your Son,
our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture Readings
1Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
Message
I recently bought humidifiers for the house, the old ones had died and the house is very dry this winter. These humidifiers are “Smart.” They are smart enough that they won’t do anything until you tell them what to do, but you can communicate with them through the app on your phone or using “Alexa” to turn them on/off or adjust the rate of humidity or set the maximum level of humidity in the room.
We live in a world of “smart” devices, phones, dishwashers and lights among them, but the all must be activated, attached to a “central command center” for want of a better description, in order for their ‘smart’ functions to work.
We have all been given gifts by God through the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that there are different gifts for different individuals, but that it is God who activates them in each individual. It doesn’t matter what the gift might be, it is our connection with God through the Holy Spirit that allows them to be activated.
Think about it for a minute. Let’s use the phone example since most folks have one, even if it is an old wired to the wall model. If a phone system is not activated, it can’t be used to call a friend or neighbor. Now most mobile devices can be used to call 911 for help, but that is all if activation has not occurred. If we are not connected to God, our Spiritual gifts are not fully manifested. We need a better connection than one that allows only for us to call for help for our gifts to be fully realized.
Jesus came into the world to connect with people, walking the dusty roads as he spoke with people and healed their hurts; sitting on the porch of the Temple or in one of its courts as he debated with the Scribes and Pharisees over nuances of scriptural understanding. Jesus was not some aloof, out of touch deity like the “gods” of the Romans or Greeks or other people around the area were, Jesus was God incarnate, God in human form, come to earth. We need to be connected with Jesus, the connection given to us that we might be connected with God. Then our gifts will be fully activated so we are able to more effectively serve God.
Last week we celebrated Baptism of the Lord Sunday and had a reaffirmation of our baptismal vows. We spoke of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, for at our baptism we have invited God’s Spirit to enter. When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his impending death, he promised them that the Holy Spirit would come to teach and comfort them. This is the same Spirit with which we are gifted at our baptism.
As we study scripture, pray, join in bible studies and book studies about scripture, we continue to strengthen our connection with God so that the signal becomes stronger and doesn’t drop out when we are struggling on the side of a mountain somewhere. As the Spirit works in us, the gifts that we have also become stronger and are more accessible, whether it be a gift of prophesy or a gift of hospitality, a gift of teaching or a gift of listening or any of the other myriad gifts the Spirit bestows.
Once we have a gift, then we need to use it. I have a couple of humidifiers, in part to help my breathing. I can have them, but they are of no use unless I fill them with water, plug them into electricity and turn them on. Likewise, our Spiritual gifts are of no use unless we stay connected with God, continuously fill ourselves with the foods of prayer and scripture and then use the gifts for the betterment of the world.
Open yourselves to the Holy Spirit. Accept the gifts you have. Nourish and feed your spirit and its gifts. Use your gifts that God’s reign on earth may become fully manifest in our time. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Concerns:
Healthcare workers struggling to care for victims of COVID
The family of Tony Patterson
Bob Benjamin
Stephanie Davis
Pastoral Prayer (John 2) Erik Alsgaard & Pastor Ami Sawtelle
God of us all, Creator of the Universe, we come before thee this day with celebrations and joys as we observe your powerful works in the world. We give thanks for answered prayers, for home and hearth, for food upon our tables and families that surround us. In the midst of it all, we stop and remember those for whom joy is but a dream, health is but a distant hope. We think of those who grieve this day and ask your peace for their hearts. We look at our community and realize there are many struggling to maintain a roof over their heads or food on their tables and we wonder how we might be a part of a change that brings hope into their lives.
God of all good gifts, we thank you and praise you. Your Spirit has touched our lives, bringing wisdom, ability, strength, courage, and passion. Enable us to use our gifts in service to you and to others. In all that we do, and in all that we are, may your name be glorified, that your kingdom will be with us and reside here on this earth. We pray this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who taught his disciples to pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Pastor Ami Sawtelle
What gift might we offer that will help this congregation to reach others? Is it a gift of technology, an understanding and willingness to share our skills and knowledge that the congregation may better reach others in the community? Is it the gift of a phone call to a friend or neighbor struggling with isolation during the pandemic? Is it the gift of a meal for the family of a healthcare worker working endless hours, coming home exhausted and yet still needing to feed a hungry family? God has gifted us with so much, how might we share those gifts with others? What gifts might we also share with the congregation, that the heat might stay on and the doors might open again soon to welcome the community in?
*Doxology
*Offering Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
As we reflect upon the gifts your Spirit has imparted to our lives Holy One, we eagerly desire to share the gifts we have received with others. Accept these small tokens of our love, that your message of love and forgiveness might reach into the world. Amen.
*Hymn to send us into the world “Spirit of God” (v.v. 4-5) TFWS #2117
Benediction (Psalm 36, 1Corinthians 12) Erik Alsgaard
Drink deep of God's love.
God's love endures forever!
Drink deep of God's Spirit.
God's Spirit endures forever!
Feast on the abundance of God's gifts.
God's gifts never end!
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy today by Erik Alsgaard, from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Epiphany, January 9, 2022
Invitation to Worship
Prayer of Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
Moving From the World to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
The magi study the stars, watching their movements and seeing a new star appear, they see the foretelling of the birth of a new king. Following the path of the star, they offer the child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh when they find him.
“We Three Kings” (v.4) #254 UMH
The people of the time were looking for one to come and lead them from the lives of misery from which they suffered while under the rule of the Romans. John arrived, calling people to baptism by water for the forgiveness of their sins while proclaiming the coming of one whose sandals he was not worthy to untie, one who would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit rather than with water. The one of whom John spoke comes to be baptized and the presence of the Holy Spirit is physically demonstrated as a dove alights on his shoulder. May this same Spirit fill us, guide us and direct our lives now and every day.
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer of the Day
“Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on us.” Rekindle in us the wonder of the magi as they knelt before the newborn king. Rekindle in us the urge for righteous living as John called for in those who came for baptism in the Jordan. Descend once more into our midst in a way that speaks a special word of presence to our hearts. Holy One, we acknowledge the days when fatigue fills us and frustration rather than loving care comes from our lips causing hurt and distrust. We confess that often we fail to do that which you call us to do, our actions causing pain and anguish rather than hope and trust. Cleanse our thoughts and our hearts. Lead us into actions that show your love for the world you created. You sent Jesus into the world, that he would know us and guide us and then, by his death and resurrection, cleanse us in preparation for life with you. We are thankful and amazed at such love! May our worship this day, ring aloud with the joy and amazement of our hearts. Amen.
Opening Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (v.v. 1-4) #UMH #139
Scripture:
Matthew 2:1-12
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17
Message
They came, wise men from the East, to worship before the child Jesus. The announcement of the birth of God’s Son, Jesus, began with angel choirs singing of “peace on earth” to simple shepherds on the hillside and moved outward from God’s chosen people, Israel, to wise men, magi, star gazers from the East, Gentiles who were not part of the Jewish family. Two thousand years later, we who have become adopted children of the family, have followed the star to the home where the wise men gathered and continue to honor and worship the same Jesus, born so long ago.
As we hear the words from Acts, that hearing of the belief of the Samaritans, Peter and John go to visit this much maligned group of people and then baptized them in the name of the Holy Spirit, that that same Holy Spirit might come upon them with the laying on of their hands, bringing them into the family as adopted siblings of Jesus, we should be gratefully amazed that, even in the early days of the church, that those from outside Judaism, those who were often maligned by the Jewish people were welcomed into the family.
We too are included in the family through our own baptism in the name of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When we come before God for baptism, it is not about what we have done, about what the pastor who baptizes us does, not our or the pastor’s righteousness, it is only about the mercy and grace extended to us from God through God’s Son, Jesus.
God calls for us to allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and our lives. In our baptism, the Holy Spirit is invited to do that very thing.
In renouncing the spiritual forces of wickedness, rejecting the evil powers of the world and repenting our sin, we acknowledging their presence in the world, we can’t pretend otherwise. We should also acknowledge the place they have previously held in our lives. It is through such acknowledgement that we are able to recognize our sinfulness and repent of our sin.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist evil, injustice, and oppression however they may present themselves to us in the future as our hearts and lives are changed. Such freedom and power can only come from God. When we welcomed the Holy Spirit into our lives, we were empowered for so much, but with such empowerment comes much responsibility. How else are others to learn of the freedom and power God offers unless those who have already experienced it share the news?
We are also enabled by the Holy Spirit to proclaim Jesus Christ as Savior. To claim Jesus Christ as Savior is no small thing, for the sacrifice Christ made, dying in agony upon a cross, should never be taken for granted. Such sacrifice was an offering by God to heal the broken relationship that developed between God and humanity when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit and then hid themselves from God’s presence in the garden.
Whether when we were baptized, or when we were confirmed we personally made a promise to serve Jesus Christ as Lord, putting our whole trust in his grace. We must then live as if we truly do trust in Jesus and serve him in whatever way he may direct. We will be looking at the Holy Spirit in our lives over the next few weeks, talking of the ways we may be called and exploring what that might mean for us.
Unlike Jesus, upon whom a dove from God settled, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit, most of us have not had that visual affirmation of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. This is where we must step out in faith, believing that through the grace Jesus extends to all who follow him, we have been forgiven and the Holy Spirit has come upon us.
Earlier, we sang, “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.”
As we acknowledge the presence of God’s Spirit here in the space in which we are worshipping, whether at home with our family, on Zoom, or in-person at the church, as we renew the vows made at our baptism let us do so with the expectation of the Holy Spirit renewing our flagging spirits once more, moving us to serve Jesus just as we desired when first we made our vows.
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
New Service of Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
Taylor Burton-Edwards
Introduction (All standing in body and/or spirit.)
Sisters and brothers in Christ:
through the sacrament of baptism
God's Spirit has been poured out upon water,
water poured over and immersing us,
water that flows freely for all who will receive it,
water from the streams of God's saving power and justice,
water that brings hope to all who thirst for righteousness,
water that refreshes life, nurtures growth, and offers new birth.
Today we come to the waters,
to renew our commitments
in each other's presence
to Christ who has raised us,
the Spirit who has birthed us,
and the Creator who is making all things new.
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
And so I ask you, will you turn away from the powers of sin and death?
We renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
Reject the evil powers of this world,
And repent of our sin!
Will you let the Spirit use you as prophets to the powers that be?
We accept the freedom and power God gives us
To resist evil, injustice, and oppression
In whatever forms they present themselves!
Will you proclaim the good news and live as disciples of Jesus Christ, his body on earth?
We confess Jesus Christ as our Savior,
put our whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as our Lord,
in union with the church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races!
Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together, wherever you are, and in all that you do?
We will remain faithful members of Christ's holy church
And serve as Christ's representatives in the world.
Will you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
We affirm and teach the faith of the whole church
as we put our trust
in God, the Father Almighty.
in Jesus Christ, his only Son.
and in the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Spirit of the Lord is with us.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Let us pray.
Almighty God, the life you birthed in us
by baptism into Jesus Christ
will never die.
Your justice never fails.
Your mercy is everlasting.
Your healing river flows.
Your Spirit blows where you will.
We cannot stop you, God!
But sometimes we try.
We try to block the flow,
we redirect the winds of the Spirit,
or we walk so far away from the life-giving Stream
that we do not hear its sound,
and we forget its power.
We parch ourselves.
We are dry and thirsty, O God.
Come, refresh us!
The pastor offers gestures of calling upon the Holy Spirit to come upon the people and the water.
The people are invited to offer the same gestures as they respond.
Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon these waters.
Come upon these waters.
Let these waters be to us drops of your mercy.
Let these waters remind us of your righteousness and justice.
Let these waters renew in us the resurrection power of Jesus.
Let these waters make us long for your coming reign.
Most Holy God, Abba, Father!
Glory to you!
Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord!
Glory to you!
Spirit of fire, Spirit over the waters, Spirit of holiness!
Glory to you!
Eternal God, One in Three and Three in One!
All glory is yours, now and forever. Amen!
All who are baptized and have renewed their vows are invited to come to the font to use the water as a sign of refreshing. As each uses the water, another says to her or him:
Remember that you are baptized, and rejoice!
“Baptized in Water” (v.v. 1-2) TFWS #2248
Sharing within the family our celebrations of God in our midst and our requests for God’s intervention
Joys:
Pastoral Prayer
Holy Spirit, as we have renewed our vows, we have been renewed in strength of spirit. Hear now our prayers of celebration of the presence of the Holy Trinity in our lives. Hear our celebrations as we remember the healing of the sick, the joy of families gathering, as we witness the wonders of your creation and celebrate the mile markers in our lives. Hear our cries of anguish as we see the increasing numbers of those falling ill with COVID, as we hear diagnoses of cancer and other terminal diseases, comfort us in our distress, surround us with your love. May your peace, a peace that is beyond our understanding surround and comfort the families of those who grieve this day. Whether it is the loss of family members or friends to death, or the loss of home and memories to fires, storms or other disasters, we can become so devastated that we lose our way. May your peace comfort us and keep us on track that we may remain strong in our faith and share the comfort which you have shared with us with others. May we always trust and follow your Son, Jesus, who knows our griefs, shares our pain, and continued to trust in you, turning to you alone for strength. And now, as he taught his disciples, we boldly pray together…
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering our Gifts of Thanksgiving and Praise
The magi came before the child, Jesus, offering gifs of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts do we bring this day?
Doxology (A song of praise to God) “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (v. 5) UMH #139
Offering Prayer
Amazing God, your Spirit moved over the waters at the creation of the world. Your Spirit filled your Son, Jesus, guiding and sustaining him throughout his ministry. In celebration of your presence in our own lives, in thanksgiving and praise for the wonders you work in the world today, we offer these gifts for your use. Multiply them as you need that they may serve you along with our hands, feet, and voices, that all the world may come to know of your unending love and mercy. Amen.
Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Baptized in Water” (v. 3) TFWS #2248
Benediction
Postlude
“New Service of Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant” by Taylor Burton-Edwards, Copyright General Board of Discipleship. www.GBOD.org Used by permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
2nd Sunday after Christmas
New England Annual Conference
Christmas Season Lessons and Carols 2021
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Read the latest from the team
Seeing an opportunity to work for justice?: See Differently. Serve Differently. Learn more and apply: https://neumc-email.brtapp.com/!Hs9+zr6+4EFs2U6v8UomA40czb9q8Y8OpoMdny+3 LQLY67QTOBMAtw4yD2xasPPYg
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
Prelude “Angels We Have Heard on High” Haven UMC String Chamber Orchestra
East Providence, RI
Opening Prayer Jill Colley Robinson, Dean of the Cabinet
First Lesson Psalm 98:1-4 Darlene Bearse
Ellsworth (ME) UMC
(English)
Psalm 98:1-4
Sing a new song to YHWH who has worked wonders, whose right hand and holy arm have brought deliverance! YHWH has made salvation known and shown divine justice to the nations, and has remembered in truth and love the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Most High, all the earth, break into joyous songs of praise!
Carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Christmas Ensemble, Union Church, Boston
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord
Psalm 98:5-9 Rita Zanzerkia (Gujarati)
Main St. UMC, Nashua, NH
Psalm 98:5-9
Sing praise to YHWH with the harp, with the harp and melodious singing! With trumpets and the blast of the shofar, raise a shout to YHWH, Ruler of All. Let the sea and all within it thunder;
the world and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy before YHWH, who comes to judge the earth, who will rule the world with justice and its peoples with equity.
Carol “A Christmas Celebration (medley)” James Hong & Chris Shin
Trumpets
Second Lesson Hebrews 1:1-6 Edward Crews (English)
Hebrews 1:7-12 Julia Mendes (Portuguese)
Heritage UMC, Braintree MA
Hebrews 1:1-6
In times past, God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these final days, God has spoken to us through the Only Begotten, who has been made heir of all things and through whom the universe was first created.
Christ is the reflection of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s being; all things are sustained by God’s powerful Word. Having cleansed us from our sins, Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Glory of heaven — as far superior to the angels as the name Christ has inherited is superior to theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Own; today I have begotten you,” or, “I will be your parent, and you will be my child,” or, as when God said upon bringing the Firstborn into the world, “Let all the angels of God worship you”?
Hebrews 1:7-12
Of the angels God says, “I make the angel winds, my servants flames of fire.” But to the Only Begotten, God says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of your reign.
You love justice as much as you hate wickedness; therefore, God, your God, has set you above your companions and anointed you with the oil of gladness”; and, In the beginning, O God, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a cloak, and like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years never end.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Carol “Gesu Bambino” Chelsea Robinson, cello
Third Lesson John 1:1-6 Sooyoun Kim (Korean)
Wesley UMC, Hadley, MA
John 1:7-14 Chelsea Robinson (English)
John 1:1-6
In the beginning there was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God. The Word was present to God from the beginning. Through the Word all things came into being, and apart from the Word nothing came into being that has come into being. In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light — a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken.
Then came one named John, sent as an envoy from God, who came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through his testimony everyone might believe. He himself wasn’t the Light; he only came to testify about the Light--the true Light that illumines all humankind.
John 1:7-14
The Word was coming into the world – was in the world – and though the world was made through the Word, the world didn’t recognize it. Though the Word came to its own realm, the Word’s own people didn’t accept it. Yet any who did accept the Word, who believed in that Name, were empowered to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor urge of flesh nor human will – but born of God. And the Word became flesh and stayed for a little while among us; we saw the Word’s glory – the favor and position a parent gives an only child – filled with grace, filled with truth.
Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Sophie Goodenough
North Vienna (ME) UMC
O little town of Bethlehem, For Christ is born of Mary,
how still we see thee lie! and, gathered all above
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep while mortals sleep, the angels keep
the silent stars go by; their watch of wond’ring love.
yet in thy darkness shineth O morning stars, together
the everlasting light. proclaim the holy birth,
The hopes and fears of all the years and praises sing to God the King
are met in thee tonight. and peace to man on earth.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
Fourth Lesson Isaiah 9: 2-7 Patricia Parent
Union UMC, Fall River, MA
(Western Abenaki)
Isaiah 9: 2-7
The people walking in darkness are seeing a brilliant light-upon those who dwell in a land of deep shadows light is shining! God, you have made the nation greater — you have brought them abundant joy! They celebrate in your presence as with the harvest celebrations, or as warriors celebrate when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them, the weight on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors — you have shattered it, as you did at the defeat of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak that was dragged through blood, is now used as fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, an heir is given us, upon whose shoulders dominion will rest. This One shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Strength of God, Eternal Protector, Champion of Peace.
This dominion, and this peace, will grow without end, with David’s throne and realm sustained with justice and fairness, now and forever. The zeal of YHWH Omnipotent will accomplish it!”
Carol “Joy to the World” UM Missionaries
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let earth receive her King; Let all their songs employ;
let every heart prepare him room, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, & plains
and heaven and nature sing, repeat the sounding joy,
and heaven and nature sing, repeat the sounding joy,
and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Isaiah 9: 2-7 Julie Kye & Aquinnah Hill (English)
Meditation “And the Word became flesh and stayed for a little while among us...”
Baby “K” and Miles are growing like weeds. We would love to see them here among us, but we also want them and their families to be safe as well as all those who gather in-person. Jesus, God’s Word, became flesh, just like Miles, Baby “K” and all of us.
Think for a few minutes, what would it mean for us today, in the face of the Climate Crisis, in the face of the seemingly increasing racial divisions and political divisions within our own country, for God’s Word to come into the world and stay with us for a while?
I’m not sure what translation was used by the Conference for today’s reading, but I have to admit, the homey language of “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood,” used by Eugene Peterson in his paraphrase of the Bible, The Message, catches me even more than the language used here.
Jesus was God’s Word in ‘flesh and blood’. How amazing is that? Jesus came to live and walk among us, humanity, and stuck around for a while. He didn’t just pop down from heaven for a day or two, or show up in some spiritual, unrecognizable form, but he was born from a very human mother, was cared for by that mother and his earthly father, Joseph; grew up like any other child of his time; then, when the time was right, he was arrested for his beliefs, and died upon a cruel but simple cross.
This is how humanity treated God’s Word. What if God’s Word were to show up today? What would he/she have to say about the shape of the world? What sort of world were Baby “K” and Miles born into? What will it be like when they become men?
When Jesus comes again in glory, will his reception be any better than the first time he arrived? When he looks around at all the people who proclaim him as Lord and Savior, will he find them working hard to better the world in preparation for his return or, will he find the world further advanced technologically, but not spiritually? Will he find a world where hope and love are flourishing, where children find healthy strong homes that will teach them to honor creation and the One who created or will he find a world tearing itself apart as people compete for resources, as they fight their way into power and privilege, then tread upon the rights of the lowly and disenfranchised?
Jesus was and is the Light of the World, we should be drawn to such light as a moth is drawn to a light in the summertime. Unfortunately, humanity fears the light, fearing they will become burned due to its pureness. God’s Word, spoke words of love and charity. When we live lives full of darkness, not allowing that light to shine in, people are lost and easily lose their way. Let us be a part of the sharing of the light with others, that they might find their way and the world into which children are born, becomes one of welcome and love.
The Word only “stayed among us for a little while,” but the difference he made continues to echo throughout the world today, let us be a part of that echo. Amen.
Carol “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” Hallelujah Handbell Choir
First UMC, Gilford, NH
Offering Ashley Johnson, Director of Connectional Ministries
Doxology “Angels We Have Heard on High” Aaron Hyung-Kyu Yi
Grace UMC and Danville UMC (VT), organ
Carol “Go Tell it on the Mountain” Korean Caucus Virtual Choir
Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain, While shepherds kept their watching
over the hills, and ev'rywhere; o’er silent flocks by night,
go, tell it on the mountain behold, throughout the heavens
that Jesus Christ is born. there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
Down in a lowly manger While shepherds kept their watching
the humble Christ was born, o’er silent flocks by night,
and God sent us salvation behold, throughout the heavens
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain] there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
Benediction We Hyun Chang, Commonwealth East District Superintendent
Postlude “Christmas Favorites” Haven UMC
String Chamber Orchestra
Blessing May God bless and keep you on this holy day.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
*****************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
1st Sunday after Christmas, December 26, 2021
“Dwelling"
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: Developed in the 14th century, the word “dwell” became known as a “lingering” or “abiding.” It had connections to “in-habit”–another word developed at that time. After an Advent/Christmas season of focusing on housing the holy, how will we linger and abide in this habit of hospitality? What habits did you invite into your heart in this season that you desire to take with you into the new year? How might we sustain the dwelling places that feed, house, clothe those who need it most?
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
Reader: Today we light the Christ Candle once again that illumines the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Christ’s Light awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
The Peace
The Hope of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” UMH #251
First Reading Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to [Abba God] through him.
Second Reading Luke 2:41-52 (CEB)
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem… After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.
His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them. Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.
Sermon
The Christmas “pajamas” have now been opened and worn. The anticipation is over, presents unwrapped and family is scattering back to their homes once more. Christmas parties are over and New Year parties are just around the corner. Many adults are feeling fatigued by all the sugar charged energy of the children and are looking forward to sending them back to school so the adults can rest. Lines at stores are jammed with people returning gifts that don’t fit, whether it is the sweater grandmother bought that might have fit 3 years ago or the white elephant Aunt Susie bought for her minimalist nephew to put on his non-existent mantle in his third-floor walk-up efficiency apartment. In the minds of many people, Christmas is over, but for Christians, this is just the second day, the first Sunday, of the Christmas season. Yes, Christmas is not over yet, we can still sing carols and wish one another “Merry Christmas.” Let us then linger in this season of joy and celebration.
It can be disconcerting to jump from the birth of a baby to that time when the baby is now a young man, daily showing signs of more and more independent thinking, maybe some wisdom and perhaps a few signs of rebelliousness. I’m sure some parents feel like their own baby is growing up too fast, that though 12 or so years have passed, the child was just born yesterday. Mary and Joseph appear to be dealing with some of this in our reading from the Gospel According to Luke. Jesus, now about 12 years old and considered an adult, is stepping out on his own, showing wisdom beyond his years in his interaction with the Temple teachers. The problem is, Jesus stayed behind without telling his family what he was doing, causing distraction and concern for his parents.
As Jesus watches us from on high, from his position at God’s right hand, how is he seeing us? Are we causing distraction and concern or is he seeing how we approach the world with wisdom that guides us into acts of welcoming those who are wandering, lost and alone? Jesus, our brother, watches us like an older brother, encouraging us to act with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.
During Advent, we talked about “Housing the Holy,” how we might help those who are considered the least to feel welcomed into the Inn, how we are called to be a part of helping God’s reign to come to reality in the here and now rather than some eschatological future. In the midst of watching a little TV though, I heard something in an advertisement that not only took me back to junior high school, but reminded me that sometimes, with all our fancy words and theological reflections, pastors should listen to a little music that can preach for us. It isn’t a Christmas carol, but a once popular song written by Glen Campbell.
If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and say, "You're going the wrong way"
You've got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Don't walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way
You got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
You got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Glen Campbell – “Try a Little Kindness”
The letter to the Colossians tells us and Glen Campbell reminds us, when we see someone that’s having a difficult time, we just need to “try a little kindness,” but sometimes we need to “overlook the blindness of the narrow-minded people.”
How do we keep the idea of “Housing the Holy” in our hearts all year around, when life seems to keep throwing curve balls at us? How do we welcome strangers in when we aren’t sure we should meet together due to the seemingly never-ending pandemic? How do we deal with those in our community who would stand against us due to our political leanings or whatever issue with which we differ from them?
When we allow the Holy One space in our hearts, when we are the willing hosts of the Holy One, we gain the strength to stand against those who cast us in negative light. When we learn to forgive those we deem “narrow minded,” instead, trying to find common ground concerning other issues, then using those places of common thought as a jumping off spot to a new relationship, one which hears the anger, pain, hurt, fear or other emotion behind the negative actions without judging, but instead loving despite the challenges, we can change the dynamics of the relationship.
When we show a little kindness to those with whom we differ, we can change the dynamic from one of altercation to one where we find ways to work together despite our differences.
Remember the sweater that doesn’t fit? The white elephant for which there is no place for it to go? Perhaps we should exchange them for love. In the letter to the Colossians, we are told to clothe ourselves in love. When we are clothed in love, we take off the rose-colored glasses we have been wearing, replacing them with vision that sees through the eyes of God. God’s vision sees the pain and suffering and cries out to change lives through the sharing of love in tangible ways. When we share a little kindness, we begin the process of transformation that helps put an end to the suffering and brings hope to lives each and every day. May this Christmas season live in our hearts and minds 365 days a year and may we be a part of God’s in-breaking reign all the days of our lives. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret…
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God…
and out again with the Peace of Christ...
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear…
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God…
and out again, with the Peace of Christ…
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: This is the final service in our series, “The Inn: Housing the Holy.” Now is our chance to talk about ways we might increase the hospitality ministries of our congregation. Hospitality welcomes people into not only worship services, but into the life of the congregation. This is our chance to dream, to be like children with visions of “sugarplums” dancing in our heads. Our “sugarplums” will this year be visions of what we as a congregation might do to invite others to become a part of our community as we open ourselves to “Housing the Holy.” I invite you therefore to take a moment for quiet dreaming, then share those dreams, whether lifting them aloud in worship or sharing them in written form with the church office. Remember, dreams often seem unattainable. On Christmas Eve I shared my love of the movie, “Miracle on 34TH Street.” Susan’s dream seemed very farfetched, unattainable for a young girl, a house with a yard and a swing. Even if your dream seems farfetched, unattainable due to lack of funds or people, I invite you to dream and to share that dream. Who knows, when the Hebrews were stuck between the Egyptians and the Sea, God opened a safe, dry path for them to crossover, drowning their enemies behind them. Perhaps God will bless your dream and bring it to fruition. What is your dream?
Closing Carol
Leader: We end our Advent/Christmas worship series with one last Christmas carol, and this one is truly about Christmas Day. “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” is a medieval carol that would have been used for folk dancing rather than for Mass–a more boisterous praise of the newborn child than was permitted in worship at that time. It was written in Latin and German and the original Latin reveals the heart of this song:
“In sweet jubilation
Now sing and be joyful!
The joy of our hearts
Lies in a manger
And shine like the sun
In the lap of his mother
Alpha and Omega (beginning and end)!”
Let us remember that the joy of our hearts lies in the simplest of mangers. May our church be a “lap of the mother” for those who need it most.
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” UMH 224
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
”Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Words Afro-American spiritual; adapt. by John W. Work, Jr., 1907; Music Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. By William Farley Smith, 1986; Tune TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN; Words ; CCLI #27051Public Domain, Music © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; Used with permission
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” Words 14th cent. Latin; trans. by John Mason Neale, 1855, Music German Melody; harm. by Gary Alan Smith, 1988; Tune: IN DULCI JUBILO; Words in the Public Domain; Music tune in the Public Domain, harm. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; CCLI#1214849; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil for the homeless at Deny Park (Gazebo), December 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:00.
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and in-person service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30, in-person and 7:00 in-person and zoom service.
Lay Servant Courses: Rev. Ralph Howe (First UMC Brattleboro) will be facilitating the Basic Lay Servant Course in Brattleboro on Sundays, January 30, 12:30 – 5:30, and February 6, 12:30 – 5:30. Zoom will be available for hybrid participation. To register, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form). Book. The Seacoast Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant course and the advanced courses, Leading Public Worship and Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, in January 2022 via Zoom. Click here for details and the registration link.
Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete financial planning for next year. If you need another card, please contact the church office.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
NE CORR offers “New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism”
The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race is offering a five-week course titled New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism beginning March 3, 2022. This workshop is designed for people who understand that racism is a deeply embedded problem in our society. There is an application process to join the course, application deadline is Feb. 3, 2022.
Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth
This week features a new occasional blog by retired elder Kim Hornung-Marcy, who shares information and tips based on her philosophy that going green saves money over the long haul and will help us save the earth.
Donations will support local churches and global missions
In his Thanksgiving message, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar asked people to consider donating the cost of one cup of coffee/tea/soda or meal each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas with the proceeds to be shared equally by your local church and world missions.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
Christmas Eve 2021
“The Inn”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: All through the season of Advent as we prepared for Christmas, we’ve been exploring how we as a church can “make more room in the inn,” becoming more hospitable to the needs of our community. On this Christmas Eve, we declare that The Inn is open for the business of compassion with room enough for all! The long-awaited Messiah has been born and on him the light shines. We have only to open the doors of our lives and say “welcome.” Our Advent journey has led us to this moment when the light shining through the closed doors of life becomes an open door to new possibilities, new relationships. What a poignant moment for us this year as the light–the hope, peace, joy and love–multiplies from one illuminated heart and hand to another.
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
Reader: Tonight we offer the Lights of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to illumine the Door of Welcome.
And we add the brightest light of all… the Light of the Newborn Jesus. It shines bright like the star that rose over Bethlehem. May this light also shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May this light awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality. There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
The Peace
The Light of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Joy to the World” UMH #246
First Reading The Prophecy Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Second Reading The Story Luke 2: 1-7 (NRSV)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Sermon
It is hard for me to read the passage from Isaiah without my mind going into song as I recall singing the Christmas portion of Handel’s great oratorio, The Messiah when I was a teenager. We often find power in music. Methodists are known for singing our theology. Many of us learned our ABCs not from spoken repetition, but from singing them to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. As we come into our time of worship tonight; as we come in from the cold of another Vermont winter’s night, our hearts are waiting to be warmed, to sing the songs we have sung for so many years; our ears are twitching as they listen for familiar strains filling the air, yet, as we gather, we wonder, will we be able to sing? Will COVID restrictions silence the music that so fills our hearts as it silenced us and kept us apart last year?
As I write this, the plan is to sing, but the Administrative Council and I are constantly listening to the science and the numbers, staying open to change in order to reduce the risks of spreading the virus to people who may be more vulnerable due to many situations.
Children are still anxiously shaking packages and wondering, will Santa come this year or is he too afraid of the virus to come into our homes? Into this time of anxiety and anxious waiting and watching, the baby seeks to be born in our hearts once more. The child whose name was to be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, waits to bring peace into our hearts once more; to bring hope into our lives; to replace our anxiety with love and our.sorrow with joy.
In order for this to happen, we must believe. One of my favorite movies, often shown around this time of year is, Miracle on 34TH Street, the 1947 edition with Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood. As Susan Walker (a young Natalie Wood) struggles to accept that the “nice old man” that has come into her and her mother’s lives is really Santa, despite having been taught for her whole life that Santa doesn’t exist, she repeats over and over to herself, “I believe. I believe.” trying to convince herself that Chris is truly Kris Kringle, Santa Claus.
I hope we don’t need to repeat over and over to ourselves, “I believe. I believe.” Trying to convince ourselves that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. I hope we instead are seeking ways to open our hearts so that, as we “house the Holy,” the light that has come into the world will shine more brightly. For tonight, we are invited to “house the Holy,” to allow our hearts to become the inn in which the new baby is born. At the birth of Jesus light came to illumine the darkness of a world lost in sin. That light shines on us this night, let that light enter in so that it can shine out again, lighting the world in a future filled with the hope born that night so long ago.
Jesus is born, Hallelujah!
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret…
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God…
and out again with the Peace of Christ…
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear …
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God…
and out again, with the Peace of Christ….
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
Love Feast
“Comfort Food: A Feast of Love”
When we “break bread” together as a church in our worship, we remember that Jesus invited folks to his table as part of his ministry, not just at the Last Supper. So we wanted to create a way for all of us to break bread together with whatever we have at our homes. Indeed, what we’ve asked you to do is to prepare your favorite “comfort food!”
Jesus used the parable of a great banquet to which all people are invited in order to talk about what the “kin-dom” of God, the family of God, looks like. He said, “Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled.” He often invited the most unlikely guests to his meal-times, confounding the disciples. In this way, he was encouraging a deep love and connection beyond social norms. He knew that we humans need connection and inclusion. Jesus comforts us, saying “you have a place at the table” and Jesus challenges us to make sure we are doing the same–that all people know they are welcome in our hearts, in our homes, in our churches–even if we can’t physically be with each other right now.
It is difficult in this moment not to be near some of the people we love and might be worried about. Take a moment and say out loud the names of people you wish were right there next to you at your table today.
Jesus is no longer physically on earth, yet every time we gather around a table and we call him to mind, he is present with us in Spirit. And so too, our loved ones are with us. Let this be a comfort to us.
We also want to call to mind, the people we cannot name, whose names we do not know. But we know they need our prayers and God’s comfort.
I invite you to take a deep breath on behalf of all those we do not know and cannot call by name. As we do so, we know that God knows who needs our prayers and the Spirit, Breath of God, is blowing from within us outward as a Spirit of Compassion and Presence
Blessings at the table are part of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Indeed, Jesus adapted his Jewish ritual blessing spoken before and after meals. He asked us to remember him whenever we break bread and raise a cup in thanksgiving. This is why we call our communion prayers the “Great Thanksgiving.” In this feast of love and comfort, we can call to mind things for which we are deeply grateful. I invite you to speak aloud a couple of things that you are grateful for in this moment.
And so I invite you to raise a plate of “something” on your table, or a glass of whatever you are drinking,
and let us bless it in this way.
Holy Comforter
Holy Comforter [continue to repeat the next lines in this way]
We gather in your name…
invited by Jesus…
bound together with your Spirit…
in union with each other…
Feed our bodies and our spirits…
with your comforting presence…
so that we might be your comfort to others…
Bless this food…
and break open our hearts…
Bless this drink…
and pour out your love…
Amen.
As you pass and fill your plates, getting ready to continue to eat your comfort food following this service, I invite you to imagine what extravagant love looks like as you reach across the social distance to loved ones, to friends, and even acquaintances or strangers.
And now may you shelter not only in place, but in peace. May the peace and comfort of Christ be present with you now and forevermore. Amen.
Closing Carol
Leader: Leader: Friends, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. This is the moment we missed so much last year. Yes, we found ways to “pass the light” from one to another across the distance, knowing that nothing could extinguish the light of God in this world, knowing that Christ was with us and will always be. But oh, how good it is to be in this Holy House together. And for those who are watching online, we feel you, we know you are there, we are so glad that you join us in this moment with a candle lit at your own holy house. The Spirit makes it possible for us to be connected, as we found out last year. Let us sing this beloved song, Silent Night, that has been present through two centuries of ups and downs, steadfast in its message that the light still shines.
”Silent Night” UMH #239
Leader: I invite you to turn and face the doors of this church for the Benediction before extinguishing your light. As you turn, see the lighted faces of this gathered community and know that you belong in this family of love.
Benediction
As you go out into the world this night…
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
“Comfort Food, A Feast of Love” by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com
”Joy to the World” Words Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps 98:4-9); Music Arr. From G. F. Handel, 1741, by Lowell Mason, 1848; Tune ANTIOCH; Words and Music in the Public Domain; CCLI # 24016
“Silent Night” Words by Joseph Mohr, 1818, alt.; sts. 1,2,3 trans. by John F. Young, st. 4 trans. anon. (Lk. 2:6-20); Music by Franz Gruber, 1818; Tune: STILLE NACHT; Words & Music in the Public Domain; CCLI#27862; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil for the homeless at Deny Park (Gazebo), December 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:00.
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and in-person service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30, in-person and 7:00 in-person and zoom service.
Lay Servant Courses: Rev. Ralph Howe (First UMC Brattleboro) will be facilitating the Basic Lay Servant Course in Brattleboro on Sundays, January 30, 12:30 – 5:30, and February 6, 12:30 – 5:30. Zoom will be available for hybrid participation. To register, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form). Order Participants Book.The Seacoast Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant course and the advanced courses, Leading Public Worship and Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, in January 2022 via Zoom. Click here for details and the registration link.
Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete financial planning for next year. If you need another card, please contact the church office.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
NE CORR offers “New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism”
The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race is offering a five-week course titled New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism beginning March 3, 2022. This workshop is designed for people who understand that racism is a deeply embedded problem in our society. There is an application process to join the course, application deadline is Feb. 3, 2022.
Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth
This week features a new occasional blog by retired elder Kim Hornung-Marcy, who shares information and tips based on her philosophy that going green saves money over the long haul and will help us save the earth.
Donations will support local churches and global missions
In his Thanksgiving message, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar asked people to consider donating the cost of one cup of coffee/tea/soda or meal each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas with the proceeds to be shared equally by your local church and world missions.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST
Blue Christmas
December 21, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
For some, Christmas is a mixed blessing, evoking grief over the death of loved ones, or other sorrows. A Blue Christmas service is a serve of hope and healing that is more quiet and reflective than exuberant. It may speak not only to those who bear personal sorrows but also those who lament injustice and broken relationships in their communities or the world.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, Creator of all, you who make the snow of winter and the darkness of night, the day is yours, and also the night; summer and winter are yours.
The darkness is yours, and in it we seek your blessing.
Christ, Companion of all who sit in darkness, you came to us on that night long ago, and warmed our night with your presence.
In the darkness of this night we wait for your coming again.
Holy Spirit, we open our hearts to your light, and our lives to your presence.
O Come, O come! God, be with us, dwell in our hearts,
and let your dawn break upon us, and on all who dwell in darkness. Amen.
Psalm 13 (MSG)
Long enough, God - you've ignored me long enough. I've looked at the back of your head. Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. I've thrown myself headlong into your arms - I'm celebrating your rescue. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.
Listening Prayer
Creator God, from the beginning of time, when only chaos and darkness existed, you have been with us. In the fullness of time, you sent your light into the world as Christ, to bless our days and our nights, our joys and our sorrows, our living and our dying. Come now, enter into our hearts, anoint us with your Spirit, and comfort us with your healing love. Amen.
Bidding Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the many blessings you have given us. We remember with grateful hearts our loved ones, and all who have blessed us through our years.
God of grace, we give you thanks.
We hold in your light what is no longer ours: loves and dreams that have passed, friends and hopes that have died. We hold in your light our struggles, our darkness, our emptiness.
God of grace, be with us in the night.
O come to us, God, and walk with us. Grant us your consolation, strength and renewal. Enter into the rough stable of our lives so that here, by your presence, there is healing, and hope, and joy.
God of grace, grant us light.
Gentle God, for all who suffer we ask your blessing. For all who are lonely we ask your presence. For all who struggle we ask your Spirit. Come to us, receive our wounds, dwell with us, and strengthen us by your spirit.
God of grace, grant us your peace.
God of mercy, we mourn the world’s injustice, and pray in hope. Bless those who suffer oppression. Bless those who work for justice. Bless us, that with hope and courage we may shine with your light even in the darkest night.
God of grace, grant us your hope.
Spirit of healing, fill us with your grace that we may shine with your light in the darkness, that we may bear your healing to others, that we may be living signs of your coming.
God of grace, grant us your peace. Amen.
Isaiah 40:1-11 (MSG)
"Comfort, oh comfort my people," says your God. "Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem, but also make it very clear That she has served her sentence, that her sin is taken care of - forgiven! She's been punished enough and more than enough, and now it's over and done with."
Thunder in the desert! "Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said."
A voice says, "Shout!" I said, "What shall I shout?" "These people are nothing but grass, their love fragile as wildflowers. The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren't these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever."
Climb a high mountain, Zion. You're the preacher of good news. Raise your voice. Make it good and loud, Jerusalem. You're the preacher of good news. Speak loud and clear. Don't be timid! Tell the cities of Judah, "Look! Your God!" Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power, ready to go into action. He is going to pay back his enemies and reward those who have loved him. Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, hugging them as he carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture. The Creator of All You Can See or Imagine.
A Litany of Remembrance
Leader: As we near the longest night of the year, we light this advent candle of hope. We pray for all those who suffer—mentally, physically, emotionally, and ask your blessing upon them. Open our eyes to those who are lonely, afraid, and forgotten, that we might be to them a comforting and hopeful presence.
All: As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to those in need of hope.
Response— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, verse 1
As we light this advent candle of love, we remember with grateful hearts all those who have blessed our lives with love. We pray for our loved ones who are no longer here with us. We remember their names, their voices, their lives. God, may your eternal light surround them.
As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to those in need of love.
Response— O Come, Come, Emmanuel, verse 2
As we remember that dawn defeats darkness, God, we light this advent candle of joy. As we experience times of loss—the loss of our health, our jobs, our relationships, our hopes and dreams, God promises to be with us and to lead us into a deeper joy.
As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to those in need of joy.
Response— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, verse 3
Though we live in times of conflict and division, we light this advent candle of peace. In a world of unspeakable violence, you came to us as a baby—vulnerable, precious, and pure, offering to us the gift of your love. May your peace, which surpasses all human understanding, fill our hearts, and heal our world.
As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to a world in need of peace.
Response— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ,verse 4
Silence…
Psalm Meditation
(Psalm 85, paraphrased)
Leader: God of life, the land has blossomed with your favor.
You have restored your people;
you have forgiven us,
all of our brokenness a thing of the past.
In our suffering there was your grace,
your fierce protection.
All: We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
Restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Heal our fear of you.
How long will we go on distrusting of you,
keeping our distance for generations?
Awaken us from our bad dreams
and renew our joy.
Show us your steadfast love,
and grant us whole and vibrant life.
We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
We listen for your voice,
for you speak peace.
We turn to you in our hearts.
Even in the darkness, unseen, you are near.
We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
justice and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up like green plants;
solidarity with one another
will spread over us like the sky.
God will give what is good,
and the earth bloom with joy.
Compassion will walk through the world
and make a way for God to enter.
We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
Revelation 21:1-4 (MSG)
I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea. I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband. I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good - tears gone, crying gone, pain gone - all the first order of things gone."
Closing Song
Come Again, Poor Jesus
(Tune: In the Bleak Midwinter)
When our souls are wintry, when our hearts are cold,
come to us, dear Jesus, as you did of old.
When our hearts, unsheltered, feel the winds above,
come to us and warm us with your gentle love.
In the dark we wander, searching for our way,
waiting, lost, and longing for the light of day.
Dawn upon your children; fold us in your grace.
Child, be born among us. Show to us your face.
Shepherds on the hillside, poor, without a friend,
kept their watch in silence, vigil without end.
But then in the darkness, angels brought the word:
“God has not forgotten, and your prayers are heard.”
To the simple, poor ones, Jesus came that night.
Come again, poor Jesus. Bless us with your light.
Lamb of God, be with us in our joy and pain,
and companion us, Love, to new life again.
Liturgy by Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, used with permission.
MSG – All Scripture passages from, THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language, copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Words: 9th cent. Latin; trans. st. 1,3, The Hymnal, 1940; st. 2, Henry Sloane Coffin, 1916; st 4, Laurence Hull Stookey, © 1986, 1940, 1943, 1981, 1989 The United Methodist Publishing; Music 15th cent. French; arr. And harm. by Thomas Helmore, 1864; Tune: VENI EMMANUEL, Music in the Public Domain; CCLI # 3060194; Used with permission.
Come Again, Poor Jesus Words: Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Used with permission. Music: Gustav Holst, 1906; Tune: CRANHAM (In the Bleak Midwinter), in the Public Domain; CCLI #294736. Used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: # 20810329
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST
4TH Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021
“A Room with a View (Love)”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: This has been an Advent season of prophets: Jeremiah, Baruch, Isaiah, Micah. And now the prophet is Mary–the woman who was the original house for the holy. She was “the inn,” her womb gestating love for the world. With all her heart, she proclaims that the lowly are lifted, the hungry are fed, mercy reigns. Like Mary, we must envision, must see, must prophesy and act on that vision for the world that God continues to call us to co-create. What is the view from the room that God has prepared?
Love waits for us at Advent
Love waits for us to care.
Love waits for our compassion
freely offered, freely shared.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where faith shapes all we do.
Love is born in us anew!
Reader: Today we offer the Light of Love to illumine the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Love awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Love waits for us at Advent
Love waits for us to care.
Love waits for our compassion
freely offered, freely shared.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where faith shapes all we do.
Love is born in us anew!
The Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Tell Out, My Soul” UMH #200
First Reading Micah 5:2-5a (CEB)
As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces,
one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you.
His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.
Therefore, he will give them up
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth.
The rest of his kin will return to the people of Israel.
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
They will dwell secure,
because he will surely become great throughout the earth;
he will become one of peace.
Second Reading Luke 1: 46-55
Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”
Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
just as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”
Sermon
I give thanks! A few months ago, I was hospitalized several times over a short period of time. A couple of those times I was at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and, believe it or not, in the same room and initially the second time, the same side of the room. As I lay in my bed, I had a wonderful view of a curtain, the door to the hall, a door to a closet, a computer and the bathroom. It was a very small area, hardly room for the “recliner” for me to sit in and the bedside cabinet. I wondered what the other side of the room held, particularly after a family meeting with the patient and others on the other side of “the curtain.” The second time I was admitted to the room, as soon as the patient occupying the space on the other side of “the curtain” departed, the staff arranged for me to be moved to the other side. There was a window, a closet and room for more than a chair or two. The stark difference in the two sides of the room were brought to mind by the title for this week, “A Room with a View.” The change in view helped with the way I felt, with my attitude about all that was going on with my body and with how I was dealing with once more being in the hospital.
Have you ever noticed how one’s view of a situation affects their attitude, their demeanor, their very response to a situation? When I was “stuck” on the side of the room with a view of the bathroom, I was frustrated, had a very negative view of how I was doing and all in all felt pretty blue. While the move to the other side didn’t erase my frustration or my total understanding of what was going on, some of the negative feelings, the “blues” began to disappear.
As we listen to “Mary’s Song,” sometimes called, “The Magnificat” as she was ‘magnifying God,’ we sometimes lose sight of her circumstances. Here is a young woman, pregnant outside wedlock, singing praises to God for the gift of her pregnancy with God’s child, yet, as she sings, it is not all pretty and comfortable. Mary sings of the child’s future, a future that includes the removing of those comfortable in positions of power from those positions, the feeding of the poor while those who are rich are turned away. As we heard at the beginning of the service, Mary was prophesying about the child growing in her womb. She spoke of one who had a different view of the world, a view that brought hope to those who had no hope, who could only see “the curtain” and not the window into the world. She spoke of one who would love those who no one else seemed capable of loving.
What is our own personal view, our vision of who we, as Grace United Methodist Church, as followers of that baby born so long ago, are? Who are we and what is God calling us to be in a world where so many are losing hope due to economic insecurities made worse by the pandemic? How is God calling us to change in order to bring about God’s plan for the future? When we live out Jesus’ Gospel of Love, we must remember, “We love because [God] first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NIV). We love because we know that we are loved. We are also reminded in First John, “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1John 4:7b-8, NIV)
Jesus came into the world that we might know God through knowing Jesus and learning of God’s love for us through him. If we have been loved, then how do we show others in a way that they might know of God’s love?
Recently, the Finance Committee voted that $200 of this year’s mission outreach would be to an Afghani family that has recently moved into Lyme. This family, coming from a country facing increasing difficulties with the pull-out of US forces, should encounter the love that God has for God’s people as they try to assimilate into life in a small New England community. Their faith background may or may not be Christian, in fact is probably Muslim, yet, they are still children of the same God, calling God by another name, Allah, does not change that. Though they see Jesus as only a prophet, they believe he was one of the great prophets and teachers, and as such, we should welcome them into the community with compassion rather than hesitancy and distrust. Who knows, by being the feet and hands of Jesus, we may also become Jesus’ voice to these people, not in an overt, proselytizing manner, but in a manner that shares Jesus’ love in tangible ways.
The remaining few dollars of our mission funds will go to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is used locally to help those that are struggling to buy gas so they can get to work, move from temporary housing for the homeless into an apartment, help with rent, and other needs that seem out of reach for so many.
]Sometimes we need a “room with a view,” a change in view, so we can see the needs around us and see how we are or how we may impact those needs in a positive manner. Sometimes that “room with a view” is as much about a vision for the future as it is about what has happened in the past.
As I moved from the bed behind the curtain to the one closer to the window, it had subtle effects on my vision for the future. It helped me to be less focused on what was wrong and helped me be more thankful for what I had.
How might we help others to have a change of view, a change of vision, that helps them have hope for the future? What do we need so that we too might have that change in vision, that hope for the future in ourselves?
Mary carried a baby in her womb, praising God despite the troubles her pregnancy likely brought for her. We too should look to Jesus as a harbinger of hope as well as a challenge to our comfortable lifestyles. Let us be open each and every day to his guidance. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for love to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for love to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again, with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for love to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
Denise Morse
Rob & Helen Elder
The Isleys
Bob & Chris Clark
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: Imagine living in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. Little town with a big expectation! As we heard, the prophet Micah, hundreds of years earlier, had predicted that a baby would be born in this “least significant” place, one that would “surely become great.” This was part of the sacred texts of the people and surely something that everyone, including the Innkeeper, in Bethlehem knew about. But did they believe it? Did they believe that something great, a peaceful ruler, would come from their town? Perhaps not enough to realize the possibilities of a pregnant woman on their doorstep that night. Do we believe that we are capable of birthing something life-changing for the people in our community? As the Body of Christ, could we live with more expectation of what is possible? Could we look more closely at what is right in front of us?
Closing Carol
Leader: Today’s closing carol is “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” an 18th century hymn by John Francis Wade. This carol invites us to come “joyful and triumphant.” It moves between exhortation and doctrine from the Nicene Creed in the second verse. But each verse moves from boisterous to almost a hushed tone at the beginning of the refrain as we tiptoe into the stable with “O come, let us adore him.” A little-known verse focuses on love and places us in the manger with Jesus:
Child, for us sinners
poor and in the manger,
Fain we embrace thee, with awe and love:
Who would not love thee,
loving us so dearly?
O come, let us adore him…
Each one of us has known the need to love and be loved, to forgive and be forgiven, to embrace and be embraced. May we approach each person we meet with the adoration of Jesus Christ, tender and merciful, loving and kind, and make this a house of adoration for all.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
”Tell Out, My Soul” Words Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1961 (Lk. 1:46b-55); Music Walter Greatorex, 1919; Tune WOODLANDS; Words © 1962 Hope Publishing Co.; Music by permission of Oxford University Press; CCLI #27051
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Words by John F. Wade, ca 1743; Trans. by Frederick Oakeley, 1841 and others, Music by John F. Wade, ca. 1743; harm. from Collections of Motetts or Antiphons, 1792, Tune: ADESTE FIDELES; Words & Music in the Public Domain; CCLI#3154; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil for the homeless at Deny Park (Gazebo), December 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:00.
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and in-person service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30, in-person and 7:00 in-person and zoom service.
Lay Servant Courses: Rev. Ralph Howe (First UMC Brattleboro) will be facilitating the Basic Lay Servant Course
in Brattleboro on Sundays, January 30, 12:30 – 5:30, and February 6, 12:30 – 5:30. Zoom will be available for hybrid participation. To register, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form). Order Participants Book.The Seacoast Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant course and the advanced courses, Leading Public Worship and Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, in January 2022 via Zoom. Click here for details and the registration link.
Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete financial planning for next year. If you need
another card, please contact the church office.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid
on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
NE CORR offers “New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism”
The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race is offering a five-week course titled New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism beginning March 3, 2022. This workshop is designed for people who understand that racism is a deeply embedded problem in our society. There is an application process to join the course, application deadline is Feb. 3, 2022.
Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth
This week features a new occasional blog by retired elder Kim Hornung-Marcy, who shares information and tips based on her philosophy that going green saves money over the long haul and will help us save the earth.
Donations will support local churches and global missions
In his Thanksgiving message, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar asked people to consider donating the cost of one cup of coffee/tea/soda or meal each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas with the proceeds to be shared equally by your local church and world missions.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
3RD Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021
United Methodist Student Sunday
“How Much is Enough? (Joy)”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: As John baptized new converts, he invited them to live with “changed hearts and lives.” When asked how to do that, his answers all point to making sure no one is cheated or left without the basic necessities of life, including the right to not be harassed. A full life of joy, which the prophet Isaiah desc ribes as an ever flowing spring, is the birthright of all children of God. May we act to make it so.
Joy waits for us at Advent
Joy waits for us to sing.
Joy waits for our amazement
at the grace in everything.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where wonder is restored.
Joy is born in us once more!
Reader:
Today we offer the Light of Joy to illumine the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Joy awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Joy waits for us at Advent
Joy waits for us to sing.
Joy waits for our amazement
at the grace in everything.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where wonder is restored.
Joy is born in us once more!
The Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” UMH 213
First Reading : Isaiah 12: 2-6 (CEB)
God is indeed my salvation;
I will trust and won’t be afraid.
Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield;
he has become my salvation.”
You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.
And you will say on that day:
“Thank the Lord; call on God’s name;
proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples;
declare that God’s name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things;
proclaim this throughout all the earth.”
Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion,
because the holy one of Israel is great among you.
Second Reading Luke 3: 7-18 (CEB)
Then John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire.”
The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more than you are authorized to collect.” Soldiers asked, “What about us? What should we do?” He answered, “Don’tocheat or harass anyone, and be satisfied with your pay.”
The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.” With many other words John appealed to them, proclaiming good news to the people.
Sermon
Have you heard the news? A family of six from Afghanistan has been living on a military base in El Paso, TX and is headed for Lyme, NH as their new residence? By the time you hear this, they should have already arrived. A request for volunteers to help welcome this family as once more they uproot and move, this time from the sunny, warm areas of Texas to our more frigid, snow prone region went out December 4. As I write this, the family is due to arrive in Manchester, NH in a couple of days and in Lyme later this week.
Imagine if you would how this family may feel. They have left their homeland in the midst of chaos resulting when US troops pulled out. Their country has been taken over by an ultra-conservative group of people many in our country consider terrorists; people who treat women more as property than as people, denying them the right to education or to a fulfilling job. Some women are staying in their homes, fearful to be seen out in the community without a male relative as escort. This family is arriving in a land where women are more often seen alone or in groups of women than with a male relative; are educated alongside men in our institutes of higher education and enter the workforce on more equal footing than many from such an environment can even imagine. Boys and girls attend school together rather than separated by gender. How will the children in this family react to such a situation, to the level of freedom their classmates expect as their due, to being in coed classrooms?
Today’s scriptures remind us of how God is our salvation, our strength and shield, but that there are expectations placed on faithful followers of God, expectations that are supposed to ensure that all have enough to eat, clothes to wear, that they may go about their lives without concern for being harassed, cheated, or subjected to excess taxes because of who they are.
Though we have many poor in our communities, life in the US comes with so much unfettered freedom, freedoms that far exceed the freedoms so much of the world experiences. We have poor, but they live in a world where consumerism is rampant and are encouraged to have all the fancy gewgaws for which everyone else strives. We live in a world that encourages us to spend, spend, spend, to satisfy our every dream by buying more things.
The families that come to our country often come from countries where incomes are much less than they are here; where people are more satisfied with the basics of life, food, clothes, and housing. When I was in the Army Reserve, I traveled to several places in Central and South America where people lived in mud walled huts with thatched roofs, where there was no running water or indoor plumbing. Some might think that people living in such difficult situations would find it difficult to find joy in life, but the smile on a man’s face, as he points to a cow he has received from Heifer Project and the calf by its side, would help you see that joy comes in many forms, not just in the acquisition of more, fancier things.
Joy comes when we are able to be with those we love. It can happen as we watch a baby struggle to take those first steps. It happens when we know that the bills are paid and there is still food on the table. It happens when people reach a place where they feel safe and welcomed.
As we approach Christmas, a time of family members trying to outdo one another in giving the “best present,” as we look through the eyes of family with a soon to be born baby, a baby born to redeem all of creation, let us look through eyes of faith and ears, open to the cries of the most needy in our world. May our hearts be open to the love of Jesus, born that night and in housing the Holy in our hearts, may that love flow out from us into the world around us. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for joy to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for joy to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again, with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for joy to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… Bob and Chris Clark
… Family of Lisa Kelly and her husband and for all victims and perpetrators of domestic violence
… Ryan, losing battle with COVID
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
… Lillian’s brother and his wife are over COVID
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: Many imaginative tales have been spun about "The Inn” and the people who may have been involved in the story. As we’ve already said, we know very little about the circumstances from the Bible. Another theory is that it wasn’t an inn at all but the downstairs of a house where the family animals were kept, under the top floor where the family lived. This scenario suggests that each and every home can be a birthing place for more goodness in this world. It suggests that this House of God, this church, might contain a surprising nook or cranny that could house a holy endeavor for bringing more joy to someone’s life.
Closing Carol
Leader: Today’s closing carol is “What Child is This” that invites “peasants and kings” to claim Christ as their own (the Glory to God hymnal changes this to “one and all”). Chatterton Dix was not a clergy person like most of the hymn writers of the 19th century. He was a businessman in England. He asks the question, “Why lies he in such mean estate,” referring to the stable, and in the original second verse, answers by connecting the humble, wooden birth manger to the wood of the cross “borne” at his death: [see more about this history HERE].
Why lies He in such mean estate,
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear, shall pierce him through;
the cross be borne for me, for you
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary.
True joy acknowledges the suffering of the world, and invites all people regardless of status to claim Christ’s grace and joy as salve for the soul. May we offer warm laps and soft lullabies to sooth a hurting world.
“What Child Is This” UMH 219
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” Words Georg Weissel, 17th cent., trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 (Ps. 24); Music Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789; Tune TRURO; Words & Music Public Domain; CCLI #1863214
“What Child Is This” Words by William C. Dix, 1865 (Lk. 2:6-29; Mt. 2:1-12), Music 16th cent. English melody, Tune: GREENSLEEVES; CCLI#30983; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329;
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and Gathering Room service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30 (Gathering Room Service) and 7:00 (Zoom Service)
Church Council Zoom Meeting, Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 6:30.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
1ST Sunday of Advent
United Methodist Student Sunday
“Making Room (Hope)”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader:
The pandemic has laid bare, and widened, economic disparity locally and globally. As we enter the Advent season, how can our church become a house where the Holy will be born anew–offering respite, sustenance and care, opening the doors ever wider to those seeking shelter from the onslaught of life? No one church can do it all, but each can do something. As we study the biblical prophets that call us to care for our neighbors and “make room in the inn,” the lonely and frightened spaces within us are filled with the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Hope waits for us at Advent
Hope waits for us to trust.
Hope waits for our commitment
to a land that’s kind and just.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
that heals the ones in pain.
Hope is born in us again!
Reader:
Today we offer the Light of Hope to illumine the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Hope awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Hope waits for us at Advent
Hope waits for us to trust.
Hope waits for our commitment
to a land that’s kind and just.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
that heals the ones in pain.
Hope is born in us again!
The Peace
The Hope of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn/Song “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” UMH 203
First Reading Jeremiah 33: 14-16 (CEB)
The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.
Second Reading Psalm 25: 4-5 (CEB)
Make your ways known to me, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth—teach it to me
because you are the God who saves me.
I put my hope in you all day long.
Sermon
The “First Sunday of Advent,” the beginning of a new liturgical year, the time the cycle of scripture readings moves to the next year of the cycle, this year we move from Year B to Year C; the time we begin preparation for the coming of a baby, the birth of Jesus, the welcoming of the Prince of Peace.
The promised birth of a baby brings many things. It brings a lot of stress as the young family worries about their ability to care for the new born. It often brings thoughts of the future; will it be a boy or a girl? Who will they look more like? What will they grow up to be? A farmer? A lawyer? A soldier? Will they walk in the footsteps of their parents? The promise of the birth of a baby can also bring hope. As a family prepares for a baby, it prepares for the future. New life brings hope as we look at the promise new life brings.
Advent is a time we look to the future hope that Jesus brings into the world, the hope that comes for those who are followers of Jesus as we traditionally look at the promised second coming of Jesus. This year, we will look at scriptures not only through eyes that look for that second coming, but through eyes that know Jesus came into the world some 2000 years ago and how that coming opened doors that changed everything.
The people of Israel are in exile. Imagine how they must have felt. Many had been killed as their homes were overrun. They were forcibly taken to live imprisoned, far from their homeland. Fear and despair would not be surprising. The people of God were in desperate need of a word of hope. The prophet, Jeremiah, steps up and brings such a word. A righteous king will arise, one that will protect them, will bring the blessings of God upon them.
These last almost two years have been difficult for us, for our community, our country and the world. We are slowly emerging, with many backward steps, from the pandemic that has killed over 768,000 people in the U.S., over 5 million worldwide. We, like the people to whom Jeremiah was speaking, need a word of hope. Thousands have come or are coming to our borders, seeking a new life, seeing our country as a place of hope. Thousands were evacuated from Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American and other troops that resulted in the Taliban taking over the country with still more seeking to get out, hoping to make their way to the United States where they hope for a welcome from the people with whom they have worked for the last 20 years. There is a crisis of drugs and violence in our country, people of darker colored skin are dying at even higher rates than those of white skin, but people of all colors and ethnic backgrounds are engaging in acts of violence. Even politicians are using violent words and videos that are apparently acceptable to certain others.
The world is in need of a word of hope. As we enter the season of Advent, we are all searching for a word of hope. We need to hear a word from God that things will get better, that we will have a place to live, food on our tables, jobs that will fulfill us. We need a word of hope that this pandemic will end and we will return to life like it used to be. We need a word of hope that we will return to a civil world where violence is no longer encouraged or condoned at any level of government or by any part of our culture.
From Jeremiah and from the Psalm, we get such hope. God keeps God’s promises. God wants good for those who trust in God. When a time of struggle is over, God will change the playing field, so that those who have suffered will find their very lives changed if they continue to walk with integrity and trust in God.
The one called “The Lord Is Our Righteousness” has come into the world. Born some 2000 years ago into a royal family, though a humble branch, Jesus brought God’s message of redemption for all of creation. Believe in Jesus, living lives that show our trust in his saving grace, brings us onto the pathways that lead to God. Faith in Jesus brings hope to our lives and to the lives of others.
Hope looks different for different people. The people of Jeremiah’s time found hope in the promise of God’s integrity, of safety and a return to home. For soldiers returning from deployment hope might look like a return to life as it was before the deployment, something with which can sympathize as we look for the ending of the pandemic. For the teaming masses at our borders or who have recently arrived, hope might look like peace, lives no longer lived in fear of attacks from gangs, drug lords or those who have recently taken over their homeland; it might look like an economic chance, a chance of getting an education, finding a job and being capable to adequately provide for a family.
Hope may look different, but without hope, the despair can become palpable, people giving up on life, upon themselves. As we share the hope we have with others, we begin to open the doors, welcoming the heavenly family in as we move outward expanding the reach of Jesus’ message to new people in our community and in the world.
Prayers of the People “Make of My Heart a Stable”
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for [hope] to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less hope in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for [hope] to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again, with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for [hope] to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for… Joan’s (Phyllis sister) family
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury; Bob Clark, Phyllis, Sharon, Lillian’s brother, wife, nephew and son (COVID), Dottie may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
For opportunities to gather with family we haven’t seen in a while as well as those whom we see daily…Lillian’s family celebrated Thanksgiving early
For the gift of vaccines and all who have received their boosters as well as for those who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated.
For the wonders of our natural world, for turkey vultures who cluck and the wonders of an eclipse.
For these and so much more, we give you thanks and praise. May your passion for giving of yourself fill us that we might give ourselves that others may know your blessings.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: The Bible doesn’t actually mention an Innkeeper in the story of Jesus’ birth. But this popular notion is alive in our imaginations. Sometimes the Innkeeper gets a bad rap, as if providing substandard accommodations for a family about to go through the birthing process. But what if we saw the innkeeper as someone who, with a full house, thought literally “outside the box” to solve a problem? What if we endeavored to do the same to provide ministry, to “house the Holy” in ways we have not yet imagined? This Advent season we will offer some stories to stir our imagination and stoke the possibilities for our own hospitality. What is a story you might have to offer?
Closing Carol
Leader: Each week of this series we will close out with a Christmas Carol. Yes, Advent is not yet the birth of Christ. However, as we prepare our homes and this house for the Holy, we live in the “already and not yet.” We already know “the rest of the story” AND YET we have not seen the fulfillment of a time when suffering ends. Today we sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” a carol written by Phillips Brooks in 1865 after a horseback ride between Jerusalem and Bethlehem on Christmas Eve [see more about this history HERE]. An original verse not included in our hymnals is especially poignant for our theme:
“Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where misery cries out to thee,
Son of the Mother mild;
Where charity stands watching
And faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.”
Let us remember that it was in a little and unassuming town where the Holy was housed. We too can offer light and hope and a place where “faith holds wide the door,” even and especially in our little town.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH 230
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” WORDS: James Montgomery, 1821 (Ps 72); MUSIC: Gesangbuch der H. W. k. hoƒkapelle, 1784 alt; adapt. and harm. by W.H. Monk, 1868; TUNE: ELLACOMBE; Words & Music in the Public Domain
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” WORDS: Phillips Brooks, ca. 1868; MUSIC: Lewis H. Redner, 1868; TUNE: ST LOUIS; Words & Music in the Public Domain; CCLI #27829; CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please have your pledge cards in by the end of the month.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
RESULTS OF THE VOTE ON THE RECONCILING STATEMENT: Overwhelmingly, the congregation approved the statement. Next steps, a picture needs to be taken, application completed, and a check for support of the network needs to be mailed to the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Spirit Wind Fair Trade Online Sale Extended
Spirt Wind Fair Trade sells products from the seamstresses and artisans in Nicaragua. Do some Christmas shopping and some good at this online sale, Which is now Nov. 19-30, 2021 Learn more
Join Hybrid Event INVISIBLE: RACISM, SEXISM, & XENOPHBIA
Clergy and laity are invited to INVISIBLE: RACISM, SEXISH, & XENOPHOBIA a time of connection and learning with the Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. The event will be in-person and live-streamed from 9:30 to 1 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2021, at Carter Memorial UMC in Needham, MA. Learn more and register
Three From New England Among 2021 EarthKeepers
Global Ministries will commission 17 new EarthKeepersin December and among them are three from England—including two youth. They are Isaiah Robinson, Rev. Sheri Smit and Taylor Smith. The EarthKeepers commission will be live-streamed at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 202. The service will be led by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. Read more
Still Time to Donate Jewelry for AC 22 Sale
Thank you very much for the wonderful jewelry donations we have received! We look forward to offering many beautiful choices at the 2022 Annual Conference while also benefitting youth ministries here in New England. We are still happily collection donations of gently used jewelry. You may bring donations to district events or mail them to: New England Conference, Attention: Bishop’s Office, 411 Merrrimack St., Suite 200, Methuen, MA 01844
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
26TH Sunday after Pentecost
Reign of Christ/Thanksgiving
November 21, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
Centering Words (Psalm 126) B .J. Beu
Let those who sow in tears, bear sheaves of joy this Thanksgiving. Let those who have endured a long winter of waiting, sing for joy at the rich harvest of God’s bountiful love.
*Opening Hymn: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” UMH 694
Call to Worship (Joel 2, Psalm 126, Matthew 6
L: Those who go out weeping,
P: shall come home with shouts of joy!
L: Those who worry about their life,
P: shall learn that God knows all their needs.
L; Those who have experienced the swarming locust,
P: shall eat in plenty and be satisfied.
L; Those who long for comfort,
P: shall be glad and rejoice,
for God has done great things!
Prayer of the Day (Joel 2, Ps 126, Matt 6, 1 Tim 2)
Maker of heaven and earth, you enliven your creation:
causing the skies to rain,
the soil to be rich and fertile,
the fields to yield abundant crops,
and the trees to bear fruit.
Enliven us once more, Holy One.
Call us forth into the joy of your harvest:
from tears to shouts of joy,
from calamity to plenty,
from worry to faith,
and from what is false to what is true.
You are our God, there is no other.
We praise your name, for you have dealt wondrously with us and will do so again. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Joel 2:21-27
Psalm 126
1Timothy 2:1-7
Matthew 6:25-33
Message
It is Christ the King Sunday, but what better way to celebrate the Reign of Christ than to give thanks?
In case you have forgotten, Thanksgiving is Thursday. Families are scrambling to get ready for this feast day, this day when people traditionally gather to share in a huge meal and give thanks for an abundant harvest. It is a day of families gathering, over-eating, fighting, and falling asleep watching the parades and football games.
From the prophet, Joel, we hear words of promise for healing of the land following an invasion by locusts that has devastated the land, words of hope for the future, for one is coming to teach the people how to live so they no longer need fear punishment from God. The psalmist celebrates a future hope for good harvest by those who live lives focused on God. The Letter to Timothy encourages us to pray, paying particular attention to those who are governmental leaders. The gospel says worry won’t change anything, just as God provides for the rest of creation, so God is able to provide for those who trust in God.
As we prepare for this feast day, one of the rare ones where the focus is on food rather than gifts, let’s reflect back on this last year. For what are we able to give thanks, particularly in light of the still very present pandemic?
Last year at this time, we were strictly meeting on Zoom. That precious gift of technology not only allowed us to gather when the state told us to not be in-person but continues to allow people to worship with us from home when they are not up to driving to worship, are being health conscious about themselves or others, or when they have other reasons for not being at a gathering of people. The Administrative Council is enjoying the ability to meet without having to go out at night and I suspect some are looking forward to not having to get out during snow covered or icy roads. We that are gathered here are, I suspect, thankful that we are at least able to meet in-person though things are not back to normal and we are wearing masks, opening windows and turning on ventilatory support to reduce the risks of being gathered together.
We are blessed to live in a country where the people have a say in the governing process, yet we are seeing that democratic governance threatened by petty political infighting built on greed and a desire for power. As Timothy was encouraged to pray for rulers and governments, so too should we pray, seeking God’s wisdom and God’s desire for justice for all people, not just a select demographic, for those leading our country.
Most, if not all, of us should be thankful that we have food on our tables, roofs over our heads, heat coming from our furnaces. I’m sure you heard me say “most.” There are many in our community for whom an assumption of “all,” would do a great disservice. Some struggle to afford heat, some must decide between food and medications, some are just one paycheck away from losing housing and others are homeless. As we gather and give thanks to God for the many gifts God has given us, let us keep those who are not as blessed with the necessities of life in our prayers, and consider the changes that need to occur that all might have enough. God looks to us to be the hands, feet and mouths that seek to change things, that work to bring about an equitable distribution of food and resources, that all might have enough and know the love God has for them.
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, tells his listeners they should not worry about food and clothing because if God provides for the birds all that they need and clothes the flowers in such radiant beauty, won’t God care for people in whom God takes pride. Lest we throw up our hands and say, “God will take care of them,” let us remember that God works through the hands, feet and voices of people to ensure all have what they need. That means God looks to us to help out as we can. The food, cash, and other essentials this congregation shares with others through the Food Shelf is just one way we serve God through serving others.
God sent Jesus into a world filled with struggle, sin and hopelessness. We are on the verge of a major season where people get caught up in a competition to see who will give the most presents to friends and family while failing to see the everyday needs that arise throughout the year. Giving to charitable organizations increase during this time, but rapidly fall off after the first of the year. Jesus was sent into the world to teach us how to live in righteousness, recognizing the needs of others not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but throughout the year. While even Jesus realized that the poor would always be with us, he also said, those who offer a drink of water, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit those in hospitals and prisons, all in his name would find salvation through him and be welcomed into his reign at the end of time.
This year, as we celebrate the in-breaking of Jesus’ reign, let us give thanks to God for the gift of a Savior willing to suffer at the hands of humanity that we might know God’s love for us. As we gather with family and friends, let us put aside our petty squabbling’s over politics and who will win the football game, instead giving thanks to God who has provided for and loves us. Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Woke to seeing snow and ice this morning
Petitions:
Bob & Chris Clark
Dottie having knee replacement 11/17/21
Our country, COVID-19 rising numbers, political situation, economy
Pastoral Prayer Ami Sawtelle
We give thanks to you creating, sustaining, life giving God. You have poured out the wonders of your creation that we might have food to sustain our bodies; wood and metals that we have shelter for our families, knowledge that we might find ways to combat disease. We ask for wisdom, that we will use the gifts you have given us in ways that sustain rather than destroy, wisdom, that we will learn the way to peace is not through conflict, but through helping one another to have a better world. Forgive us when we think that our desires are more important than others’ needs. Forgive us when we fail to share the love with which we have been showered with others. We know you are a loving God, seeking to heal the relationship with your people. Open us to your mercy and grace as we open ourselves to your loving, healing presence.
You have heard the not only prayers we have lifted aloud, but also the ones we hold closely in our hearts. Heal the sick and those recovering from surgery gracious God. Give hope to the hopeless. Comfort those that mourn as you welcome loved ones into your presence. Assure us of your presence not only in days of celebration, but also in times of pain and sorrow. Guide those who are the leaders of our country, showing them the way that leads to hope and health for all. Heal the land that you have given us. You placed us in a garden at the beginning of time, giving us the responsibility to care for it that our children would have food, shelter and a healthy environment in which to live, but we got busy using its resources for our own wants and have messed it up. Heal it, that future generations may look back and know that we really did care.
You who art the giver and sustainer of life, to you we give our thanks and praise for the gifts you have poured out on us. As we go into the future, may we continue to walk in the light of your love. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Joel 2) Mary J. Scrifes
Be glad and rejoice! Just as summer brought green forests and sunny days, so now fall brings abundant fields and changing leaves. As the rain falls upon us, may we remember that the seasons, the fertile earth, and the blessings they yield, are gifts from God—gifts to be shared with those in need.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH, Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer B .J. Beu
Gracious God, source of every blessing, we look forward to your harvest each year. Our tables overflow with the bounty of this good earth, but our tables pale in comparison to the splendor that awaits us, and all of your children, at your heavenly banquet. Receive these offerings, as we thank you for your many blessings, and help us be mindful of those who go without, as we feast and make merry during this festive season. Amen.
*Hymn to send us into the world: “Now Thank We All Our God” UMH 102
Benediction (Psalm 126, Matthew 6()
Go home with hearts filled with hope!
For God, who has restored us in the past,
will do so again.
Let us go home singing songs of hope!
Go home with shouts of joy!
For God, who knows our tears,
will not leave us comfortless.
Let us go home singing songs of joy!
Go home with souls touched by grace!
For God, who knows our needs and daily cares,
will provide us with the blessings of life.
Let us go home singing songs of grace and mercy!
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Mary J. Scifres, B.J. Beu & Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” UMH 694; Words: Henry Alford, 1844, alt. (Mk. 4:26-29; Mt. 13:36-43); Music: George J. Elvey, 1858; Tune: ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR, Copyright: Words and Music, Public Domain; CCLI#: 50200
“Now Thank We All Our God”; UMH 102; Words: Martin Rinkart, 1636; trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1858 (Sir. 50:22-24);
Music: Johann Crüger, 1647; harm. by Felix Mendelssohn, 1840; Tune: NUN DANKET; Copyright: Words & Music Public Domain; CCLI # 86638
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special Charge Conference – November 30, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.. There will be a Special Charge Conference via Zoom on November 30, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.. “The purpose of the conference is to take any legal action with respect to the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy litigation by December 14, 2021.” Pastor Ami will set up in the Gathering Room for any who are interested in what is happening, but unable to connect to Zoom either by phone or by internet.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
November 14, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Centering Words (Psalm 16) Karin Ellis
In the presence of God, we find the fullness of joy. May this time of worship be full of joy, surprises, healing, and love.
*Opening Hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” UMH 117
Words: Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps 90); Music: Attr. To William Croft, 1708; Harm. By W.H. Monk, 1861
Tune: ST. ANNE; Copyright: Words and Music, Public Domain
CCLI#: 43152; CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
Call to Worship (1Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Hebrews 10, Mark 13) Sara Dunning Lambert
L: My strength is exalted in my God.
Despite sorrows and sadness, anxieties and vexations, we praise your name, O Lord.
P: For the power of the Lord gives me strength,
and the love of the Lord gives me hope.
L: With Hannah, the mother of sorrows,
we bless the name of the Lord, today and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting, God is with us.
P: Blessed be the name of the Lord.
We praise your holy name, O God.
L: From Hannah, the mother of joy,
we learn the bounty of unwavering hope.
P: Let your servant find favor in your sight, O Lord.
L: Hardship is a constant companion.
We must rely on the selfless example of Christ
to show us the way to truth, life, and love. Amen
Prayer of the Day (1Samuel 1, Hebrews 10) Sara Dunning Lambert
Holy One, there is no God like you. In praise and thanksgiving, we come before you
ready to learn of your power, ready to follow your path for our lives. Through days of jubilation as well as dejection, help us realize your influence in the world. We ask simply for ears to hear, eyes to see, and minds to comprehend the blessings you bestow. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
1Samuel 1:4-20
1Samuel 2:1-10
Hebrews 10:11-18
Mark 13:1-8
Message
Hannah, a faithful believer in God, trusting in God, is barren. In a society that values women mostly for their reproductive abilities, this is a tragedy and seen as a sign of God’s judgement, much like Job’s losses were supposedly a sign of his sinfulness.
In today’s world, barrenness is a condition that brings less of a stigma but still a great deal of distress to families. Families go to many extremes in their struggle to have a child of their own, yet there are numerous times this fails to work. As we hear Hannah’s story, let us hold those who are unable to have a child of their own in our hearts.
Hannah remains faithful to God. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, gloats over her own ability to reproduce and rubs it in Hannah’s face. How do we see those with differing abilities? How do we treat them? At our best, we partner with them in ways that encourage and enable them. At our worst, we can come across as Peninnah did, belittling them and treating them as less than useful members of society.
Sometimes people misjudge others, jumping to conclusions without having all the facts. Eli, a priest of God, jumped to conclusions when he saw a woman he assumed was drunk because her lips were moving and he heard no words. Hannah, this devout woman, was crying her pain and her shame before God, and the priest stumbled, making assumptions without having all the facts. We all slip sometimes, jumping to conclusions based on appearances rather than seeking to understand the situation. We jump in, as did Eli, assuming the worst rather than trying to understand and perhaps offering support or help as the situation might indicate.
When we pour our hearts out before God, when we share our hopes, fears, and desires with a servant of God, many times we find peace for our hearts. While not a guarantee that all will be as we desire, that sense of God’s presence uplifts our spirits, helping us deal with our hopes and disappointments. Hannah had no guarantee that she would have a son, but having poured out her sorrow to God, having shared her hopes with Eli, she appears to at least have found some sense of peace as her countenance was no longer sad.
Finally, after years of barrenness, Hannah’s prayers are answered and she has a son. Most of us would want to hang on to such a precious gift from God, watching him grow, guiding him and rejoicing in his achievements. Maybe he’ll be a sports star, or a famous lawyer, perhaps he’ll distinguish himself as an heroic soldier, we would desire to see our child grow and succeed. I’m sure Hannah was no different, but, Hannah had promised God that if God opened her womb and gave her a son, she would give that child back to God.
Would we be willing to return such a gift to God? Would we have the strength to wait until the child is weaned, about 2-3 years old; helping him take his first stumbling steps; watching as he takes his first bites of solid food, knowing that soon it will be time to take him to the Temple to be raised by the priest who jumped to conclusions and berated us for being drunk? This is what Hannah did in the latter part of this first chapter of 1 Samuel.
Our reading from the second chapter of 1Samuel is Hannah’s response following her release of he son, Samuel, to Eli. This song of celebration, of thanksgiving, of praise, is a testimony to her faith and her love for God. Will she miss this, her first child? Yes, of course, but she rejoices in the gift of life and the goodness of God toward her.
You see, everything we do, everything we experience, is just a part of the story. When we are faithful followers of Jesus Christ, lovers of God, who was willing to come to earth in human form, we are never alone. God sees and hears what is in our hearts. God hears our prayers. God doesn’t always answer us the way we desire, but God is with us in our joys and in our disappointments. Like Hannah, we should share our thanksgivings with God. Like Hannah, we are called to trust in God and God’s love for us, knowing that God also loves us and wants only good for our lives. God was Hannah’s rock in a time of struggle and shame, let God be your rock in times of trouble and pain.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Patrick had a good visit with his dad
Seeing Nancy Townley’s name in the liturgy nice
Maddie turning 14
Petitions:
Bob & Chris Clark
Pastoral Prayer Ami Sawtelle
Rock of Ages, our place of hope and comfort, to you we lift our prayers, seeking your comfort, desiring your healing, needing you presence in our lives. We acknowledge that we don’t always live the way you want us to live. We speak when we should be silent and are silent when we should speak. We fail to share your love to those in need and fail to walk in integrity and peace when things do not go our way. Forgive us mighty One, help us in our times of trouble and celebrate with us in our times of joy. To you we lift those who are ill… asking your healing touch upon their minds, bodies and spirits. We lift to you those who are nearing the end of their journey on earth… asking for a peaceful transition and joyful welcome into our presence. To you we lift those who walk in darkness… shine your light of love in their hearts that they may find peace and joy, turning from their sinful ways and walking the pathway of love and light that leads to you. Righteousness and grace are yours O Rock of our Salvation, we celebrate your loving presence and joys you have given unto us. We give thanks for the changing seasons yet mourn the damage we have done to our environment. We give you thanks for birthdays and anniversaries that mark the passing of time, yet mourn the divisions in so many families that lead to violence, injury, and sometimes death. Enkindle within us a light of hope, that overrides the darkness that surrounds us and help us to have faith and trust like Hannah’s that we may serve you in all our days. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Karin Ellis
Hannah went to the temple and offered her prayers to God. Jesus offered his love and his life. May this be the time when we offer our gifts to God in thanksgiving for God’s abiding presence in our lives.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH, Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (1Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Hebrews 10, Mark 13)
Today, O Lord, we offer you our sacrifice of time, energy, and love, knowing full well they are mere tokens of the awesome faith you inspire within us. Accept these gifts, that they may continue the good work in Christ — in our church, in our community, and in the world. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World: “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” UMH 361
Words: Augustus M. Toplady, 1776; Music: Thomas Hastings, 1830
Tune: TOPLADY; Copyright: Words & Music Public Domain
CCLI # 40588; CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
Benediction Sara Dunning Lambert
Go in peace, remembering a mother’s faith in God — a faith that provided her with comfort and strength
in her time of need. May you pray unfailingly, grow steadily, and love constantly. Amen.
Centering Words & Invitation to the Offering – Karin Ellis, from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
Call to Worship, Opening Prayer, Offering Prayer & Benediction by Sara Dunning Lambert, Worship Elements, found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saving money, saving the earth!
The Vermont state weatherization program transforms people’s lives! It is free for those who qualify. They save money, and are more comfortable. Moderate- and low-income Vermonters qualify based on income and number of people in the home.
To learn more go to: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization. If you have further questions email Kim Hornung-Marcy, retired elder, khmarcy@comcast.net.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through October 3: $3,406
October’s Collection through October 10-24: $2,470
$1,000 donation in memory of someone
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
22ND Sunday after Pentecost
October 24, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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.
Centering Words (Psalm 34) B .J. Beu
Taste and see that the Lord is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Opening Hymn: “Wonderful Words of Life” UMH 600 Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1874, Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1874
Tune: WORDS OF LIFE
CCLI # 47392, Words and Music Public Domain
CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: UMCDiscipleship.org, Used by permission
Call to Worship (Job 42, Psalm 34) B. J. Beu
L: Magnify the Lord. Exalt God’s holy name.
P: How can we praise God amidst so much suffering?
L: God is Lord over all—both good and evil.
P: Only the saints can comprehend such things.
L: The Lord hears the pleas of the perishing,
and transforms the suffering of the faithful
into a deeper joy.
P: Restore our fortunes, O God,
when calamity strikes.
L: Magnify the Lord, you righteous of the Lord.
P: We will exalt God’s holy name.
Prayer of the Day (Job 42, Mark 10) B. J. Beu
God our healer, source of everlasting mercy,
give us the courage to cry out in our need
when the crowd seeks to silence us,
as did blind Bartimaeus outside Jericho;
give us the wisdom to admit our limitations
and accept our limited understanding,
as did Job before us;
give us the confidence to sing your praises
in the midst of fear and doubt,
as the psalmist did in David’s court.
Grant us your healing balm, O God,
that we may be truly made well and whole
and follow you all the days of our lives. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34: 1-8, 19-22
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
Message
Have you ever had a time when you wondered if what you have believed for years is true? A crisis of faith, such as the one Job has just gone through, may change the way we see God. Young people often reach a point where what they have been taught about God no longer works for them. A grandfatherly looking man, with a white beard and white robes sitting on a throne no longer makes sense to some people and they go through a time of struggling with who God is, what the meaning of life is,
Job has experienced a crisis of faith. As he has listened to his friends spout the party line, ‘you suffered because you have sinned,’ he has continued to declare his innocence while still struggling with why he is suffering. When God showed up, Job didn’t get the answers for which he was looking, instead being challenged by a series of questions posed by God concerning Jobs understanding of how the created world functions and Jobs own control of nature.
Job’s response to God shows us a growth in Job’s faith, a change in Job’s understanding of God. “I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand - from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry - forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor." (Job 42:5-6, MSG)
Job has grown from an understanding of God that he has been taught by others, to a personal relationship that helps inform his understanding.
Our understanding and relationship with God often change during our life times. As young children, our families and Sunday school teachers teach us what we are to believe, but there often comes a time in our lives when something we have been taught about God no longer make sense to us. Individuals respond differently to this challenge to their faith. Some just walk away, never to return to trusting in God, believing that God does not exist. Others struggle, searching the scriptures, reading various writers who talk about God, Jesus Christ and faith, and eventually coming to their own understanding of the Holy Trinity.
There are a couple of things that can impact someone’s journey through this struggle. For those who are open to discussing their faith and the struggles they are having, a more mature believer can often be a good sounding board, helping direct the struggler to texts or individuals that can help guide them to a deeper understanding of and a closer relationship with God. Trying to dictate to these individuals that there is only one way to believe flies in the face of the reality of today’s world of many denominations, yet there are those who have been taught that to even begin to question and explore their faith is to deny having faith to begin with. Such obstruction to the explorations of individuals can result in them walking away from their faith, possibly never to return.
Job shows us that we can attain a deeper relationship with God, but it requires us to look at our faith and see the cracks that suggest there might be more than we understand. When something about faith makes no sense to us, we shouldn’t just toss it out, rather, we should explore, speaking with believers we respect and seeking guidance to understand what the Bible has to say and how we might integrate our new understanding into our own faith walk.
Too often pastors and teachers assume we need someone to tell us what and how to believe and are not prepared for legitimate questions we might raise. I remember how difficult it was to get someone to teach a high school Sunday school class when I was Sunday school superintendent years ago. The teenagers included the pastors’ sons and the boys were willing to ask and struggle with the questions they had, sometimes challenging what the teachers believed. There was also the octogenarian who asked, what difference does it make if Mary was or was not a virgin.
When we struggle with questions of faith, it doesn’t mean we don’t believe, it means we have questions with which we struggle and we need someone we can talk with who is willing to struggle with us and seek with us so that we can come to a new, deeper faith that will carry us through the difficult times, just as Job struggled with his own understanding of faith and came to a deeper understanding of God due to his struggles.
Job is not the only one to struggle with faith. God is not going to disconnect from us if we struggle with our faith. God wants a personal relationship with us. Jesus came into the world to bring that relationship to reality and create a bridge between the world and God. Our struggles indicate a desire for a closer relationship and should be encouraged. If you have questions, struggles don’t be afraid to ask. If you come to me, I am willing to help you find answers if I can’t answer your questions. I am willing to sit with you and encourage you in your struggle so that the faith you have can be deepened and your relationship with God deepened. Faith doesn’t mean easy answers, it is about a relationship that often has been honed through difficult times. It is about seeking answers to our questions and through our struggles growing deeper in our understanding and thus in our faith.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Joys:
Tim and Cathy are beginning the process to adopt Baby K
Harvest time
Pastor Ami has an interview at NEADS beginning the process of matching with another Ministry Dog
Concerns:
Baby K's parents
Bob and Chris Clark
Gabe and Betsy in Houston
Depressed friend with a 15 year old cat, that is not doing well, and suffering from COVID isolation
Those struggling with depression exacerbated by COVID
Young man struggling with addiction
Kids @ school being bullied, particularly those who are differently abled
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
Why is it that we are afraid to cry aloud our need to God? We sit in our darkness and cry and complain about the dire circumstances that have overtaken us. Yet, when given the opportunity to approach the Savior who offers us light and healing, we cower in the darkness, not daring to believe that healing and light are possible for us. The darkness of our souls invades all of our lives; it colors our attitudes and determines our actions. Lord Jesus, come and shine your light not only on us, but in us and eventually through us. Break the barriers we have erected against peace, freedom, and hope. Bathe us in the light of love, and we shall become bearers of that incredible light for others who dwell in darkness. As we receive the light from you, give us courage and confidence to reach out in compassion and service in your name. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Job 42, Mark 10) A. R. Sawtelle
God is with us in the good times and the bad. Job suffered through many things, but he continued to walk in faith. In the end, he was rewarded with more children, crops, herds, and flocks. Blind Bartimaeus had faith that, with the help of Jesus, restored his vision. Both of them praised God for the gifts they had received. What about us? Do we have faith that keeps us connected to God through the difficult times? Let us offer our gifts of thanksgiving for that with which God has blessed us.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH , Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Job 42, Ps 34, Mark 10) B. J. Beu
Mighty God, just as you restore sight to the blind
and benevolence to the afflicted,
use these offerings to provide refuge for the lost
and mercy for those who suffer.
May our gifts find those who cry out in their need
and who seek you with their whole hearts.
We ask this in Jesus’s name,
the name above all names. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us into the World: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” UMH 110
Words: Martin Luther, ca. 1529; trans. By Frederick H. Hedge, 1853, (Ps46)
Music: Martin Luther, ca. 1529; harm from The New Hymnal for American Youth, 1930
Tune: EIN FESTE BURG
CCLI# 42964, CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org,
Used by permission
Benediction
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by B. J. Beu, from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
Pastoral Prayer (alt.) by Nancy C. Townley found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Conference – Our church conference will be held via Zoom/telephone on Monday, October 25, 2021at 7:00 pm. The SPRC will meet with the DS at 6:15 pm, also by Zoom/telephone. Please let Pastor Ami or the church office know if you do not have access to Zoom and would like to either participate from the church via Pastor Ami’s Zoom link or would like to use you phone and call/be called by someone who has Zoom access.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
20TH Sunday after Pentecost
October 10, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
Centering Words (Mark 10) Mary Petrina Boyd
It is not what we do that saves us. It is the mercy and grace of God, poured out in love. The first shall be last, for God’s love turns our expectations upside down.
Opening Hymn: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” UMH 103
Words: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867 (1 Tim. 1:17)
Tune: Welsh melody from Canaidau y Cyssegr, 1839, adapt. by John Roberts
Tune: St Denio, CCLI # 124466, Public Domain
CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship Mary Petrina Boyd
L: Come and worship.
P: God is here.
L: Listen for God’s word.
P: It is alive and active.
L: Draw near to the source of mercy.
P: The God of grace is with us.
Prayer of the Day (Job 23, Heb 4) Mary Petrina Boyd
There are days, O God,
when we feel far from your presence.
We long for you,
yet we feel no response, no closeness.
Give us the strength to cry out in pain,
speaking our truth.
Give us the courage to complain,
even when there is no response.
In the emptiness,
we long for your presence.
We wait, O God, for you.
We know that you are the source of all mercy and grace.
We trust that you will help us in times of need. Amen.
Scripture Readings:
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Psalm 22:1-15
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
Message
Job continues to suffer from his sores and his losses, but now he also suffers from the comments of his friends who try to convince him he has sinned and thus deserves all that has happened to him. Job, on the other hand, continues to declare his integrity and now seeks to face God who has brought this upon him.
Have you ever been angry with God over something that has happened? Job is angry. His children are dead. His crops, herds and flocks are gone, and now his health has been destroyed and he is mad.
So often we hear, the patience of Job, as we talk of the patience of a “saintly” person, but quite frankly, Job was not patient, he was just as angry as any of us would be, but he still trusted God. Our language today would be a little more harsh, perhaps, but we are no more nor less human than Job. When life gives us what we believe is a raw deal, we react, then later, we worry what God will think.
If we look at today’s Psalm, we are reminded of the words Jesus spoke from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” As Jesus quotes from this Psalm, we are reminded that even for him, things did not go smoothly. Yes, Jesus had a special connection with God, but even for him, in the midst of agony, there is a sense that he does not feel God’s presence with him at this instant in time.
You see, that’s the thing. We want God’s presence when things are going badly, but we don’t seem able to sense that presence, so we want to think that God has abandoned us.
Have you ever put on headphones or worn earplugs and had someone try to speak to you from another room? You may not hear anything or if you do, it may be garbled.
Sometimes difficult times make it difficult for us to hear or feel God’s presence. Our ability to sense God is dampened by the noise of the troubles surrounding us just as the headphones dampen the sounds around us. We sometimes must get through the difficulties before we can see God’s presence with us during them. – have you ever heard the poem, “Footprints in the Sand”? It is a reminder that during the darkest times, when we think God has deserted us, God is actually closest to us, we just are unable to recognize that presence.
God is not some sniveling weakling, unable to take our shouts of despair and pain. In fact, in reading the Psalms, there are some that speak to the psalmist inability to “find” God. We are not alone in our struggles. We are not the first, nor are we likely to be the last to complain that God doesn’t listen, doesn’t hear, doesn’t care.
Were we to read the remainder of Psalm 22, we would hear the psalmist praising God for hearing the voice of the psalmist. God came to his aid and the psalmist praises God not only for that but for all the things God has done to help those who call upon God’s name.
We are a “Burger King” society. We have lost the patience that goes with agrarian societies of ages past, exchanging that patience for a demanding culture that wants things our way and wants them now. We have been so bombarded by the advertising world promising us that if we buy this product or join this club all of our problems will be solved; we’ll be happy, healthy and have nothing to worry about.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but life is not fair, it is not easy and the purchase of those goods or services are not really going to make it that much, if any, easier. God is with us. That is the reality. God is in it with us for the long haul.
Job knew this, trusted that God had not deserted him, was not punishing him, but he was frustrated that God was not answering. Why do bad things happen to good people? God alone truly understands. Humanity tries to understand an inscrutable God, but falls far short. We try to explain it saying, “God is testing us.”, or “It is the consequences of sin.”, or the many other platitudes we come up with, but in reality, we know bad things happen to good people, that is just the way it is. We don’t know why some seem to get good things no matter how bad they are while others get bad things no matter how good they are.
Faith teaches us to trust in God, no matter how difficult the situation. Jesus, in the garden prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” During times of trial and tribulation, we too may pray this same prayer, but, just as Jesus continued to the cross, so too may we have to continue through the difficult times, just a Jesus seemed to feel deserted by God, so too may we feel deserted by God. But, just as the Resurrection occurred on Easter because Jesus was never deserted, so too will there be a time when we will realize God’s presence with us, no matter how dark the preceding night.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Jean is back
Phone call from friend
Seeing neighbor’s chickens following me around yard
Elsie is a great, great grandmother
Petitions:
Rebecca
Bob & Chris Clark
The disasters occurring worldwide and the people in their paths
Baby K’s birth parents
Migrants facing difficult times
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
God of infinite patience and wisdom, we come to you with so many things that claim our time, our energy, our resources, our very lives. We are easily drawn away from serving you by the enticements of the world for wealth, ease, and comfort. Just like the young man in the scriptures, we are owned by our possessions, held captive by our treasures. You continue to offer to us healing and hope. You seek to transform our lives from captivity to freedom in witness and service. We look at the world in which there is so very much warfare and strife, anger and hatred, and we easily become overwhelmed by the needs and the stresses. Help us to place our lives and our trust in you, knowing that with your help, many wonderful things can be accomplished which will provide hope and peace for others and ourselves. Give us courage and strength to truly be your disciples. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Mark 10) Mary Petrina Boyd
Jesus challenged the rich man to sell what he had and give to the poor. He challenges us today to be generous in our giving, trusting God’s provision for our lives.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH , Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Mark 10) Mary Petrina Boyd
Generous God, we bring you our gifts today.
We recognize that all we have comes from you.
May these gifts bring hope to places of pain and need.
We want to be followers of Jesus,
who leads us from greed into service.
We offer ourselves. Amen.
*Hymn to send us into the world: “When We Are Called to Sing Your Praise” TFWS 2216
Words: Mary Nelson Keithahn, Music: Trad. English melody
Words © 2000 Abingdon Press, admin. By The Copyright Co.
Tune: Kingsfold , CCLI# 3409507 , CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329, Musician: UMCDiscipleship.org,
Used by permission
Benediction
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Mary Petrina Boyd, from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please have all church reports in to the church office by Monday, October 11.
Ad Council Meetings--Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 on zoom.
Finance Committee Meetings—Friday before the 2nd Tuesday at 10:30 on zoom.
Church Conference – Our church conference will be held via Zoom/telephone on Monday, October 25, 2021at 7:00 pm. The SPRC will meet with the DS at 6:15 pm, also by Zoom/telephone. Please let Pastor Ami or the church office know if you do not have access to Zoom and would like to either participate from the church via Pastor Ami’s Zoom link or would like to use you phone and call/be called by someone who has Zoom access.
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I have sent out forms via e-mail. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible as I need to complete the Church Conference Booklet and send it to the DS in time for it to arrive a week prior to the meeting. I would like to mail it by October 14th if at all possible. Thank you!
Save the date! – October 14, 2021, Bishop’s Day on the District – beginning at 7:00 pm, in-person and by Zoom. Details and location pending.
Upcoming Lay Servant Courses
To register for a course, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form).
Resource Day with Bill McKibben – Saturday, October 16, the Commonwealth East District is hosting a resource day with Bill McKibben. What Can We Still Do? Climate Change and the Need for Action. It will be held via Zoom from 11:00 – 1:30. Registration is required in order to get the Zoom link.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
19TH Sunday after Pentecost
World Communion Sunday
October 3, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
Centering Words (Hebrews 1) B. J. Beu
Christ is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s glory. Let all God’s children come to the light.
Opening Hymn: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” UMH 599
Words: Mary A. Lathbury, 1877, Music: William F. Sherwin, 1877
Tune: Bread of Life, CCLI# 6389363
Public Domain, CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship (Job 2, Ps 26) B. J. Beu
Walk humbly before the Lord,
even in hardship and pain.
We will live with integrity before God
all the days of our lives.
Walk faithfully before our God,
even when put to the test.
We will honor the Lord our God
all the days of our lives.
Come! Let us worship.
Prayer of the Day (Job 2, Ps 26, Heb 1, Mark 10) B. J. Beu
Almighty God, you spoke to our ancestors long ago
through your prophets and teachers,
but today you speak to us through your Son.
In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations,
help us keep our integrity
and walk faithfully in your ways.
Help us listen to the words of your Son
and become like children again,
that we may rejoice in your kingdom
and trust in your Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of Yearning (Job 2, Ps 26) B. J. Beu
Mysterious One, your ways can seem inscrutable.
When the road of life is smooth,
and the world is our oyster,
you seem to welcome us with open arms.
But when calamity strikes
and our need for you becomes desperate,
it feels like you slam the door between us
and we are left in the agony of silence.
We know how Jesus felt on the cross.
We also know his faith in you never waivered.
Give us the faith of Jesus,
who taught his disciples to pray to be spared
from the time of trial.
May we come to see your Presence,
whether we are receiving
the good from your hand or the bad,
for truly, you never leave us. Amen.
A time of silence for personal reflection and confession
Words of Assurance (Heb 2)
Rejoice, for we are sanctified by God
and Jesus calls us brothers and sisters.
As Christ’s sisters and brothers,
rest secure in the assurance of God’s saving love.
Invitation to the Word (Heb 1–2) B. J. Beu
Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. Today, God speaks to us through a Son, who is the very Word of God. As we listen to today’s scripture, may we hear the incarnate Word of God speaking words of unfailing love.
Scripture Reading:
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
Message
“Curse God and die.” Job, and by extension his wife, (We don’t know how many wives he had or if any of the children were her’s) have suffered the loss of their children, their lands, herds and flocks and now Job has health issues. In a time when it was believed that faithfulness to God engenders good – wealth, good health, many children, etc. – and lack of faithfulness results in punishment – poverty, loss and ill health – the story of Job stands in stark contrast.
The ultimate story of why bad things happen to good people leaves us scratching our heads. The Satan, the Adversary, challenges God concerning the perceived righteousness of Job when God brags about Job’s integrity. God responds by first giving the Satan permission to destroy Job financially and kill his children, then later allowing him to also take Job’s health. As we enter the story at this point, Job is sitting in ashes, a sign of mourning, and scraping his sores with a piece of pottery. In it all, so far, Job refuses to lose faith.
The response of his wife, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God and die.” again speaks to the belief that cursing God results in God’s anger and punishment in the form of loss of life.
Have you ever questioned why bad things happen to good people? Some believe that such happenings are a result of God testing their faithfulness. This is similar to the story of Job, that when people are truly righteous, they will only experience good at the hand of God. When difficulties arise it is because God is testing them to ensure they are truly righteous.
Perhaps the story is more about the need to remain faithful despite what has happened to us.
At this point in the story Job is suffering physically (sores) and emotionally (grief) but continues to believe that God is ultimately in control and no matter how good he might be, there is no promise that all will always be easy.
Jesus also tells us that faith comes with potential persecution and challenges. In Matthew 10, Jesus warns that the disciples were being sent out, “like sheep into the midst of wolves.”
Being faithful to God and God’s Son, Jesus, will not protect anyone from difficult times. Sometimes bad things just happen. Faith is about not allowing difficulties to destroy our trust in God.
Today, we still struggle with the effects of the pandemic, the impacts on the economy, its impact on our daily lives, the loss of life happening daily. A year ago, we hoped that by now we would be “back to normal.” Our reality is very different. People of all religious persuasions, of all levels of faith, those who are faithful and those who are faithless continue to sicken, and many die, on a daily basis. This international disaster challenges our trust in God who tells those that are faithful, “for surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jer. 29:11; NRS)
It is difficult to remain faithful in the face of such worldwide devastation. It is difficult to believe that God wants good for us. It is difficult to even believe that God cares. Faith is about trusting, believing, when we can’t see God; when there is nothing concrete to prove the existence of God. In the letter to the Hebrews we read, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1; NRS)
We hope that the pandemic will pass us by, that it will end soon and we will get back to life as it was ‘pre-pandemic.’ We trust God is with us in the middle of all that is happening. We believe God is with us in the midst of sickness, death, the loss of livelihood, and all of life’s difficulties, but it isn’t always easy. In fact, there are times when it is very difficult. Listening to this part of Job, it looks easy for him, despite his suffering, but hold on, in the next couple of weeks, we’ll hear more of the story. Does Job continue his faithful journey or not? How about us, will we remain faithful or will we drift away in the face of hardship and trouble?
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Jean is home
Petitions:
Maurice (Patrick’s father)
Rebecca
Bob & Chris Clark
Gabe and Betsy in Houston
Those under threat of natural disaster
Gayle & Ashley Clifford
Adam Langlo – ICU with COVID
Baby K’s birth parents
Migrants facing difficult times
Town Office workers catching heat for things they have no control over
Pastoral Prayer Nancy Townley
Patient God, we want to have things go well and to have everyone be happy and content, but all too often we stand in the way of peace and hope. We recognize that life is not a fantasy in which everything turns out just right. We know that there is strife and struggles and we stand in the midst of them. Our hearts and spirits carry the scars of the struggles and disappointments we have borne. Today we come to seek restoration, reconciliation, and relationship with you and with others. We want to overcome the barriers which prevent us from being people of compassion and hope. There is so much that needs to be done to aid in the cause of your peace and justice. Help us to become peacemakers and those who would bring hope. Give us courage to become disciples who follow your will and your way. For we ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124) Amy B. Hunter
Jesus Christ is on our side, offering us the love of God—a love that gives us all we have, a love that makes us all we are. Jesus Christ is with us in every circumstance, suffering with us when we are in trouble, and rejoicing with us when we are glad. The generosity of Crist calls us to lives of gratitude and generosity. In Jesus Christ we are given new life. Let us celebrate this life by giving generously to the work of God’s redeeming love.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH , Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Psalm 26; Hebrews 1, 2) Deborah Sokolove
Holy Giver of all that we need,
you have filled our hearts with joy
and our hands with overflowing abundance.
With thanks and joy, we bring these gifts,
offering ourselves in communion with you
and with all creation. Amen.
*Hymn of Preparation: “Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees” (v.v. 1-2) UMH 618
Words: Afro-American Spiritual (Acts 2:42)
Music: Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. By William Farley Smith, 1986
Tune: Let Us Break Bread
Adapt. and arr. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
CCLI# 3205952, CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org, Used by permission
LOVE FEAST
When circumstances and concern for the common good keep us from gathering to share the Eucharistic Feast in person we gather to pray, separated in the body, yet
ONE IN THE SPIRIT and ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!!
Before beginning, gather a candle and matches (or a small lamp), a Bible, a piece of bread, and a small glass of water.
CENTERING: Recognizing the presence of God
God is with us. [We are not alone.]
Christ is with us. [The Risen One has met us,
blessed and fed us on the road that leads us home.]
The community of the Holy Spirit is with us.
[We gather with the communion of the saints in light
throughout history and with God’s people around the world.]
With brothers and sisters, absent in body but united in Spirit, we pray:
Holy One, Trinity of grace and power,
Maker and Mother, Beloved and Lover, Father and Friend:
Thanks be to you, O God!
[You are ever the father who gives us bread, not stones.
You are the mother who never forgets we’re her own.
From the beginning of life to the closing of time,
you are the One who is with us to the end.]
And so, with all who breathe on earth and all who sing in heaven,
we praise your name and join Creation’s song:
(said or sung or read silently)
[Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done in whom this world rejoices,
The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore,
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.]
Martin Rinkart, 1663, translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1858
WORD AND RESPONSE
First reading: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Light the candle.
[Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. You are our Risen Lord in whom light has conquered darkness.]
Sit silently in the light, feeling the power and presence of the Risen Christ.
Second reading: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Hold the Bible.
[Here in our hands is the story of God’s covenant of steadfast love with God’s people. We are assured of God’s presence with us at all times and places – even in the midst of fear and difficulty.]
Sit quietly and absorb the stories of God’s love and grace that can sustain you wherever you are.
Third reading: On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38)
Hold the glass of water in your hands.
[Without water, there can be no life. In creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the water and brought forth light. God brought John to the Jordan River to call us to repentance. We were nourished in the water of the womb. We were baptized by water and the Spirit into God’s family. Water reminds us of the gifts of creation that God has so abundantly given us, and of the love and grace we have all received.]
Drink the water slowly. Feel it flow into your body. Know that God’s love is flowing into your body and soul right now.
Fourth reading: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Take a piece of bread in your hands.
[Christ broke bread and fed the multitudes. Christ broke bread and formed a new covenant with his closest friends and with all who break bread in remembrance of him. Christ was made known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread. Bread reminds us that, just like individual grains of wheat are gathered together to make a single loaf, we who are scattered are one body in Christ.]
Break and eat the piece of bread that you are holding. Remember the times you have received bread in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Remember those who gathered with you. Remember the presence of Christ in that moment. Be assured that Christ is with you in every moment of your life. Sit silently and allow Christ’s love to surround you.
PRAYER
In the silence after every petition (marked by . . .), specific names or situations may be spoken aloud or held closely in the heart.
Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, you speak to us words of life.
Call forth in us rivers of living water, and feed our deepest hunger.
[In trying times, in times of loneliness or confusion, in times we feel most alone,
remind us that we are never alone, for you are with us always.]
Hear us now, and pray for us in our weakness with sighs too deep for words,
as we lift up:
fill us with your grace, and inspire us to be instruments of mercy and hope,
for we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.]
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Hymn to send us into the world: “Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees” (v.3) UMH618
GOING FORTH
(said or sung or read silently)
[When we are living, it is in Christ Jesus,
and when we’re dying, it is in the Lord.
Both in our living and in our dying,
Somos del Senór, Somos del Senór
(We belong to God, we belong to God.)]
In these days of anxiety and uncertainty,
may we go forth in Christ’s name into all our interactions (digital or otherwise)
as a people of hope.
[May we be for the world the body of Christ, broken and shared to be a blessing for all.]
May God bless us and keep us.
May God’s face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
May God look upon us with kindness and give us peace. [Amen.]
Unless otherwise noted, worship elements today by B.J. Beu from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, October 3, 2021, Copyright © 2020 Abingdon Press. Found @MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission.
Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley, from Worship Connection, October 3, 2021 @ MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission
Invitation to the Offering by Amy B. Hunter from Worship Elements, September 26, 2021 @ MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission.
Offering Prayer by Deborah Sokolove, from Worship Elements, October 3, 2021 @ MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission.
Love Feast Liturgy ©2020 by The Order of Saint Luke
Prepared by Beth Fender, OSL; Elizabeth Moore, OSL; and Dwight Vogel, OSL
Permission granted for reproduction in print or on the web by including this permission statement
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Conference – Our church conference will be held via Zoom/telephone on Monday, October 25, 2021at 7:00 pm. The SPRC will meet with the DS at 6:15 pm, also by Zoom/telephone. Please let Pastor Ami or the church office know if you do not have access to Zoom and would like to either participate from the church via Pastor Ami’s Zoom link or would like to use you phone and call/be called by someone who has Zoom access.
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I have sent out forms via e-mail. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible as I need to complete the Church Conference Booklet and send it to the DS in time for it to arrive a week prior to the meeting. I would like to mail it by October 14th if at all possible. Thank you!
Save the date! – October 14, 2021, Bishop’s Day on the District – beginning at 7:00 pm, in-person and by Zoom. Details and location pending.
Upcoming Lay Servant Courses
To register for a course, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form).
Resource Day with Bill McKibben – Saturday, October 16, the Commonwealth East District is hosting a resource day with Bill McKibben. What Can We Still Do? Climate Change and the Need for Action. It will be held via Zoom from 11:00 – 1:30. Registration is required in order to get the Zoom link.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Thank you so very much for
helping to put on our
last-for-the-year,
Sizzlin’ Chicken!!!
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
18TH Sunday after Pentecost
September 26, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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: “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” UMH 126
Words: Johann J. Schütz, 1675; trans. By Frances E. Cox, 1864 (Dt. 32:3)
Music: Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesänge, 1566; harm. By Maurice F. Bell, 1906
Tune: Mit Freuden Zart
Public Domain
CCLI# 7106112 CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329 Musician: UMCDiscipleship.org Used by permission
Call to Worship (Psalm 124, James 5) Amy B. Hunter
If it had not been God who was on our side,
the troubles of our world would have swallowed us whole.
If it had not been God who was on our side,
the sorrows of our times would have swept us away.
Are any among us suffering?
Come and pray.
Are any among us cheerful?
Come sing songs of praise.
Are any among us sick?
Come and ask for healing.
Our help is in our God,
the One who made heaven and earth.
Call upon God, creator and rescuer.
God is on our side.
Prayer of the Day (Psalm 124, Mark 9) Amy B. Hunter
Eternal God, you create us and you rescue us. Be here with us now. Help us know how much we need you. Teach us that no other power can support us like your power. As you share your power with us, teach us to be Christ to the world, proclaiming your reign for all people. As you lavish your love upon us, help us receive that love and offer it to the world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
Message
I have to admit, every time I see Esther come up in the lectionary, I am a bit frustrated. It usually is one or two Sundays with only a few verses of this story of the history of Purim, a Jewish Holy Day of celebration, a story of how God used a woman to save the Jews of her time. If you have not read Esther or if it has been a long time, I highly recommend reading this Hebrew (Old) Testament story of court intrigue and faith. You may also note that “God” is never mentioned by name in this story.
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” so opens Psalm 124. While it is a “Song of Ascents. Of David,” a song sung as people went up to the temple in celebration of David’s defeat of the enemies of Israel, it could almost be a song from Esther.
Esther lived in perilous times of exile and, when forced into King Ahasuerus’ harem, she hid her nationality. Though a favorite of King Ahasuerus, to approach the king could mean death, yet Esther did just that, after spending time in fasting and prayer, she approached the king with a plan in mind. We enter the story after she has already had the king and Haman to diner once.
God uses the places we are to accomplish that which God desires. God wants good for God’s people and when we are faithful, God uses us and our circumstances to further the introduction of God’s reign on earth.
Throughout today’s scriptures, we hear the call to faithful living. From Esther’s triumph over Haman to the call by James to pray, sing songs of praise and seek healing, we are called to a life of faithful living. Even Jesus, in speaking with the disciples, calls us to faithful living by calling us to “cut out” those things that cause us to sin, be it eye or hand or foot.
So, what does faithful living look like?
Esther shows us one way. Even though the name of God never appears, we see Esther listening to the advice of her cousin who has raised her, then when the chips are down, she prays and fasts, listening for guidance from God how to go about this thing her cousin is asking her to do. So, prayer and fasting might be a part of faithful living.
Prayer is what helps us to connect to God, to hear that which God is saying to us. Fasting is less about “giving up something,” and more about freeing us from the labor of preparing and eating meals and giving us more time to focus on God. It is also a practice that, when we are hungry, we are reminded to stop and meditate on God’s word for us.
James also talks of praying, particularly praying when we are suffering. As we look around us, as we listen to the news, as we walk through our neighborhoods or through the woods, we are invited to pray. Pray for the people whose homes you pass on your daily walk, asking God’s intervention on their behalf. Pray for the environment, for the plants and animals who are suffering from the effects of climate change as you walk through the forests and along the rivers, streams and lakes. Pray for the situations you see arise in the news, whether it is about a natural disaster, violence in the workplace, school or neighborhood, or is about some other situation of suffering or disparate. When we see news stories worthy of celebration, when we encounter situations in our neighborhoods for which we should celebrate, James tells us to sing songs of praise. We are after all United Methodists. We often sing our theology. This is a time we can sing our praises to God for answered prayer, for thanksgiving for always being present.
Walking in faith can call us to some challenges. When we pray for healing, we should pray with the expectation of that healing, but in all things, we should also pray for God’s will to be done. When we pray with true belief, we can move mountains, stop the rain, do many wonders, but we must pray with true faith and trust in God.
A faith filled life does not do things that might cause another of weaker faith to stumble in their faith. A faith filled life welcomes people of all persuasions in the place where they are and then helps them to see the presence of Jesus in what they do. Rather than condemning someone for a belief different from our own, a faith filled life walks with a person, showing through their love and actions what we believe and seeking to understand where the other person may be coming from before helping them to understand why we may differ. It opens up wonderful, sometimes scary discussions that may challenge us, but may also bring us to a place of deeper understanding of our own beliefs.
We often hear, “be in, not of the world.” We live in a world filled with chaos, violence, fear and distrust. God invites us to transcend those human emotions and actions that go with such a situation and trust in God. God does not mean it as an act of “superiority,” but as an act of faith. When we live in faith; when we fully trust in Jesus and the message of salvation he brought; when we seek to be like Jesus, we may invite challenge and controversy as did he, but we will also have God on our side, giving us the words to speak that can heal and transform.
As we study the scriptures and spend time in prayer, we are better prepared to not be of the world, to not be drawn down into the quagmire of self-righteousness, judgement and discord that often is a part of today’s world. It is not easy, and there will be challenges, but when we are truly in Christ, when we know deep in our hearts that “God is on our side,” we will be ready when presented with a situation such as Esther’s, where she had to trust in God’s protection as she reached out to the king for recognition and a chance to save her people.
Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Time with Baby K
Last hummingbird has said good-bye
Petitions:
Maurice (Patrick’s father)
Rebecca
Bob & Chris Clark
Gabe and Betsy in Houston
Those under threat of natural disaster
Gayle & Ashley Clifford
Shelly Messenger, Shureen’s daughter, collapsed during race – home and doing okay now
7&8 graders at Oxbow struggling with bullying by upper classmen
Families of Philo Kennedy, Bernard Ouellet, & Allen Clark
Migrants facing difficult times
Snuggles (dog) moving to new home
Town Office workers catching heat for things they have no control over
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124) Amy B. Hunter
Jesus Christ is on our side, offering us the love of God—a love that gives us all we have, a love that makes us all we are. Jesus Christ is with us in every circumstance, suffering with us when we are in trouble, and rejoicing with us when we are glad. The generosity of Christ calls us to lives of gratitude and generosity. In Jesus Christ we are given new life. Let us celebrate this life by giving generously to the work of God’s redeeming love.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124, Mark 9) Amy B. Hunter
Giving God, we can never match your generosity.
When we are in need, you are at our side, present to us even in our darkest moments.
You rescue us from harm.
Make us into a people who celebrate your goodness, drawing others into the celebration of your many blessings.
Receive our offerings, even if they are as small as a drink for someone who thirsts.
Transform them into the mystery of your reign here and now on earth, in the name of Jesus, your greatest gift, amen.
*Hymn: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” UMH 127
Words: William Williams, 1745; Trans. From the Welsh by Peter Williams and the author, 1771
Music: John Hughes 1907
Tune: CWM Rhonda
Public Domain
CCLI# 1448
CCLI License # 11554317 Streaming License: 20810329
Musician Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org Used by permission
Benediction
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Amy B. Hunter, from MinistryMatters.com, From “The Abingdon Worship Annual,” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I will be sending out forms via e-mail in the next few days. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible. The dates/times of church conferences is pending, but the sooner we finish our reports, the less we will be rushing at the last minute to complete. Thank you!
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
17TH Sunday after Pentecost
September 19, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
A Future with Hope
This last Sunday of the series offers a time of celebration and naming of hope for the future. We sing and speak of the day when all will be one, when all will be fed, when all will be loved. We imagine what the reign of God looks like and commit anew to live that out as disciples of Jesus.
Opening Hymn: “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” UMH 152
Words: Isaac Watts, 1715
Music: Trad. English melody; arr. By Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Tune: Forest Green
CCLI #738058
Public Domain
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship (Psalm 33)
L: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
P: it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
L: Praise the LORD with the harp;
P: make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
L: Sing to him a new song;
P: play skillfully, and shout for joy.
L: For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
P: The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
L: Let us worship God!
Prayer of the Day
Wondrous Lord, you who art our help and shield, to you we lift our hearts and songs of praise and celebration, for you are always with us, you always reach out to us, offering us Love and guidance in all that we do. We come before you acknowledging our failure to always trust in you, and sometimes failing to step out in trust to do those things do you call us to do. You who are ever loving and merciful have seen fit to send your Son, that we might know the depth of your love and mercy. As we worship you this day hear our songs of thanksgiving and praise and see the truth of our hearts, amen.
Scripture Reading:
1Chronicles 29:14-16
Psalm 33:1-5, 18-22
Acts 2:25-26
Matthew 9:27-31
Message
And so, we come to our final week of our series of “A Future with Hope.” As we have considered the wonder of how God created a small, nondescript seed and from it grew a tree, a bean plant, a thing of beauty, we have also looked at how God not only brings hope into our own lives, but uses us to share that same hope with others.
We are invited to celebrate today, to sing praises to God who has done and will do such wondrous things in and through us. Our Psalm invites us to sing our praises to God, for it is a right thing so to do. As we listen to the news of continued cases of COVID in our own country as well as around the world, as we hear of countries once more slicing their borders to travelers for fear they will bring new variants into their already desperate medical settings where many countries struggle to have vaccines to protect their people, it is easy not to see hope for the future.
Yet, God is still with us. God who created has not abandoned us, but offers us a place of solace, of support, and of strength. In our reading from Acts 2, Peter reminds us of David, a shepherd chosen by God to become king; a shepherd whom the former king, Saul, tried to kill on numerous occasions; a military leader who refrained on more than one occasion from killing Saul, because Saul was the anointed king. David is the one to whom God promised that a descendant would sit upon throne in perpetuity and through Jesus, God fulfilled that promise. David celebrates God’s presence with him and his trust in God despite the difficulties he faced and that he must trust God’s promise, never to actually see the fulfillment of the promise. We are called to trust in God and to celebrate God’s presence among us, not knowing whether we will see the fulfillment of God’s promise while we are upon the earth or not.
I like the way Peterson in, The Message, puts it as Jesus is talking to the blind men asking for healing, “Do you really believe I can do this?”, and, after the blind men respond, “Why, yes, Master!" Jesus tells them, "Become what you believe." As he touches their eyes.
We must believe we have a future with hope, we must celebrate it. If we are told “Become what you believe.,” what will we look like? Will we be a powerful presence for God in our community, sharing God’s hope with others or will we be a nursing home, waiting to die because we believe we are inadequate, too old, to poor, too few in number to have an impact?
I invite you to dream. Dream large. As the title of Rebecca Simon Peter’s book says, “Dream Like Jesus.” We should have dreams as big and as focused on God’s will as Jesus did. Faced with 5,000 plus hungry people, Jesus didn’t bat an eye. He invited his disciples to play a part in the miracle as he feed all of them from five loaves and two fish. We are invited to be a part of God’s miracles in our community and the world. We are invited to believe that we have a future filled with hope, then encouraged to live out that future in our dreams and in our actions.
God has placed us in this place, at this time, in order to fulfill God’s plan for our future and the future of Bradford, VT. We are a people who have come from numerous places to arrive at where we are today both physically and spiritually. In that way, we are all nomads, itinerants on a journey to the next stop, the next opportunity to which God is calling us.
Take a brief period. Close your eyes. Take a couple of deep breaths as you listen for God and as you blow out that which is holding you back. What do you see in the future for Grace UMC? Don’t let your concerns of age, economics, or anything else limited your dream, for if God is calling us to it, God will provide the means for us to accomplish it. Dream, then write it down. Prayer over it for the next week or so and if you continue to feel God calling us to something – even if you think, “we can’t do that” – share it with some of our leadership team or with me so we can begin the process of living into the hope that God has for our future. Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy, Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Getting to see family (despite at a funeral)
Thanksgiving for the beauty of the weather and changing season
Balloons in all their colors hovering in honor of Brian Boland
Sizzlin’ Chicken
Visiting family and having chance to visit home church in process
Petitions:
Family of Brian Boland
Family of Jean DiBattisto
Maurice (Patrick’s father)
Rebecca – broke her foot
Bob & Chris Clark
Pastoral Prayer
We give thanks to you, O Lord, for your presence among us, for your love and your mercy toward us, and for your guidance always available to us. You who created the mountains, the valleys, and the streams; who placed the stars, moon and sun in the sky, always present always loving God. To you we offer our prayers celebration this day. We give you thanks for the seasons that mark the passage through the years. We give you thanks for the colors that brighten the fall and the quiet restfulness of the winter. We give you thanks that you are always willing to show us the way in which we can best serve the world around us, and we give you thanks for the willingness of your disciples to step out in faith and trust the pathway you have placed before us. Mighty one, you who are the Great Physician, place your hand upon those who are struggling with the many diseases that ravage our world this day. Relieve their pain, relieve their distress, and help them to know your healing will bring comfort and wholeness to their minds and their bodies. Help us to stand strong against injustice and evil in our world. Show us the way to be peacemakers in a world with a bent for violence. Teach us how to bring about changes that will help heal the world of it's brokenness and create a new world where all people may know your love and your help, amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer
You gave us all that we have, almighty and glorious God, it is only right that we offer back to you a portion of that which you have given us, that it may be used to spread your wisdom, your love, your mercy, to all the world. Bless and multiply these offerings that they may be enough to fund your ministries in our community and in the world, amen.
*Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH 89
Words: Henry Van Dyke, 1907; st. 4 alt. 1989
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven.
Tune: Hymn to Joy
Public Domain
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Benediction
Go forth this day to a future filled with hope for God is with us, God will guide us, and God Will provide for us when we walk in God’s paths.
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I will be sending out forms via e-mail in the next few days. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible. The dates/times of church conferences is pending, but the sooner we finish our reports, the less we will be rushing at the last minute to complete. Thank you!
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Thank you so very much for
helping to put on our
last-for-the-year,
Sizzlin’ Chicken!!!
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH Sunday after Pentecost
September 5, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Remembering
I thank my God every time I remember you. — Philippians 1:3
The rings of a tree offer us a vision of the passage of time. We have a need to mark time, moments of significance. We remember the people and events of our lives that made their mark on us, transforming us into who we are, and we remember and honor the people and events of our church’s life. This is a living saints day and a celebration of the family tree.
Opening Hymn: “O God, Our Help In Ages Past” UMH 117
WORDS: Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps. 90)
MUSIC: Attr. to William Croft, 1708; harm. By W. H. Monk, 1861
TUNE: ST ANNE
CCLI #43152
PUBLIC DOMAIN
MUSICIAN: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
L
Call to Worship (Ps 104) A. R. Sawtelle
L: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
P: O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
L: Praise God who created the earth and all that is in it,
P: the skies, the waters, the lands, the creatures.
L: The earth shall never move from its foundations,
P: for God has set it in place, that it might never move from the pathway God created for it.
L: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
P: O Lord my God, you are very great.
We worship and praise you with our whole hearts.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
We remember you, O God, the Creator, the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jacob. You came into the world in the form of a man, to walk among us, to teach us, to show us the pathways of love, but your love was a threat to the status quo, and so you were crucified. We cry in the remembrance of the pain and anguish which you suffered, but you turned our mourning into dancing and light as you rose again on Easter, proving your power over sin and death. We gather this morning to remember and to worship, giving thanks to you in the power of your names, Creator, Savior, Sustainer. Amen.
Prayer of Confession A.R. Sawtelle
Merciful God, you created us in your own image and called that creation good. Throughout the Bible we read of your love for your people and your desire to be in right relationship with them. We look at the history of the church throughout the generations and we claim the legacy they have left us, but we often fail to acknowledge the fullness of that legacy, choosing to remember the things we know will please you and failing to acknowledge our past failings. Gracious One, we confess that we are not always looking to what serves you the best, but what makes us less uncomfortable. Help us to look at ourselves through your eyes, to see ourselves, our fears, our anger, our weakness through your eyes and help us to turn ourselves around that we my lead lives of righteousness that help others to connect with your love and mercy. Amen.
A time for silent, personal confession
Assurance of Pardon
When we confess our sins to God, truly repenting and seeking to live lives reflecting God’s love and mercy, we are forgiven, for Jesus came into the world that we might be set free from slavery to sin and death. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God!
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 104:1-24
Philippians 1:3
Luke 23:39-43, 24:28-35
Message
We are now in week nine (9) of our “A Future with Hope” series. It is a time of looking back, of remembering. Were we to look at the rings of a tree, we would see they are of various widths, helping us to discern good years and more difficult years, times of adequate rainfall and nutrition and years of drought and poor nutrition.
The psalm this morning celebrates the wonders of creation and all that God did in the creating of the earth, a telling of the history and of the gift.
Our building tells us stories of times of plenty, the building of the original sanctuary, the sawing asunder of the building and the addition of 10 feet to the back of the sanctuary, the addition of the towers, the addition of the former gathering space now known as the Peckett Parlor and the upstairs classrooms and most recently the space we now call “The Gathering Space” with the classrooms and storage areas beneath. This tells the story of times of growth, of hope for the future as the need to expand the building to house the current congregation and the expectations for the future were lived out as well as times of ministry in and around the community.
But, what about the people of this congregation? As we look back, who do we remember as those who helped us to grow in the faith, who helped us to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup?
The roots of this congregation are deep in Methodism and the assurance of grace John Wesley preached. Our roots go back to one of John Wesley’s housekeepers, Margaret Appleton, who was strongly influenced by him. Margaret Appleton married Giles Peckett, a widower with three (3) children and the family emigrated from England to Haverhill, NH in 1774, then in 1780 moved to Mooretown, VT, later renamed Bradford. Margaret and Giles welcomed people into their home to share the gospel message. After the death of Giles, Margaret continued to speak to her neighbors about the Wesley’s doctrine of grace and accountability as she shared with them from the copy of Wesley’s works they had in their home.
The first preaching happened in 1797 in the Peckett home and later moved to the nearby schoolhouse on the Southern Plain (now called the Lower Plain.) Methodism continued to grow from there and finds us over 200 years later still gathering on the Lord’s Day to hear the scriptures read and preached, not only in Bradford, but in many towns throughout the region, for Maw Peckett was instrumental in the early training of many circuit riders in Vermont and surrounding areas.
There have been numerous preachers since that long ago service in the Peckett home. Who are some of the ones still remembered for their service to this congregation?
In the early days, people were placed in classes for spiritual care and accountability between the times of the coming of the preacher. We have gotten away from this practice that shares the care of the congregation as well as holding people accountable for their Christian walk among the laity with support from the appointed pastor, but several years ago Christ Cares groups were established to encourage mutual support and exploration and discussion of scripture, though there is a lack of mutual accountability. Sadly only one of these groups is still active and it is shrinking as its members are called home to the church triumphant. As Rev. Cheryl mentioned last week, Reunion Groups in the Emmaeus, Cursillo, and Tres Dias communities still continue to hold one another accountable.
The Psalm this morning calls us to “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” To praise God for the things God has done since creation began. The sun, moon and stars marking the cycle of days, months and years; the birthdays, anniversaries and other markers that follow to this day.
As we think about the past, who are people we think about who had a great impact on the faith of this congregation?
As we move closer to our own time, what are names that come to mind that continue to guide that faith tradition? What are some of the ministries that have grown from the ideas of these individuals? (UM ARMY, Food Shelf support, showers available for the homeless or those whose wells are dry, at one time were able to provide temporary housing for homeless…)
As we look toward the future, what is the legacy we hope to leave the next generation of Methodists in this region? What is the Holy Spirit calling us to do? How will we build toward that future?
We are in the midst of a pandemic, but that should not stop us from looking to the next stage of our journey, the next steps as we look to the future with hope and trust in God’s guidance.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
Holy, gracious, and loving God, giver of all good things, we come before you today remembering those who have gone before us, celebrating the legacy they have left us and wondering about the legacy we ourselves may leave. Embolden us to be a people filled with your hope, strengthened by your love, taught by your own hand. Let us walk in righteousness the pathway you have placed before us. Help us to be the people you have called us to be, a light to those who are stumbling in the dark, a beacon of hope in a world filled with violence and disaster. May your healing touch be on all those who suffer this day. Heal the land, earth, water, and air that have been damaged by our thoughtless actions. May your love overwhelm us as we remember how Jesus walked among humanity, healing the sick, bringing sight to those both physically and spiritually blind, and setting free those who were captive in body, mind, and spirit to the ravages of sin. Free us too that we may carry your love throughout the land. Amen.
Offering Our Gifts to God
What gifts do you bring this day to offer unto God? Will you offer yourselves as well as your dollars and cents? The saints of the past have established a legacy through their financial gifts as well as their gifts of time, devotion, and talents. What legacy will future generations attribute to this generation?
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer
Giver of life, of all that we have, we turn to you in thanksgiving and praise, offering to you these small tokens of our thanks; offering ourselves as servants in your call to carry your love to the world. May our gifts be found acceptable in your sight, and may they help enrich the lives of others. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Receiving the Bread and Cup
*Hymn: “Rise Up, O Men (O Saints) of God” UMH 576
WORDS: William F. Merrill, 1911
MUSIC: William H. Walter, 1894
TUNE: FESTAL SONG
Public Domain
CCLI #87156
MUSICIAN: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Benediction
The God of love is always with you, giving you life and breath, filling you with strength and peace. Go forth in the beauty and majesty of God to share love with the world. Amen.
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
14TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 29, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Sustaining
Growth happens in spurts, yes, but growth is also continuous throughout life. How are we sustaining health and wholeness in our lives and in the lives of others? Do we understand the reciprocity of all creation, the interdependence we have on each other and on the earth? How do we sustain and offer habitat to those who have none?
Opening Hymn: “I Love You, Lord” TFWS 2068
WORDS: Laurie Klein (Ps 35:9)
MUSIC: Laurie Klein
TUNE: I LOVE YOU LORD
CCLI #25266
MUSICIAN: America’s 25 Favorite Praise and Worship Choruses
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Used by permission
Call to Worship C. D. Heater
L: Holy One, in the chaos of conflict in our world
P: You call us to quiet the noise within and without.
L: Holy Spirit, in the chaos of conflagration
P: We seek Your flame of holy fire to beat back the firestorms of dissention and worry.
L: Lord Jesus, amidst the chaos of change around us
P: Guide us in prayer and praise to bring changed hearts and minds to worship.
Prayer of the Day C. D. Heater
God, you have given us this creation with the challenge to sustain it. Forgive us where we have failed and guide us as we seek a new tomorrow for your children who come after us. Grant us the wisdom and courage to see swords turned to plowshares and sun-cracked fields into green gardens. This we ask in the name of Jesus through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen
Scripture Reading: Romans 15:4 meditate on Scripture John 9:31 worship
Acts 14:23 prayer & fasting Philemon 5-7 witness
Acts 15:2 Christian conferencing
Message "Fathering and Mothering" Rev. Cheryl Heater
The last several weeks many of you and Pastor Ami have had a bean plant to tend. Last week Pastor Ami spoke about bearing – how our plants reach a level of maturity to bear fruit – beans in this particular case, and those of you who received a bean plant may have been more or less successful in mothering or fathering the plant, but once the first leaves were out, your job was not over. I think of it as mothering and fathering, but those terms bring different images to mind. Mothering seems more nurturing, like feeding and watering a plant, while fathering has been more muscular, like howing and pruning and chasing invaders. I won’t question your progress, but that activity may help us consider something I call soul tending.
We live in a precarious time surrounded by Covid delta variant, horrific weather events, and fire as well as political upheaval – and hellishly hot weather. We no longer feel as safe and secure as we may have not so long ago.
WE may feel some of the uncertainty our founding fathers and mothers felt. John Wesley, the founding father of Methodism, struggled with his faith, even though he was a pastor. But once he experienced the certainty of Christ’s presence in his life, he wanted to help others gain an assurance of God’s love and sustaining grace/presence in their lives.
Wesley laid out cornerstones added to communion which Pastor Ami discussed a few weeks ago. Wesley knew it was not enough to say Jesus died for our sins to right the ship that humans had poked holes in from Adam to the present day. People needed more than head knowledge, they needed to experience a personal connection with God in Christ. So, Wesley picked up and carried the ball to the primary source: Scripture – then prayer, fasting, worship, and Christian conferencing [or Christian conversation]. All of this was geared toward holding one another accountable to an awareness of God’s very presence in their lives and actions. Remember Jesus’ words from John 18:20 –
“For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.” Reading and searching the scriptures is pivotal to Christian growth and worship
Wesley’s world was much like our pandemic-ridden world. Diseases and childbirth or a simple cut could take the lives of young and old – and all ages between. Life was hard, and the Means of Grace [ways to get in touch with God’s Son and Spirit] helped folks get closer to the source of life, love, and an assurance of something beyond death.
Worship was a pivotal means of connecting to God’s unmerited favor – [i.e., grace]. It included prayer, scripture reading, and interpretation of scripture. Even today, prayer is a major part of worship. It includes the mnemonic A.C.T.S
Adoration – Look at the first hymn today: “I Love You, Lord”
Confession – especially prominent in our communion liturgy, but also today
the proverbial “I really screwed up, God.”
Thanksgiving – [God sightings, Offertory prayer] not like the pharisee who thanked God he was not like others]
Supplication – [Concerns, Seeking Forgiveness – hopefully after sincere confession]
It can be as simple as praying for someone/something we see on TV, etc. Maybe you witness an accident or other situation and offer a simple prayer for that situation.
Prayer is also linked with Fasting, another Means of Grace. We think of it as a Lenten activity, but did you know the United Methodist bishops and most members of the Cabinet fast on Fridays. Fasting is a way of helping us get more laser focused in our prayer life.
Another Means of Grace is Christian Conversation or Christian Conferencing – holding one another accountable to our walk with Jesus. Examples are found in the Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, Tres Dies, etc. Reunion groups gather on a regular basis to pray, share, worship, commune, and hold one another accountable to their walk with Christ and Christian witness.
Now John Wesley, known as the Father of Methodism, preached and wrote theological material based on his more “muscular” shepherding approach to Christian faith. But it was his brother Charles who made it “stick” with his poetry set to the music of the day – what we might call bar room bop – Popular secular tunes of the 1700s are the tunes we sing in worship today. It was Charles Wesley’s poetic theology set to music that continued to carry the Methodists with gusto in worship. Like so many women who support successful spouses, Charles got little recognition, because he didn’t write theology. Charles Wesley’s hymnology nurtured and sustained Methodism from its infancy. So, John did the “Fathering,” and Charles carried the “Mothering,” support role.
While this was taking place in England, another sustaining force crossed the ocean and landed in NH first. Then the former housekeeper for John Wesley moved from Haverhill, NH to Bradford, VT with her husband Giles Peckett. We know her today as Mother Margaret Appleton Peckett – the Mother of Methodism in all of VT and upstate Eastern NY. It was Mother Peckett who trained Methodist Circuit riders who spread the faith from VT to NY, PA, and as far as Texas. From a little cabin on the Lower Plain of Bradford this woman invited people of any Christian faith to worship in her home. And with the books she brought from England as a result of her contact with John Wesley, she had a little seminary on the south end of this community. After training all those young circuit riders, I guess you could rightly call her not only a Mother of Methodism, but a real Sustainer and nurturer.
So, it seems we have a tough act to follow here. But, you know, I have always believed that somehow the spirit of Mother Peckett abides with us, continuing to urge us onward. If she could do it with Native Americans journeying up and down the Connecticut River near her front yard, who are we to be faint of heart? She planted and nurtured the faith from her cabin on the plain. What are we going to do now to sustain the faith that she so skillfully planted?
There are a good many folks from the Walk to Emmaus living in this area still who have the power to push onward. There are Christ Cares folks who continue to make the love of God know to neighbors. But what more can be done to reach out in a time when it is difficult to meet indoors even for worship.
Today you are doing a very Methodist thing: singing in worship. It may sound silly – but I think that is a radical step in the right direction to sustain the faith so long a part of our heritage.
Amen
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer C. D. Heater
Gracious God, Creator and Sustainer, we thank you for the ways in which you care for us. We may not always recognize the value of the sun rising every day to give us light, then setting and giving us respite from the heat in summer. You give us the seasons which offer rest for the creation and the new birth of living things that burst forth to sustain us. You have provided us with food, water, family, friends, and guides who help us to see You and respond with gratitude. Forgive us when we take those things for granted. Most of all, we give thanks for Jesus, the Redeemer who continues even today to point the way when we go astray. We still hear the words to disciples: "When you pray, say...."
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
We give you thanks, O God, for the many and wonderful things you have done in our lives. We offer these small tokens as gifts of thanksgiving. Use them, use us, to share your hope with others; to the glory of your name, amen.
*Hymn: “And Are We Yet Alive” UMH 553
Words: Charles Wesley, 1749
Music: Johann G. Nageli; arr. Lowell Mason, 1845
Tune: Dennis SM
Public Domain
* Benediction: “Go Now in Peace” UMH 665
WORDS: Natalie Sleeth, 1976 (Lk. 2:29)
MUSIC: Natalie Sleeth, 1976
TUNE: GO IN PEACE
CCLI#194317
MUSICIAN: Connie Linnell
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Used by permission
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
13TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 22, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Bearing
Once planted and nurtured and cared for and tended, our gardens overflow. All of creation is pregnant with possibilities, bearing fruit and flower. The goodness must be shared with all. The diversity and variety of creation is cherished and celebrated. We vow to honor that diversity, to share God’s overflowing goodness and to hold, carry, and bear the burdens of any.
Opening Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” UMH 546
Words: Samuel I Stone, 1866 adapt. By Laurence Hull Stookey, 1983
Music: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864
Tune: Aurelia
Adapt. © 1983 The United Methodist Publishing House
CCLI Song Select # 1607188
Music: Dean McIntyre
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 2081032
Used by permission
Call to Worship A.R. Sawtelle
L: God has sent you out
P: God has called us to make disciples of Jesus
L: God has produced fruit in you.
P: We come bearing the fruits of our labors, blessed by God’s love.
L: Let us worship our wondrous God.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
You call us to bear fruit as you send us into the world, O God. As we come this day, we celebrate that which you have made alive in us and in our ministries. Strengthen us, encourage, and fill us, that we may bear good fruit and that all may come to know the hope we have in you, amen.
Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:43-45
John 15:14-17
Philippians 1:9-11
Message What kind of fruit will we bear?
We are at week seven on our series, “A Future with Hope.” We started with seeds, acknowledging the hope inside, though what that hope looked like was hard to discern from the seed. Our plants are now growing and flourishing. The actual plants we started are getting larger and will eventually bear fruit, though today we are actually talking about “bearing” before our plants are quite there.
Let’s talk today about how our personal and corporate plants look. Are we strong healthy plants, bearing good fruit or are we unhealthy plants bearing wormy fruit?
While the strawberry harvest is over and the blueberries are waning, the corn harvest has now begun. The farm stands are selling fresh corn, only recently harvested from the fields. Most folks would like to strip some of the husk away so they can see that the corn is fully filled out and not full of worms, while the farmers ask that you not strip the husk away, reveling the delicate kernels to the drying and damage of the air. We are asked to trust the farmers only selected the best of corn to offer to their customers.
Was someone to strip away the outer husks, what sort of fruit would be found here are Grace? Would it be sweet and wholesome, teasing the taste buds as it is eaten, or would it be wormy and spoiled, something not fit for consumption?
Strong, healthy roots help to make a strong, healthy plant. When we are rooted in Jesus’ command to “love one another,” we have the basis for a healthy community life. If we root ourselves in selfish desire, or a desire to “look good” rather than in that love, our fruit will be less wholesome, less desirable.
When our ministries are done out of God’s love for us overflowing into our love for others, then those ministries will accomplish that which God desires them to accomplish. When they are based on a desire to “look good” in the community, they may work for a while, but ultimately, they will not accomplish God’s loving desire for the earth or for God’s people.
Those who have truly loved someone understand Eugene Peterson meaning in his, The Message, paraphrase of Philippians, “You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary.” True love for others is about using our heads, not just our hearts. It is about doing the best we can for others to support them and guide them, helping them to grow, not just giving them something because we can. It is about treating them with respect and not being showy about what we do.
Some of the better ministries make a place for those being ministered to, to walk and work beside those who would be in ministry. Such walking beside helps build relationships that go beyond the, “Hi, how are you?” stage. God created in relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God created humanity to be in relationship with God and one another.
If your son/daughter/spouse was being treated unjustly, what would you do? How would you react?
Jesus asks us to respond to injustice for others in the same way we would respond to injustice for our family members. When we love others, we treat them as family, having expectations, but also responding to situations that are impacting them in the same way we respond for those who are blood kin.
Jesus suffered injustice at the hands of the temple leadership and the government of his time. We are called to do better, to stand up to tyranny in its many forms, to stand with those who advocate for those suffering injustices and to do so with love for those who are suffering.
As we look at the world around us, at our community, at our country, what are the places we see God calling us to share the hope we have that others may also gain hope? We know we have a future with hope, as we trust in Jesus who called his hearers “friends.” As we trust that God loved us before we were even formed in our mothers’ womb, that God knew us and wanted what was best for us, let us share that love with others. Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Heat wave is over
Phyllis know she will be living with Stephanie
Abigail has a new job, closer to home
Petitions:
Jean – at her mother’s doing better, but still a long way to go
Mitch (Cathy’s 12 y/o nephew) surgery Friday
Haiti – losses from earthquake with tropical storm pending
Bob Clark
Phyllis will not return to her home on Wrights Mountain
Robby (Patsy’s son’s nephew) week old, having open heart surgery
Rob (Bernice’s son) still no diagnosis
Sarah and Fran moving this week
Sarah C-H mother in law though vaccinated, now has COVID and in hospital
Pastoral Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
Lord of mercy and of light, we come to you with thanksgiving for all you have done for us. We thank you for days of light and of rain that waters the earth; for the warmth of sun and the coolness of shadow and shade; for the gift of life and the wonder of the creation around us. We acknowledge your wisdom and power and look to you for safety and hope. Bring hope into the lives of those struggling with illness and pain; hope for those whose hopelessness has led to addiction and other forms of escape; hope for those struggling with mental health challenges. Shine you light of love into situations where violence is destroying lives, changing hearts and bring about your peace. Heal the earth almighty One, controlling the flood waters and the fires, cooling the record-breaking heat and bringing about a change of heart in those who abuse the land, water and air for their own power and enjoyment. Mighty One, we know that you are with us in both good times and bad. Help us to show others your abiding presence and grace, that they may come to find hope in you, amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
What gifts do we bring to God who has made possible our ministries in our community? What gifts do we bring that those ministries may continue far beyond the time we remain here? God has given us gifts to help us bring hope to others, let us offer God our gifts of thanksgiving and praise.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Offering Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
We give you thanks, O God, for the many and wonderful things you have done in our lives. We offer these small tokens as gifts of thanksgiving. Use them, use us, to share your hope with others; to the glory of your name, amen.
*Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory” UMH 577
Words: Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930
Music: John Hughes, 1907
Tune: CWM Rhondda
Public Domain
Music: Dean McIntyre
Used by permission
Benediction
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Our Lady – Rummage sale, Friday Aug 27, 9-3 & Saturday Aug 28, 9-12
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
12TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 15, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Building
Our commitment to be part of one Body offers us the opportunity to build up the whole, strengthening and creating foundations of love and justice, faith and hope for the long term. What do we put our efforts into? Things that make a lasting difference? That offer stability and resources for the good of the whole earth?
Opening Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” UMH 64
Words: Reginald Heber, 1826 (Rev. 4:8-11)
Music: john B. Dykes, 1861
Tune: NICAEA
Public Domain
CCLI # 1156
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship (Dr. Marcia McFee)
Leader: In the beginning was God… (rumble, slap) and God begat the
rhythm and the rhythm begat everything else, and the
dance began.
People: As rhythm sounds, creation happens.
Leader: We are a people bound together through sacred sound.
People: As rhythm sounds, communion happens.
Leader: Our faith leads us to a world reverberating like a thousand different
thunders.
People: As rhythm sounds, we become one.
Leader: We are part of a rhythmic creation as we build God’s reign together.
People: As rhythm sounds, opposition ceases.
Leader: We are all companions of life’s rhythms in our stillness
and motion, in the sound and silence our souls are uplifted.
All: As rhythm sounds, we are
standing on sacred ground!
Prayer of the Day (Ami Sawtelle)
God of rhythm and of life, guide the rhythm of our days and of our worship. May we be in sync with your rhythm of life as we carry your hope into the world each day. May our rhythms be in one accord as we lift our spirits in worship of you this day and may those rhythms be pleasing in your sight, amen.
Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 4:11-12
Message
There is a rhythm to our lives, be it the rhythm of the seasons, the rhythm of the sun, moon and stars, the rhythm of tides of ocean or of life, there is rhythm. Some rhythms have been around since the beginning of time, others are newly created causing a clash or crash when something or someone is out of sync.
The building of the body of Christ calls us to be “in sync” with God, that our rhythms keep us together, call us to be in sync with one another, to create beautiful harmonies, but how do we do that?
Our scripture passage today tells us of gifts that will help to build the body of Christ. Those with the needed gifts will be given us so that we can work on our rhythm, so we can work to serve God through our work and through our play, in rhythm, in sync, with Jesus Christ.
Jesus met with people of all walks of life, of various ethnic groups and shared the good news of God’s kingdom coming into the world. Jesus walked in harmony, in rhythm with God’s plan for redemption of all of creation. Whether the Samaritan woman at the well or the Syrophoenician woman, Jesus treated people outside the Jewish nation with respect.
There are those in many communities who feel those who call themselves Christian are not welcoming to them. They feel judged and pushed aside as many see them as unrepentant sinners. There are those within church circles who actively push against including people who see their gender identity as other than that which is on their birth certificate, creating clashes and crashes in the rhythm when the two groups meet.
Before I arrived, there was study and discussion around becoming a “Reconciling Congregation,” a congregation openly welcoming to those who identify as: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other forms of gender and sexual identity and understanding. The discussion into openly welcoming such persons can be a difficult process and disrupt the rhythms of the community. The welcoming of people of all races, ethnicities and other identifications that are created to separate one group from another can all create tension in the rhythms of the life of the congregation in which they are occurring.
At one time, the United Methodists claimed to have Open Minds, Open Hearts and Open Doors, inviting a wide range of people to be a part of creating a rhythm of welcome. Sadly, that can no longer be said of the denomination as a whole and many congregations in particular. In September, we will have an opportunity to vote on the Reconciling Statement created by the leadership of the congregation and whether we desire to become a Reconciling Congregation.
Christ calls us to love others as God loves us. A saying of John Wesley says, “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” reminds us that in loving others we strive to not harm others, rather to do good for them, seeking what is best for ourselves and others rather than just for ourselves. The most important part of this quote though is, “Stay in love with God.” As we focus our love on God, we will catch onto the rhythms God is trying to teach us.
What gifts do we have within our congregation that may help us to better understand God’s rhythm? Are there those who are gifted teachers, willing to step out to guide new Christians to an understanding of the gospel message? Are there teachers willing to teach those more mature in their understanding of scripture and faith? Do we have others with gifts of hospitality, ready to welcome newcomers, inviting them into the life of the congregation so they too may learn the rhythms? What about children and youth, are we ready to welcome them in all of their diversity, struggles and with all of their questions about faith, inclusivity and God? Who will be the person they can go to with questions?
God will gift us with people to help guide us and to hold us accountable on our walk with Jesus. In fact some of them are sitting in the pews this morning, encountering this message on Zoom or reading it in their homes. The question is, will those with the gifts be willing to step up and step out of their comfort zones participating, in perhaps new ways, as we bring the message of God’s love to others.
Do you hear God calling to you, inviting you to participate in the ministries of this congregation? What is your place in the rhythmic harmonies, steady beat keeper or syncopater? What help do you need to find your place in the rhythms of the life of Grace UMC?
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Bob Clark is now in rehab, but continues to need prayer
Jean
Petitions:
Family of Winter Rousso
Pastoral Prayer
Life giving God, we give you thanks for the joy of your presence in our lives as your son teaches us the rhythms that bring you joy. We give you thanks for birthdays and anniversaries, for children and the joy of their voices as they play in our parks and yards. Keep them safe from the pandemic, from the dangers of traffic and accident. Help them to grow strong and help us to teach them about you.
Holy and merciful God, your rhythm of life plays in our minds, inviting us to join in, but we hesitate. We have worked long and hard for that which we have and are ready to rest. We fail to live out the rhythms we hear from you sometimes and just want some time to focus on ourselves rather than giving more to others. Help us to find the rhythm that balances the lives that we have with the life in you that we desire. Help us to work toward a world where all people are seen as worthy of love and where we are a part of your rhythm of healing love. Forgive us when we miss the beat, when we disrupt your perfect rhythm and bring us back once more to the basic rhythms of life in you.
Healing God, we lift to you this day those who are still in the pathways of drought, fire and storm. We know that the storms are getting worse each year. Help us to change our world, to slow the global changes. Place your loving arm around those who are suffering from spiritual and mental anguish. Heal them and show them the light of your love. We know you walk the halls in the midst of the pandemic, your children are crying to you in their distress. Place your soothing hand upon their brow and your healing touch upon their hearts. Strengthen and comfort the families who anxiously wait for word of improvement. Heal those within our congregation who struggle with cancer and other illnesses, bring healing and strength to them and their families. Mighty one, as we go about our daily lives, help us always to err on the side of mercy and love.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
What are you thankful for? Where has God touched your life? As we think about that brings us joy and peace, let us give our gifts of thanksgiving to God, to whom all things belong, and to whom we owe our very lives.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Prayer of Dedication
Holy Trinity, to you we offer our gifts of thanksgiving and praise. Let them help the world to walk together in the rhythms of grace and love as you lead us into a future which you have planned for us, amen.
*Hymn: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” UMH 57
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739
Music: Carl G. Glaser, arr by Lowell Mason, 139
Tune: AZMON
Public Domain
CCLI #1369
Musician: Dean McIntyre
Used by permission
*Benediction
Theme. opening words & Call to Worship for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Green Mountain Earth Stewards present Virtual Vacation Bible School 2021
Join us virtually on August 20, 21, and 22 for Vacation Bible School. The focus will be on art, faith, and nature. There will be bible stories, songs, art projects, and nature activities. It will be geared toward ages 5-10. Registration information will be available by early August. If you would like more information or the registration link, please contact us at greenmountainearthstewards@gmail.com.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Piermont Church – Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Piermont at the church on Saturday, August 21st. Barbecue 1-2, and music by Patrick Ross and the Fiddler’s Crew 2-4
Our Lady – Rummage sale, Friday Aug 27, 9-3 & Saturday Aug 28, 9-12
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
10TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 1, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Nurturing
“a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:18)
We cannot abandon what we have planted. We must attend to our hopes, nurture them with living water in order to sustain growth. To attend over time is to know the fruit of discipline. What spiritual disciplines nurture our faith and hope? We affirm the abundance of God’s grace poured out for us and we ask God to let the waters of justice and righteousness flow freely.
Opening Hymn: “Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters” UMH 605
Words: Ruth Duck, 1967 (Jn 3:3-8)
Music: Attr to B.F. White, 1844;
Tune: Beach Spring (Public Domain)
Copyrights: Words © The United Methodist Publishing Hours
CCLI Song Select #2613112
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Call to Worship A.R. Sawtelle
L: Come, prepare the earth for planting,
P: that the crop may be lush and rich.
L: Come, nurture and care for that which has been planted,
P: that it may grow strong in the way God desires.
L: Come, open your hearts,
P: that God may nourish and strengthen us to serve.
L: Come worship God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
Creating, sustaining, nurturing God, we come before you today with thanksgiving and praise for the gift of life, for life sustaining ministries, and the gift of your Son, Jesus, who taught us how to live more closely to you, then gave his life that we might know forgiveness and have hope for new life in you, amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
Celebrations:
Larry Russ – wedding Aug 1
Bumschick is doing the wedding
Baby K – sitting up unsupported for a few seconds
Petitions:
Those who remain unvaccinated
Bob B. Recovering from hip replacement
Pat B.
Ami
Cheryl – chicken sitting with fox in the area, helping Ami
Bob C. – Chemo in hosp., still unable to stand/walk on own
Christ C.
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer A. R. Sawtelle
God of hope, hear our prayers. We lift to you those who are struggling with mental and physical illness and injury. Fill them with your hope, that they may better serve you. Heal them through your power. We lift to you the many places who are struggling with the on-going pandemic, where lives are being lost due to the lack of availability of vaccines, where families are being devasted through loss of life and loss of income. Blow with your wind of healing grace, driving the virus from the shores where it is growing, forcing its submission to your might and power. Heal our world mighty One. Reverse the damage we have done in our arrogance and greed. Tame the storms that are further damaging the environment, spread your gentle rains over those places where drought and heat are threatening lives and livelihoods. Guide the leaders of our country, that they may find ways to work together for the betterment of our country and the world, seeking what is best for all rather than what will bring the more power and prestige. Gracious God, you have blessed us with life and a land able to sustain many and we give you thanks. We give you thanks that we might once more gather as a community to offer our prayers and praise. We give you thanks that you are always willing to sustain us in times of distress if we but seek you. We thank you that you hear our prayers, even the ones we keep safely locked in our hearts. In the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus, we pray, amen.
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Matthew 18-19
Message
Nurture, according to dictionary.com, is a verb meanings: 1) to feed and protect; 2) to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; to foster; 3) to bring up; train; educate. As a noun it means: 4) rearing; upbringing; training; education, or the like; 5) development; 6) something that nourishes; nourishment, food.
When we nurture plants, we make sure they have what they need to grow. When I was in Iraq, a large part of discussions at the Governate (District) Departments of Agriculture was about inputs. What did they have and what did they need to get the next crop planted? Inputs: seed, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, were needed to bring in a harvest. Plants also need water for life, whether directly from rain or more often, in Iraq, from irrigation.
Our hopes, just like plants, need to be nurtured. Paragraph 122, The Process for Carrying Out Our Mission, says, “We make disciples as we: —nurture persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments, spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Wesley‘s Christian conferencing.” (UM Book of Discipline, 2016, para 122, p. 94) We don’t necessarily use herbicides, fertilizer and pesticides, but we do use inputs, things that as we take them in, help to nourish our spirits and vanquish those things that can breakdown or destroy our hope. We need water as well, living water that only comes from God through God’s Son, Jesus. Remember the story of the woman at the well. When she asks Jesus why he would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink, he answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10, NRS) As we said, water is not the only necessary input, but it is an important one if we want to grow or if we want the seeds we plant to flourish. When we speak of spiritual needs though, we are speaking of our need for living water, that which comes from Jesus.
One of the ways we can nurture the seeds of hope is through the “Means of Grace.” Today we will focus on two of them, baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion, Eucharist). These two sacraments help to nurture those who come to them and strengthen them. John Wesley defines the means of grace as, “outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end—to be the ordinary channels hereby [God] might convey to [people] preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.” (Albert C. Outler & Richard P Heitzenrater, John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, Compilation and Preface Copyright 1991 by Abington Press; p. 160, Para. II.1)
Baptism, “the sacrament of initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ,” is just the beginning. Once an individual has been baptized as an infant or as an adult, we, as the church, are to, “provide(s) the nurture that makes possible a comprehensive and lifelong process of growing in grace.” (Para 216, UM Book of Discipline 2016, p. 156) Thus, baptism first brings us into the family and then, the family is supposed to help nurture the baptized individual as we would any other member of the family, based upon their ability to take in and use that nourishment. The sacrament of baptism is a one time sacrament, for we believe that God is the One who acts, and thus there is no need to “re-baptize” someone if they have been baptized in the name of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we were washed in the waters of baptism and our sins washed away, our spirits were renewed and we are nourished that we might resist the forces of evil.
Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist, is the second of the two (2) sacraments observed in the United Methodist Church. John Wesley, in his sermon, The Duty of Constant Communion, says this about receiving the Lord’s Supper as often as possible, “A second reason why every Christian should do this as often as he can is because the benefits of doing it are so great to all that do it in obedience to him; namely, the forgiveness of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshing of our souls.” And, “The grace of God given herein confirms to us the pardon of our sins by enabling us to leave them. As our bodies are strengthened by bread and wine, so are our souls by these tokens of the body and blood of Christ. This is the food of our souls:…” (Outler & Heitzenrater, John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, p. 502, para I.2. & I.3.)
Our souls need to be nurtured and nourished in order to have hope and to look to the future with hope. By being nurtured by the community, by being nourished by the Lord’s Supper, we can renew our hope and can participate in the renewing of the spirits of those who have lost hope. The sacrament of baptism is a one time renewal while the Lord’s Supper is one in which we may participate and be nurtured more frequently. As we remember our baptisms shortly, think about how it not only cleanses sins, but renews spirits. When we share in the family meal, the Lord’s Supper, through the prayer of Great Thanksgiving, we remember God’s actions in the world and God’s actions through Jesus Christ; we share the meal with Christ as Christ commands us to remember in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup; and as we invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit in the epiclesis, we are physically and spiritually fed and nurtured.
In just a bit, we will gather once more around the table. We are invited to come with expectation and hope of a renewed relationship with God through this sacrament in which God reaches out to us, assuring us of God’s love for us and forgiveness we have received through God’s son, Jesus. Remember, in receiving God’s love, we are to share that love with others. Amen.
Prayer of Confession A.R. Sawtelle
Almighty and wondrous God, we acknowledge that we have fallen short of your desires for our lives. We have failed to offer hope to those we deem unworthy. We have failed to work toward a world where all people may find hope for the future, where all people are acknowledged as worthy of education, jobs, healthcare, food, and shelter. Forgive us we pray for our shortcomings.
L: Wash us, O God,
P: That we may be cleansed of our sin.
L: Wash us, O God,
P: That we might walk in the light of your love.
L: Wash us, O God,
P: Create in us new hearts, worthy to serve you, to love you, and to worship you.
L: Through the power of Jesus’ love, your sins are forgiven, you have been washed clean and are ready to love and serve God. Amen.
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant (See insert)
Offering Our Gifts to God A.R. Sawtelle
Gifts are given for thankfulness to the Creator, the Maker of all that is and that shall be. They are channeled through the church, a portion going to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church where they are combined with the gifts of others to fund ministries outside our local area. Our Mission Shares help pay the overhead of organizations like UMCOR which responds to disasters throughout the world. Some of our Mission Share giving comes back to the New England Annual Conference to help support ministries of the Conference as well as providing monies for the Ministerial Grant programs. Finally, some of the money remains local, allowing us to be in ministry in the local community.
Remember, your gifts may be sent by mail to the church office, the address is at the end of the bulletin, or by going to our website: bradfordumc.org, clicking on the donation link and following the instructions there. Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of our congregation.
Offering Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
Giver of life and hope, receive these gifts, use them to nurture the ministries of our congregation as well as the greater church, that all may come to find hope in you, amen.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Holy Communion
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians” TFWS 2223
Words: Peter Scholtes (John 13:34-35; Eph 4:4-6)
Music: Peter Scholtes
Copyright: © 1966 F.E.L Publishing, assigned 1991 to The Lorenz Corp.
Tune: St Brendan’s
CCLI Song Select # 22997
Used by permission.
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Benediction
Theme for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Yes! We are beginning to do responsive readings, joys and concerns during worship and sing hymns. Per CDC guidance, we ask that if you are not immunized for COVID-19 you continue to wear a mask during worship. There will be a brief "Gathering Time" in the "Gathering Space" following worship with coffee and confections.
Finance Meeting August 6, 10:30 am At the church
Bishop on the District August 7 and 8
Bishop Devadhar will be visiting in our district on the weekend of August 7 & 8. We plan to have a district-wide potluck with him on Saturday, August 7, at the Shelburne UMC. This will be a chance not only to have conversation with our bishop but also to see each other “face to face”! Plan to start arriving at 4:30 and we’ll eat around 5:00 p.m. Please register in advance and indicate the number of people who will come with you.
Green Mountain Earth Stewards present Virtual Vacation Bible School 2021
Join us virtually on August 20, 21, and 22 for Vacation Bible School. The focus will be on art, faith, and nature. There will be bible stories, songs, art projects, and nature activities. It will be geared toward ages 5-10. Registration information will be available by early August. Youth who would be interested in helping to lead activities, please contact Sheri Smith: sherismith27@gmail.com.
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
2021 Mission u
Mission u 2021 will take place online via Zoom July 24 & 31 and Aug. 7 & 11. Mission u provides opportunities for persons to grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context as well as initiate opportunities for spiritual and educational experiences. Mission u is for women, men, youth, children. Learn about the 2021 studies and register at www.neumc.org/missionu
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please)
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
July’s Collection to Date: $2,108.02
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
10TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 1, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Nurturing
“a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:18)
We cannot abandon what we have planted. We must attend to our hopes, nurture them with living water in order to sustain growth. To attend over time is to know the fruit of discipline. What spiritual disciplines nurture our faith and hope? We affirm the abundance of God’s grace poured out for us and we ask God to let the waters of justice and righteousness flow freely.
Opening Hymn: “Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters” UMH 605
Words: Ruth Duck, 1967 (Jn 3:3-8)
Music: Attr to B.F. White, 1844;
Tune: Beach Spring (Public Domain)
Copyrights: Words © The United Methodist Publishing Hours
CCLI Song Select #2613112
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Call to Worship A.R. Sawtelle
L: Come, prepare the earth for planting,
P: that the crop may be lush and rich.
L: Come, nurture and care for that which has been planted,
P: that it may grow strong in the way God desires.
L: Come, open your hearts,
P: that God may nourish and strengthen us to serve.
L: Come worship God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
Creating, sustaining, nurturing God, we come before you today with thanksgiving and praise for the gift of life, for life sustaining ministries, and the gift of your Son, Jesus, who taught us how to live more closely to you, then gave his life that we might know forgiveness and have hope for new life in you, amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
Celebrations:
Larry Russ – wedding Aug 1
Bumschick is doing the wedding
Baby K – sitting up unsupported for a few seconds
Petitions:
Those who remain unvaccinated
Bob B. Recovering from hip replacement
Pat B.
Ami
Cheryl – chicken sitting with fox in the area, helping Ami
Bob C. – Chemo in hosp., still unable to stand/walk on own
Christ C.
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer A. R. Sawtelle
God of hope, hear our prayers. We lift to you those who are struggling with mental and physical illness and injury. Fill them with your hope, that they may better serve you. Heal them through your power. We lift to you the many places who are struggling with the on-going pandemic, where lives are being lost due to the lack of availability of vaccines, where families are being devasted through loss of life and loss of income. Blow with your wind of healing grace, driving the virus from the shores where it is growing, forcing its submission to your might and power. Heal our world mighty One. Reverse the damage we have done in our arrogance and greed. Tame the storms that are further damaging the environment, spread your gentle rains over those places where drought and heat are threatening lives and livelihoods. Guide the leaders of our country, that they may find ways to work together for the betterment of our country and the world, seeking what is best for all rather than what will bring the more power and prestige. Gracious God, you have blessed us with life and a land able to sustain many and we give you thanks. We give you thanks that we might once more gather as a community to offer our prayers and praise. We give you thanks that you are always willing to sustain us in times of distress if we but seek you. We thank you that you hear our prayers, even the ones we keep safely locked in our hearts. In the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus, we pray, amen.
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Matthew 18-19
Message
Nurture, according to dictionary.com, is a verb meanings: 1) to feed and protect; 2) to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; to foster; 3) to bring up; train; educate. As a noun it means: 4) rearing; upbringing; training; education, or the like; 5) development; 6) something that nourishes; nourishment, food.
When we nurture plants, we make sure they have what they need to grow. When I was in Iraq, a large part of discussions at the Governate (District) Departments of Agriculture was about inputs. What did they have and what did they need to get the next crop planted? Inputs: seed, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, were needed to bring in a harvest. Plants also need water for life, whether directly from rain or more often, in Iraq, from irrigation.
Our hopes, just like plants, need to be nurtured. Paragraph 122, The Process for Carrying Out Our Mission, says, “We make disciples as we: —nurture persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments, spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Wesley‘s Christian conferencing.” (UM Book of Discipline, 2016, para 122, p. 94) We don’t necessarily use herbicides, fertilizer and pesticides, but we do use inputs, things that as we take them in, help to nourish our spirits and vanquish those things that can breakdown or destroy our hope. We need water as well, living water that only comes from God through God’s Son, Jesus. Remember the story of the woman at the well. When she asks Jesus why he would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink, he answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10, NRS) As we said, water is not the only necessary input, but it is an important one if we want to grow or if we want the seeds we plant to flourish. When we speak of spiritual needs though, we are speaking of our need for living water, that which comes from Jesus.
One of the ways we can nurture the seeds of hope is through the “Means of Grace.” Today we will focus on two of them, baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion, Eucharist). These two sacraments help to nurture those who come to them and strengthen them. John Wesley defines the means of grace as, “outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end—to be the ordinary channels hereby [God] might convey to [people] preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.” (Albert C. Outler & Richard P Heitzenrater, John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, Compilation and Preface Copyright 1991 by Abington Press; p. 160, Para. II.1)
Baptism, “the sacrament of initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ,” is just the beginning. Once an individual has been baptized as an infant or as an adult, we, as the church, are to, “provide(s) the nurture that makes possible a comprehensive and lifelong process of growing in grace.” (Para 216, UM Book of Discipline 2016, p. 156) Thus, baptism first brings us into the family and then, the family is supposed to help nurture the baptized individual as we would any other member of the family, based upon their ability to take in and use that nourishment. The sacrament of baptism is a one time sacrament, for we believe that God is the One who acts, and thus there i
Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 26, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting
We Are in Mission:
- NEW WORSHIP TIME – Beginning July 3, 2022, Sunday worship will begin at 10:30 a.m.
- It’s SUMMER. Grass is growing with the warmer weather and the grass at the church and parsonage needs cutting on a regular basis. The Trustees are looking for some volunteers to cut the grass. Even if you are only able to do it once, this will take some pressure off the trustees. Please contact Tim Marcy at 715-416-0857 if you are able to help. Thank you!
- Please Reply!! The Finance Committee is looking at potential fund raisers. In the past, we have had an annual yard sale. We are considering doing one with a little variation on how we setup and clean up. We would invite people to bring their donations on the day of the sale, set them up on a table, price them, then we would have individuals present to monitor the tables and collect the money. Those brining goods for the sale, would be asked to return at the end of the day to collect left over items and dispose of them.
- Along with the Yard Sale, we are considering a Bake Sale if enough people offer to bake items. If not enough interest in the bake sale, we are considering selling grilled chicken at the same time as the potential yard sale. Please tell us what you think!! Reply to Pastor Ami (802) 222-5247, BradfordUMCPastor@gmail.com, or Connie, celinnell77@tops-tele.com
- Annual Conference – Videos from this year’s annual conference are available on the conference website at: www.neumc.org
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs
Transition to Worship
Prayer for Peace and lighting our Candle for Peace Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5, Luke 9) Sara Dunning Lambert
Throughout the ages, disciples have said,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Lord, give us the freedom to follow you
in the ways of love.
We come from busy homes, filled with little time
to consider Christ in our lives.
Lord, give us the strength to follow you
in the ways of peace.
In times of struggle, we look to God for help.
Lord, give us the opportunity to follow you
in the ways of kindness.
Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit,
who shows us the joy of following God.
Lord, give us the patience to follow you
in the ways of faith. Amen.
*Opening Hymn “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” UMH #500
Prayer of the Day (Galatians 5) Mary J. Scifres
Speak to us, Spirit of wisdom and truth, as we worship this day. Bind us together into a community of love and peace. Live and move in our lives, that we may grow in your Spirit, deepen our faithfulness, and display the love, peace, patience, kindness, and generosity you have planted in our souls.
Scripture Readings
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Message
EliJAH and EliSHA. I don’t know about you guys, but sometimes I have problems hearing the difference in the names. Both are prophets, EliSHA was EliJAH’s disciple, the recipient of Elijah’s mantle just prior to Elijah being taken up into heaven by a fiery chariot. Today’s story is the story of that final journey. If you know of the back story, you will remember that Elijah first found Elisha plowing a field. As Elijah passed by, he placed his mantle upon Elisha’s back, inviting him on a journey of discipleship, inviting him to share Elijah’s path and learn from him. Elisha’s first response was to ask to go tell his parents good-bye. When Elijah tells him that Elijah has done nothing, Elisha returns to the field he was plowing and sacrifices the oxen he was using to plow to God. He then follows Elijah. We hear little from scripture about this journey until the very end. Elijah tries to leave Elisha behind three times and each time, Elisha refuses to leave Elijah, remaining faithful until the end of the journey.
In the church, we talk about the “passing of the mantle” many times when we are talking about a change in pastors, but there are other time in our lives that a mantle is passed. In passing the mantle, we should be focusing as much on the journey as on the final scene of the physical receipt of the mantle. The journey of learning Elisha took prior to his receiving the mantle in the dramatic scene in scripture in many ways would have mirrored what the disciples did as they followed Jesus toward Jerusalem.
The journey of discipleship is about learning, about something resembling an apprenticeship. Disciples journey with their teacher, their master. They watch the way the master utilizes time and resources. They listen to stories, some of which have very pointed plots. They see how the master interacts with others and they try to emulate the master in their own ways of dealing with the world. They may even become defensive about their master, the way the disciples in Luke’s story today became; desiring to call down fire upon those who would not receive the message of the master.
Jesus was approached by several today who thought they wanted to become disciples, learners at the feet of this master teacher, only to find themselves dismissed because they were not willing to give up everything to follow instantly; first wanting to make sure they did the things they “wanted” to do or felt obligated to do, before they began the journey with Jesus. Elisha wanted to kiss his parents good-bye and the response from Elijah suggested that that was not an acceptable answer. His new response was to sacrifice that which he had been using, both plow and animals so there was nothing holding him from following Elijah into an unknown future.
As Elijah’s journey neared its end, Elijah once more tested Elisha’s faithfulness, telling him to remain behind at three points along the journey. The prophets that joined the journey are like a chorus in an opera, telling Elisha that the Lord will be taking Elijah away that very day. Elisha, like many of us as we face the death of a loved one, tells the prophets, “be silent,” ‘don’t talk to me,’ I don’t want to hear it.’ This impending death, much like the impending death of Jesus, did not forestall Elisha from following Elijah to the end. When Elijah asks what Elisha wants, we know the mantle is about to be passed, but Elijah adds a twist indicating that the passing of the mantle is not about his decisions, but about God’s.
Whether we are passing a mantle within the family, at our work, or within a congregation, it is good that we allow God to guide our pathway. It is also good to have a time of journeying together, that the new disciple might learn from the old how to be a faithful steward, a faithful disciple. This fall, I hope to start a book study with a few people that will start us on a pathway, a journey, into visioning Grace UMC for the future. I invite all of you, in-person, on-line, reading the service only, to be in prayer over the next few weeks. Ask God if God might have a call for you to be a part of visioning new pathways, new opportunities for this congregation for the future. If God places such a desire upon your heart, let me know. I hope to have a group that includes more than the leadership team. I would like a group that is truly representative of the congregation as we journey together, listening to God’s voice and guidance as we seek to grow in Christ. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- School’s out for the summer
- Stephanie is not teaching, but in school this summer.
- Connie’s niece, whom she hasn’t seen since moving to Bradford, came for a visit
- Larry has had lots of birds at his feeder as well as a few chipmunks, squirrels and Jays
- Shureen’s granddaughter has graduated
- Shureen’s daughter and youngest son are heading for Europe for a vacation
- Hopes that kids will be careful due to continued presence of COVID
- Danielle Dindo, Helina and their family and friends on the death of Lorraina (19)
- Con – Pat’s niece’s husband, was injured in a motorcycle crash
- Mona’s Nephew, 19 years old, having kidney surgery
- Gail, Diane, Katherine
- Katherine (Kathy) Smith, Sheri Smith’s mother-in-law
Pastoral Prayer Ami Sawtelle
Eternal One, we come before you today in the midst of the changing seasons, in a world where our climate is in crisis, in a time when our political system is so polarized that our government struggles to accomplish anything. We are tired. We are tired of a pandemic that seems to not want to let go, tired of hearing of mass shootings and arguing over whether more or fewer guns is the way to reduce the violence and bloodshed. Forgive us when we justify our actions or inactions based on what others tell us rather than on the way your Spirit leads us. Forgive us when we follow the voices of others rather than voice of Jesus. Heal our hearts. Lead us into a renewed relationship that focuses on your love for not only ourselves, but for all of creation. You have heard the prayers we have lifted, our celebrations we want you to be a part of, the struggles and burdens we want you to lift. You have also heard the many prayers we keep hidden in our hearts. We trust you to heal us, to answer our prayers, for you are merciful and loving, O God. To you be all honor and glory, now and forever, amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Ami R. Sawtelle
As Elijah passed his mantel to Elisha and soared into heaven on a chariot of fire, he passed on a mission of service to and trust in God. Our lives are part of this continuing cycle of passing the mantle from one generation to the next. May the gifts we share this day help us to prepare the next generation to take up that mantle and move forward with energy and love in the service of God.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
* Offering Prayer (2 Kings 2, Galatians 5) Mary J. Scifres
Bear fruit with these gifts we now bring, Holy One. May they bring a double share of your presence to all who are touched by them. Bless us also, who have given so generously, that we may grow in your Spirit, bringing even more generosity and love to your world. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “O Jesus, I Have Promised” UMH #396
*Benediction Sara Dunning Lambert
May the transforming love of God
work in your lives, today and always.
Go forth into the world with peace, love, and joy.
Follow Christ wherever he leads you.
Fulfill the promise found in the fruit of the Spirit. Amen.
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Call to Worship & Benediction, Sara Dunning Lambert, from Worship Elements June 26, 2022, found on MInistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
Prayer of the Day & Offering prayer by Mary J. Scifres; from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022 edited by Mary J. Scifres & B.J. Beu. Found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“As the Deer” WORDS: Martin J. Nystrom, (PS 42:1); MUSIC: Martin J. Nystrom; TUNE: AS THE DEER; © 1984 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. By The Copyright Co. CCLI #1431. Used with permission
“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart;” WORDS: George Croly, 1867 (Gal. 5:25); MUSIC: Frederick C. Atkinson, 1870; TUNE: MORECAMBE; Words and Music in the public domain. CCLI #2083. Used with permission.
“O Jesus, I Have Promised;” WORDS: John E. Bode, ca. 1866 (Lk. 9:57); MUSIC: Arthur H. Mann, 1881; TUNE: ANGEL’STORY. Words and music in the public domain; CCLI#40454. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $4,708.74
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Father’s Day
June 19, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting
We are in Mission:
- It’s SUMMER. Grass is growing with the warmer weather and the grass at the church and parsonage needs cutting on a regular basis. The Trustees are looking for some volunteers to cut the grass. Even if you are only able to do it once, this will take some pressure off the trustees. Please contact Tim Marcy at 715-416-0857 if you are able to help. Thank you!
- Please Reply!! The Finance Committee is looking at potential fund raisers. In the past, we have had an annual yard sale. We are considering doing one with a little variation on how we setup and clean up. We would invite people to bring their donations on the day of the sale, set them up on a table, price them, then we would have individuals present to monitor the tables and collect the money. Those brining goods for the sale, would be asked to return at the end of the day to collect left over items and dispose of them.
- Along with the Yard Sale, we are considering a Bake Sale if enough people offer to bake items. If not enough interest in the bake sale, we are considering selling grilled chicken at the same time as the potential yard sale. Please tell us what you think!! Reply to Pastor Ami (802) 222-5247, BradfordUMCPastor@gmail.com, or Connie, celinnell77@tops-tele.com
- Annual Conference – Videos from this year’s annual conference are available on the conference website at: www.neumc.org
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs
- Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
Transition to Worship Ami R. Sawtelle
“As the Deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Ps 42:1) We were formed at the beginning of time in the image of God, the imago dei In that same act of creation God also put a longing in the hearts of humanity to be in relationship with God. As we worship today, may our hearts be filled and our souls be healed.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle for Peace Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship Nancy C. Townley
L: We come to you this day, with burdens and cares in our hearts.
P: Lord, take these burdens from us and ease our souls.
L: We come to you this day, with fear and uncertainty about the future.
P: Lord, calm our fears and help us to place our trust in you.
L: Come, let us worship God whose love is abundant.
P: Let us praise the God of our salvation who watches over us always. AMEN.
*Opening Hymn “As the Deer” TFWS #2025
Prayer of the Day (Psalm 42) Mary Petrina Boyd
Come, O God, be with us here. As much as a deer longs for streams of cool water, we long to know that you are with us. When trouble and sorrow come, we need you. Help us remember that you are always with us, and that your love is steadfast. Put your song into our hearts, that we may praise you this day. Amen.
Scripture Readings
1 Kings 19:1-15a
Litany/Reading Nancy C. Townley
Reader: There, that should do it. I think that I have erected enough barricades and barriers to prevent anyone from harming me and my family. We will be safe, come hell or high water. We don’t have to fear. We have full provisions, weapons, blankets, food, portable radio, cards and games to play, candles. We can ride out any storm. Bring it on!
Voice: God is waiting for you to act in ways of peace.
Reader: Peace! Hah! I don’t have time for that kind of talk! This is war! My way of life is being threatened!
Voice: God is waiting for you to place your trust in God’s care.
Reader: Right! Where has that ever gotten me? You hear the news and see the terror. It’s everywhere. I intend to make sure that it doesn’t come here.
Voice: The terror has won. It has laid claim to your life.
Reader: No it hasn’t. I’m just cautious. I don’t want to be caught unprotected, unready.
Voice: Your fear is growing; blanketing you in deep darkness. Speak your fears!
Reader: I’ve already told you. I don’t want things to change. I have worked hard for everything I have and now it could be all wiped out.
Voice: God will provide for you.
Reader: I don’t think so. My sins are too many. God doesn’t want anything to do with me. I stand here behind my walls - God doesn’t break through - God doesn’t hear my cries.
Voice: Do not be afraid. God is with you. Let your heart find rest in the Lord.
Reader: But what will happen? I am so frightened!
Voice: Come out from behind the barriers of fear and terror. Place your trust in the Lord. Build walls of peace; set tables with the food of compassion and understanding; look at one another as God’s beloved children. Know that God is with you.
Reader: Help me, Lord. Help me…….please, help me.
Voice: God will always help you.
Message
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
- Heather’s brother (Herman)
- Beth on the loss of her cousin Sky
- She misses being in church
- Teresa – on the death of her husband (Sue)
- Gail, Diane, & Kathryn (Connie)
- Jeff – family friend in NC, had difficult diagnosis (Pat)
- Bonnie – new friend (Pat)
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
Lord, we hear the stories in the Bible of Christ’s forgiving love. We look at them from a distance, believing that we could never be forgiven by God. We want to measure our sins on a grand scale, but in truth it is the little ways in which we disown you and run from your presence that form the foundation of our sins. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to be open to the needs of others. We have so much that we can do, and sometimes, O Lord, we are overwhelmed by the needs. We become paralyzed and fearful. Ease our hearts and give us strength and courage to be active witnesses for you. Give us such faith that we may place our whole trust in you. This day we have brought before you the names of people near and dear to us to be lifted in prayer. Some of these needs are for healing, for comfort, for solace; others are prayers of celebration and joy. All of these things we offer to you. Help us to truly believe in your abiding love in answer to all prayers that we willingly place our lives in your care. Heal and restore us; for we ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Ami R. Sawtelle
God was watching over Elijah as he pronounced his words or warning to Ahab and stood against the many that opposed him. God is with us in the difficult places as well. Let us offer unto God our gifts of thanksgiving, that other’s might know that they too are not alone even though the world is bleak.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
* Offering Prayer Mary Petrina Boyd
Generous God, you are always with us, always caring for us, always drawing us together. We are so grateful for your loving presence. We bring our gifts before you today, that this offering may reach out in love to your people everywhere. Amen.
* Hymn to Send us Into the World “There Is a Balm in Gilead” UMH #375
* Benediction Nancy C. Townley
God has poured blessing after blessing upon you. You are healed and sent forth to serve in God’s world. Go in peace and may God’s peace always be with you. AMEN.
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Call to Worship, Litany/Reading, Pastoral Prayer & Benediction by Nancy C. Townley, found at Worship Connection for June 19, 2022 on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission
Prayer of the Day & Offering prayer by Mary Petrina Boyd; from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022 edited by Mary J. Scifres & B.J. Beu. Found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“As the Deer” WORDS: Martin J. Nystrom, (PS 42:1); MUSIC: Martin J. Nystrom; TUNE: AS THE DEER; © 1984 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. By The Copyright Co. CCLI #1431. Used with permission.
“There Is a Balm in Gilead” WORDS: Afro-American spiritual (Jer. 8:22); MUSIC: Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. By William Farley Smith, 1986; © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; TUNE: BALM IN GILEAD; words in the public domain. CCLI# 5612914. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Google Images, www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&ogbl, June 15, 2022.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $4,708.74
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
7TH Sunday of Easter
Ascension Sunday
May 29, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
- You are invited to help celebrate Cathy and Tim's adoption of Henry at her mom's "open porch" (199 French Pond Rd,. N. Haverhill, NH) on Wednesday, June 1 from 5-7 p.m.
- Please Reply!! The Finance Committee thinks a fund raiser might happen in June. We are considering a Yard Sale - you will take your priced items to church set them up on the ground or table - 2 or 3 people will be there to take the money etc. – At closing hour, you will come to collect your items--the church will keep the money.
Along with the Yard Sale, we are considering a Bake Sale if enough people offer to bake things. If not, just grilled chicken is a possibility....
Please tell us what you think!! Reply to Pastor Ami or Connie - celinnell77@tops-tele.com
- Finance Committee – June 3, 2022, 10:30 a.m., in-person or by Zoom.
- Annual Conference – June 9-11 in Manchester, NH. Can be followed on-line. Link will be available next week.
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs
- Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
Transition to Worship (Acts 1, Luke 24)
Wait to be clothed with power from on high. The one who ascended will come to us again, bringing new life and new hope.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship (Psalm 47)
Clap your hands, people of God.
Shout to God with cries of joy.
Look to the heavens, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Witness the power of our God.
Clap your hands, people of God.
Shout to God with cries of joy.
*Opening Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” UMH #154
Prayer of the Day
God of mystery, part the veil that keeps us from seeing your full glory and might. Open our eyes to behold the risen Christ, who ascended to you in glory. Open our hearts this day, that our spirits may ascend to you as he ascended that day. Focus our thoughts on the power of your salvation, that we may move beyond the mundane to contemplate mysteries and wonders worthy of our meditations. May we be found worthy of your great gifts, and may we be clothed with your power on high. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
Message
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- Gayle Balcom has graduated from nursing school!
- Cathy, Tim and Henry visited Malory, John and Miles for a play date
- Great time picking Ramps
- Henry’s adoption will be finalized June 1!
- The family of Heather White
- The family of F. William Doe
- The family of Barbara Pillsbury
- The family of Jan Kinder
- Martha Emerson and her family on the death of her son
- Gail (Connie’s friend) on the death of her granddaughter by overdose
- The families of those who were killed in the Buffalo mass shooting as well as those who have survived their physical injuries, but must deal with the mental injuries for the remainder of their lives
- The families of those killed in the mass shooting in California church, as well as the survivors
- The families of the children and teachers from the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, as well as the survivors and their families
- Shureen – that all goes well with her procedure
- Heather’s brother
- The family in Piermont whose home was destroyed by fire last Saturday
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
The watchword for this day is “Wait!” We have a hard time with that, O Lord. We want to get out and do something for you. We want to serve. We are itching to move and be about your work. Yet you call us to wait, until the spirit is given to us. We are afraid of waiting - because sometimes it means losing our enthusiasm. Give us courage and strength to prepare our spirits for your service. Help us to know that you are with us always, opening our hearts and minds to your work and your will for us. As we have gathered this day to hear of Jesus’ ascension, make us ready for your service. Help us to trust in all that Jesus said. For the time is coming, when our witness will be crucial, when our words and actions will reveal your love and healing power. Make us ready, Lord, for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
In thanksgiving and praise, let us offer unto God a portion of that which God has gifted us, that others may know of God’s unfailing love.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer
Your power and might, O God, bring forth our worship and praise. Your love and mercy, Compassionate One, call forth our gratefulness and thanksgiving. In appreciation for your blessing in our lives, we offer you these gifts from our hearts, this fruit of our industry. Receive them, we pray, in the name of the one who ascended to heaven, that our lives here on earth might be filled with your Spirit. Amen.
* Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” UMH #384
* Benediction
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by B. J. Beu from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022, May 29,2022, found @ MinistryMatters.com.
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – WORDS: Edward Perronet, 1779; alt. by John Rippon, 1787; MUSIC: Oliver Holden, 1792;5) TUNE: CORONATION. Words & music in the public domain; CCLI #25400. Used with permission.
Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 29, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1747; MUSIC: John Zundel, 1870; TUNE: BEECHES; words and music in the public domain. CCLI # 40306. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH Sunday of Easter
Heritage Sunday
May 22, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Prelude
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Announcements
We Are in Mission:
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs--Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home. This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/ frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
- Bishop Devadhar will be visiting our district on May 25, at 7:15 p.m. at Grace UMC in Essex Jct., time and location to be announced.
- Stewardship Preaching Institute, June Webinar with Rev. Dr. Robert Hall. Live Webinar Wed, June 1, 12:00-1:30 p.m. & Recorded Webinar Thurs, June 2, 7:00-8:00 p.m. During the webinar Dean Hill will: NAME guide-posts for preaching on stewardship, PREACH his chosen message, ENGAGE through Q&A with attendees & SHARE the tools and techniques used in preparation. Register at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register /eventReg?oeidk=a07ej75p8ot604338f2&oseq= &c=&ch=
- Women in Faith & Philanthropy, United Methodist Foundation, Foundation Forum Educational Services, WO ZOOM WEBINARS, Wednesday, MAY 25th 12:30-1:30 p.m. or Thursday, MAY 26th 7:00-8:00 p.m. Register at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk= a07ej6i3n7r76dab732&oseq=&c=&ch=
- Sunday worship services will be held at 10:30 a.m. beginning July 1, 2022.
Transition to Worship (John 14:25-27; NRS)
[Jesus said,] “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
Call to Worship Psalm 67 UMH 791
*Opening Hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” UMH 723
Prayer of the Day Nancy C. Townley
How magnificent the sight must be! The vision of John proclaims a crystal river flowing from God’s throne, comforting light, peace and hope for all God’s people. Darkness is vanquished. Open our eyes and our hearts to catch a glimpse of this vision. Help us to place our trust in you, that we may faithfully serve you, knowing what awaits our eyes in glory. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Acts 16:9-15
Revelation 21:1-10, 22–22:5
John 14:23-29
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
As I was trying to write my sermon this week, I kept being distracted by thoughts of the mass shooting in Buffalo, at a local grocery in a predominantly black part of town. I was distracted by thoughts of a white teenager being so filled with hatred for people that didn’t look just like him that he drove some 200 miles in order to kill those whose skin was a different color from his. I cry unto God, why? Why have your people drifted so far from you that they think the killing of others is a good thing; that passing judgement based on their limited human understanding of the world is justified?
We are bombarded daily by the media in ways that encourage us to take specific stances, no matter what side of the political aisle we call home. There seems to be a growing pressure to believe that ours is the only way things should work, and anyone who doesn’t believe as we believe and act as we act should, at best, be demonized for their own understanding if not set up as a target for violence.
In John 14, in what is often termed Jesus’ farewell discourse, Jesus speaks to the disciples of love. Love has been Jesus theme throughout his ministry. He has called on people to love God and to love one another. In this instance, Jesus tells the disciples, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” Love of Jesus, love of God is Jesus base for bringing people into the kingdom.
In Revelation, John, during his vision, hears a voice declare, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
We see the Revelation of John as speaking of eschatological, end times, a time when judgement will come upon all the earth and people will be judged for their actions, as well perhaps for their inactions. What if we are approaching those end times? What if the wars and rumors of wars which we hear daily, threats of violence and reports of violence that permeate the media, are a part of the final days before the judgement comes? Are we ready to stand before the throne to be judged with others?
I find it interesting that John’s vision doesn’t show just a group of Jews being saved. Instead, the vision is people of all nations coming before the judgement throne, of kings from nations bringing glory into the final reign of God’s realm.
How do we tolerate the divisive rhetoric that is tearing our country apart? When we stand up for what we believe God calls us to stand for, it puts us in direct opposition to others. The most important part of our stance though is not about media pundits leading the way, telling us what we should and should not tolerate from those we oppose. It is most importantly about what God is trying to say through us. It is about speaking God’s language of love for all nations and God’s desire for all nations to come to the throne from which flows the water of life.
We may not be able to stop all the violence, hatred, greed, and desire for power that currently divides our country, but if we have the strength and courage to share a counter message of love for others, of hope, not despair, in the face of the economic challenges that now face us, if we share the grace and mercy we have received with others that they too may know God’s love, then perhaps we can be a part of the change that will help usher in God’s reign on earth.
The tree of life, with its 12 fruits, is a sign of hope in a world starving from famine, drought and fire. The leaves of that tree are for the healing of the nations. Such healing must mean an end to war, violence and hatred, but it is so slow in coming that many will die before the healing occurs. As we share the love we have experienced through Jesus Christ though, we will help others to find their way into the New Jerusalem, a place where, God dwells and hope is a realized future.
Let us stand against the hatred and subsequent violence that is ravaging our country and the world. Let us instead work for tolerance, love and peace, that all may see God’s hand in the coming of hope in the world. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- beautiful weather, flowers, and birds such as a Baltimore oriole and hummingbirds.
- welcome increase in hours at work
- friends
- patience with technology, and Cathy for fixing things
- Family of Heather White
- Heather's brother
- Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped by Russia
- Weston, who broke his arm
- Shureen, whose procedure has been postponed
- Patrick's father passed away
- Beth's mother passed away
- Three young boys dealing with family issues
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
Lord, we can only imagine the scene painted for us in Revelation in which we are given a glimpse of eternity. The light of your love pours over all the land, bathing it in healing warmth and hope. We have gathered this day to celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ. He said to the disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid”. How many times we are troubled and fearful. We feel hopeless in the face of an uncertain future. Help us to place our trust in your love. Open our hearts to see the wonder of your eternity. Release us from our anger, loneliness, and despair. Bring us to the realization that in your love we may find peace and joy. For it is in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that we offer this prayer. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
The nations gathered at the throne of God to worship. We have gathered this day to do likewise. What gifts are we bringing that we may help to shine God’s light in the dark places in our community, that others may be drawn to the light and know God’s exceeding love?
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH 94
Offering Prayer
Light of the World, God of mercy and grace, receive now these small gifts, offerings of thanksgiving and praise for all you have done for us; use them to bring light to all nations, that in the fullness of time, all may gather before your throne and sing your praises. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “For the Healing of the Nations” UMH 428
*Benediction
May the God of all the nations, be gracious and bless you.
May Christ, redeemer of all creation, heal your brokenness.
May the Holy Spirit, imbue you with peace and hope in the midst of these turbulent times. Amen.
Postlude
Worship Notes
:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Ami R. Sawtelle.
“Shall We Gather at the River” – WORDS: & MUSIC: Robert Lowry, 1864 (Rev. 22:1-5) TUNE: HANSON PLACE. Words & music in the public domain.
Prayer of the Day and Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 22, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“For the Healing of the Nations” WORDS: Fred Kaan, 1965 (Rev. 21:1-22:5) © 1968 The United Methodist Publishing House. MUSIC: John Hughes, 1907; TUNE: CWM RHONDA; in the public domain. CCLI # 1510804. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5th Sunday of Easter
May 15, 2022 Abigail Fleming
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
- Please join us May 17 at 7:00 p.m., whether by Zoom or in-person as we discuss the first pieces of what this change may mean for us as Grace transitions to ¼ time pastor and Pastor Sawtelle picks up a ¼ time position at New Hope.
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs
- Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
- District Pre-Conference Meeting is scheduled for May 15, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be hybrid, either by Zoom or at Hedding UMC in Barre.
- Bishop Devadhar will be visiting our district on May 25, at 7:15 p.m. at Grace UMC in Essex Jct., time and location to be announced.
Transition to Worship (Acts 11: 17 NIRV)
“God gave them the same gift he gave those of us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. So who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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.
Call to Worship
An Invitation to All!
(based on Matt. 15:21-28; Isa. 56:1, 6-8; Rom. 11:1-2, 29-32)
Come and worship, all you who love and serve the Lord--
outsiders and insiders,
old-timers and new-comers,
the young, old and the in-between.
Come as you are,
for this is God’s house—a house of prayer for all people,
and God welcomes each one who comes.
*Opening Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful UMH #147
Prayer of the Day
Lord, give us new strength so that we can build places of belonging: To create a community for all to share their gifts, To know that each of us is loved, To help us to see the light of Christ in all that we serve. Let us remember that each of us is loved, each of us is willed and each of us is necessary. We pray this in your name. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
Message
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- Mother’s Day
- Alive
- Rebecca saw Isaac, appreciated his strength as he rototilled
- Ruth--God incident--son Paul got part way from ME to meet Sally , sister Mary Louise died last year Ruth wasn’t aware that ashes were to be spread during her time in VT until arrived
- MaryBeth—heart problems
- Herman--Heather’s brother
- Connie--young friends with marital problems
- Beth Kimball going through difficult time
- Abby--couple in CA starting adoption process
- Continued:
- Andy
- Gary & Linda
- Ken--now living in Hanover, continues with cancer therapy
- Richard Moon
- John Bean
Pastoral Prayer
Holy God, we come before you in prayer,
lifting to you the joys and concerns,
the hopes and dreams of our lives.
May we also be open to your voice in our lives
that we may see with new eyes, and hear with new ears,
the direction you will have us to go.
Bless, we pray, this gathering of your people
that we may grow and flourish in your love and grace
for the purpose to which you have called us.
Hear our prayers for those whose lives have touched us--
those who are in pain, those who are ill, those who grieve.
May we touch their lives not only through our prayers,
but through our lives and actions as well.
Guide us, bless us, uplift us, and hold us,
for we are your children called to our purpose in your world.
Hear our prayers, those spoken and those hidden in our hearts,
we pray in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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,
And the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
Offering Our Gifts to God
“What gift do we bring, what measure, what token?” opening words of a hymn by Jane Marshall that remind us of our need, our desire, to give thanks and praise to God for the richness of God’s blessings. As we seek to be in ministry in our community, we must “count the cost,” the cost of what is required to keep lights and heat on, that we might provide a place of hope to others, a place that we might gather to recharge, a location that allows us to reach out to our community to offer them a haven from the cares struggles of the world.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation; through your goodness we have this money to offer, the fruit of our labour and of the skills you have given us. Take us and our possessions to do your work in the world. Blessed be God for ever.
* Hymn to Send Us Into the World Make Me a Channel of Your Peace The Faith We Sing 2171
* Benediction
Worship Notes:
Call to Worship: from https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/08/call-to-worship-august-14-2011.html
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Prayer of the Day: (From the Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education, Loyola University, Chicago.)
Pastoral Prayer:~ posted on Life in Liturgy, from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). https://lifeinliturgy. wordpress.com/
Offering Prayer: (Archdiocese of Chicago)
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4TH Sunday of Easter
Mothers’ Day – Native American Ministries Sunday
May 8, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
- Native American Ministries Sunday – One of six “Special Sunday” offerings in the UMC, it is a time of recognizing the indigenous peoples of our country and receiving a special offering that supports the recognition of and ministries with those first people of this land. For more information go to the United Methodist Website: https://www.umc.org/en/content/native-american-ministries-sunday-ministry-article
- Administrative Council – May 10, at 6:30 p.m. Zoom
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs
- Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
- District Pre-Conference Meeting is scheduled for May 15, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be hybrid, either by Zoom or at Hedding UMC in Barre.
- Bishop Devadhar will be visiting our district on May 25, at 7:15 p.m. at Grace UMC in Essex Jct., time and location to be announced.
Transition to Worship (Acts 9, John 21) AWA 2022
We think we know what will happen and how things will turn out. But then God’s Spirit surprises us. Trust the Spirit at work in you now.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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.
Call to Worship WC
L: Awake! Rise up!
P: There is much to be done in the Lord’s Name today.
L: Get ready to worship and to serve God.
P: We are ready to hear God’s word for us and to respond in action and love.
L; Open your hearts to God’s will this day.
P: Praise be to God who walks with us and guides us. AMEN.
*Opening Hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” UMH #127
Prayer of the Day BOW 437
In you O God, every family on earth receives its name. Illumine the homes of this earth with the light of your love, granting courage to those who are hurt or lonely, endurance to those who care for sick family members, and wisdom to those in fearful times of change.
We thank you for gifts of love we have received from mother, father, spouse, child, or companion.
As we have been loved by you and by others, so may we love.
Grant us your peace, through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
(Ruth Duck. U.S.A., 20th cent. alt.)
Scripture Readings
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23 UMH 754
John 10:22-30
Message
Today is “Mother’s Day,” in the secular world a time for buying gifts for the mothers in our lives, of recognizing their importance to us. A time we also acknowledge in churches because of the importance of mothers in our own lives. Before we get all schmaltzy about it though, we must acknowledge that not all mothers fit the idyllic concept of motherhood. Some are addicted to drugs or activities that hamper their ability to properly care for their children. Some are so self-focused that children are ignored or exploited for what they can do for the mother. Some even bring physical, mental and/or emotional harm to their children. As much as we would all like to have perfect mothers, not all mothers are perfect.
Today’s reading from Acts invites us to look at another aspect of the women in our lives, this one a very positive one. “There was a disciple whose name was Tabitha,” a significant statement in the time following the death of Christ. A woman, in a society where power and honor was more focused on the men, recognized by name as a disciple, one who was “devoted to good works and acts of charity” as she lived out her discipleship each day.
Male or female, these are significant words of praise. Tabitha/Dorcas was recognized for her discipleship and for the gifts she manifests. What of us, would anyone dare to call us disciples? What would they say of our discipleship? How are we using the gifts God has given us as we live as disciples?
I have done numerous funerals, both for members of churches as well as members of the community, where people speak of how “Mom, Dad, etc.” would give people the shirt of their backs. What a wonderful epitaph, but what of their discipleship? Sometimes I will hear, “mom believed, she read her bible faithfully,” but what of her discipleship? The first group, did they acknowledge God as the source of their generosity? For the latter, did they live out their faith in ways that invited others to discover the God they followed? Did they actively live their faith in the world, or hide it beneath a bushel basket?
Discipleship is a living out of our beliefs in the world in ways that call attention, not to ourselves, but to the one who is the leader and guide of our discipleship. Discipleship is about being shepherded by Jesus and being able to recognize that voice, sharing what the voice sounds like with others, that they too may follow.
Tabitha apparently used her gifts and talents to care for the widows around her. She stopped just hearing about Jesus and began to do something for those in her community who found themselves in a lonely, challenging situation; trying to survive in a world that treated women as objects rather than as important people; that looked upon those who were widows as of even lesser value than other women who were valued as little more than possessions sometimes.
There are people in our own community who, like the widows for whom Tabitha cared, are in need of someone to care for them, to reach out in friendship to help allay the loneliness of their widow/widowerhood, to help with tasks that once were easy enough to do, but which have now become almost impossible due to declining mobility and health. There are people who suffer from isolation brought about by changes in financial circumstances as well as due to lack of transportation or other resources.
Sometimes we know of situations and try to take care of them ourselves, but perhaps, in order that we ourselves don’t become overwhelmed, we might work to invite others to join us as we minister to friends and neighbors. Are there needs in our community that could use a bit of attention? I had someone suggest recently that we find ways to become involved in ministries that help others in our community by helping with yard work or maybe some minor home repairs or building a ramp. I know that many are reaching an age where this is not of interest, but is there a way we could invite some of the youth who used to attend to be a part of such endeavors? COVID is still very much with us, but we are beginning to learn to live with it. If we are careful, wearing masks and such if the task is indoors, we might not only bring some of the young people back among us for projects, but also change the lives of our friends and neighbors as we share God’s love through hands on assistance as Tabitha did. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- Happy May Day!
- Eliza and Julie brought Rebecca’s great nephew to visit
- Jackson passed a major exam in preparation for graduation
- Shureen’s doctor thinks issues can be fixed causing blackouts.
- Ken moves to new apartment in Haverhill on Friday – he will be missed.
- Fred Spooner, cancer, in a nursing home
- John Bean
- Those struggling with depression
- Linda and Gary Moore – Gary had open heart surgery last Friday, Linda’s vision is declining due to chemo, will be trying infusions to slow vision loss
- Family of Elma Ilsley
- Dick Moon had cataract surgery
- Andy – Cancer
- Ken – Cancer
- Larry’s grandson going through a difficult patch
- Steven has lost sight in one eye due to cancer
- Janice has feeding tube due to esophageal issues
- Lane Dexter is on a somewhat even keel presently but memory is diminishing
Pastoral Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Shepherd of us all, we bow before you in humble acknowledgement of our failure to live as you have called us to live, in loving harmony with you while sharing the stories of your love with others through thought, word and deed. Forgive us when we stumble. Pick us up and bind our wounds, then once more set us on the pathway to loving grace that you have offered all who know and serve you. We acknowledge the wrongs we have done to other peoples, particularly of this land, but also of other countries as we attempt to impose our way of life and understanding of you upon them. We ask your loving attention and guidance to those who are mother figures in our lives, the ones who pick us up and hold us in loving arms as they wipe away our tears of despair. For those who struggle with addiction and despair, heal their hearts, minds and spirits, that they may once more find hope in life. For those who desperately want to become parents, but are unable, bring hope and open them to alternative ways of parenthood, blessing them with children who, though not of their biologic origin, are their beloved children in all aspects of the meaning of parenthood just as we have become adopted children in the family of those chosen by your Son, Jesus. For those who grieve, whether it is loss of life, loss of income, loss of material things or other losses, bring peace in the midst of their grief and hope in the midst of their despair. May your reign of peace break out in our fractured world and may those whose focus is on power at the expense of others have their hearts changed that such power may be funneled into care for all. And now Mighty One, as we remember the teachings of your precious child, we offer up the words he taught his disciples in a new way, a way the acknowledges the understanding of you from the standpoint of some of the original settlers in this land.
The Lord’s Prayer Northern Woodland Native Imagery by Pat Parent
Great Spirit,
who lives in the sky,
sacred is your name.
May your will be done with us,
as it is with the ancestors.
Give us what we need today.
Forgive us our wrongs
as we forgive those who wrong us.
And lead us not down darkened paths,
but out into the meadows of your light.
For you are everything.
Your power and glory
are greater than the sun,
and will be forever. Aho. Amen.
Offering Our Gifts to God
“What gift do we bring, what measure, what token?” opening words of a hymn by Jane Marshall that remind us of our need, our desire, to give thanks and praise to God for the richness of God’s blessings. As we seek to be in ministry in our community, we must “count the cost,” the cost of what is required to keep lights and heat on, that we might provide a place of hope to others, a place that we might gather to recharge, a location that allows us to reach out to our community to offer them a haven from the cares struggles of the world.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer
Eternal Spirit, you who created all peoples in your image, to you we offer gifts of thanksgiving and praise. We offer ourselves, that you may use us to share your love to others. We offer our time and our talents, gifts that you have given us, back to you for your use and glory. We offer our treasures, monetary and otherwise, that your name and your love may be known by all people. Take all that we have and all that we may become and use them to your glory, in the name of the Holy Trinity we pray, amen.
* Hymn to send us into the world “Easter People, Raise Your Voices” UMH #304
* Benediction
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Ami R. Sawtelle.
AWA2022 – by Mary Petrina Boyd, ”Abingdon Worship Annual 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” – WORDS: William Williams, 1745; trans. from the Welsh by Peter Williams and the author, 1771. MUSIC: John Hughes, 1907; TUNE: CWM RHONDDA. Words and music in the public domain. CCLI #1448.
WC – by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 8, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
BOW 437 from the United Methodist Book of Worship © 1992 The United Methodist Publishing House - Prayer from Touch Holiness p. 222, © 1990.Used by permission of The Pilgrim Press; 700 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.
The Lord’s Prayer - Northern Woodland Native Imagery by Pat Parent – used with permission.
“Easter People, Raise Your Voices” WORDS: William M. James, 1979; © 199 The United Methodist Publishing House. MUSIC: Henry T. Smart, 1867; TUNE: REGENT SQUARE; in the public domain. CCLI # 424764. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
May’s Collections to Date: $
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3rd Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Prelude
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We are in Mission:
- Finance Committee – May 6, at 10:30 a.m. both Zoom & in-person.
- Administrative Council – May 10, at 6:30 p.m. Zoom
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs--Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- District Pre-Conference Meeting is scheduled for May 15, at 2:00 pm. The meeting will be hybrid, either by Zoom or at Hedding UMC in Barre.
- Bishop Devadhar will be visiting our district on May 25, at 7:15 p.m. at Grace UMC in Essex Jct.
Transition to Worship (Acts 9, John 21) AWA 2022
We think we know what will happen and how things will turn out. But then God’s Spirit surprises us. Trust the Spirit at work in you now.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Call to Worship WC
L: Christ asked Peter if he loved him.
P: Peter affirmed three times his love of the Lord.
L: Christ asks us if we love him.
P: We affirm our love of the Lord in our worship
L: Christ calls us to demonstrate our love in service.
P: Lord, help us to witness to your love in the ways in which we care for others. AMEN
*Opening Hymn “Amazing Grace” UMH #378
Prayer of the Day WC
God of power and might, let your love shine on us and through us to others. Take the blindness from our eyes and our hearts. Give us the joy of knowing and serving you in all that we say, think and do. In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Prayer of Confession WC
We rejoice in the wonder of your resurrection, O Christ, but then tend to sink back into our old ways of thinking, behaving, responding to people’s needs. We can dance with the angels and all humankind on Easter Sunday, but the days following the Day of Resurrection cause us to slip back into apathy or despair. Forgive us when we so easily become distracted by our own cares and worries that we ignore the needs of others around us. Forgive us when we forget your power and love for us. Charge us up, O Lord! Set our hearts to dancing! Give us a spirit for rejoicing, willing hearts and hands for helping, voices for praising you forever! AMEN.
Words of Assurance WC
Sing! Shout! Rejoice! Jesus calls you to serve because of his love for you. He believes in you and all the gifts you have been given! Do not be afraid. Christ is with you always.
Scripture Readings
John 21:1-19
Message
Jesus comes in everyday situations
The disciples have now seen Jesus following the resurrection, but they have not moved out from that experience to a new call to share the message, instead they have seemingly returned to some of their former occupations. The disciples appear to just be hanging around when they take a notion to go fishing. Remember, fish in the region where they were, were more likely to be caught at night rather than in daytime. This is not the first time we hear of the disciples going fishing and returning with empty nets and boats, but this time they don’t argue with the person telling them to fish on a particular side of the boat. They comply and are rewarded once more by an overabundance of fish. It isn’t until “that disciple whom Jesus loved,” recognized Jesus that things begin to change.
Jesus came to the disciples in the midst of a normal activity, fishing, calling them to shore, providing an abundant harvest for them, then inviting them to a meal.
Sometimes we get caught up in looking for Jesus in the miraculous situation or only in the building we call “the church” or some other very particular place. Jesus often comes in the everyday, in the not so unusual of a fishing trip that has been unsuccessful, in a journey, such as the one Saul was making when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, in a simple meal that ends up satisfying not only our physical needs, but somehow, in the sharing in the meal, our spiritual needs.
When we think of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus, they happen in rather ordinary circumstances, transforming those circumstances from mundane to life changing. Jesus first appears in the garden to a grief-stricken woman, offering her hope in the midst of her grief. He appears in the room with disciples who are gathered in grief and fear as they await the coming of authorities to arrest and in-prison or kill them, bringing peace and hope. He joins believers on a walk as they talk about the happenings of the previous week, their disappointment and their wonder as they share about the experience of the women at the tomb. As he breaks bread with them, he brings astonishment, amazement and joy into their lives that encourages them to run back the way they had come to share the story with others. Then, in today’s story, Jesus transforms a disappointing fishing trip into an abundant harvest, perhaps foretelling the harvest that is to come as the disciple move out. He shares a meal that feeds their physical needs, but as the meal is completed, he singles out Peter, the disciple whose faith was not strong enough to admit his relationship with Jesus on that last night before the crucifixion, extending forgiveness as he calls Peter into a lifetime of service.
As you see, Jesus comes to people at time of grief and need, as well as at other times in the ordinariness of life. Jesus can and does extend to us the hand of forgiveness, lifting us out of our self-recriminations and guilt. Jesus also calls upon us to live our lives, not with a focus on what we desire for ourselves, but calls us to lives of abundant harvest as we share the hope and joy we receive in our own encounters with Jesus and with the holy.
As we gather ‘round the table in a few minutes, let us not look for Jesus in the building and surroundings in which we gather, but in the life-giving acts of sharing bread and fruit of the vine with one another. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
Time with families
Spring!
Concerns:
Ken
Gary and Linda
Ukraine
Pastoral Prayer WC
Lord Jesus, we slouch in our seats. We sit back and relax. The rush of Easter is over, the excitement which carried us to Easter and to the room where Jesus appeared to the disciples is wearing off. We just aren’t sure what to do now that the journey to the Cross is completed. Help us to understand that the Cross is not our ending point, but rather the pivotal point. Help us to be people of astounding faith, who have seen the light of Resurrection, who know that you have conquered death. Fear cannot claim and bind us. You have released us to serve others and witness to the glorious good news. As we have brought the names of those near and dear to us to you in prayer, help us to feel the rejuvenating power of your love in our lives. Inspire us to move into compassionate ministries to your world. For we ask these things in the name of our Risen Lord. AMEN
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94*
Offering Prayer (Revelation 5, John 21) AWA 2022
O God, you have power and wisdom and might. You deserve honor and glory. We come to you, Holy One, blessed by your abundant life, to offer ourselves as your faithful workers. We bring our gifts this day, trusting that they will serve your people. Amen.
Hymn of Preparation “In Remembrance of Me” (v.v. 1-2) TFWS #225
Great Thanksgiving AWA 2022
L: God be with you.
P: And also with you.
L: Rejoice and be glad.
P: We praise God with joy.
L: Thanks be to God.
P: We thank God with our whole hearts.
We join with every creature in heaven and on earth, every creature under the earth and in the sea, to sing your praises. You created all that is, bringing forth goodness and new life. You are at work in our world still, transforming lives, healing brokenness, comforting those who mourn. Your people were not always faithful. They followed their own desires, lashing out in anger, forgetting those in need. You sent prophets to call them back to your paths, reminding them of your love, and telling them to care for one another. You were always faithful, for you loved your people.
And so, we join all creation as we sing praise to you:
Worthy is our God and worthy is Jesus Christ! Power and might be yours! Wisdom and honor be yours! Glory and blessing be yours! Amen and amen. Now and forever. Amen.
You gave us Jesus to walk with us and to show us your love. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught us your ways. He showed us the abundance of your love and reminded us to share it with others.
On the night before his death, Jesus gathered with his followers, telling them to love one another. He shared a meal with them, taking bread, blessing it, breaking it, and giving it to them, saying, “This is my very being. When you eat this, remember that I am with you.” He took the cup, blessed it, and gave it, saying, “This is the cup of forgiveness, poured out in abundance for you and for all people. As you drink this, remember that I am with you.”
And so, we offer our very selves, with glad and grateful hearts, as we proclaim this mystery:
Christ was with us from the beginning. Christ is with us today. Christ will be with us until the end of time.
Send your spirit of abundant love upon these gifts of the earth, bread and wine. Transform them, by the power of your grace, into food for our bodies and nourishment for our souls. Send your Spirit upon us, and transform us by the power of your Wisdom, that we may become the body of Christ, feeding his lambs, and tending to his sheep. All praise is yours, God of power and might, wisdom and honor, glory and blessing. All praise is yours, now and forever.
Amen.
Prayer (May be sung to the TUNE: TEARRA BEATA; “This Is My Father’s World”)
Father of earth and heaven,
Thy hungry children feed,
Thy grace be to our spirits given,
That true immortal bread.
Grant us and all our race
In Jesus Christ to prove
The sweetness of thy pardoning grace.
The manna of thy love.
Sharing in the Feast
A Love Feast is not Holy Communion, but it is a shared meal when no one is available to consecrate the elements. It is recommended that grape juice not be used as it may confuse people. Sharing with water, coffee, tea, or other beverage as you reflect back on the above service and share insights you have gained is one possible practice in which you may wish to engage.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “In Remembrance of Me” (v.3) TFWS #2254
*Benediction
Postlude
Worship Notes
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
AWA2022 – by Mary Petrina Boyd, ”Abingdon Worship Annual 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
WC – by Nancy C. Townley, “Worship Connection: May 1, 2022,” found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
“Amazing Grace,” WORDS: John Newton, 1779, st. 6 anon.; MUSIC: 19th cent. USA melody; harm. by Edwin o. Excell, 1900. TUNE: AMAZING GRACE; words and music in the public domain.
”Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” words: Thomas Ken, 1674; adapt. By Gilbert H. Vieira, 1978; Tune: LASST UNS ERFREUEN, Geistliche Kirchengesänge, 1623; harm. by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Adapt. © The United Methodist Publishing House. Music in the Public Domain. CCLI # 3063266, Used by permission.
“In Remembrance of Me,” WORDS: Ragan Courtney (Matt. 6:10; 1 Cor. 11:23-25) MUSIC: Buryl Red; TUNE: RED; © 1972 Broadman Press, assigned to Van Ness Press, Inc.; CCLI #25156. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
April’s Collections to Date: $951
Easter: $203
Other: $617
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2ND Sunday of Easter
April 24, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
We Are in Mission:
- Finance Committee – May 6, at 10:30 a.m. both Zoom & in-person.
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Needs
- Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
- District Pre-Conference Meeting is scheduled for May 15 at 2:00 pm. The meeting will be hybrid, either by Zoom or at Hedding UMC in Barre.
- Bishop Devadhar will be visiting our district on May 15, time and location to be announced.
Transition to Worship
Belief is one of those things with which people sometimes struggle. Even those that seem to have a strong, even powerful, faith can go through times where they struggle to believe in the face of overwhelming challenges. The disciples, despite journeying with Jesus for about 3 years, struggle the whole time with understanding Jesus and his mission. It is only after they encounter the resurrected Jesus that their faith turns a corner, and their lack of clarity is transformed into a powerful witness not to be stopped by the powers of the authorities. May the
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Call to Worship (Psalm 150)
Leader: Praise the LORD!
People: Praise God in God’s sanctuary;
Leader: praise God in the mighty firmament!
People: Praise God for God’s mighty deeds;
Leader: praise God according to God’s surpassing greatness!
People: Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
*Opening Hymn “Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain” UMH #315
Prayer of the Day
Holy, merciful, and loving God, as we move from the busyness of our world to the joyous celebration of the Resurrection, we pause to reflect and give thanks to you for the gift of Jesus, for the wonder of a love willing to suffer in solidarity with the people not only of that time, but the people of all times. We remember the joy of that day, when the tomb was found empty, and Jesus appeared to some of his closest friends, and we join in the celebration. May our thoughts and prayers be found acceptable, and may we always remember, we are never alone. In the name of the Trinity we pray, amen.
Scripture Readings
First Reading Acts 5:27-32
Second Reading John 20:19-31
Message
Friday a week ago, we mourned with the disciples as they watched their hopes die upon the cruel Roman cross. They had been unable to remember what Jesus had told them of his coming death and promised resurrection. On Sunday, we journeyed with the mourning women to the garden tomb, as they prepared to honor Jesus with the last, loving preparation of his body, following his death. Their mourning turned to amazement as they found the tomb empty and encountered two heavenly messengers who reminded them of Jesus’ promise of resurrection hope. Unfortunately, when they told the disciples, they were not believed, though Peter was at least curious and checked out their story. We are now later in the day of that same day, about evening, and the disciples are in hiding for fear they will meet the same end as Jesus.
Were we in the same circumstances, I suspect we would be responding just like the disciples. Grief hits us hard, altering our ability to process information no matter how recently we have received it. We have just journeyed through 2 long years of a pandemic that doesn’t seem to want to completely let go. Many of us have things to mourn. There is the mourning of parents over the loss of educational time and the fears they have for their children while attending in-person classes. There is the mourning of those who have lost jobs and economic security due to the impact of the pandemic on the economy. There is the grief of the hundreds of thousands of families who have had a family member die because to the pandemic, as well as the mourning due to the long-term health concerns of those who suffer from “long COVID.”
As the disciples gathered that evening, I suspect their focus was on their grief. They had forgotten everything Jesus had told them his last few weeks with them concerning what was about to happen. Imagine being in the room with them. Imagine the grief, the fear, as they awaited a knock on the door announcing the presence of authorities to arrest them. We are blessed to live in a country where there is more freedom for many of us, where for the most part we don’t have to fear a knock at the door, though there are communities and groups of people, particularly those with darker skin for which such a knock at the door could be the harbinger of death.
I suspect the disciples were struggling with what God’s plan was. They had hopes that Jesus would be the one to lead them from their lives under Roman rule into a time when the Jewish people would no longer need to fear for their lives as the went about their daily tasks. I suspect many people today wonder about God’s plan in light of the pandemic. They wonder if God is even present as their loved ones are struggling to breathe, as they bury their father, their mother, the sons and daughters. They think God has deserted the world as they try to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads, just one paycheck away from homelessness. Faith in a time like this can be difficult.
Not all the disciples were present. Judas had, by now, committed suicide and Thomas was elsewhere. Those that were present must have been amazed to see Jesus in their midst, particularly as the doors were locked. How had he gotten in? But their shock quickly turned to joy, as Jesus showed them his hands and feet, confirming he was who they thought he was. They finally believed, though the strength of that faith might still be a bit shaky.
This story is often called the story of Doubting Thomas, but we know that all of the disciples had a problem with belief, despite being told by the women that Jesus was alive. We can be excused for our own struggles to believe because, unlike the disciples, we have not seen Jesus’ physical presence nor have we physically journeyed with Jesus as the disciples did for three years or so.
Despite these struggles, we are expected to believe; to believe that God was willing to become incarnate (given a human body) and walk the roads around Galilee and Jerusalem, teaching and healing wherever he went. Yet, there are so many stories, stories that capture our hopes, our needs, and seem to point to a possibility, a possibility that though difficult to accept, fills our hearts with joy.
The testimony of Peter and the others before the council, shows their move from disbelief to fully invested belief, a belief so powerful that they are willing to put their freedom, their lives on the line to standup to those who challenged them: “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29b-32)
As we hear the stories of the disciples, of the early followers of Jesus, as we later hear the stories of the early church, let us be open to the reinforcement of our own belief. Let us move from a place of unsure faith, to a place of powerful faith that fills us and moves us from timidity to a powerful witness that helps change the lives of those around us and, eventually, the world.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- Spring is here (despite some waking to snow Sunday and Tuesday mornings)
- Larry has seen a red bird pair
- Shureen’s grandson, Spencer, in the hospital with ruptured renal cyst and recovering from surgery for diverticulum
- Larry - Happy Hour in Wells River has sold, concerns about plans for the building
- Elizabeth – pain in feet and legs
- Elsie’s grandson-in-law starting treatment for cancer
- Mrs. Rutherford – had hip replacement a while back and now has infection
Pastoral Prayer
Holy One, we acknowledge that we don’t always understand what you are doing in the world. We think we know how things should work, how people should act and be treated, but we don’t always stand up and stand out when things aren’t up to your standards of unconditional love. Change our hearts. Strengthen our faith, that we may boldly stand up to those who are in power and call on them to change in ways that show your love for all.
We pray for those who are sick, are struggling with cancer, are recovering from surgery, may the caregivers be wise and compassionate and may healing occur rapidly. We pray for the people of Ukraine as they continue to stand against those who would force them from their homes, their livelihoods, their country. May your peace break out, overwhelming the powers of darkness with a light of peace so bright at all will be drawn to it. We pray for the division in our own country. May we once again work together toward common goals rather than seeking to limit the power of those who oppose us, creating a gridlock that hurts the most vulnerable in our society.
Jesus walked the highways and byways of his time, teaching, healing, feeding. When he needed strengthening, he took time away from the busyness of his ministry to withdraw to the hills for prayer. When his disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he said, “Pray then in this way,” (Mt 6:9a)
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
Jesus called to his disciples, to go from their places of comfort into the world. When they lost hope, he came to them, showing them once more the power and glory of God. May we now offer from the blessings we have received, gifts of thanksgiving and praise.
* Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #94
* Offering Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Loving God, to you we offer these, our gifts of thanksgiving and praise; accept them, accept us, multiplying our gifts that your mission may be carried from the place in which we gather, into the world that is in need of your hope and love. Amen.
* Hymn to Send Us Into the World “We Walk by Faith” TFWS @2196
* Benediction
Go into the world, confident in God’s love for the world. Enter into the life of the world, as you follow the lead of Jesus, once dead, but now alive. Walk the world with confidence, knowing the Holy Spirit is with you always.
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Pastor Ami Sawtelle.
“Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain,” Words: John of Damascus; trans. by John Mason Neale, 1859 (Ex. 15); Tune: ST. KEVIN, by Arthur S. Sullivan, 1872. Words & music in the public domain, CCLI #355929.
”Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” words: Thomas Ken, 1674; adapt. By Gilbert H. Vieira, 1978; Tune: LASST UNS ERFREUEN, Geistliche Kirchengesänge, 1623; harm. by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Adapt. © The United Methodist Publishing House. Music in the Public Domain. CCLI # 3063266, Used by permission.
“We Walk by Faith,” words: Henry Alford, alt. (Mark 9:24; John 20:27-29); tune: MARYRDOM, attr. to Hugh Wilson. Words and music in the public domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
April’s Collections to Date: $591
Donation: $5,610
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Easter
April 17, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting Christ is risen!!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!!
Announcements
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Items Needed--Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
- This month our focus continues to be meat (canned, fresh or frozen) and toiletries. For fresh/frozen meats, please check with Pastor Ami if you need to drop them off outside regular Food Shelf hours.
- District Meeting and Pre-Conference Briefing is scheduled for May 19 at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at Hedding UMC in Barre or on zoom.
- Conversation with Bishop Devadhar will be on May 25 at 7:15 p.m., location to be announced.
- Prayer Chain—A new prayer chain is needed. Please let Pastor Ami know if you would be willing to me a part of the prayer chain.
Transition to Worship
The darkness of the tomb on Friday, took us to the depths of despair. We, with the disciples, knew that Christ was God’s Messiah. The dawning light of Easter, the bursting forth from the ground of new life, remind us that God is always present, that God’s ways far exceed the ability of humanity to understand. The despair that filled the faithful on Friday has been transformed into joyous celebration as Jesus, the Christ, demonstrated to the world God’s power over death and brought God’s Light once more into the world.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Call to Worship
Christ is alive!
The Earth is alive!
The Light is alive!
Our hearts are alive!
Let us worship God, the bringer of life and Light into the world!
Alleluia!
*Opening Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” UMH #302
Prayer of the Day
Creator of darkness and of light, you came into the darkness of a world filled with fear, pain, and despair to bring hope to all who heard your words and followed your way. The world was unable to recognize the wonder of a new way of life, but, in your triumph over the darkness of death, your Light now shines bright bringing hope today into our world filled with fear, pain, and despair. We give thanks for the wonder of Christ’s Light that is offered to each of us that it might shine bright as we move out into the world this day. Hear our songs and prayers of joy and thanksgiving this day and know our true thankfulness for all you have done for us. Amen.
Scripture Readings
First Reading: Acts 10:34-43
Second Reading: Luke 24:1-12
Message “They did not believe” Pastor Ami Sawtelle
It has been a long couple of days. Hearts broken by the apparent death of the one they believed would lead them out of captivity to the Romans was arrested and crucified by those very Romans in collusion with the Temple leadership. Their grief was palpable. That morning, as the women gathered from their homes, and went to the tomb of Jesus, they were not thinking about all that Jesus had told them when he was talking about dying, they were just struggling with their grief. Luke’s account does not tell us that Mary, the mother of Jesus was present, but she may have been also among the women that gathered that morning.
Many of us can understand Mary’s grief and that of the women that early Easter morning. Not everyone has lost a son, but most have lost a parent, a grandparent, or a dear friend. Those first few days of grief are often overwhelming. We are in shock and move through the pre-funeral days in a haze as we try to make decisions and deal with the endless phone calls and well-wishers who are themselves struggling with what to say, how to help. We can identify with the women who gathered that day to seek to visit Jesus one more time, even though the tomb was covered by a stone they would be unable to move.
The women provided support to one another as they grieved and as prepared to do the final preparation of the body of the beloved teacher and friend, they had watched die. Imagine their response when they got to the tomb. I have often wondered whether they thought, in advance, whether they could move the stone closing the tomb or not as they gathered the spices that morning, but when they arrived, they discovered the stone was not a hindrance to their entry into the tomb.
There are so many things that can act as large stones to our lives of trust and belief. The stone sealed the tomb attempting to keep Jesus’ followers from stealing the body. The stones in our lives are the things of the world that try to keep us from trusting that God really cares when we are struggling with loss and grief. The stones are the catcalls of the world that laugh at us and tell us we are wrong when we speak of a god willing to come to earth in human form, live a fully human life and die a fully human death. While not made of mineral, they are often just as hard to remove from our pathway as was the stone the women expected to encounter that morning.
As the women approached and found the stone gone, I wonder what they were thinking? They had heard what Jesus had said about dying and coming back three days later, but it had not hit home before, were they beginning to think about it? When they found the tomb empty, they were “perplexed.” Perplexed seems such a calm word to me, I would think ‘shocked’ would be a better description, maybe even angry or amazed, depending on to what they attributed the body’s absence. Perhaps they didn’t have time to move from their shock/surprise/perplexity to some other emotion before they were terrified by the appearance of “two men in dazzling clothes.”
These poor women were on a rollercoaster of emotion, not unlike the rollercoaster many of us find ourselves on as we grieve. We remember a birthday party and a stupid joke, and we smile and laugh until we are hit by our loss and immediately move to deep sadness, sometimes perhaps even shame, that we could show any levity in the midst of our grief. If we remember the life Jesus led before his death, he loved to share in big meals, and I suspect most of them were at least relaxed and pleasant if they weren’t occasionally rowdy. Remember the wedding at Cana? Jesus promised support for his disciples to help ease their pain, but in the immediate aftermath of his death, pain was the primary emotion.
It wasn’t until the dazzling figures called the women to task that they remembered the words Jesus spoke about his death and resurrection. It took this “knock up the side of the head,” for them to begin to process their grief enough that they could imagine a different outcome. When we grieve, we often get so fixed on our grief (we are human after all) that it takes weeks, even months for us to move beyond our deep feelings of loss to hope that when our own time on earth is at an end, we will be rejoined with our loved ones. We may speak the words, even at the funeral, but the real hope of the resurrection takes time to sink in for many of us.
For the women, their interactions with the dazzling messengers began their journey from deep grief to renewed hope and deeper faith. They were so impressed by what happened to them that they had to share the good news with Peter and the other apostles. It sounds like the apostles thought the women were just, “foolish women,” gullible or some other term that indicated not only their disbelief, but their thoughts on the wisdom of women in general. While Peter didn’t believe them initially, he was at least curious to see what had brought on this seeming irrational response from the women. Peter ran to the tomb, and, looking in, confirmed the absence of Jesus’ body. He left, “amazed at what happened,” but did he believe? Maybe, but the rest of the apostles remained in denial and grief, not daring to believe the wonder of the news the women brought them.
If we struggle with accepting the story of a death on a cross, followed by time in a tomb, then a miraculous resurrection, we are in good company. Those who walked with Jesus, day in and day out over the time of his ministry, found it impossible to believe at first themselves. They struggled with faith even when Jesus was right there with them, but eventually they came to the reality of the Resurrection and the fact of Jesus’ presence among them once more.
As we celebrate Easter, as we move beyond the commercialization of chocolate bunnies, Peeps, and Jelly Beans into a reflection on the why of Easter, let us hear the story anew and let the perplexity, the amaze, the terror and all of the other emotions experienced that day flood through and out of us, and let the joyous reality of Jesus fill our hearts once more; moving us from lives of night quite sure, like the disciples, to lives of overflowing confidence and love like the apostles eventually experienced. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
- Joys:
Connie’s birthday—drum presentation
Time with adult children
Henry (Baby K) legally free for adoption!
Bob B. is cancer free.
- Concerns:
Prayers for the Pierson family, Joyce died this week
Don’s friend, Don, under hospice care
Bernadette, going through many tests
Family of George Pratt
Pastoral Prayer
Light of the World, we rejoice in your presence in our lives and in the joy of resurrection hope. We know you conquered the forces of evil while you walked the earth and showed your power over them even when they tried to place you in a tomb. We wish we had your strength to stand against those who oppress the weak and those unable to advocate for themselves. We wish we had your courage to stand against the forces of evil in our world today but have to admit we often shrink from confrontation and turn our backs on tasks we deem to difficult even when there are needs for us to advocate for others. Forgive us for our human frailty and so fill us with your love that we are able to be your hands, feet, and voice to and for those who are in need of your hope. Today we lift to you our prayers of hope, of joy, of sorrow, and of concern. Hear us, heal us, help us, and rejoice with us we pray. We lift to you the world which you created, asking your healing for all of creation. Bring your reign of peace into the many areas of conflict, particularly we have the people of the Ukraine upon our hearts this day. Heal the many ills that are touching upon this congregation and this community today. May all know your healing presence in their lives and lean upon your strength and support. We lift up all who mourn, may they find peace in the hope of the resurrection and trust in your grace and mercy. We share with you the joy of spring time, the return of the birds of summer and the budding of plants in our gardens and yards. You became incarnate of your mother, Mary, and walked the roads and byways as you taught your followers. When they asked you to teach them to pray, you shared these words with your disciples:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
God has done wonderful things for us and we are eternally thankful. We live in a land where, despite the divisions that have arisen recently, we still have the freedom to go where we want and to do what we want in relative peace. I say we, but there are many in our land who even today are unable to move about freely or do as they wish. They may be victims of the “white slave trade” or they don’t have the proper documentation to access needed healthcare or other support systems despite their contributions to the economy. There are others who, though here legally, even citizens of our country, are on the margins of society, struggling to make ends meet, struggling to make enough to meet their basic needs. God has richly blessed us. May we be generous in our giving of our time and treasures that those who God places in our pathway may find God’s rich blessings pour down upon them.
*Doxology
*Offering Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Life Giver, Hope Bringer, Maker of all that is and that will be, today we offer gifts of thanksgiving for the life you brought into the world that walks with us even today. Multiply them. Use them. Use us, to fulfill your promise love to the world. Amen.
*Hymn to Send us Into the World “The Day of Resurrection” UMH #303
Benediction
Worship Notes:
Prayer for Peace by Pastor Kelly Harvell, used with permission.
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Pastor Ami Sawtelle.
”Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: EASTER HYMN by Samuel Arnold. Words and Music in the Public Domain
“The Day of Resurrection” Words: St. John of Damascus; Tune: John Mason Neale; Words and Music in the Public
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
April’s Collections to Date: $591
Donation: $5,610
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Flowers in memory of:
Loved ones—the Benjamins
Hope of peace everywhere—Connie Linnell
Loved ones—Patsy Belknap
Our guardian angels—Rebecca Schramm
Mom & Dad—Rebecca Schramm
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH Sunday in Lent
Palm/Passion Sunday
“You are a group project.”
April 10, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: We stand at the precipice of Lent and Holy Week. This day moves from shouting and praising to a time of crying and lament. The drama of the story of Jesus’ last week reads like the book of our lives. Feeling hopeful one moment, we plummet the next as we deal with disappointment, danger, and grief. God’s incarnation on earth was not immune from this roller-coaster we call life. One thing we know, when the going gets rough, the last thing on our minds is climbing the ladder of self-improvement. We just want to survive, to be comforted, to have our pain known and embraced. And so we turn from the isolation of perfection and turn toward deep love. It is never too late to nurture the garden of relationships, for we are all a group project.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 126)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, God of Goodness,
we call out to you at the Gates of Righteousness,
sometimes in praise, sometimes in distress–sometimes both at once.
We long to be in your house in the presence of beloveds,
binding the festal procession with branches.
Open us this day to your love
in and through the webs of our relationships–
and in the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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 “Lord, What a Parade!”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!”)
Lord, what a parade! The crowd quickly grew;
What noise they all made in welcoming you.
"Hosanna!" they shouted. "It's David's own son!
Hosanna! Come save us! God's reign has begun!"
They welcomed you in, a conquering king,
Yet what kind of reign would you really bring?
It wasn't a war horse you rode on that day;
A creature of peace carried you on your way.
Did those in that crowd expect something more
Than one who reached out in love to the poor?
Did they think a savior with armies was best,
Or did they remember: the peaceful are blessed?
Lord Jesus, it's true — we give you glad praise,
Yet living for you will challenge our ways.
So may we be open and welcome your reign.
Hosanna! Come save us! Renew us again
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Jesus orchestrated a low-budget parade into a city where he knew his days were numbered. “Get me a colt,” he said. Not a steed. Not a float. A young, green donkey (not the color, that’s horse-speak for not-ridden-a lot-yet). And folks gathered and his friends started some liturgical shouting that ticked off the local priests. Life is hard and we all need friends and sometimes big, loud, praying that will not be messed with. We are created for interdependence. So all our hiding and pretending that we are “perfectly fine” all on our own just won’t work. Get on the donkey when you need to and let people lay down their cloaks for you and make some noise for you. ‘Cause you know you will do it for them too when the chips are down. What keeps you from connectedness with others? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Letter to the Philippians: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from isolation
as we are called into the kind of community Christ had in mind for all.
We are invited to the audacity of interdependence
so that we might recognize love in its giving and receiving.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading Psalm 31:9-16 UM 764
Gospel Reading Luke 19:28-40
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“We are a group project.”
MESSAGE Pastor Ami Sawtelle
As we enter Holy Week, that period of time between the celebratory parade of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his death and burial at the end of the week, the news is full of stories of the atrocities in Ukraine. Though we still hear about the Jan. 6, 2020 violence in our own capitol, even that news pales in light of what is happening in Ukraine.
We hear of atrocities the Russians have visited upon those who have not fled their homes in time and we speak of how evil Mr. Putin is. What is our world coming to? What does this have to do with Palm/Passion Sunday and Jesus?
The people of Ukraine have pulled together, finding support from many of the European countries, even the United States, though that support is limited for fear of setting off a world war rather than keeping it a regional conflict that will hopefully not spread into the rest of Europe. Many of the people of the US, despite their political persuasion are pulling together, are beginning to unify, as they call for support of the people of the Ukraine though they are less desirous of putting troops on the ground and more interested in a negotiated peace. World powers are pulling together in a united effort to dissuade the Russian aggression.
Jesus pulled people together, particularly those who were considered ‘unworthy’ by the priests and Temple leadership Jesus found a way of inviting people to join his movement, a movement to reform the ‘church’ of the day and bring people of disparate backgrounds together in ways that might change the world, to change it for the good.
Though Jesus knew his earthly time was limited, he wanted to rally the people together, to give them a chance to celebrate before he would be betrayed, deserted and denied by his closest friends. His was not a preplanned military parade demonstrating his fire power and ability to destroy large segments of the population. It was not a parade filled with clowns, floats, and bands, but was instead a simple, impromptu affair with him mounted on an unbroken donkey, riding down a street lined with the coats off people’s backs and some tree branches rather than a red carpet.
I suspect the Temple priests and Roman occupiers were not impressed. I suspect they may have been a little
concerned, the priests because they didn’t buy in to what Jesus was espousing, the Romans due to the potential
that this lowly street preacher might stir up trouble, something they would not want on their record when it got to Caesar.
Whether it is Volodymyr Zelensky, struggling to lead his country in this time of war, or Jesus Christ as he approached Jerusalem and the cross or any of us on any given day, at times, we all need to feel the presence and support of others. Too often, when the times are tough and the chips are down, we try to withdraw from the world, try to hide our struggles and our challenges. We all need to know that someone is there to help us through. That is one of Jesus’ messages to people as he spoke of the in-breaking of the Reign of God into the world. Jesus wanted people to know that they were not alone, that Jesus’ presence on earth assured them that God knew what was happening and that God still cared.
Though we may think of ourselves as ‘independent,’ like any three-year-old espousing, “I can do it myself,” we all need help sometimes. And when we no longer need help, or sometimes even when we still need help, we are able to help and advocate for others. God created us in God’s image, not so we could live independently and do it ourselves, but so we could be in relationship with God and with one another. We speak of a “triune” God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; God who is in relationship with God’s self.
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: We are about to make a turn into Holy Week. As we do, we remember the suffering of that week is not simply located in the time and place of Jesus. Suffering continues. Oppression is not eradicated. There are lonely, scared, hungry, homeless and despairing loved ones that are part of the “group project” that is humanity. And so we enter a time of prayer that parades of protest will turn one day to parades of joy.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
- Elsie got to hold her new great, great grandson
- Henry (Baby K) is in worship with Cathy and Tim
- Connie found joy in connection with a story of earrings, the receiver of which recognized the silver, stones, etc. and knew the artist from Albuquerque
- Ukraine
- Andy Boyce
- Ken
- Gary & Linda Moore
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn “Stand by Me” UMH 512
A Blessing for When You Feel Lonely
“Blessed are we who cry out,
‘God, I need a friend to share the simple unaffected joys that come,
the troubles unbidden, those too heavy to sustain…’
Blessed are we, opening our hands in readiness,
to risk intimacy, to receive the gift of friendship, and give it in return.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the lonely bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Reminder, at this time, all worship services are on Zoom and in-person.
- Lenten Worship Sunday April 10, 2022, 7:00 pm. Preacher: Rev. Jeff Long-Middleton, Zoom link is the same as morning worship.
- Holy Week – Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022, 7:00 pm, Service will be both Zoom and in-person.
- Good Friday, April 15, 2022, 7:00 pm, Service will be both Zoom and in-person
- Easter, Sunday April 17, 2022, 6:00 am, Sunrise Service will be at the Buttons, led by Rev. Jeff Long-Middleton
- Sunday April 17, 2022, 10:00 am, Easter Service in-person and on Zoom
- Administrative Council Meeting April 12, 2022, 6:30 pm, by Zoom. Please contact Pastor Ami if you would like a link or would like to have her set up at the church so you can join from there.
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- We are returning to our monthly focus for the Food Shelf. For the Month of April, please bring protein sources, particularly canned meats.
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Items Needed. Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection: $3,457
April’s Collections to Date: $1,880
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
Love Feast: © 1992 UMPH, Prayer by Charles Wesley, from UM Book of Worship © 1992, The United Methodist Publishing House. Used with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for When You Feel Lonely” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“Lord, What a Parade!” Biblical References: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9-10; Matthew 5:9 Tune: Joseph Martin Kraus, 1784; until recently attributed to Johann Michael Haydn ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!"); Public Domain; (MIDI); Text: Copyright © 2011 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/. Used with permission.
“Stand by Me,” Words: Words and Music Charles Albert Tindley, ca 1906 (Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25); arr. By William Farley Sith, 1989 © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. CCLI #1208398. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
p with God’s self.
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5TH Sunday in Lent
“We are fragile.”
April 3, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: The story of Jesus includes many moments around tables, as this was part of his ritual of relationship even to the last. In this fifth week of the Lent season, we will hear a story of love and devotion from the disciple Mary, directed at Jesus at the table. As we will see, Jesus tries to prepare his beloved companions for his death. Talk of death is like a gut-punch to many of us; we would rather believe we and our loved ones are invincible, are able to will ourselves into being strong. We all know that isn’t always how the story goes. We are fragile. Our lives, like the plants in the gardens we tend, are susceptible to elemental dangers and a life-cycle of letting go in order to live.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 126)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Lover of Souls,
we call out to you.
You know our tears and sorrows,
and you bear the seeds of grief with us.
Open us this day to your comfort
that nurtures these seeds into sheaves of joy–
the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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 Lord Went to a Dinner”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: ANGEL'S STORY 7.6.7.6 D ("O Jesus, I Have Promised”)
The Lord went to a dinner, and Mary took perfume.
As she anointed Jesus, the fragrance filled the room.
She'd sat as a disciple, she'd been a faithful friend,
and now, with costly fragrance, she honored Christ again.
Soon Judas was complaining, "This gift could have been sold;
We could have helped the poor here — the young ones and the old.
Yet Jesus said, "My people will always help the poor,
but Mary chose to give this — to me, her dying Lord."
Her gift was her expression of thankfulness and praise,
and so it makes us wonder, in these long Lenten days:
What would we give to Jesus if he sat at our meal?
What gift would be our kindness and what would it reveal?
O Lord, today we offer the best that we can bring --
our worship as a fragrance, our love, an offering.
And now, as we're reminded the poor are with us still,
we pray that we may serve them — to honor you, as well.
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Jesus speaks the words no one wanted to admit: he was not always going to be around. “Oh, don’t say that,” so many of us have said to a loved one who speaks the truth about the fragility of life. Perhaps we get uncomfortable because it reveals the precious nature of the present moment, laying bare the beauty and horror of it all. The indescribable pain we know we will one day face invades our senses like a pervasive perfume, inescapable. What if we stopped denying the limited nature of our lives and breathed in deeply the fragrance of vulnerability? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
the need to avoid suffering at the cost of denying the fullness of life.
We are invited into the knowledge that Christ’s vulnerability
in life, death, and resurrection
shows us the sacred nature of the heights and depths
of sorrow and joy in our own saga.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading
Gospel Reading John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“We are fragile.”
As Jesus draws near to Jerusalem, he takes time out to spend with friends. They gather at the table where Martha served those gathered. Mary, one who had been known to sit at the feet of Jesus ignoring her “responsibility” to help her sister, once more attracts attention as she uses a costly perfume to wash Jesus’s feet, then rather than using a towel to dry them, she uses her hair. Why she did this is unknown, but in doing so, she stirred up a bit of trouble.
Judas objects, citing the need to feed the poor. Jesus on the other hand talks about his death and the absence in their lives this will cause. Jesus knows his time is short and acknowledges that as he says, “leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.” Roughly a week following this scene, Jesus will hang on the cross.
Grief, the elephant so often in the room. We sometimes talk about grief when someone dies, though the conversation is not always an easy one, but what about other griefs we encounter?
Grief is about loss, loss of a job, loss of friendship, loss of health, the list goes on. We recognize it when someone dies and the family and near friends begin the process of grief, but what about the teenager, uprooted from familiar surroundings and forced to move because of a family breakup, or the need to follow a parent’s job? What about the grief that come’s as a marriage ends or with the diagnosis of cancer or other catastrophic disease? What happens as we grow older and begin to recognize we can no longer do some of the things which we have enjoyed through the years because our bodies have “betrayed” us?
Grief is all around us, but we rarely talk about it, because it is plain hard. Grief can make it difficult to get up in the morning or to get to sleep at night. It can even wake us in the middle of the night and keep us awake for hours. Grief over the loss of a loved one is readily acknowledged and, at least for a while, people are supportive, or at least try to be. They often struggle with what to say and some of what is said in an attempt to comfort only intensifies the grief, that is the reality of our human condition.
But, what about other griefs? When we must leave a home filled with memories, whether young or old, there is likely be a grieving period, a time where we are able to name our grief, the losses we feel, the uncertainty that surrounds us, and expect others to be supportive rather than judgmental. When we have suddenly lost our job with no warning, perhaps a company downsizes or closes and lets a number of people go, there will be grief and enough to spare as people not only need to find a new job, perhaps relocate, but must also have some space to mourn that which was a part of their lives
Life is fragile. Young people tend to have a rather cavalier attitude, an attitude of invincibility that is far from reality as they step off into the world. They step off as if nothing can defeat them, but then reality raises its ugly head and they need to have someone to whom to turn, someone who won’t judge them, but will hear their cries and comfort them in their struggle.
As we get older and recognize just how fragile life is, whether we have watched our parents die or lost a pregnancy or seen a spouse or child struggle with cancer or other potentially terminal disease or have been diagnosed ourselves, we know life is fragile. We too need to be able to turn to someone who understands our loss, our pain.
Grieving helps us deal with such loss. Grieving and its several stages has a purpose. It allows us to cope with what can seem overwhelming at first. Unfortunately, there are many in our society that encourage us to rush through the grieving process, sometimes even our own family systems encourage us to “move on,” to not take the time we need to move through the grieving process. Jesus gathered with friends for dinner and brought up his impending death. Later in John, Jesus speaks extensively with his disciples about his death and their grief. Sometimes we need to grieve, we need to allow others to see our grief, not wallow in it, but acknowledge its presence and the challenges we face. By acknowledging and working through our own griefs, we give others permission to work through their griefs as well. We also learn to sit with those who are grieving, not demanding attention, not trying to tell them how to cope, but being a supportive presence that allows the grieving individual the space to open up about the struggles, the fears, the sorrows, with which they must now contend.
Our faith in God is an important part of our grieving process. It can inform our responses as long as we don’t get too caught up with ‘mandatory’ joy over our loss, because our loved one has gone to heaven. The reality about all of our griefs is that no matter how large or small our grief, there is One who not only understands it, but is willing to walk with us through it. God may not intervene to keep us from losing a job or save a dying child, but God will always be there with us, holding our hand, offering us comfort in the midst of our misery. Jesus experienced the fragility of life. He knew how hard his friends and disciples would struggle after his death and he took time to spend with them to prepare them for his death.
As we encounter difficult times in our lives, as we struggle with grief over what might have been, let us not beat ourselves up too much if we don’t sail through as society might encourage us. Let us not avoid talking about the elephant in the room, missing those chances to let others know how much they mean to us. Instead let’s acknowledge the wonder of time spent with friends and family, following Jesus’ example of not avoiding the elephant, but instead acknowledging the difficulties and seeking God’s strength to get us through.
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Fragility is not only OK, it is also necessary. To know and respect our own limited nature, our vulnerability to the forces of life, we are able to see and be with those who are hurting. We enter our prayers for all who suffer in mind, body, and spirit–vowing to tend with care to those for whom deaths, of many kinds, seem near.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Mona (Not Connie’s) – was refusing care, but after we started praying last week, began to accept care
Concerns:
Andy Boyce (Elsie’s grandson-in-law) – stage 3 esophageal cancer
Katherine
Colleen (Downs) broken bones
Mona (Not Connie’s) – in hospital following crash – broken bones and pneumonia
Sue Cole COVID
Ken – Cancer
Ukraine
Divisiveness in our country
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Love Feast
Prayer (May be sung to the TUNE: TEARRA BEATA; “This Is My Father’s World”)
Father of earth and heaven,
Thy hungry children feed,
Thy grace be to our spirits given,
That true immortal bread.
Grant us and all our race
In Jesus Christ to prove
The sweetness of thy pardoning grace.
The manna of thy love.
Sharing in the Feast
A Love Feast is not Holy Communion, but it is a shared meal when no one is available to consecrate the elements. It is recommended that grape juice not be used as it may confuse people. Sharing with water, coffee, tea, or other beverage as you reflect back on the above service and share insights you have gained is one possible practice in which you may wish to engage.
Closing Hymn “Be Still My Soul” UMH 534
A Blessing for When You’re in Grief
"Blessed are you, dear, dear one,
doing this holy work of suffering what must be suffered.
Of grieving what has been lost.
Of knowing the unthinkable truth that must be known.
This grief can make you feel on the other side of glass from the world around you,
a force field of different realities separating you.
Yet blessed are you in yours, for yours is the one most seen
by God who breathes compassion upon you, even now.
Who has walked this path, and who leans toward you,
gathering you up into the arms of love. Rest now, dear one. You are not alone.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the grief stricken parts,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
Love Feast: © 1992 UMPH, Prayer by Charles Wesley, from UM Book of Worship © 1992, The United Methodist Publishing House. Used with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“The Lord Went to a Dinner” Biblical Reference: John 12:1-8; Tune: Arthur Henry Mann, 1888 ("O Jesus, I Have Promised"), Public Domain, (MIDI); Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/; used with permission.
“Be Still My Soul,” Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752; trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1855 (Ps. 46;10) Public Domain; Music: Jean Sibelius, 1899; arr. From The Hymnal, 1933; Tune: FINLANDIA, 11.10.11.10.11.10; Arr. © 1933, renewed 1961 Presbyterian Board of Cristian Education; CCLI #5604159; used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Reminder, at this time, all worship services are on Zoom and in-person.
- Lenten Worship Sunday April 3, 2022, Preacher: Mal Kircher, Zoom link is the same as morning worship.
- Help for Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- Food Shelf. For the Month of March, please bring protein sources, particularly canned meats.
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Items Needed Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4TH Sunday in Lent
“We often believe we are the problem”
March 27, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: Each week of this Lent season, we are focusing on ways that we can practice a counter-cultural theology that emphasizes the beauty and grace of the reality of life-right-now rather than waiting with increasing judgment to reach some vision of a perfected existence. Our ladder-climbing efforts sometimes end up taking us down a rung or two as things don’t work out just right. And so let us continue to turn ladders into gardens, nurturing our souls and embracing our holy, “good enough,” lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 32)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, God of Forgiveness,
we call out to you and
and you surround us with deliverance.
You love us infinitely more than we love ourselves or others.
Open us this day to your counsel,
helping us be more merciful, more grace-filled,
so that we might rejoice in simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song “We’re Part of the Blessing”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: ASH GROVE 6.6.11.6.6.11 D ("Let All Things Now Living”)
We're part of the blessing of God's new creation;
The world may not see it, but we know it's true.
For God in Christ Jesus has given salvation;
The old life is gone! God makes everything new!
We're part of the blessing, for we are God's children.
We're loved and forgiven! We're welcomed back home.
And now we are called to be part of God's kingdom,
To welcome the children God claims as his own.
A man had two sons and the younger said to him,
"I want my inheritance now! It is mine!"
His father divided the property with him;
That son spent it all and was soon feeding swine.
But then he remembered his father providing;
He thought he would beg to go home as a slave.
His dad saw him coming as he stood there waiting;
He ran out to greet him and welcome and save.
We're part of the blessing of God's new creation;
As we have been welcomed, may we share God's grace.
There's no room for grumbling in God's gracious kingdom;
There's no place to question God's loving embrace.
The outcast, the sinner, the poor, struggling mother,
The addict, the seeker, the one who is lost --
God welcomes them home and invites them to dinner --
God runs out to greet us through Christ and his cross.
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Today we will hear how the Prodigal Son lives high on the hog and then famine strikes in the land of his dream vacation. And so he heads home, tail between his legs, expecting that he has lost it all. To his surprise, his extravagant failure is met with extravagant love and grace. We can be pretty hard on ourselves when things don’t go as planned. Guilt, shame, and fear of being seen as a failure can leave us wallowing in the pig pen. Our delusions of a perfectible life keep us disappointed in ourselves. Truth is, life is a big ole risk every single day and facing whatever each day holds is not only good enough, but worthy of love and grace. Do you find yourself being unrealistically hard on yourself? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Second Letter to the Corinthians: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
the guilt and shame of our past failings and our present unrealistic expectations.
We are invited to rejoice that each day is a new beginning,
so that we might enjoy, and not dread, the life before us.
And know, that despite our sometimes-faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
Gospel Reading Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“We often believe we are the problem.”
The Message
I find the story of the Prodigal Son(s) an intriguing one. Do we talk about an unforgiving son who only sees his brother’s return and welcome as a slap in the face for his own hard work? What about the younger son who has basically declared his father dead, and now comes crawling home? What about the Jewish cleanliness laws that forbid consuming pigs? We could go on and on about the possible sub-stories and themes we find in this parable Jesus spoke to a gathering of Pharisees and scribes as Jesus himself cared for the sinners and tax collectors.
Let’s begin by looking at the people gathered around Jesus, the ones identified as sinners and tax collectors, what might Jesus be saying to them in this story? What might Jesus be saying to us?
Who might we consider to be those gathered around Jesus that day? We don’t divide as sinners and tax collectors versus Pharisees and scribes, so who might we see in the crowd? Might we equate certain ethnic or racial groups with the sinners and tax collectors? What about other denominations or religious groups? Do we see through eyes that look at the quality of a person’s clothes and make judgements in that way? And what OF the Pharisees and scribes, do we see them as rich or of a certain ethnic, racial or religious background?
Jesus speaks to all of the people gathered, allowing them to see themselves in the story without pointing a finger. Perhaps a Pharisee might see himself as the younger son, seeing the sins he himself has committed through the years and his return to following the Law. Perhaps he’ll see himself as the older son, frustrated and angry that the younger son has been welcomed with such extravagance. We might wonder if he gets the message that the father shared with the older son.
We are human. On any given day, we might find our own story as that of the younger son, or the older son, or even the father. When we find ourselves with the younger son in particular, do we beat ourselves up, over and over and over, carrying around a load of guilt and shame? How would it feel to be that younger son, having let our guilt and shame sink us into the deepest troughs of despair, willing to eat the pods, the swill, that has been offered to the pigs, then, bowing our heads in defeat and returning home in our continued guilt and shame, hoping just to be able to get a job that will feed us and put a roof over our heads? So many people stop there. Either they don’t take the next step, or society is more like the angry brother than the loving father. The younger son is met by a loving father who forgoes convention to run to him, hug him and call for extravagance to celebrate his return, how might this wayward son have felt?
Knowing the story, we all want to see that loving father running toward us, reaching out to hug us, offering us a robe and a ring and killing the fatted calf. Unfortunately, too often the world tells us how worthless we are, ‘get a job’, ‘take a shower’, ‘what are you doing in my neighborhood’, ‘leave the drugs, alcohol, etc. and clean yourself up,’ ‘get over it, she’s/he’s dead, move on with your life.’ We need to see the loving father waiting for us, not the angry older brother. The world needs to see the loving father waiting for them, not the resentful, self-righteous older brother.
You see, the father saw the younger son through eyes of love. He saw the son as “good enough,” despite his time of wasteful demeaning living. Job loved his children so much that he would make sacrifices to God just in case his kids had sinned. While acknowledging their possibility of sinning, he saw them through eyes of love that wanted them to be good enough in their own walk toward God. This father continued to love a son that had as much as told him, “you are dead in my eyes.”
Let us confess our sins before God, then let God take them, and quit beating ourselves up, instead accepting that God knows we are human and called humanity, at the beginning of time, good. Let us look to the undercurrents in our community, in our country and in the world, that tell people that they are not ‘good enough’ because of their gender, their color, their ethnic heritage or whatever it might be and create a base of love that invites others to acknowledge their human failings. Instead of beating themselves up over and over with the help of well-meaning people around them. Let them find a community that loves them and finds them good enough, encouraging them to continue to grow in love and knowledge of God who, having come to earth in human form, knows what it means to live through difficulties, struggles and in a community of those who don’t understand and who base their actions on that lack of understanding.
Let us look at one another through eyes that see and acknowledge our differences, but rather than using those differences, as did the Pharisees and scribes, as ways of judging others as less than, unworthy of, or just plain bad, due to their differences, let us see the wondrous beauty of a world filled with varieties of people who God has created, and seek to help one another along a pathway to God, that God will call “good enough.”
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Blaming is a typical human behavior. We’ve talked about those times when we blame ourselves harshly, and we know we often turn the blame on others. A particular attitude of blaming happens in a culture that has identified “goodness” with “boot-strapping effort.” So many who are victims of systematized oppression are blamed for their own circumstances. They end up being deprived of just resolutions to the deprivation that results from unjust systems. As individuals, as a society, and as a church, we must work to eradicate this kind of blaming and its resulting layers of suffering.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Baby K’s Mom has given up custody, Tim and Cathy will soon be able to start the adoption process
Keith Michelson – home, but needs continued prayer
Dottie saw a flock of geese flying North – Spring is coming!
Concerns:
Colleen (has Downs) fell and broke bones
Mona (not Connie’s Mona) in ICU following crash, multiple broken bones in feet particularly, pneumonia now
Ken – Throat Cancer
Andy Boyce Cancer
Steve Oakland (Emmaus Community) multiple surgeries and long recovery
Baby K’s Mom has given up custody – prayers for peace and healing
Friend spreading son’s ashes – prayers for peace
Lillian – Cindy’s sister-in-law’s sister surgery Wednesday
Friend has died, prayers for family and friends
Keith Michelson – home Friday, doing well but still needs prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn “This is a Day of New Beginnings” UMH 383
A Blessing for Becoming Real
"Blessed are you who do not despise your realness.
It may hurt. You may not recognize yourself in the mirror.
But this is what we hoped for, right?
To live and love. To be loved.
To have our experiences show on our faces and in our cells.
It is the real life of Jesus in us, being made visible, as all our seams show.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the broken bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“We’re Part of the Blessing” Biblical References: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3,11b-32; Tune: Traditional Welsh melody ("Let All Things Now Living"), Music: Public Domain; (MIDI); Text: Copyright © 2016 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved; New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com/
“This Is a Day of New Beginnings,” Words: Brian Wren, 1978; alt. 1987 (Rev. 21:5); Music: Carlton R. Young, 1984; Tune: BEGGININGS; Words © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; Music © 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; CCLI #231043; used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Lenten Series—March 27, Rev. Sawtelle; April 3, Mal Kircher; April 10, Jeff Long-Middleton. Hybrid Services (in-person, Gathering Room, GUMC and on zoom) at 7:00 p.m.
- Reminder, at this time, all worship services are on Zoom and in-person.
- Lenten Worship Sunday March 27, 2022, Preacher: Pastor Ami Sawtelle, Zoom link is the same as morning worship.
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- We are returning to our monthly focus for the Food Shelf. For the Month of March, please bring protein sources, particularly canned meats.
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Items Needed--Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3RD Sunday in Lent
“Lots of things can be medicine.”
March 20, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: As we continue our look at what it means to release oppressive expectations about perfection in our lives and in our faith, this week we turn to a harmful idea that the prescription for our fear of failure is to simply work harder. As the book Good Enough reminds us, “We might feel we are climbing an ‘endless staircase’ of achievement, for high grades or success…[in] caregiving, work, or social pressure.” This Lent, we are taking some time to stop climbing ladders and staircases, to tend our souls slowly and lovingly, tilling the soil and fertilizer, and embracing our holy, “good enough,” lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 63)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Our Balm, Our Feast
we lift our hands and call your name,
in need of healing–thirsting and hungry.
Your steadfast love is better than life.
Open us this day to your nourishment
in the songs of the land, in the beauty of the sky–
in the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song “The Gifts of God are Free”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: ST. THOMAS 6.6.8.6 ("I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord")
The gifts of God are free — the water, milk and wine;
The feast of God's community is set — for all to dine.
O God, we tend to see a world of limits here;
We share your gifts reluctantly and hoard them out of fear.
And yet you give your grace like food from heaven above;
Your church becomes a welcome place, a banquet of your love.
There's joy, and joy to spare; there's bread that satisfies;
You call us now to seek and share your love that changes lives.
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: In our Gospel scripture today, we will hear about the unproductive fig tree. Oh, the shame of being unproductive! Cut it down! Make room for a more dedicated and hard-working fig tree! Who among us is living up to our fullest potential? The productivity experts these days can diagnose what’s wrong and sell us the antidote in 3 amazing sessions for a low-low price that is guaranteed to turn our lives around. But the gardener offers an alternative medicine–nurture it slowly, letting it soak in the manure all around until it can get the good stuff out of it. Lying fallow and getting fertilized with laughter and tears at the crappy stuff of life can help heal what ails us. Is this not sometimes productive enough? What productivity expectations are holding you captive? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from Isaiah: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Know that already, God is offering us love enough
no matter how much we attain or achieve.
We are invited to release oppressive expectations of ourselves and others
so that we might recognize true worth afforded to all.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading Isaiah 55:1-9
Gospel Reading Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?'
He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’"
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“Lots of things can be medicine.”
Oh, the shame of the unproductive fig tree. Cut it down! Make room for a more dedicated and hard-working fig tree! Who among us is living up to our fullest potential? The productivity experts these days can diagnose what’s wrong and sell us the antidote in 3 amazing sessions for a low-low price that is guaranteed to turn our lives around. But the gardener offers an alternative medicine–nurture it slowly, letting it soak in the manure all around until it can get the good stuff out of it. Lying fallow and getting fertilized with laughter and tears at the crappy stuff of life can help heal what ails us and that is sometimes productive enough.
Isaiah 55:1-9
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 6Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalm 63:1-8 (UM788)
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. 5My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips 6when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness. 6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” 6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
“Burnout,” a term coined by Herbert Freudenberger in 1970 (Burnout: A Socio-Cultural History, by Wilmar B. Schaufeli, https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/481.pdf), is a term often heard in not only the business world, but in many professions today. Dictionary.com defines this as: fatigue, frustration or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork or intense activity. (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/burnout).
So often in today’s world, we are encouraged to do more, be more, with fewer resources and in a shorter amount of time. Society has set expectations that people are superhuman, that there is infinite amounts of time and energy in a day so that we can accomplish more at work and still be able to care for our families at home, keeping a perfect (read “Southern Living” or “Good Housekeeping” quality) house, cooking healthy meals for everyone to sit at the table as a family to eat, reading a bedtime story with our children after helping them with their homework, taking them to (insert one or more of the following: soccer, dance, basketball, football, etc.) and still have time to sit and relax with our spouse before getting at least eight hours of sleep each and every night.
How many of us are exhausted just by reading the above paragraph? It didn’t include a few of the other things that we are told we should do every day, spend time with God in prayer, read your Bible every day, spend time in meditation, go for a run/walk/workout at least 30 minutes every day.
The pandemic may have something of a silver lining for some people, it has taught many people the importance of self-care and work-life balance.
Many people from the “Post War” and “Boomer” generations have been taught a work ethic that encourages us to work and care for others, but to make time for God and to rest on the Sabbath. Later generations, (to include some of those in the later years of the Boomers) as they have become more and more secularized have moved away from time for God in order to make time for more work, in order to buy more things.
The parable of “the Fig Tree,” speaks to our need to be nourished and cared for on a regular basis. The owner wants to just throw the tree out and replace it with a newer, younger tree that might give the desired product. The gardener on the other hand recommends patience and nurture for an additional year, suggesting that such care might make a difference in the yield.
Perhaps the gardener has been ignoring this poor tree, perhaps, the gardener wants to try a new kind of fertilizer or a different cultivation style, we aren’t given those pieces of information. The important thing is, “have patience, lets try something else before throwing up our hands and giving up.”
Burnout can happen with our devotional time and in our prayer life also. As we use the same materials over and over, though they may become like very special friends, they may also feel stale and no longer feed us. If that is the case with you, try something new. Do you like to draw? There are prayer practices and devotional practices that use art as a centering space. Do you find sitting quietly doesn’t work for you? Pray while doing the dishes or take a walk (now you’re getting exercise too) and pray or use recorded devotional materials as you walk.
Our devotional time is about spending time with our Creator, not doing something that has lost meaning for us in the flood of things we must do each day. Find a practice and try it for a season, does it produce growth, or are you still stuck in the same rut? If it hasn’t worked, try a new practice until you find something that so resonates with your heart that you find life without it to be less attractive. There is no particular devotional plan that works for everyone, find one that works for you and do it at the frequency that works for you and let that be good enough. God wishes us to find joy in our lives, listen to the prophet Isaiah in today’s reading. Know that faith in God and in God’s Son, Jesus, is good enough and joy can be yours.
Prayers of the People That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Often our religious debates within Christianity have focused on what makes us “worthy” of salvation… is it faith alone or the work that we do to follow rules and answer God’s call? Many have wanted an easy answer, “just tell me what I have to do to enter the kin-dom of heaven!” This week we have affirmed that God’s love and grace come without price and making ourselves sick with overwork is not the answer to what ails us. And yet, God does call us to work together to alleviate the suffering of others. Why? Not so we can buy the golden ticket to eternal life, but so that all might know a heaven of help right here on earth.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Presence of Ken, Phillis, Stephany & Charen in worship today
Refugees from Ukraine that have reached safety & those giving them shelter and assistance
Concerns:
The people of the Ukraine & all those in harm’s way
Our president and all world leaders
Mr. Putin, may his heart be changed
For those seeking shelter
A friend with Crohn’s disease
Baby K’s birth mom, giving up rights on Thursday
Cathy and Tim as they continue to care for Baby K and are looking to beginning the adoption process
Elizabeth – up and down hill struggles
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” UMH 480
A Blessing for Slowing Down
“…blessed are we who stop—okay, maybe not stop entirely,
who are we kidding—but who slow down.
We who discover rest and new life and renewal
when we step off the treadmill (or at least turn it down).
We who remember that the world keeps spinning without us.
And thank God for that. We who remember we are loved, loved, loved. Just being us.
Benediction And now, may the God who loves all of creation, and you–without price,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“That’s Good Enough for Me” prayer song by Daniel S. Warner, 19th cent. Additional verses by Marcia McFee, Marsha Charles, Chuck Bell. Used with permission.
“A Blessing for Slowing Down” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
“The Gifts of God Are Free” Biblical Reference: Isaiah 55:1-9, Tune: The Universal Psalmodist, 1763; adapted by Aaron Williams, 1770 ("I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord") Public Domain, (MIDI);Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” Words; George Matheson, 1882; Music: Albert L. Peace, 1884; Tune: ST. MARGARET, 88.886l; Words & Music in the Public Domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Reminder, at this time, all worship services are on Zoom and in-person.
- Lenten Worship Sunday March 20, 2022, 7:00 pm. Preacher: Rev. KellyAnn Donahue, Zoom link is the same as morning worship.
- Help for the Ukraine may be given through UMCOR by making your check out to the Grace UMC and writing International Disaster Response and Recovery on the memo line or UMCOR Advance #982450
- We are returning to our monthly focus for the Food Shelf. For the Month of March, please bring protein sources, particularly canned meats.
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
- Food Shelf Items Needed. Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2ND Sunday in Lent
“Ordinary lives can be holy.”
March 13, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold
Leader: We continue our movement through the Lent season this week with another kind of “letting go.” This week we lament that so much in life is out of our control. This is frustrating to us and so sometimes we have been tempted to believe the sayings that tell us if we just “think positively,” we can turn it all around. Yet our experience tells us that this doesn’t always work. Let us turn ladder-climbing toward the expectation of a perfect life into garden-tending, nurturing “what is” and embracing our holy, good enough, lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Calling on God (Based on Psalm 27)
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Our Light and Salvation,
we call out to you,
sometimes afraid of the adversaries in life.
Shelter us in days of trouble, lead us on level paths.
Open us this day to your grace and peace,
transform our frustrations
into simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song “Take Time to Be Holy” UMH 395
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Even Jesus got dang frustrated when folks didn’t behave as he would have liked. We probably aren’t receiving death threats from Herod as Jesus was, but our wellbeing could be threatened by the idea that if we just try hard enough, are nice enough, say just the right thing, life will always go our way. We run around in so many directions, trying to herd the chicks into some imagined semblance of perfect formation (have you ever tried to herd chicks?). What if we could let go of needing all things and all people to be “just so” and instead learn to dance with the unfolding of that which is not ours to control? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Psalmist: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
feeling alone in fixing what feels oh so wrong with this world,
inviting us to let go of the need to be God,
so that we might recognize that God is with us, offering courage in difficulty.
And know, that despite our sometimes faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading Psalm 27
Gospel Reading Luke 13: 31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you."
He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.'
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“So much is out of our control.”
“I wish I had never been born.” “Why did God make me like this?” “If God has known me and loved me since before I was born, why is my life so hard?” “If God is love and God is good, why is there evil in the world?” “I wish God would take control of everyone’s life so we could live in a better world…” The list goes on and on as people struggle with a lack of control in their lives. I would guess that anyone who has been a pastor for any length of time has not only heard many of these questions but has heard them more than once.
We live in a world where ’might is right’ seems the operative phrase to describe how so many seem to function. We live in a world where we feel control is often taken away from us. We live in a beautiful home in a nice area, and someone breaks in and steals our stuff. We live in a quiet, out of the way spot, and a forest fire or tornado devastates our home and surrounding area and we have no control over what happens. We receive a dreaded diagnosis such as cancer, or other debilitating disease that we may can fight, but at the cost of our dignity, our pride, our general wellbeing.
Life is difficult and often we feel we have little or no control over how our lives are lived. Where is God in the midst of this? “Why does God seem to answer the prayers of some, but not of others?” we ask.
We have a picture of an ideal life in our minds, a life without struggle, without conflict, with everyone having all they need and then some, but God doesn’t make it happen. Instead, God looks to us to help make the world into what God desires it to be. God uses us as agents to share God’s love with others by acting out of a place of love in our daily activities, by doing concrete things that make God’s love visible to those who are in a more difficult situation that are we.
When we pray, “thy will be done,” we are giving our will, our control in some sense, over to God. We ask that things be about God and not about our pleasure, our wants our desires. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray for the things we want, God hears our prayers and many are answered if we learn to look for an answer other than the exact one we desire. Answers come through the presence of other people in our lives, or changes in circumstances and we miss seeing God’s hand in the midst of it.
Jesus is enroute to Jerusalem, but he has not reached there when the pharisees accost him. Are they acting out of selfish need, care for Jesus or a desire to serve God? For Jesus, serving God means doing the difficult thing. Continuing his journey to Jerusalem could not have been easy, knowing what he knew. He knew that going to Jerusalem was inviting trouble and likely he would die there. He was preparing his disciples for that very thing. How in control do you think Jesus felt at this time? He continued on his way despite the potential death he knew he was facing.
We, like Jesus, must submit our control to God, but just like Jesus it will not be easy. I often think of a hand extended in front of me when I want to give something to God. Unfortunately, too often as I stretch my hand out, I quickly close it and jerk it back, not entirely sure I want to trust God to take care of whatever it is, rather trying to maintain my own control, trying to “do it myself” as has often come from the lips of little children.
Each time we attempt to offer up something to God, we need to try to not take it back rather allowing God to take it and to help us to deal with it as a team effort. Every time we ‘stretch out our hand’ to give it up, we are taking a step closer to God. We are not perfect, nor will we be perfect in an instant, but each attempt is a ‘good enough’ step to begin or strengthen our journey towards perfection in God’s love.
Prayers of the People
That’s Enough for Me
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Sanctification, or the process of being set apart or made holy, is a theological concept that has been greatly debated over time–are we made holy in a once-and-done kind of way or are we always simply moving in that direction based on our merits? It is as if once the debate is settled, then we can know what to do and control the outcome of goodness for ourselves. And yet, if we worry less about our own sanctification and more on treating the world, the planet, and all the creatures, especially those who are suffering, as holy and worthy of our love, then we will be acting on what we can control, sharing what we have with others.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
Joys:
Joy Michelson Clancy is present in worship
Lillian saw a flock of robins – hope for spring
Keith Michelson is showing progress
Connie’s daughter Sara and her family are home safely
Concerns:
People of Ukraine, Poland, Russia and all that are impacted by the conflict between Mr. Putin and the Ukraine
Shureen’s cousin Darrell whose daughter Hillary died, leaving 2 children (8 &2)
Teenagers, particularly those 14&15 years old who are struggling
Amy - Carol & Tom Whitney’s daughter
Ami – Lianna leaving
Chris – paperwork for Medicaid for Bob
Offering
God has given us many blessings and accepts us as we are, human, imperfect, but seeking to grow in love and in faith. As we walk this Lenten journey together, may we offer ourselves as well as our riches that God may use us and them for God’s kin-dom to become fully incarnate.
Doxology TUNE: Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God, in light of your extravagant blessings–no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–we offer our gifts and ourselves, and know that you transform what we plant into the produce of love. Amen.
Closing Hymn/Song “Since the Lord is My Salvation” Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D ("Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”)
Since the Lord is my salvation,
Is there anyone to fear?
As a citizen of heaven
why should I feel worry here?
In a world that's lost and broken
and where sin and death abound,
We rejoice for God has spoken:
we are safe, on solid ground.
God will hide me in the shelter
when the days of trouble come.
Though a war may rise against me,
God's own tent will be my home.
I will trust what God has given,
I will trust God's word to me:
I'm a citizen of heaven
and it's what I'll always be.
Even when I hear the warning,
"Find a safer, easier way,"
I'll be faithful in the morning
and at noon and close of day.
As a citizen of heaven,
I have nothing I should fear;
For in Christ, I am forgiven,
and I'm called to service here.
You, O Lord, are my salvation;
make me strong to live for you.
May I care for your creation,
love the stranger, speak what's true.
May I share what you have given;
may I see each person's worth.
As a citizen of heaven,
make me useful here on earth.
A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling
“Blessed are you who see things clearly, where struggle is everyone’s normal.
You walk among the fellowship of the afflicted, a club no one wants to join.
And while this life isn’t shiny, it does come with superpowers.
Superpowers of ever-widening empathy and existential courage
that gets you back up after another fall
and a deepened awe at the beauty and love that can be found amid life’s rubble.
Like flowers that grow from the cracks in the sidewalk.
These virtues blossom in you. And thank God for you.
Blessed are all of us who struggle, for we are in good company,
and we’ll never walk alone.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially when it’s painful,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“A Blessing for When You Realize Everyone is Struggling” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
Since the Lord Is My Salvation – Words: Copyright © Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.; Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D ("Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”) In the public Domain.
Take Time to Be Holy – Words: William D. Longstaff, ca. 1882 (1 Pet. 1:16); Music: George C. Stebbins, 1890; Tune HOLINESS 65.65 D. Words and Music in the Public Domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
- Reminder, at this time, all worship services are on Zoom and in-person.
- Daylight Savings Time is March 13. Don’t forget to turn those clocks ahead!
- We are returning to our monthly focus for the Food Shelf. For the Month of March, please bring protein sources, particularly canned meats.
- Linus Project has placed a tote under the bulletin board in the Peckett Parlor. For our sewers and knitters, it is a chance to reach out to children in need of a comforting blanket. More information is available from the fliers on the top of the tote.
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
March’s Collection to date: $1,700 (a portion is from the last Sun. in February)
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH1ST Sunday in Lent
1st Sunday in Lent
“Ordinary lives can be holy.”
March 6, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome
Threshold
Leader: The liturgical season of Lent developed over the centuries as a time of deepened reflection. Originally a period of preparation for baptisms on Easter Eve, it later became a time for all Christians to take stock of their lives and examine how the connection to their faith was progressing–or not–and to recommit to a life of goodness. This year we will indeed open up and take stock. But rather than feel guilty (a popular Lenten pastime) about what we haven’t accomplished in our lives and faith, we will spend some time questioning how our culture’s obsession with achievement and perfection actually keeps us from the true depths of life and faith. This Lent, we’ll take some time to turn ladder-climbing into garden-tending, nurturing our souls and embracing our holy, “good enough,” lives.
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow, this faith is good enough. [repeat]
Calling on God
Based on Psalm 91
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Our Refuge and Shelter,
we call out to you,
sometimes in praise, sometimes in distress–as life goes.
Whether we perceive it or not, you are there.
Open us this day to your presence
in the smile of a friend, in the call of a bird–
in the simple and good enough moments that fill our days.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and Our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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/Song
“Our Lord, You Were Sent”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: FOUNDATION 11.11.11.11 (“How Firm a Foundation”)
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: We find ourselves hungry for many things that we believe will bring us satisfaction. In today’s Gospel, the devil lays a bet that Jesus will jump at the chance for glory, fame, and the quick fix. Who wouldn’t? But Jesus keeps up the pithy one-liners long enough that the Tempter just has to slink away. What are the temptations that catch your ear, singing out promises that your life should be more special than it is? What if ordinary life is already holy–as is? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the Letter to the Romans: “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Know that already, God is offering us freedom from
the temptations of the “not enough-ness” of our time,
inviting us to love and revere the seeming ordinariness of the day-to-day
so that we might recognize its true beauty.
And know, that despite our sometimes-faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading
Romans 10:8b-13
Gospel Reading
Luke 4: 1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’”
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“Ordinary lives can be holy.”
As we listen to the news coming out of Ukraine we see a large, powerful nation forcing its will upon a much smaller nation. Some of the reports suggest part of the reason for this is a desire by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to bring back the old Soviet Union, to regain the previous empire. He has previously invaded Chechnya and Belarus still leans more to its previous Russian attachments, but there appears to be fear that the NATO alliance is gaining too much power in relation to Russia and the previous, Cold War power known as the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics (USSR).
What does this world leader have to do with today’s scripture and our series, Good Enough?
In our introduction today, Marcia McFee talked about our hunger for things that will satisfy. Many of our lives are spent hungering for things that will satisfy. Advertisers play upon that very thing, “If you buy…” We are surrounded by a culture that encourages us to feed our hunger in whatever way we think we will receive satisfaction/satiation. “Are you sad, depressed, feeling like your world is out of control? Take this pill, try this drug, drink this liquor and all of your troubles will go away.” “You can feel less lonely if you watch these scantily/unclad women demean themselves for your pleasure.” And the many other ways we are lured into feeding our hungers by means other than looking to God.
Mr. Putin believes that by attacking/conquering the Ukraine, his hungers, his wants and desires will be satiated. He has no interest, at least so it seems, in what God would desire in this situation. Instead, his “god” for want of a better term, is power, power over the people of his country (he has changed the country’s constitution so he can remain president into the 2030s), power over surrounding nations and perhaps he has a desire for world domination. Part of what may be going on is also fear, fear that his country will be surrounded by nations belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); fear of loss of power and prestige both on the world stage and at home.
In our Gospel passage today, Jesus is tempted by the “devil,” first being encouraged to “command this stone to become a loaf of bread,” to satiate the hunger in his belly after being in the wilderness for 40 days without food. Now to me, this one is interesting in that Jesus has waited 40 days and likely had the power to change a stone into bread at any point during that time frame. Why would he, at this eleventh hour so to speak, change a stone into bread at the encouragement of one who is trying to entrap him. Yet, this happens all the time as we go to the internet to purchase that which we can live without because someone told us it would make our lives better. Jesus’ response is a quote from Scripture, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
The devil then reached out, tempting him with power. This is the place that so many slip. We see the trappings of power and we want them for ourselves. We are led to believe that the more power one as the better one’s life is. When we have power, our needs, our wants, our desires will all be fulfilled, if we just have enough power. We miss the part where there is a price for that power, just as Mr. Putin has missed this same point. In order to obtain the power, Jesus must worship the devil. In order for us to obtain the power, we may have to consider “selling our souls to the devil.” Power does not come without a price, be it giving up time with family and friends or turning our backs on the moral convictions with which we have been raised or standing in the shadow of a greater power in hopes that we will garner a bit of that power from that shadow. Jesus’ response, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” reminds us that our power, our strength, our purpose should come from God and our trust in God should be the guiding star of our lives.
Too often, we try to depend upon ourselves to satisfy our hungers and desires rather than turning to a power greater than we that is truly interested only in what is good for us. If we look to God to satiate our hungers, to fill our wants and desires, life will not magically become better. We won’t suddenly become rich and famous, but life will become more satisfying, for as we walk in God’s pathways, as we follow God’s Son, Jesus, we will find those things God calls us to do will fill some of that emptiness, will satiate some of that want and desire.
As we journey through this Season of Lent, perhaps we will find a practice that will remain with us not only during this season, but through the many seasons of our lives, a practice that will help feed our spirits and strengthen our faith. Jesus spoke of faith as small as a tiny seed as being a faith that was “good enough.” May we find a faith that is good enough and a practice that is good enough to feed that faith regularly.
Prayers of the People
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Our prayer song in this Lent season is written by an evangelist who wrote in the 19th century, Daniel S. Warner. A newspaper publisher and outspoken believer in sanctification (the movement toward perfection), he nonetheless penned this hymn drawing on First Timothy 6, a text that reminds us not to slip from the desire to see one’s family well-fed and clothed to seeing them more well-fed and clothed than others. Embracing a good enough life means also embracing the need for the ordinariness of all lives to be good enough–cared for enough, sheltered and fed enough, loved enough. As long as this is not true in this world, we will pray and work for justice. And so Warner’s first verse is followed by an adapted new second verse turning our attention to the needs of the world.
When food and raiment are not ever sure,
and simple fare is hard to get for some,
we work to share our goods with one and all,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
a love like Christ’s is meant for ev’ry soul,
and that is enough for me.
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Eliza’s baby—Roman Lorenzo, born 2/21, 7 lbs. 11 oz., 19” long
Shureen—prayers offered during a difficult time
Rebecca having tea with Vera
Elizabeth made a snow angel
Rob Elder and Pat Benjamin—prayers of thanksgiving
Pastor Bumshik and family have found a house
Concerns:
Ukraine
Gary Moore
Lillian & Richard Moon
Bob Benjamin
Connie—Sarah & family flying to FL
Keith Michelson—continued prayers
Katharine & others with dementia
Elizabeth—health problems
Rebecca—Co-worker with heart issues
Offering
Doxology
Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Jesus Christ, our burdens know,
Praise Spirit through whom our hearts grow,
Praise Three-in-One, from here below.
Prayer after Offering
Generous God,
in light of your extravagant blessings–
no matter what the state of the world or our imperfect lives–
we offer our gifts and ourselves,
and know that you transform what we plant
into the produce of love.
Amen.
Love Feast
When circumstances and concern for the common good keep us from gathering to share the Eucharistic Feast in person we gather to pray, separated in the body, yet ONE IN THE SPIRIT and ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!! 1
CENTERING: Recognizing the presence of God
God is with us. [We are not alone.]
Christ is with us. [The Risen One has met us,
blessed and fed us on the road that leads us home.]
The community of the Holy Spirit is with us.
[We gather with the communion of the saints in light
throughout history and with God’s people around the world.]
With brothers and sisters, absent in body but united in Spirit, we pray:
Holy One, Trinity of grace and power,
Maker and Mother, Beloved and Lover, Father and Friend:
Thanks be to you, O God!
[You are ever the father who gives us bread, not stones.
You are the mother who never forgets we’re her own.
From the beginning of life to the closing of time,
you are the One who is with us to the end.]
And so, with all who breathe on earth and all who sing in heaven,
we praise your name and join Creation’s song:
(said or sung or read silently)
[Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done in whom this world rejoices,
The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore,
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.]
Martin Rinkart, 1663, translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1858
WORD AND RESPONSE
First reading: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Light the candle.
[Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. You are our Risen Lord in whom light has conquered darkness.]
Sit silently in the light, feeling the power and presence of the Risen Christ.
Second reading: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Hold the Bible.
[Here in our hands is the story of God’s covenant of steadfast love with God’s people. We are assured of God’s presence with us at all times and places – even in the midst of fear and difficulty.]
Sit quietly and absorb the stories of God’s love and grace that can sustain you wherever you are.
Third reading: On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38)
Hold the glass of water in your hands.
[Without water, there can be no life. In creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the water and brought forth light. God brought John to the Jordan River to call us to repentance. We were nourished in the water of the womb. We were baptized by water and the Spirit into God’s family. Water reminds us of the gifts of creation that God has so abundantly given us, and of the love and grace we have all received.]
Drink the water slowly. Feel it flow into your body. Know that God’s love is flowing into your body and soul right now.
Fourth reading: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Take a piece of bread in your hands.
[Christ broke bread and fed the multitudes. Christ broke bread and formed a new covenant with his closest friends and with all who break bread in remembrance of him. Christ was made known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread. Bread reminds us that, just like individual grains of wheat are gathered together to make a single loaf, we who are scattered are one body in Christ.]
Break and eat the piece of bread that you are holding. Remember the times you have received bread in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Remember those who gathered with you. Remember the presence of Christ in that moment. Be assured that Christ is with you in every moment of your life. Sit silently and allow Christ’s love to surround you.
PRAYER
In the silence after every petition (marked by . . .), specific names or situations may be spoken aloud or held closely in the heart.
Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, you speak to us words of life.
Call forth in us rivers of living water, and feed our deepest hunger.
[In trying times, in times of loneliness or confusion, in times we feel most alone,
remind us that we are never alone, for you are with us always.]
Hear us now, and pray for us in our weakness with sighs too deep for words,
as we lift up:
- Those whom we love – those present with us and those from whom we are
- The prisoners, and those held captive physically, mentally, or spiritually . . .
- The sick and the suffering . . .
- Those who care for the sick, both medical caregivers and families who wait and watch with them . . .
- Those who mourn the loss of loved ones, the loss of freedom, the loss of security, the loss of a livelihood, or the loss of a sense of order and control . . .
- Those with more questions than answers, and all who long for your guiding light for their path . . .
- The lonely, the isolated, and those who long for a loving touch . . .
- Those whose remaining days on this earth are few, and for those walking in the valley of the shadow of death . . .
- Those whom we too easily forget, and those whose needs are known only to you . . .
[God of compassion, hear our prayers;
fill us with your grace, and inspire us to be instruments of mercy and hope,
for we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.]
Closing Hymn/Song “Open My Eyes, That I May See” UMH 454
A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey
“Blessed are you who realize there is simply not enough–time, money, resources.
Blessed are you who are tired of pretending that raw effort is the secret to perfection.
It’s not. And you know that now.
Blessed are you who need a gentle reminder that even now, even today,
God is here, and somehow, that is good enough.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the ordinary parts,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All readings are from New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the United States of America, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN 37214.
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“A Blessing for a Joyfully Mediocre Journey” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
Love Feast - ©2020 by The Order of Saint Luke; Prepared by Beth Fender, OSL; Elizabeth Moore, OSL; and Dwight Vogel, OSL
1 This service may be done alone, with another, or in a digitally-gathered community. Bracketed material may be read by a second voice. Note: At this point in digital technology, we recommend that one other voice speak the responses, rather than multiple people speaking at once..
2Adapted from Great Thanksgiving Four by Heather Murray Elkins in The Book of Offices and Services of The
Order of Saint Luke, OSL Publications, 2012, pp. 22ff.
3All readings are from New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN 37214.
Permission granted for reproduction in print or on the web by including this permission statement.
Our Lord, You Were Sent – Words: Copyright © Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.; Tune: FOUNDATION 11.11.11.11 (“How Firm a Foundation”) In the public Domain.
Open My Eyes, That I May See Words and Music by Clara H. Scott, 1895, Tune: OPEN MY EYES 99.09 with Refrain. In the Public Domain.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Reminder, at this time, all worship services are on Zoom or in-person.
- Daylight Savings Time is March 13. Don’t forget to turn those clocks ahead!
- Ad Council, February 8 at 6:30 by Zoom. All invited. Contact Pastor Ami for Zoom link.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $1,580
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Ash Wednesday
March 2, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
WE GATHER
Music for Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Threshold Moment
Leader: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, a time when we aspire to make some room for deeper introspection and practices that will draw us into the love and assurance of faith. But sometimes faith can feel not as assured as we hoped for. We can feel “less than,” perceiving that others seem to be able to be “more faithful” in their practices and beliefs. This Lent, rather than change for “the best,” we’ll seek to gain momentum one day at a time, “to reach for a faith that is never perfect, but good enough.”
“Good Enough”
What in our lives do we dream about for tomorrow, void of sorrow?
Time spent regretting decisions of our yesterdays, mistakes we made?
Sometimes we get what we get,
life disappoints us and yet,
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Calling on God
Leader: Let us pray together:
Holy One, Merciful God,
make yourself known to us.
Be present with us in this often-troubled journey of life.
Create in us hearts that are open to transformation.
Give us the patience of practice in this Lent season–
ordering our days with time enough for you.
Amen.
Lighting our Candle for Peace and our Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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 “Be Thou My Vision” UMH #451
Honest Questions, Compassionate Response
Leader: Jesus used the word “hypocrite” to describe those who put on airs in public to make people believe that they were holy, that their religious practice was… well… perfect. But their hearts were actually not in the practice, rather in the rewards that public approval could bring them–which is here today, often gone tomorrow. Sometimes it is life itself that robs us of the shiny, perfect life that we had planned for ourselves. A diagnosis. A broken heart. A lost opportunity. What places in your life and faith could you begin to lose from the chains of perfectionism? Let us take a moment of silent reflection…
Silent Reflection
Leader: Hear this compassionate word from the prophet Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to lose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?… Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.”
Know that already, God is offering us
freedom from the bonds of perfectionism,
inviting us to break the yoke of what “should be”
so that we might discover what “might be” when we
honor the small steps that are actually possible, in this moment, for this one day.
And know, that despite our sometimes-faltering steps,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are being forgiven, even now.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.
The Peace
WE PROCLAIM
First Reading (NRS)
Psalm 51:1-17
- Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
- Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
- For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
- Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.
- Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.
- You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
- Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
- Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
- Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
- Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
- Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.
- Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
- Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
- Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
- Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
- For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.
- The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Gospel Reading (The Message)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding.
2 "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure - 'play-actors' I call them - treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get.
3 When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks.
4Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
5"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
16 "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint.
17If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face.
18 God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well. A Life of God-Worship
19 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or - worse! - stolen by burglars.
20 Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars.
21 It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
A Word of God that is still speaking,
Thanks be to God.
Thoughts about an Imperfect Life and Faith
“Perfectionism is impossible. Transformation isn’t.”
It is Ash Wednesday once more, a time we begin our journey through Lent. Our Psalm declares our repentance and our wish for God’s mercy in light of the things we have done while our Gospel reminds us not to be showy about who we go about living lives of holiness. We hear these scriptures year after year and we try, we really try to live up to them, but sometimes we wonder if we are good enough when all is said and done.
Living lives of holiness is not easy. It requires work. Not hard heavy or even harsh work, but it requires a level of commitment that has a tendency to change the way we live our daily lives. Each year we are called upon to spend the time of Lent reflecting on our relationship with Jesus. It is recommended we take up some practice that will help us to improve that relationship as we get to know and understand God better. But sometimes we just don’t manage to stay the course with increased Bible studies, more time in prayer, time spent in silent meditation or fasting on a regular basis. We sometimes feel inadequate to the task.
Jesus walked the streets of Galilee and the area around Jerusalem, he knew how hard the average person worked to be faithful to God and he saw how those who had time and money showed their “piety” in ostentatious ways. He didn’t lift of the ostentatious as examples, he called upon his followers to speak with God in the places where no one else saw. He knew how hard it was to walk the way of righteousness and encouraged people to do their best, to have the faith of a mustard seed.
As we journey through Lent this year let us do the best we can to follow Jesus. Let us seek the practices that feed our spirits as well as connect us with the Holy One. If we are supposed to read a certain amount of scripture each day and we slip, let us forgive ourselves and try again the next day. If we forget to stop and pray, ask God’s forgiveness and strength, and try again the next day. As we struggle through the disciplines designed to draw us closer to God, such work will change us, transform us, for as we draw near to God, we will see the world through different eyes, eyes focused on God’s desires to bring the heavenly real into reality in the here and now.
We are sinful creatures, but God created us in God’s own image and called us good. Let us struggle and do the best we can and let that be good enough. We are imperfect, but God loves us just the same. God is love and God’s love helps us to be good enough.
Ritual of Ashes and Turning Ladders into Gardens
Though all along our daily pilgrim race
our treasures small and very few may be,
our souls are blest with God’s unending grace,
and that is enough, enough for me.
Oh, that’s enough for me,
God’s truth has set me free;
the love of Christ has sanctified my soul,
and that is enough for me.
Leader: Our ritual of receiving ashes will be accompanied this year by placing the small treasures of sprouts and shoots of plants on a transformed and repurposed ladder-garden. This image will remind us each week to spend time tending the things that are beautiful and growing already in our midst rather than constantly climbing and reaching for more–for those things we think we are “supposed” to achieve or have in our lives.
We are reminded in the Ritual of Ashes that we are part of the dust and debris of this earth. Just as things of creation grow but also die in the cycle of life, so too our lives have times of growth and times of decay and death. Placing the sign of the cross on our foreheads with ashes is a reminder of this difficult reality but also a reminder of the presence of God, the grace of Christ, and the power of the Spirit in all of it. Early Christians were anointed with the sign of the cross on their foreheads at their baptism. This “sign and seal,” as it is called, is a way to remember that we are marked and held as God’s own, through all of the transformations and transitions we face.
For those receiving a USPS delivered order of worship, a cross shaped bookmark with ash markings on the cross has been included. Please take a few minutes of silence to contemplate the cross and ashes. Meditate upon what the imposition of ashes means to you and your walk with Jesus during this season of Lent. I am trying to figure out how to get crosses to those who will not be worshiping with us in person and hope that as you reach this point in the service one will be readily available for your contemplation and meditation.
Closing Hymn/Song
“Sing Out! We’re Made of Common Dust”
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Tune: CANONBURY 8.8.8.8 ("Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak")
Sing out! We're made of common dust;
One day, to dust we shall return!
Yet, God, you've placed your mark on us
And so for you our spirits yearn.
This gift of ashes we receive
Reminds us we belong to you.
You call us to repent, believe,
and seek your Way in all we do.
The dust and dirt of children's play,
of youthful times, of working years
Are part of life — and life's decay;
We wash the dust with sorrow's tears.
We sing, O God, of what you give:
This ash reminds us we are yours.
In life we're claimed, in death we live!
In Christ our life, your love endures.
A Blessing Before a Fast
Leader: Our Lent series, “Good Enough,” is based on a book of devotions by the same name by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Kate Bowler is a seminary professor whose research about the history of the prosperity gospel and self-help movements in the US laid the groundwork for her latest NY Times bestselling books about dealing with the pressure to “live your best life now” when life throws you curveballs that make constant upward achievement very difficult… like the cancer she has dealt with over the last few years. In the Good Enough book of devotions, she and Jessica Richie offer wonderfully graceful invitations to seek alternatives to the pressure of perfectionism. We hope that you will make reading these daily devotions part of your Lent practice and join one of our small groups for debriefing and deepening your experience through conversation with others.
As Kate and Jessica say in their book, “a fast is giving up something—anything—to make more room for God. It might be a break from social media or Netflix, caffeine, unkind words, alcohol, or holding a grudge. If you are someone who has a complicated relationship with restricting food, skip that for now. Try something else instead. Remember, this isn’t about punishing yourself or a thinly veiled version of a diet. Share your intention with a friend to reinforce your commitment, but do your fast in secret—just between you and God. Try it out for a week, and then reassess.”
And so, each worship experience will end with a blessing from the book. Here is “A Blessing Before a Fast.”
Blessed are you, ready to open yourself to a new joy, a doorway that until now has been hidden. In this culture of acquisition and gain, blessed are you desiring fresh ears to hear what might be a bit too loud. Who take the next step to turn it down a notch and make more space for God. Who discipline yourself, with time, intention, and hope, anticipating God to show up in your discomfort. Trusting that when we need God, God promises to be there.
God, give me courage, give me strength, give me hunger for you. Let this set time of less be a chance for more of you. Let this fast be an entrance into the discernment I desire, the divine presence I’m longing for, and the hope to will what You will, oh God, to be who You’ve called me to be.”
Benediction
And now, may the God who loves all of creation, especially the imperfect bits,
and Jesus, our companion along this crooked path called life,
and the Holy Spirit, who loves to improvise in surprising ways,
go with you, dwell among you, and give you joy. Amen.
Choral Reprise
God is still here and somehow; this faith is good enough.
Postlude
Worship Notes:
All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio.
“A Blessing Before a Fast” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough.
Be Thou My Vision – Words: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary E. Byren, 1905; versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt. (Public Domain)
Music: Trad. Iris Melody; harm. by Carlton R. Young, 1963. (Original tune in the Public Domain) Alt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; harm. © 1964 Abingdon Press. Used with permission., CCLI #3063376
Sing Out! We’re Made of Common Dust - Biblical Reference: Genesis 3:19
Tune: Robert Schumann, 1839 ("Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak")
Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Music licenses, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lenten book study, "Good Enough" by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie will begin Thursday March 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Transfiguration Sunday
February 27, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning from the World to Worship
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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 ”When Morning Gilds the Sky” UMH #185
Call to Worship (Psalm 99) Shelley Cunningham
The Lord reigns.
Let the nations tremble.
The Lord reigns.
Let them praise God’s holy name.
The Lord reigns.
Let the peoples rejoice in awe and wonder.
The Lord reigns.
Let them shout in exaltation!
Prayer of the Day Nancy C. Townley
Lord, it seems so long ago that we heard your words at Jesus’ baptism. You reminded us that he is your beloved Son with whom you are well pleased. Again today we hear your words that we are to listen to him, to pay attention. Open our hearts this day, Lord, to hear the words of Jesus, to follow in his footsteps, and to serve You. For we ask this in Christ’s Name. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Exodus 34:29-35
2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2
Luke 9:28-36
Reader’s Theater (Based on Luke 9) Nancy C. Townley
Reader 1: Wow! An invitation to the top of the Rock. Imagine all the people who would like to have that one!
Reader 2: That’s for sure! We must be something really special to get this invitation!
Reader 3: Wait until my friends hear! I can’t decide whether I will tell them before we go up on the mountain or wait until we come back down, if we do.
Reader 1: Well, any way you look at it - it’s a privilege!
[Readers move to the front of the worship area, and sit near the worship center display. They will need to be seen and to project their voices. One of them may remain standing, if that is appropriate]
Reader 2: Look at this! It’s misty up here. I thought it would be clear.
Reader 3: At least we can still see Him. I feel a little bit better about this. This is sure different than I thought it would be.
Reader 1: We’re probably here because we are the bravest of the group, if you know what I mean. I don’t think the others would be able to enter such an unknown situation.
Reader 2: It’s good for us to be here with you, Master. We are glad you invited us.
Reader 1: Listen, we have a good plan. This is a nice place. We could build some festival booths. You know, one for You, one for each of your friends. How would you like that?
VOICE 1: (offstage - use a microphone if available, otherwise speak loudly, but don’t shout): Be quiet! Listen to Jesus! This is my Son, my Chosen!!
[Readers bow their heads; if one is standing, have him/her kneel or sit down as if contrite]
VOICE 2: (offstage - use a microphone, speak clearly, but don’t shout - the voice should be compassionate, not harsh): It is time for us to go from this place. Listen and observe. Do not talk about what you have seen, but remember what has been shown to you, for the times ahead will be challenging and you will need to understand all that you have seen. Do not think that this will be easy, for the path is rough, but God is with us. Come, let us go back to the valley where the work will begin.
Message “Ya Gotta Come Down from the Mountain” Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Many people have had what some call “Mountain Top Experiences,” those times in their lives when they have been acutely aware of God’s presence at a moment in time that focuses their attention on God and on God’s power. Today’s pericope, scripture passage, from The Gospel According to Luke, draws our attention to just such an experience by Jesus and three of his disciples.
It is not unusual for us to want to remain in the moment of our encounter with God, to bask in the “holiness of the situation,” to hold on with both hands to the feelings we have experienced in that very special time. Peter, as he offers to build three dwellings, may be having similar thoughts and feelings. He has been in the presence of the one who, just a little over a week previously, he had declared to be the Messiah of God and two of Judaisms most revered ancestors and prophets. Unsurprisingly he appears overwhelmed with awe.
Unfortunately, we like the disciples, cannot dwell in the rarified atmosphere of our mountain top experiences. Our lives are not spent shut away from the world with all of its struggles and temptations sitting in amazed contemplation of the wonders of God. Our lives are spent in the trenches, just as the lives of the disciples, working to make ends meet and at the same time sharing news of God’s realm and the love God has for all people with others. Not all of us even have mountain top experiences, just as not all the disciples were a part of this particular experience, in fact, nine of the disciples were not present when Moses and Elijah appeared. They may have been elsewhere napping, but were quite possibly engaging with people, telling them about Jesus and trying to heal the ills of those they encountered. This is where we too are often called to be working while others are up on the mountain.
As we read the second part of today’s story, we encounter Jesus the day following the mountain top experience. It is back to life as he has been living, encountering people on the street, talking about God’s kin-dom, and healing those who come to him. Today though, we hear a bit of frustration in Jesus’ voice. The disciples have not been able to heal a boy. We don’t know who has tried, but whomever it was, they were unsuccessful in driving the demon causing the seizures out of the boy. Were Peter, James, and John involved or was it some of those who had not had that mountain top experience? Earlier in chapter 9, Jesus has given the disciples power to heal and to drive out spirits yet even now, they don’t manage to help this hurting family.
When we have been on a mountain top, we still encounter some of the same struggles we had before. We may feel like our lives have been massively changed, transformed, but when we encounter the realities of life, no one else seems to have changed. Those that were difficult before are still difficult with which to deal, though our insight into the situation may be differently nuanced. The paper carrier will still be unable to get the paper on the porch near the door and the kids next door will still play their music too loud.
The thing that has changed is our faith. We potentially see the world in a different manner as we are better able to see through the eyes of Jesus. We have had an encounter that can deepen and redefine our faith, but with that deepening faith, we are called out of our comfort zone to take steps in following Jesus that put us in difficult situations, sometimes at home, sometimes in the local community. When we come down from the mountain, and we gotta come down sometime, our lives are really no longer our own, they belong to the One who created us and redeemed us, to God and to God’s Son, Jesus. A mountain top experience doesn’t need to be talked about or discussed, but its impact on our lives should become apparent as we live accordingly.
We have spoken much about love over the last few months, but as we come down from the rarified air, the love Jesus had for the world should become apparent in us as we go about our daily lives. It should be reflected in how we engage in difficult situations and how we treat those we encounter on the streets that are in need of our assistance. While transformation may come in a “mountain top experience,” the way we manifest the true impact of that transformation is not seen in the rarified air of the mountain top, but in the dirty smelly streets where Christ’s love is most needed.
May our journey in the streets and by-ways of our community and the world truly show others the transformation that has occurred in our lives. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
Joys:
- Rebecca has been able to assemble 8 Hygiene kits with the supplies donated so far. We are still in need of Disposable wipes (18 re-useable cleaning wipes [No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels]) & One 6-14 oz. pump spray insect repellent (pack of 10-20 wipes also acceptable) [Pump spray bottles must have protective covers] – These items have been difficult to find, if you know where to obtain them, please let Rebecca or Pastor Ami know
- Love of family & friends
- Pat was a blessing as she allowed Lianna to stay with her for a few hours and both enjoyed the time together.
- Keith Michelson – making forward steps
- Situation in Ukraine
- Gary & Linda Moore
- Shureen – Addie Joe – premature arrival
- Eliza & Julio’s baby due date was February 14, anxiously awaiting the baby’s arrival
- Sharon – rough week last week, then fell on ice – no broken bones, but sore
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
We picture the mountain top experience of the disciples, Peter, James, and John, chosen to go up to the mountain top with Jesus, to receive a new vision. But it wasn’t what was expected. They were awed and frightened. They didn’t know what to do. One wanted to build special festival booths for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, where people could come to receive healing and blessing. It would have been so easy to stay up on the mountain and never again to descend to the hungering valley below. But Jesus has work for us to do. We are called to receive the blessing, not for ourselves alone, but to give it to others; to offer healing, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, hope and peace. These are difficult things to do in the face of the anger and hostilities that seem to abound in the world. We are not alone. God is with us. Just as we have asked for God’s healing mercies in the prayers we have offered for others, so we are recipients of God’s love and strength. Feel the power of God’s love flooding over you, coursing through your veins, encompassing your spirit! Let God’s strength and hope abide in you. Then be prepared to go and bring that blessing to others, in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Psalm 99, Luke 9, 2 Corinthians 3) Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino
As individuals and as the church, one of the ways we shine in the world is by giving to others through our own skills and talents, as well as through our gifts of money. In so doing, we participate in the great plan of God to transform our world. So, let us give with joy, as we are able.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer (Luke 9, 2 Corinthians 3) Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino
Jesus, Child of God, Chosen of God, you shone upon the mountain with your glory. You shone in many other ways, as you healed the sick and fed the hungry. You continue to shine today, every time we follow your loving example. Bless our gifts of every kind— our energy and talent, our treasure and mission. May your light shine through these gifts, that our world may be transformed by your power. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Be Thou My Vision” UMH #451
*Benediction Nancy C. Townley
Mountaintop experiences are wonderful. There is so much to see, but you are called now to go to the valley where there is much to be done. You are not alone; God goes with you, bringing healing, hope and peace. Go now in God’s peace and let it flood through you to others. AMEN.
Resources:
Call to Worship by Shelley Cunningham from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. – found at Worship Elements – Ministrymatters.com. Used with permission.
Prayer of the Day, Dialogue, Pastoral Prayer and Benediction by Nancy C. Townley from Worship Connections on Ministrymatters.com. Used with permission.
Invitation to the Offering and Offering Prayer by Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used with permission.
When Morning Gilds the Sky – Words and Music in the Public Domain
Be Thou My Vision - CCLI #3063376, CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Lenten Schedule -
Wednesday March 2, 2022 - 6:30 pm - Ash Wednesday Services – Hybrid (zoom & in-church service)
Regular Sunday worship services
Lenten Worship with the Inter Church Council - I believe the first service will be on the 20th, then weekly thereafter. I will be sending a Zoom link to all of the churches and will be hosting from my computer. The current plan is to be fully remote. I may invite folks from our congregation only to the church if COVID is relatively quiet so those unable to connect on Zoom will still be able to join in the services. - Grace United Methodist Church achieved 100% Mission Share for 2021.
- The Food Shelf recently thanked GUMC for our $500 donation.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $3,130
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
7TH Sunday after Epiphany
February 20, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Love is an all or nothing proposition. Only by loving your enemies as well as your friends do you live as children of the Most High. (Luke 6) B. J. Beu
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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 “Where Charity and Love Prevail” (v.v.1,2) #549 UMH
Call to Worship (Luke 6) Joanne Reynolds
God sets before us this day life and death, blessings and curses.
We will seek God’s blessings.
Choose life, that you and your descendants may live.
We will choose life.
Love the Lord your God, and hold fast to God’s holy ways.
We will follow in the ways of our ancestors who abided in faith.
Come, let us worship.
Prayer of the Day Joanne Reynolds
Loving God, we come before you today, seeking your blessings and your protection from the allure of sin. Heal us with your love, that we might love one another. Show us the truth we have found in Jesus. Embolden our courage, that we may seize the opportunities you place before us. Strengthen our resolve to spread your word and ways, and remind us that your guidance is always present through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Luke 6:27-38
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
What happens when we start loving our enemies, praying for those who curse and abuse us, and doing good for those who hate us?
Jesus speaks about forgiveness and love in these verses from Luke and in Genesis, the tail end of the story of Joseph, we see a family reunited and able to survive despite the difficulties of a famine impacting the whole area.
Let’s start with Joseph. We haven’t been reading the story during this lectionary cycle, it just seems to pop up out of nowhere, so let’s review briefly.
Joseph is the son of Jacob. He seemed to be his father’s favorite and was a dreamer of dreams that placed him above his whole family. His brothers sold him to Ishmaelite traders who later sold him as a slave to Potiphar whose wife tried to seduce Joseph. When Joseph turned her down, she claimed he had tried to seduce her and he was jailed. He interpreted dreams of some individuals with which he was jailed and was later remembered by one of them when Pharaoh had a dream no one could interpret. Joseph has played a game with his brothers, who did not recognize him until today’s passage, as they came to get food for their families.
Joseph had recognized his family and while frustrated over having been sold into slavery, saw God’s hand in the situation as he was now in a position to ensure the survival of his family. Joseph was likely hurt and angry at the time he was sold, but he has matured and during that maturation process has suffered much and learned much. This has put him in a position to care for not only his household, but to care for the entire nation.
What if Joseph had remained bitter and angry with his brothers? Had he not forgiven them and had them bring their families and flocks to Goshen, Jacob’s line may have died out. Imagine the faces of these men standing before Joseph when he reveals who he is. They writer tells us, “Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.” (Genesis 45:3) Though they eventually regretted what they had done to their brother due to its effect on their father, they never imagined encountering him again. Were I the one standing there, I may have feared Joseph would take out revenge on me and my family for what had occurred so many years previously. Feuds have erupted within families for less and have resulted in deaths and irreconcilable differences.
In a situation where today we might expect enmity and anger, we instead find a variation on love your enemies and do good for those who hate you.
It isn’t easy to love those against whom you stand. We are seeing this in our country today where the political climate is so polarized that it is difficult to accomplish anything in Congress because the sides are so closely matched in numbers. This discord has reached a level where people who used to be friends with members of the other party are no longer able to have those personal relationships that encourage bipartisan workings.
How do we deal with those who stand against us? We have voted to become a Reconciling Congregation, a part of a movement within the church that recognizes people are people despite the differences in how they understand their gender identity or who they prefer to partner with in a loving relationship. This alone may put us at odds with friends and neighbors along with perhaps our political stance on a number of things. The struggle is, we need to continue to pray for those who are opposed to us, not only that they change their minds, that’s just selfish, but for their wellbeing, for health and safety. We need to “do the right thing” no matter how difficult that might be in the midst of the storm.
When we live out Jesus’ call in the Sermon on the Plain, to love without reservation especially those who don’t love us, we stand a chance to change the world. Doing good, despite the difficulties we may have can eventually breakdown barriers that divide us. While a two-way street might be easier, even when we must go against the current, like a salmon swimming against the current, we can achieve God’s purpose of sharing love in tangible and intangible ways that can help make the world into a better place to live.
There’s a song I learned many years ago. I have not been able to discover who wrote it, but one verse says: “It’s love, it’s love, it’s love that make the world go ‘round.” God tells us and Jesus reemphasizes it, “love makes the world go ‘round” and we are a part of helping spread that news to those we know and those we haven’t met yet. Go out today and share God’s love with someone.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Pastor Bumshik Min is moving to Suncook, NH effective March 1, 2022
Hannah Davis--joining “Teach for America.” Will be teaching in Nashville, TN at a STEM preparatory school
Robert’s Thrift Store, for what it has done for the community
Concerns:
Concerns over possible “first strike option” being used in Ukrainian situation
Gary Moore – recovering from surgery
Carolyn and her family (Bob Benjamin’s sister) on the death of Carolyn’s daughter
Shureen – Addis Joe – new great granddaughter due mid-March was born last week, weighing a little over 4 pounds. Likely to be in hospital for a few weeks, Mom to go home this week
Eliza & Julio’s baby due date was February 14, anxiously awaiting the baby’s arrival
People in turmoil
Hymn “Where Charity and Love Prevail” (v.v. 3,4) UMH #549
Pastoral Prayer
Life giving God, we come before you this day, seeking forgiveness, seeking hope, seeking love. You have called us to be sharers of your love with others, but sometimes we struggle just to love those we know, much less the nebulous “others” we don’t know. We seem to struggle for survival ourselves sometimes and wonder why we should give of that which we have worked so hard to attain that others may find their way eased or that they might share power with us when they seem to have not worked for it. Forgive us when we fail to live up to the example set by your Son, Jesus, and help us to more faithfully align our own understanding with his. As we seek to become better disciples, hear us when we pray for strength and forgive us. When we pray for others, hear our prayers and bring healing, hope, forgiveness and strength. As we journey forth this day, let us see the face of Jesus in each person we meet, and let us treat them as we would treat your true Son, expecting no reward but the reward of your approval and love. Jesus is our exemplar, even in prayer, and as he taught his disciples so long ago, we boldly pray today:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Luke 6:38, NRSV) Joanne Reynolds
Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over . . . for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Now is the time to present our gifts and offerings to God with praise and thanks.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer Joanne Reynolds
O God, your goodness and generosity are limitless and eternal. We bring before you our gifts, as echoes of your generosity, that they may be used for good. We know that it is more blessed to give than to receive. May our giving be a sign of this blessing for others and for our course in faith.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Where Charity and Love Prevail” (v.v. 5.6) UMH #549
Benediction
Liturgy today, unless otherwise indicated, by the individuals noted from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used with permission.
Centering Words by B.J. Beu, from Worship Elements found on MinistryMatters.com. Used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Vision Forward Team Brave Space Conversation You’re invited to Brave Space Conversations on the future of the New England Conference. The Vision Forward Team was created at the June 2021 session in order to advance the strategic imagination and mission for the New England Conference. The team has learned that there is a severe lack of trust and need for healing in the New England Conference. So let’s talk about: Healing, Building Trust, and Renewed Mission. Participate in one of the Town Halls, Monday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on February 7, and February 28. Zoom link for all sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83800962970. For more information, please visit neacvision.org.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $1,580
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6TH Sunday after Epiphany
February 13, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
How fickle is the journey of life! Blessings walk alongside curses. Hope intertwines with despair. Goodness is shadowed by wickedness. (Luke 6, Psalm 1) Mary J. Scrifes
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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 “Step by Step” W&S #3004
Call to Worship (Psalm 1, CEB) Ministry Matters
Leader: The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful.
People: Instead of doing those things, these persons love the LORD’s Instruction, and they recite God’s instruction day and night.
Leader: They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.
People: That’s not true for the wicked! They are like dust that the wind blows away.
Leader: And that’s why the wicked will have no standing in the court of justice—neither will sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
People: The LORD is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed.
Prayer of the Day James G. Kirk
O God, you are like an ever-flowing stream, watering the earth and refreshing creation. We draw from your Holy Spirit life-giving sustenance. We are cleansed of all sin through Christ our Savior. We receive from your Word wisdom to guide us; we sing praises to you for your life-giving care, amen.
Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 17:5-10
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
An election is coming. It may still be several months away, but it will come, for we are already being bombarded by news of one party gaining while another party loses seats.
One of the challenges of a democratically elected government is to whose voice should we as Christians listen when we are deciding for which candidate we should vote. Should we listen more to the Green Party? After all, they are supposed to be sponsoring candidates that really care about God’s creation? What about the Independents, the Republicans or the Democrats, should we vote for one of them and stick to the party line? Particularly the Republicans, after all, they are supported by a sub segment called, ‘the religious right,” so shouldn’t we vote for them?
When we are considering for whom to vote, perhaps we should first read what the Lord is saying in Jeremiah and in Luke today.
The Lord, through the prophet, Jeremiah, speaks to people about trusting “mere mortals.” When we listen to politicians speak, are they truly basing what they say on a desire to serve and please God, or are they trying to feather their personal nests, ensuring they receive the power they think they deserve and with that power shaping the world to fit their own version of what is right or are they listening to God and despite what may be popular, trying to serve God and the people of God to the best of their ability.
In a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887, Lord Acton is credited as saying, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always evil men.” (Found at - https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/absolute-power-corrupts-absolutely.html)
Lord Acton suggests that too much power vested in a single person tends to corrupt the individual. When we approach an election, we should do so by looking at the individuals, not the party. In today’s world, with the lightning speed of communication, the ability to travel the world rapidly, and the many voices at the table, whether in the newspaper, on the news channels, or on the internet, it is sometimes difficult to sort through all of the information produced and listen to the voice of God.
The world speaks to us through many competing voices, trying to convince us that their voice is the one to which we should listen; their candidate is the one for whom we should vote. But, what does God say?
When we listen to Jesus as he stands on the plain, speaking primarily to his disciples, but surrounded by others, some who have been healed and others who know that by just touching Jesus’ person, they too will be healed, they too will feel his power, who will also hear his words we hear him speak of blessings and woes, blessings for the destitute, those who are struggling for survival, and woes for those who are rich, who have power and abuse such privilege. As we hear his words, of blessing and woe, some may make us wonder about what this means for our own lives. Are we a part of those to whom Jesus is saying “Woe to…” or are we of the other group, the group who are receiving God’s blessing despite what our lives might look like in this instance in time?
Town meeting season is upon us, then later will be primaries and in the fall, the mid-term elections. Our responsibility, as people of God, is to sort through the chaff, that which blows away in the wind leaving behind grain that is to be eaten; disregarding the grandstanding, the rhetoric that distracts us from the more substantive issues, and look at the entire process through ears focused on God’s message; eyes focused on the in-breaking realm of God and God’s call to righteousness and care for the disenfranchised and marginalized. For when our focus is on God; when we use God’s grace and mercy to guide our focus; we move from the margins ourselves, into the bright light and joy of God’s unending love and salvation.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Beth is excited for Carol who is flying from Arizona to California to see her brother Richie
Concerns:
Hannah & Grace
Healthcare workers struggling to care for victims of COVID
For those depressed & for those who work hard, but need a boost
Gary and Linda Moore
Family of Bobbi Gallerani as they grieve
Lillian & Richard
Lexie & Baby
Porcupine that is damaging house and trees
Those who may now get a break as COVID numbers begin to drop
Pastoral Prayer
Powerful Giver of Life, we bow before you this day acknowledging we have a tendency to stray away from you call to care for others as we care for ourselves. You ask us to love extravagantly, but we want to hoard the love for ourselves and for our families. You call us to share our wealth, but often we fear that in sharing, we will not have enough. Your son, Jesus, called woe to those who are poor blessed and told those who were comfortable with wealth and adequate food. Help us to see our lives through your eyes; lead us to more closely walk the path you desire; and forgive us when we falter, gently leading us back. We lift to you this day all who are grieving, may they find peace and comfort through your presence. To you we cry out for the sick, whether mentally, physically or spiritually, seeking your healing grace in their lives, your hope for their future. We lift up those who give of themselves that others may flourish, the mental healthcare workers, the medical professionals, teachers and so many more who serve you daily in the places you have called them to serve. We rejoice together with you as we see the sun, the birds and all of creation surrounding us with promise and hope. We rejoice in the mile markers of life and give thanks for your healing touch. Gracious God, you are merciful and holy, your love knows no bounds. You sent your only Son, Jesus, to live and walk among us, giving up his position beside you for a brief while that we might learn more of your love and grace, then dying that we might look forward to eternal life with you. As he taught his disciples that day, so we boldly pray;
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
God has called us out of our comfort zones and into a world filled with wonder and hope. The gifts we now offer are offered unto God for blessing and to be used to further God’s reign on earth, that all may know the hope that comes through God.
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer Mary J. Scifres
Blessed God, with these gifts, bring food to the hungry, hope to the despairing, and comfort to the sorrowful. Bless these gifts and our very lives, that we may be blessings of hope for your world.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Jesus Calls Us” #398 UMH
Benediction
Call to Worship from Prayers for February 13, 2022 by MinistryMatters.com Used with permission.
Prayer of the Day by James G. Kirk from “When We Gather: A book of prayers for worship” by James G. Kirk. © 2001 James G. kirk. Published by Geneva Press. Used with permission.
Centering Words & Offering Prayer by Mary J. Scifres from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used with permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Vision Forward Team Brave Space Conversation You’re invited to Brave Space Conversations on the future of the New England Conference. The Vision Forward Team was created at the June 2021 session in order to advance the strategic imagination and mission for the New England Conference. The team has learned that there is a severe lack of trust and need for healing in the New England Conference. So let’s talk about: Healing, Building Trust, and Renewed Mission. Participate in one of the Town Halls, Monday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on February 7, and February 28. Zoom link for all sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83800962970. For more information, please visit neacvision.org.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
February’s Collection to date: $1,580
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
5th Sunday After the Epiphany
February 6, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Transitioning to worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
In this season of light, God’s grace has been given to strengthen and enlighten us. May our epiphanies and jolts of wisdom lead us to a path free from shame. (Isaiah 6, Luke 5, 1 Corinthians 15)
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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 Summons” 2130 TFWS
Call to Worship F. Willis Johnson
We are here, Lord. Now what?
Follow me!
We have dedicated our lives to study, Lord. Now what?
Follow me!
But, we have partners, families, and responsibilities, Lord.
Follow me!
The days of our lives are filled with hurriedness and important task, Lord.
Follow me!
There are bills to pay, obligations to honor, aspirations to fulfill, Lord.
Follow me!
I want to serve you, love your people, and glory your name, but really know how, Lord.
Follow me!
Can’t it wait?
Follow me!
Where? For how long?
Follow me!
Prayer of the Day (Isaiah 6, Luke 5, 1 Corinthians 15) Michelle L. Torigian
Divine Deliverer of compassion, you call us to follow your voice. “Whom shall I send?” you asked us. With hearts of hope and souls filled with courage, we respond, “Here I am. Send me.” You evaporate our shame, and joyously embrace our authentic selves. May we continue to open ourselves to you, and may we embrace our full humanity as you do. Amen
Prayer of Confession (Luke 5, Isaiah 6) Michelle L. Torigian
Too often, we have clung to thoughts that we are too sinful for you. Too often, we have fused our shameful pasts with a closed future. From these beliefs, we condemn ourselves to an outlook without hope. “Go away from me!” we exclaim like Peter. “I am way too lost,” we think like Isaiah. But you have something different in mind. You see us as so much more. You see our divine image, and our creator-bestowed gifts. Save us from our negative self-talk, that we may embrace your calling for our lives. Amen.
Words of Assurance (1 Corinthians 15) Michelle L. Torigian
The grace of God has molded us throughout our lives and will continue to do so until our final breath. God’s grace is never in vain. Even as God embraces our past, God moves us into the future— a future filled with hope, and the fulfillment of dreams.
Passing of the Peace of Christ (Luke 5) Michelle L. Torigian
Behold the children of God surrounding you. Through your words and your smiles, acknowledge the spark of the divine within them. See the presence of Christ in the faces of your neighbors, affirming that we are all treasured children of God.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 6:1-13
Luke 5:1-11
Message Pastor Ami Sawtelle
I like to fish. When I was a kid growing up, we had a family friend, one we called ‘aunt,’ who had a pond in her front yard. My folks would take us there to fish. One time I caught a 21” bass. We also fished when we went camping and occasionally my dad would take us out in the boat to fish. I have to admit, I kinda like this story of Jesus telling the fishermen to lower their nets, even though they are the experts and have been fishing all night and are pretty sure there are no fish present. It reminds me that Jesus knows much more than to we about what is going on.
Today, we have two stories of call dealing with five different individuals. First, we have Isaiah, a man who admits his sin and claims it disqualifies him for service as a prophet of God. Next we have four disciples, only one of which actually speaks, and he too claims he is sinful.
Too often we look at ourselves through a very human lens and let that lens limit our abilities to accomplish that to which God calls us. We proclaim our sin, our weakness, or some other attribute we think disqualifies us and use that as an excuse to sit on the sidelines and watch rather than engaging the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us to advance God’s plan for our lives and the life of the world around us.
Let’s look at the Gospel story a minute. Simon, later called Peter, and Andrew have had a long, hard night of fishing with no reward for their labors. No fish means nothing to sell to purchase food and necessities for the family and no fish to bring home for food for their families. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are partners with Simon and Andrew, and have the same problems as Simon and Andrew when it comes to income and feeding the family.
Kenneth E. Bailey, in his book, “Jesus Though Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural studies in the Gospels,” talks about the story from a cultural standpoint. Earlier Jesus had healed Peter’s mother, setting up a situation where Peter felt obligated to help Jesus, so when Jesus arrived and climbed into Peter’s boat, asking him to row out a little to allow him to preach, Peter felt obligated to oblige. Despite the fact that Peter was likely almost, if not literally, exhausted following a long night of fishing with nothing to show for it, he obliged Jesus, setting up a situation where he had no option but to hear what this roadside teacher had to say. Now Peter wasn’t able to just sit and rest, falling asleep while Jesus spoke. If you’ve ever fished a larger lake from a boat, you know how that boat tends to drift with the prevailing winds or any current from a stream or river entering the lake. Peter had to work to keep the boat in a relatively stable place for Jesus to be able to share his message, which Peter did despite his fatigue.
For most people, there have been times in our lives that we have felt obligated to do something for someone despite our fatigue or busyness. Do we always accept these interruptions with aplomb or do we turn our backs or, though we do the task, act in ways that suggest our “disgust” or frustration with the situation? Some of that comes through when, after finishing his sermon, Jesus instructs Peter to row out to the deep water and cast out his nets to catch fish. Kenneth E. Bailey suggests a note of professional superiority in Peter’s reply. He paraphrases the reply as:
“Listen Teacher! My boys and I are professionals. We know where the fish feed—it’s along the shore, and the best time to catch them is at night. That’s why we were out on the lake all last night. We’re not stupid! We have just worked the fishing areas and caught nothing…”
You get the idea. He thinks Peter was pretty frustrated by the instructions but did what Jesus said just to show Jesus how wrong he was. Needless to say, with the haul of fish, Peter had the proverbial mud on his face.
What of ourselves? Are there times we want to pull out the “I know better than you card,” when asked to do something to further God’s reign on earth?
Peter’s response tells us how he felt as he fell down at Jesus’ feet and proclaimed his sinfulness. We like to work within our comfort zones. For Peter, he was comfortable fishing for fish has he had been taught and had had some success with through the years. Jesus turned his understanding and his life upside down when he experienced the miracle of the ‘big catch.’
The Holy Spirit has gifted each person in the congregation with specific gifts that are to be used for the betterment of God’s reign here in this time. Do we recognize God’s superior knowledge of our abilities, or do we decide we know better than does God what we are able to accomplish?
I invite us to take some time this week to actually listen for what God is saying to us in the right this minute, this day, this week. Let us bow down before God’s superior wisdom, acknowledging that the one who has known us since before our creation in our mother’s womb, may have a better idea where fish can be caught than do we.
Let us hear Jesus’ response to Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” and let us respond with alacrity and leave our preconceived notions behind us and follow Jesus into a new life focused on reaching the people God wants us to reach. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Sun is shining
Birds at feeders
Stephanie’s help
Concerns:
Healthcare workers struggling to care for victims of COVID
Christy Manning
Jennifer Manning - Brianna has COVID
Maddie
Richard Pike – New town maintenance person – has cancer
Michelle – numbers are elevated and had to have another infusion and treatment for cancer
Youth/hothead adults
Beth’s care givers
Pastoral Prayer
Loving God, to you we come for sustenance and care, for support during difficult times and companionship as we celebrate. Hear our heartfelt prayers of struggle, of concern for family friends and neighbors, of desire for a better world where all may have enough, and war and violence are no more. Wipe out the pandemic, bringing us to the new world you have planned, may it be a world where people seek what is best for others, not just themselves and where hope is always connected with you. You have called each of us to live in harmony with you and we desire that relationship with our whole hearts, give us the strength to act upon your call that we may be a part of the change that our world so needs. Comfort those who mourn this day. Strengthen those who struggle. Place your healing hand upon the sick and injured, bringing a new sense of wholeness to their lives. As we look at the world let us continue to celebrate the varieties of the weather and the seasons and help us keep hope alive through good times and difficult. All this we pray in your holy name. And now, as Jesus taught his disciples, so we boldly pray together:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (1 Corinthians 15) Michelle L. Torigian
The Divine Deliverer of compassion and care is calling us to serve, and to share our talents and treasures for the good of God’s realm. No matter how we have fallen short in the past, God’s grace assures us a variety of gifts to contribute. How is God calling us to share today?
*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #95 UMH
*Offering Prayer Michelle L. Torigian
Loving God, Deliverer of compassion, you call us to share our treasures and talents, and the work of our hands. With hearts filled with hope, we praise you for our bounty. Forever shall we sing of your generous ways, Holy One. Amen.
Love Feast
PRAYER
Father of earth and heaven,
Thy hungry children feed,
Thy grace be to our spirits given,
That true immortal bread.
Grant us and all our race
In Jesus Christ to prove
The sweetness of thy pardoning grace,
The manna of thy love.
PASSING OF THE BREAD
The bread is passed from person to person. Each person may be invited in passing the bread to quote a scripture verse. The leader may receive last and close with a few words, a short prayer, or an invitation to new commitment to Christ and a holy life.
PASSING OF THE LOVING CUP
The cup is share. A pitcher or cup of water or other beverage may be passed and each person pour a small amount into their own cup for consumption.
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Jesus Calls Us” #398 UMH
Benediction
Call to Worship by F. Willis Johnson from Sermon Options February 6,2022, found on MinistryMatters.com
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy today by Michelle L. Torigian, from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
Love Feast – from UMCDiscipleship.org/resources, prayer is a traditional prayer from John Wesley.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Vision Forward Team Brave Space Conversation You’re invited to Brave Space Conversations on the future of the New England Conference. The Vision Forward Team was created at the June 2021 session in order to advance the strategic imagination and mission for the New England Conference. The team has learned that there is a severe lack of trust and need for healing in the New England Conference. So let’s talk about: Healing, Building Trust, and Renewed Mission. Participate in one of the Town Halls, Monday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on February 7, and February 28. Zoom link for all sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83800962970. For more information, please visit neacvision.org.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
January’s Collection to date: $2,950
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
4TH Sunday after Epiphany
January 30, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
God has known us, loved us, and been with us since before we were knit together in our mothers’ wombs. Sink into the arms of Love this day, and trust the hand that holds you, for we have abided in this love long before we first drew breath. (Jeremiah 1, Psalm 71, 1 Corinthians 13)
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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 Gift of Love” #408 UMH
Call to Worship Nancy C. Townley
L: God has called each one of to serve, using the gifts we have been given.
P: I don't know where to start.
L: Place your trust in God's guidance.
P: What if I fail?
L: God is with you - place your trust in God's presence.
P: Help me, O God, to trust in you and in your gracious gifts to me. Help me to serve others in your name. AMEN.
Prayer of the Day Nancy C. Townley
Gracious God, we come to you with day, seeking your guidance and strength. You have called us to ministries for which we feel inadequate. Help us to understand that it is your love that will support and sustain our efforts. Give us the courage to place our trust in your abiding presence. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 1:4-10
1Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30 – Dramatization by Nancy C. Townley
Parts
Narrator
Reader 1
Reader 2
Reader 3
Jesus
Reading
Narrator: Jesus read the scroll of Isaiah and proclaimed that he was the one who was sent to fulfill the mandate of God, to serve and care for others. The proclamation was not treated too kindly by those who were present.
Reader 1: Who do you think you are, Jesus of Nazareth? You were born here. We remember what you were like when you were a little child, a teenager, and a young adult?
Reader 2: Jesus, why don't you just keep quiet? You are supposed to follow your father Joseph in the carpentry business. You have a family which needs you. Why are you making such waves?
Reader 3: Do you just want to stir up trouble here in your hometown?
Jesus: Think about it. All those times when you could have been serving God by really caring for the people. Remember the time when there was a great famine? What did you do? You said, "I'll take care of my family. Everyone else is on their own." You cried to God and said "Send someone to help us.. ...we are your most deserving ones, you owe us this help." But God send Elijah, our great prophet, to a poor widow. It was she, with the little that she had, who helped Elijah and others.
Reader 1: What do you know about this? Just stories! We were the faithful ones, the chosen people of God. God chose us and should have seen Elijah to each of us.
Reader 2: You weren't there. You don't know the whole story. I might have helped if I had realized the scope of the problem. Someone should have contacted me and explained it to me.
Reader 3: Listen, Jesus, you are just stirring up trouble. Keep quiet. Let bygones be bygones.
Jesus: You have many lepers here in the land and yet you turn your backs on them. Most of them have been your friends and neighbors, but when they contracted leprosy, they were forced out of their homes, out of their town, out of the compassion of their family and friends. You asked them to shout "Unclean! Unclean!" so that you wouldn't be bothered and could run from them. But in God's wisdom, the prophet Elisha was sent to Naaman, a Syrian, and healed him. He alone was worthy.
Reader 1: Now you've gone and done it! You blame us for everything! You have taunted us for the last time! We want you out of this town; out of our lives!
Reader 2: Get out of here! We should stone him for what he has said against us good people. How dare he!?
Reader 3: I told you…didn't I. But you wouldn't listen. Now you have lost your friends and neighbors because of your words.
Narrator: And the people rose up against Jesus, took him to the top of a steep hill and were going to throw him over the precipice. Jesus looked at them with great pity, and then turned and walked away through the midst of them.
Message
1Corinthians 13, often known for being read at weddings, but when we put it in the context of a letter to the people of Corinth it can change our understanding of how it works in our own lives.
Many times in the Hebrew Testament (Old Testament) there are stories of conflict between the prophets God has appointed and the ones to whom the leaders listen. Whether it is Jeremiah who, though young, was called by God to bring a message of both disaster and hope or Ezekiel, there were not infrequently challenges to the prophecy by those who desired positions of power in the court of the Jewish leaders.
One of the big differences between the groups of prophets beyond who they served, Jewish leaders or God, was the effect on the people God claimed as a special, beloved people. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the like tended to speak from a point of love for the people of God, while the false prophets tended to speak from a perspective of love for themselves.
As we read 1 Corinthians 13 we hear a number of spiritual gifts that are mentioned in chapter 12, listed again in chapter 13, but in 13 we are told that even if we have these same gifts, it is important for us to manifest love as we use them in our daily lives. Verse 2 says, “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” Wow! That is a pretty solid indictment of those who use their powers of prophecy to serve their personal desires rather than using them to aid the people to whom God has called them to prophesy.
As I said a couple of weeks ago, we are all blessed with various spiritual gifts, but Paul tells us we must have not only gifts, but love, in order to fulfill God’s call on our lives.
Say I have the gift of hospitality, but I only welcome those who have power and money, shoving aside the homeless, the poor, those with mental challenges and such. How might I be using, or misusing, this gift God has given me?
Think about your own lives, the gifts God has given you, and why you use them the way you do? Are you manifesting love for others as you use them or are you more interested in lining your own nest?
Paul says this about love:
“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
As we think about the variety of gifts that are present in our congregation, let us begin imagining how we might make a powerful statement of love as we begin to emerge from the pandemic. Please send me thoughts and ideas (e-mail or snail mail [US Postal Service]) so we may dream of a future where Grace UMC, Bradford, VT is noted for the gifts it has and the love it shares with the community. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
- Gayle, Stephanie and Riley
- Patrick Ball, whose father recently passed away. If you feel like reaching out, Patrick would appreciate it (according to Pat), his address is PO Box 48 in Bradford
- Ted Gaiser, whose partner, Chuck passed away 1-22-22
- Rebecca's nephew, Isaac, who is turning 15 - both a joy and a concern!
- Those struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder during this time of darkness and cold.
- The family of Martina Stever who died this week
- The Benjamin family – Maddie has COVID, Pat, Bob and Sharon are negative as of Tuesday morning.
- Pat’s oldest son also has COVID and having more struggles than Maddie
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
"If I speak in the languages of humankind or the angelic host, but do not have love I am just like a noisy clanging cymbal. If I have wonderful powers to see all the great possibilities in serving the Lord, and the wondrous journey which God has placed before us, but don't have love in my heart and in my actions, I am just making empty noises." Lord, too often we are like loud clanging cymbals or empty promises. We say we want to do things, but we back away because we think things will be too tough for us. We don't believe that you will be with us, guiding, healing, and strengthening us for service. So rather than doing your work, we just go through the motions. You are LOVE. In you resides all hope, peace, and justice. Your love has been poured out on us and all creation from before the beginning of time. Teach us again the great message of hope. Remind us that love is also risk. We risk censure and alienation from people who don't understand. Let us know that you are with us, through this time. Give us courage to be your faithful witnesses, by the kinds of loving service and care we give to others. For we ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering our Gifts to God (Jeremiah 1, 1Corinthians 13) Joanne Carlson Brown
We have been called to speak and to live out the radical, abiding love of God in the world. We do so by offering all that we are, all that we do, and all that we have, knowing that God will use us and our gifts to bring the beloved community ever closer to being realized in this world.
*Doxology “Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven” (verse 1) #66 UMH
*Offering Prayer Joanne Carlson Brown
Gracious and loving God,
receive our gifts of self and substance.
They have belonged to you
since our very beginning.
We give them freely, joyfully, prayerfully.
With them we praise you.
With them we celebrate the great power
that is love--
a love that abides always,
a love that radically transforms,
a love that makes us whole.
*Hymn to send us into the world “Now Praise the Hidden God of Love” #2027 TFWS
*Benediction
Transitioning to Worship by B. J. Beu, from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022 edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
Call to Worship, Prayer of the Day, Dramatization of Luke 4, Pastoral Prayer, by Nancy C. Townley, from Worship Connection found at ministrymatters.com. Used by permission.
Invitation to the Offering and Offering Prayer by Joanne Carlson Brown from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press. Found at, Worship Elements on ministrymatters.com. Used by permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Vision Forward Team Brave Space Conversation You’re invited to Brave Space Conversations on the future of the New England Conference. The Vision Forward Team was created at the June 2021 session in order to advance the strategic imagination and mission for the New England Conference. The team has learned that there is a severe lack of trust and need for healing in the New England Conference. So let’s talk about: Healing, Building Trust, and Renewed Mission. Participate in one of the Town Halls, Monday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on February 7, and February 28. Zoom link for all sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83800962970. For more information, please visit neacvision.org.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
- Still time to donate jewelry for AC 22 sale
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
January’s Collection to date: $2,950
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Third Sunday After the Epiphany, January 23, 2022
Invitation to Worship with Cathy Richards-Marcy
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, clothe us in the mantle of praise that we may always rejoice in proclaiming your glory and in receiving your blessings, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Opening Hymn: “Come Let Us All Unite to Sing”
Call to Worship Psalm 119
Prayer of the Day
Leader: God of all kindness, we thank you for the many ways your love enters our lives.
People: You have filled our mouths with laughter and our tongues with singing.
Leader: Accept our sacrifice of song in your church on earth,
People: and grant us a part in the music of your church in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Message: Cathy Richards-Marcy
Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” UMH #89
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
- Bob’s procedure went well
- Connie’s neighbor, Eva, is new Assistant Town Clerk for Topsham
- Gary & Linda Moore
- Stephanie, Gayle, Debbie, & Riley—COVID, loss of Father, grandfather, Debbie struggling to get flight home
- Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX following hostage situation
- Those impacted by the tsunami in the Pacific.
- 17 yr. old girl driving icy roads, hit and killed a pedestrian
- Children being left behind because of COVID
- Carol, Beth’s friend, has bad cold
- Beth, has ups and downs, missing friends in VT
- Shureen—friends visited her family and now struggling to get home
- Those out in the weather
- Friend of Cheryl’s exposed to COVID and struggling to find test. Cancellation/postponement of friend’s surgery due to COVID exposure, Friend struggling with isolation.
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering our Gifts of Thanksgiving and Praise
Doxology (please sing)
This is the day,
this is the day,
that the Lord hath made,
that the Lord hath made,
Let us rejoice,
let us rejoice
and be glad in it,
and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day,
this is the day that the Lord hath made.
Offering Prayer
Overflowing joy welled up in rich generosity in the Macedonian churches two thousand years ago. May our gifts be not just financial, but also in our joyful spirits. AMEN
Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Now Thank We All Our God” UMH #102
Benediction
Spirit of Peace, quiet our hearts, heal our anxious thoughts, free us from our fretful ways. Breathe on us your holy calm so that in the stillness of your presence we may open ourselves to trust and be transformed. AMEN
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 over zoom.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
- Still time to donate jewelry for AC 22 sale
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
- Enter the Local Church History Writing Contest
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2ND Sunday after Epiphany
Human Relations Sunday
January 16, 2022 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Cathy Richards-Marcy will be preaching on January 23. We will be on zoom through that date. The Ad Council will be evaluating the COVID situation to determine when it will be reasonable to return to in-person worship after January 23.
Transitioning to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. (1Corinthians 12:4-6; NRS)
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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 “Spirit of God” (v.v. 1-3) TFWS #2117
Call to Worship (1Corinthians 12) Erik Alsgaard
L: There are many gifts, talents, and abilities given by God.
P: But there is only one Spirit.
L: There are a variety of things we can do to serve the Lord.
P: But it is the same Lord we all serve.
L: There are many activities we can do to serve God:
teach, sing, clean, preach, play, work...
P: But all these are activated by God.
L: There are many manifestations of God's Spirit
in the world.
P: It is impossible to list them all.
L: To say that one is better than another is foolish.
P: God gives to each as God chooses.
All: Thanks be to God!
Prayer of the Day (1Corinthians 12) Erik Alsgaard
God of all good gifts,
we thank you and praise you.
Your Spirit has touched our lives,
bringing wisdom, ability, strength, courage,
and passion.
Enable us to use our gifts
in service to you and to others.
In all that we do,
and in all that we are,
may your name be glorified,
that your kingdom will be with us
and reside here on this earth.
We pray this in the name of your Son,
our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture Readings
1Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
Message
I recently bought humidifiers for the house, the old ones had died and the house is very dry this winter. These humidifiers are “Smart.” They are smart enough that they won’t do anything until you tell them what to do, but you can communicate with them through the app on your phone or using “Alexa” to turn them on/off or adjust the rate of humidity or set the maximum level of humidity in the room.
We live in a world of “smart” devices, phones, dishwashers and lights among them, but the all must be activated, attached to a “central command center” for want of a better description, in order for their ‘smart’ functions to work.
We have all been given gifts by God through the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that there are different gifts for different individuals, but that it is God who activates them in each individual. It doesn’t matter what the gift might be, it is our connection with God through the Holy Spirit that allows them to be activated.
Think about it for a minute. Let’s use the phone example since most folks have one, even if it is an old wired to the wall model. If a phone system is not activated, it can’t be used to call a friend or neighbor. Now most mobile devices can be used to call 911 for help, but that is all if activation has not occurred. If we are not connected to God, our Spiritual gifts are not fully manifested. We need a better connection than one that allows only for us to call for help for our gifts to be fully realized.
Jesus came into the world to connect with people, walking the dusty roads as he spoke with people and healed their hurts; sitting on the porch of the Temple or in one of its courts as he debated with the Scribes and Pharisees over nuances of scriptural understanding. Jesus was not some aloof, out of touch deity like the “gods” of the Romans or Greeks or other people around the area were, Jesus was God incarnate, God in human form, come to earth. We need to be connected with Jesus, the connection given to us that we might be connected with God. Then our gifts will be fully activated so we are able to more effectively serve God.
Last week we celebrated Baptism of the Lord Sunday and had a reaffirmation of our baptismal vows. We spoke of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, for at our baptism we have invited God’s Spirit to enter. When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his impending death, he promised them that the Holy Spirit would come to teach and comfort them. This is the same Spirit with which we are gifted at our baptism.
As we study scripture, pray, join in bible studies and book studies about scripture, we continue to strengthen our connection with God so that the signal becomes stronger and doesn’t drop out when we are struggling on the side of a mountain somewhere. As the Spirit works in us, the gifts that we have also become stronger and are more accessible, whether it be a gift of prophesy or a gift of hospitality, a gift of teaching or a gift of listening or any of the other myriad gifts the Spirit bestows.
Once we have a gift, then we need to use it. I have a couple of humidifiers, in part to help my breathing. I can have them, but they are of no use unless I fill them with water, plug them into electricity and turn them on. Likewise, our Spiritual gifts are of no use unless we stay connected with God, continuously fill ourselves with the foods of prayer and scripture and then use the gifts for the betterment of the world.
Open yourselves to the Holy Spirit. Accept the gifts you have. Nourish and feed your spirit and its gifts. Use your gifts that God’s reign on earth may become fully manifest in our time. Amen.
Sharing of the Joys and Concerns of the Community
After you share, please say, “This is my prayer,” that we may all respond, “This is our prayer.”
Joys:
Concerns:
Healthcare workers struggling to care for victims of COVID
The family of Tony Patterson
Bob Benjamin
Stephanie Davis
Pastoral Prayer (John 2) Erik Alsgaard & Pastor Ami Sawtelle
God of us all, Creator of the Universe, we come before thee this day with celebrations and joys as we observe your powerful works in the world. We give thanks for answered prayers, for home and hearth, for food upon our tables and families that surround us. In the midst of it all, we stop and remember those for whom joy is but a dream, health is but a distant hope. We think of those who grieve this day and ask your peace for their hearts. We look at our community and realize there are many struggling to maintain a roof over their heads or food on their tables and we wonder how we might be a part of a change that brings hope into their lives.
God of all good gifts, we thank you and praise you. Your Spirit has touched our lives, bringing wisdom, ability, strength, courage, and passion. Enable us to use our gifts in service to you and to others. In all that we do, and in all that we are, may your name be glorified, that your kingdom will be with us and reside here on this earth. We pray this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who taught his disciples to pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Pastor Ami Sawtelle
What gift might we offer that will help this congregation to reach others? Is it a gift of technology, an understanding and willingness to share our skills and knowledge that the congregation may better reach others in the community? Is it the gift of a phone call to a friend or neighbor struggling with isolation during the pandemic? Is it the gift of a meal for the family of a healthcare worker working endless hours, coming home exhausted and yet still needing to feed a hungry family? God has gifted us with so much, how might we share those gifts with others? What gifts might we also share with the congregation, that the heat might stay on and the doors might open again soon to welcome the community in?
*Doxology
*Offering Prayer Pastor Ami Sawtelle
As we reflect upon the gifts your Spirit has imparted to our lives Holy One, we eagerly desire to share the gifts we have received with others. Accept these small tokens of our love, that your message of love and forgiveness might reach into the world. Amen.
*Hymn to send us into the world “Spirit of God” (v.v. 4-5) TFWS #2117
Benediction (Psalm 36, 1Corinthians 12) Erik Alsgaard
Drink deep of God's love.
God's love endures forever!
Drink deep of God's Spirit.
God's Spirit endures forever!
Feast on the abundance of God's gifts.
God's gifts never end!
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy today by Erik Alsgaard, from The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
- Still time to donate jewelry for AC 22 sale
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
- Enter the Local Church History Writing Contest
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Epiphany, January 9, 2022
Invitation to Worship
Prayer of Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
Moving From the World to Worship
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
The magi study the stars, watching their movements and seeing a new star appear, they see the foretelling of the birth of a new king. Following the path of the star, they offer the child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh when they find him.
“We Three Kings” (v.4) #254 UMH
The people of the time were looking for one to come and lead them from the lives of misery from which they suffered while under the rule of the Romans. John arrived, calling people to baptism by water for the forgiveness of their sins while proclaiming the coming of one whose sandals he was not worthy to untie, one who would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit rather than with water. The one of whom John spoke comes to be baptized and the presence of the Holy Spirit is physically demonstrated as a dove alights on his shoulder. May this same Spirit fill us, guide us and direct our lives now and every day.
“Spirit of the Living God” #393 UMH
Prayer of the Day
“Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on us.” Rekindle in us the wonder of the magi as they knelt before the newborn king. Rekindle in us the urge for righteous living as John called for in those who came for baptism in the Jordan. Descend once more into our midst in a way that speaks a special word of presence to our hearts. Holy One, we acknowledge the days when fatigue fills us and frustration rather than loving care comes from our lips causing hurt and distrust. We confess that often we fail to do that which you call us to do, our actions causing pain and anguish rather than hope and trust. Cleanse our thoughts and our hearts. Lead us into actions that show your love for the world you created. You sent Jesus into the world, that he would know us and guide us and then, by his death and resurrection, cleanse us in preparation for life with you. We are thankful and amazed at such love! May our worship this day, ring aloud with the joy and amazement of our hearts. Amen.
Opening Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (v.v. 1-4) #UMH #139
Scripture:
Matthew 2:1-12
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17
Message
They came, wise men from the East, to worship before the child Jesus. The announcement of the birth of God’s Son, Jesus, began with angel choirs singing of “peace on earth” to simple shepherds on the hillside and moved outward from God’s chosen people, Israel, to wise men, magi, star gazers from the East, Gentiles who were not part of the Jewish family. Two thousand years later, we who have become adopted children of the family, have followed the star to the home where the wise men gathered and continue to honor and worship the same Jesus, born so long ago.
As we hear the words from Acts, that hearing of the belief of the Samaritans, Peter and John go to visit this much maligned group of people and then baptized them in the name of the Holy Spirit, that that same Holy Spirit might come upon them with the laying on of their hands, bringing them into the family as adopted siblings of Jesus, we should be gratefully amazed that, even in the early days of the church, that those from outside Judaism, those who were often maligned by the Jewish people were welcomed into the family.
We too are included in the family through our own baptism in the name of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When we come before God for baptism, it is not about what we have done, about what the pastor who baptizes us does, not our or the pastor’s righteousness, it is only about the mercy and grace extended to us from God through God’s Son, Jesus.
God calls for us to allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and our lives. In our baptism, the Holy Spirit is invited to do that very thing.
In renouncing the spiritual forces of wickedness, rejecting the evil powers of the world and repenting our sin, we acknowledging their presence in the world, we can’t pretend otherwise. We should also acknowledge the place they have previously held in our lives. It is through such acknowledgement that we are able to recognize our sinfulness and repent of our sin.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist evil, injustice, and oppression however they may present themselves to us in the future as our hearts and lives are changed. Such freedom and power can only come from God. When we welcomed the Holy Spirit into our lives, we were empowered for so much, but with such empowerment comes much responsibility. How else are others to learn of the freedom and power God offers unless those who have already experienced it share the news?
We are also enabled by the Holy Spirit to proclaim Jesus Christ as Savior. To claim Jesus Christ as Savior is no small thing, for the sacrifice Christ made, dying in agony upon a cross, should never be taken for granted. Such sacrifice was an offering by God to heal the broken relationship that developed between God and humanity when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit and then hid themselves from God’s presence in the garden.
Whether when we were baptized, or when we were confirmed we personally made a promise to serve Jesus Christ as Lord, putting our whole trust in his grace. We must then live as if we truly do trust in Jesus and serve him in whatever way he may direct. We will be looking at the Holy Spirit in our lives over the next few weeks, talking of the ways we may be called and exploring what that might mean for us.
Unlike Jesus, upon whom a dove from God settled, signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit, most of us have not had that visual affirmation of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. This is where we must step out in faith, believing that through the grace Jesus extends to all who follow him, we have been forgiven and the Holy Spirit has come upon us.
Earlier, we sang, “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.”
As we acknowledge the presence of God’s Spirit here in the space in which we are worshipping, whether at home with our family, on Zoom, or in-person at the church, as we renew the vows made at our baptism let us do so with the expectation of the Holy Spirit renewing our flagging spirits once more, moving us to serve Jesus just as we desired when first we made our vows.
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
New Service of Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
Taylor Burton-Edwards
Introduction (All standing in body and/or spirit.)
Sisters and brothers in Christ:
through the sacrament of baptism
God's Spirit has been poured out upon water,
water poured over and immersing us,
water that flows freely for all who will receive it,
water from the streams of God's saving power and justice,
water that brings hope to all who thirst for righteousness,
water that refreshes life, nurtures growth, and offers new birth.
Today we come to the waters,
to renew our commitments
in each other's presence
to Christ who has raised us,
the Spirit who has birthed us,
and the Creator who is making all things new.
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
And so I ask you, will you turn away from the powers of sin and death?
We renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
Reject the evil powers of this world,
And repent of our sin!
Will you let the Spirit use you as prophets to the powers that be?
We accept the freedom and power God gives us
To resist evil, injustice, and oppression
In whatever forms they present themselves!
Will you proclaim the good news and live as disciples of Jesus Christ, his body on earth?
We confess Jesus Christ as our Savior,
put our whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as our Lord,
in union with the church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races!
Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together, wherever you are, and in all that you do?
We will remain faithful members of Christ's holy church
And serve as Christ's representatives in the world.
Will you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
We affirm and teach the faith of the whole church
as we put our trust
in God, the Father Almighty.
in Jesus Christ, his only Son.
and in the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Spirit of the Lord is with us.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Let us pray.
Almighty God, the life you birthed in us
by baptism into Jesus Christ
will never die.
Your justice never fails.
Your mercy is everlasting.
Your healing river flows.
Your Spirit blows where you will.
We cannot stop you, God!
But sometimes we try.
We try to block the flow,
we redirect the winds of the Spirit,
or we walk so far away from the life-giving Stream
that we do not hear its sound,
and we forget its power.
We parch ourselves.
We are dry and thirsty, O God.
Come, refresh us!
The pastor offers gestures of calling upon the Holy Spirit to come upon the people and the water.
The people are invited to offer the same gestures as they respond.
Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon these waters.
Come upon these waters.
Let these waters be to us drops of your mercy.
Let these waters remind us of your righteousness and justice.
Let these waters renew in us the resurrection power of Jesus.
Let these waters make us long for your coming reign.
Most Holy God, Abba, Father!
Glory to you!
Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord!
Glory to you!
Spirit of fire, Spirit over the waters, Spirit of holiness!
Glory to you!
Eternal God, One in Three and Three in One!
All glory is yours, now and forever. Amen!
All who are baptized and have renewed their vows are invited to come to the font to use the water as a sign of refreshing. As each uses the water, another says to her or him:
Remember that you are baptized, and rejoice!
“Baptized in Water” (v.v. 1-2) TFWS #2248
Sharing within the family our celebrations of God in our midst and our requests for God’s intervention
Joys:
- Phyllis spent the night at Pat’s
- Rebecca saw Eliza at baby shower
- ____’s Daughter is safe, didn’t have to evacuate, but has shared pictures of the fires
- Baby “K” has gross motor challenges, but finally took a couple of unsupported steps
- The families of Bob Clark and Kay Sinclair
- Christie Manning
- Pastor Ami’s brother’s family and her sister, all diagnosed with COVID
- Jackson as he returns to Maine
- Those suffering COVID fatigue
Pastoral Prayer
Holy Spirit, as we have renewed our vows, we have been renewed in strength of spirit. Hear now our prayers of celebration of the presence of the Holy Trinity in our lives. Hear our celebrations as we remember the healing of the sick, the joy of families gathering, as we witness the wonders of your creation and celebrate the mile markers in our lives. Hear our cries of anguish as we see the increasing numbers of those falling ill with COVID, as we hear diagnoses of cancer and other terminal diseases, comfort us in our distress, surround us with your love. May your peace, a peace that is beyond our understanding surround and comfort the families of those who grieve this day. Whether it is the loss of family members or friends to death, or the loss of home and memories to fires, storms or other disasters, we can become so devastated that we lose our way. May your peace comfort us and keep us on track that we may remain strong in our faith and share the comfort which you have shared with us with others. May we always trust and follow your Son, Jesus, who knows our griefs, shares our pain, and continued to trust in you, turning to you alone for strength. And now, as he taught his disciples, we boldly pray together…
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering our Gifts of Thanksgiving and Praise
The magi came before the child, Jesus, offering gifs of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What gifts do we bring this day?
Doxology (A song of praise to God) “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (v. 5) UMH #139
Offering Prayer
Amazing God, your Spirit moved over the waters at the creation of the world. Your Spirit filled your Son, Jesus, guiding and sustaining him throughout his ministry. In celebration of your presence in our own lives, in thanksgiving and praise for the wonders you work in the world today, we offer these gifts for your use. Multiply them as you need that they may serve you along with our hands, feet, and voices, that all the world may come to know of your unending love and mercy. Amen.
Hymn to Send Us Into the World “Baptized in Water” (v. 3) TFWS #2248
Benediction
Postlude
“New Service of Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant” by Taylor Burton-Edwards, Copyright General Board of Discipleship. www.GBOD.org Used by permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 over zoom.
- Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
- Still time to donate jewelry for AC 22 sale
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
- Enter the Local Church History Writing Contest
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST
2nd Sunday after Christmas
New England Annual Conference
Christmas Season Lessons and Carols 2021
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Prayers for the families of Bob Clark and Kay Sinclair.
- Open House in memory of Bob Clark, who died Christmas Day, at Chris' daughter Molly's house at 127, N. Main St. in Bradford, VT. Sunday afternoon (January 2, 2022) from 1 to 4
- Normal meetings: Thursday--Inter Church Council 10:00 a.m.; Friday --Finance at 10:30 a.m.
- To watch a video of Sunday's Service, with Bishop Devadhar preaching, go to:
https://neumc-email.brtapp.com/files/fileshare/post+christmas+2021/ after+christmas+2021 +page.pdf
Join the United Methodist Men of the New England Conference and the Northeastern and Southeastern jurisdictions for a time of reflecting on 2021 and starting new in 2022. A Watch Night virtual service will be held at 10 pm ET on Friday, Dec. 31, via Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84656297696?pwd=V2FPb3YycnZuMnNNc2hHU3MrMC8zQT09 Meeting ID: 846 5629 7696, Passcode: 659649 or by phone: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) - Convergence Leadership Project features Brian McLaren. Earlier this year, we joined together with author and activist, Brian McLaren, to study his latest book, “Faith After Doubt.” What a great experience! After hearing so many requests for more time with Brian, we reached out to him and his colleagues at Convergence to explore next steps. We are excited to invite New England clergy and laity to participate in for four online courses in 2022 taught by Brian and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Each video course will include a live session with McLaren. Learn more
- NE CORR offers ‘New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism’
- CCFA seeks stories of economic injustice
- Re-Entry Team offers an update
Read the latest from the team
Seeing an opportunity to work for justice?: See Differently. Serve Differently. Learn more and apply: https://neumc-email.brtapp.com/!Hs9+zr6+4EFs2U6v8UomA40czb9q8Y8OpoMdny+3 LQLY67QTOBMAtw4yD2xasPPYg
- Still time to donate jewelry for AC 22 sale
New England Conference
411 Merrimack St., Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
Attention: Bishop’s Office
- Enter the Local Church History Writing Contest
Prelude “Angels We Have Heard on High” Haven UMC String Chamber Orchestra
East Providence, RI
Opening Prayer Jill Colley Robinson, Dean of the Cabinet
First Lesson Psalm 98:1-4 Darlene Bearse
Ellsworth (ME) UMC
(English)
Psalm 98:1-4
Sing a new song to YHWH who has worked wonders, whose right hand and holy arm have brought deliverance! YHWH has made salvation known and shown divine justice to the nations, and has remembered in truth and love the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Most High, all the earth, break into joyous songs of praise!
Carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Christmas Ensemble, Union Church, Boston
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord
Psalm 98:5-9 Rita Zanzerkia (Gujarati)
Main St. UMC, Nashua, NH
Psalm 98:5-9
Sing praise to YHWH with the harp, with the harp and melodious singing! With trumpets and the blast of the shofar, raise a shout to YHWH, Ruler of All. Let the sea and all within it thunder;
the world and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy before YHWH, who comes to judge the earth, who will rule the world with justice and its peoples with equity.
Carol “A Christmas Celebration (medley)” James Hong & Chris Shin
Trumpets
Second Lesson Hebrews 1:1-6 Edward Crews (English)
Hebrews 1:7-12 Julia Mendes (Portuguese)
Heritage UMC, Braintree MA
Hebrews 1:1-6
In times past, God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these final days, God has spoken to us through the Only Begotten, who has been made heir of all things and through whom the universe was first created.
Christ is the reflection of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s being; all things are sustained by God’s powerful Word. Having cleansed us from our sins, Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Glory of heaven — as far superior to the angels as the name Christ has inherited is superior to theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Own; today I have begotten you,” or, “I will be your parent, and you will be my child,” or, as when God said upon bringing the Firstborn into the world, “Let all the angels of God worship you”?
Hebrews 1:7-12
Of the angels God says, “I make the angel winds, my servants flames of fire.” But to the Only Begotten, God says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of your reign.
You love justice as much as you hate wickedness; therefore, God, your God, has set you above your companions and anointed you with the oil of gladness”; and, In the beginning, O God, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a cloak, and like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years never end.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Carol “Gesu Bambino” Chelsea Robinson, cello
Third Lesson John 1:1-6 Sooyoun Kim (Korean)
Wesley UMC, Hadley, MA
John 1:7-14 Chelsea Robinson (English)
John 1:1-6
In the beginning there was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God. The Word was present to God from the beginning. Through the Word all things came into being, and apart from the Word nothing came into being that has come into being. In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light — a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken.
Then came one named John, sent as an envoy from God, who came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through his testimony everyone might believe. He himself wasn’t the Light; he only came to testify about the Light--the true Light that illumines all humankind.
John 1:7-14
The Word was coming into the world – was in the world – and though the world was made through the Word, the world didn’t recognize it. Though the Word came to its own realm, the Word’s own people didn’t accept it. Yet any who did accept the Word, who believed in that Name, were empowered to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor urge of flesh nor human will – but born of God. And the Word became flesh and stayed for a little while among us; we saw the Word’s glory – the favor and position a parent gives an only child – filled with grace, filled with truth.
Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Sophie Goodenough
North Vienna (ME) UMC
O little town of Bethlehem, For Christ is born of Mary,
how still we see thee lie! and, gathered all above
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep while mortals sleep, the angels keep
the silent stars go by; their watch of wond’ring love.
yet in thy darkness shineth O morning stars, together
the everlasting light. proclaim the holy birth,
The hopes and fears of all the years and praises sing to God the King
are met in thee tonight. and peace to man on earth.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
Fourth Lesson Isaiah 9: 2-7 Patricia Parent
Union UMC, Fall River, MA
(Western Abenaki)
Isaiah 9: 2-7
The people walking in darkness are seeing a brilliant light-upon those who dwell in a land of deep shadows light is shining! God, you have made the nation greater — you have brought them abundant joy! They celebrate in your presence as with the harvest celebrations, or as warriors celebrate when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them, the weight on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors — you have shattered it, as you did at the defeat of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak that was dragged through blood, is now used as fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us, an heir is given us, upon whose shoulders dominion will rest. This One shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Strength of God, Eternal Protector, Champion of Peace.
This dominion, and this peace, will grow without end, with David’s throne and realm sustained with justice and fairness, now and forever. The zeal of YHWH Omnipotent will accomplish it!”
Carol “Joy to the World” UM Missionaries
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let earth receive her King; Let all their songs employ;
let every heart prepare him room, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, & plains
and heaven and nature sing, repeat the sounding joy,
and heaven and nature sing, repeat the sounding joy,
and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Isaiah 9: 2-7 Julie Kye & Aquinnah Hill (English)
Meditation “And the Word became flesh and stayed for a little while among us...”
Baby “K” and Miles are growing like weeds. We would love to see them here among us, but we also want them and their families to be safe as well as all those who gather in-person. Jesus, God’s Word, became flesh, just like Miles, Baby “K” and all of us.
Think for a few minutes, what would it mean for us today, in the face of the Climate Crisis, in the face of the seemingly increasing racial divisions and political divisions within our own country, for God’s Word to come into the world and stay with us for a while?
I’m not sure what translation was used by the Conference for today’s reading, but I have to admit, the homey language of “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood,” used by Eugene Peterson in his paraphrase of the Bible, The Message, catches me even more than the language used here.
Jesus was God’s Word in ‘flesh and blood’. How amazing is that? Jesus came to live and walk among us, humanity, and stuck around for a while. He didn’t just pop down from heaven for a day or two, or show up in some spiritual, unrecognizable form, but he was born from a very human mother, was cared for by that mother and his earthly father, Joseph; grew up like any other child of his time; then, when the time was right, he was arrested for his beliefs, and died upon a cruel but simple cross.
This is how humanity treated God’s Word. What if God’s Word were to show up today? What would he/she have to say about the shape of the world? What sort of world were Baby “K” and Miles born into? What will it be like when they become men?
When Jesus comes again in glory, will his reception be any better than the first time he arrived? When he looks around at all the people who proclaim him as Lord and Savior, will he find them working hard to better the world in preparation for his return or, will he find the world further advanced technologically, but not spiritually? Will he find a world where hope and love are flourishing, where children find healthy strong homes that will teach them to honor creation and the One who created or will he find a world tearing itself apart as people compete for resources, as they fight their way into power and privilege, then tread upon the rights of the lowly and disenfranchised?
Jesus was and is the Light of the World, we should be drawn to such light as a moth is drawn to a light in the summertime. Unfortunately, humanity fears the light, fearing they will become burned due to its pureness. God’s Word, spoke words of love and charity. When we live lives full of darkness, not allowing that light to shine in, people are lost and easily lose their way. Let us be a part of the sharing of the light with others, that they might find their way and the world into which children are born, becomes one of welcome and love.
The Word only “stayed among us for a little while,” but the difference he made continues to echo throughout the world today, let us be a part of that echo. Amen.
Carol “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” Hallelujah Handbell Choir
First UMC, Gilford, NH
Offering Ashley Johnson, Director of Connectional Ministries
Doxology “Angels We Have Heard on High” Aaron Hyung-Kyu Yi
Grace UMC and Danville UMC (VT), organ
Carol “Go Tell it on the Mountain” Korean Caucus Virtual Choir
Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain, While shepherds kept their watching
over the hills, and ev'rywhere; o’er silent flocks by night,
go, tell it on the mountain behold, throughout the heavens
that Jesus Christ is born. there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
Down in a lowly manger While shepherds kept their watching
the humble Christ was born, o’er silent flocks by night,
and God sent us salvation behold, throughout the heavens
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain] there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
Benediction We Hyun Chang, Commonwealth East District Superintendent
Postlude “Christmas Favorites” Haven UMC
String Chamber Orchestra
Blessing May God bless and keep you on this holy day.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST
1st Sunday after Christmas, December 26, 2021
“Dwelling"
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: Developed in the 14th century, the word “dwell” became known as a “lingering” or “abiding.” It had connections to “in-habit”–another word developed at that time. After an Advent/Christmas season of focusing on housing the holy, how will we linger and abide in this habit of hospitality? What habits did you invite into your heart in this season that you desire to take with you into the new year? How might we sustain the dwelling places that feed, house, clothe those who need it most?
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
Reader: Today we light the Christ Candle once again that illumines the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Christ’s Light awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
The Peace
The Hope of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” UMH #251
First Reading Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to [Abba God] through him.
Second Reading Luke 2:41-52 (CEB)
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem… After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.
His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them. Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.
Sermon
The Christmas “pajamas” have now been opened and worn. The anticipation is over, presents unwrapped and family is scattering back to their homes once more. Christmas parties are over and New Year parties are just around the corner. Many adults are feeling fatigued by all the sugar charged energy of the children and are looking forward to sending them back to school so the adults can rest. Lines at stores are jammed with people returning gifts that don’t fit, whether it is the sweater grandmother bought that might have fit 3 years ago or the white elephant Aunt Susie bought for her minimalist nephew to put on his non-existent mantle in his third-floor walk-up efficiency apartment. In the minds of many people, Christmas is over, but for Christians, this is just the second day, the first Sunday, of the Christmas season. Yes, Christmas is not over yet, we can still sing carols and wish one another “Merry Christmas.” Let us then linger in this season of joy and celebration.
It can be disconcerting to jump from the birth of a baby to that time when the baby is now a young man, daily showing signs of more and more independent thinking, maybe some wisdom and perhaps a few signs of rebelliousness. I’m sure some parents feel like their own baby is growing up too fast, that though 12 or so years have passed, the child was just born yesterday. Mary and Joseph appear to be dealing with some of this in our reading from the Gospel According to Luke. Jesus, now about 12 years old and considered an adult, is stepping out on his own, showing wisdom beyond his years in his interaction with the Temple teachers. The problem is, Jesus stayed behind without telling his family what he was doing, causing distraction and concern for his parents.
As Jesus watches us from on high, from his position at God’s right hand, how is he seeing us? Are we causing distraction and concern or is he seeing how we approach the world with wisdom that guides us into acts of welcoming those who are wandering, lost and alone? Jesus, our brother, watches us like an older brother, encouraging us to act with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.
During Advent, we talked about “Housing the Holy,” how we might help those who are considered the least to feel welcomed into the Inn, how we are called to be a part of helping God’s reign to come to reality in the here and now rather than some eschatological future. In the midst of watching a little TV though, I heard something in an advertisement that not only took me back to junior high school, but reminded me that sometimes, with all our fancy words and theological reflections, pastors should listen to a little music that can preach for us. It isn’t a Christmas carol, but a once popular song written by Glen Campbell.
If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and say, "You're going the wrong way"
You've got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Don't walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way
You got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
You got to try a little kindness
Yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Glen Campbell – “Try a Little Kindness”
The letter to the Colossians tells us and Glen Campbell reminds us, when we see someone that’s having a difficult time, we just need to “try a little kindness,” but sometimes we need to “overlook the blindness of the narrow-minded people.”
How do we keep the idea of “Housing the Holy” in our hearts all year around, when life seems to keep throwing curve balls at us? How do we welcome strangers in when we aren’t sure we should meet together due to the seemingly never-ending pandemic? How do we deal with those in our community who would stand against us due to our political leanings or whatever issue with which we differ from them?
When we allow the Holy One space in our hearts, when we are the willing hosts of the Holy One, we gain the strength to stand against those who cast us in negative light. When we learn to forgive those we deem “narrow minded,” instead, trying to find common ground concerning other issues, then using those places of common thought as a jumping off spot to a new relationship, one which hears the anger, pain, hurt, fear or other emotion behind the negative actions without judging, but instead loving despite the challenges, we can change the dynamics of the relationship.
When we show a little kindness to those with whom we differ, we can change the dynamic from one of altercation to one where we find ways to work together despite our differences.
Remember the sweater that doesn’t fit? The white elephant for which there is no place for it to go? Perhaps we should exchange them for love. In the letter to the Colossians, we are told to clothe ourselves in love. When we are clothed in love, we take off the rose-colored glasses we have been wearing, replacing them with vision that sees through the eyes of God. God’s vision sees the pain and suffering and cries out to change lives through the sharing of love in tangible ways. When we share a little kindness, we begin the process of transformation that helps put an end to the suffering and brings hope to lives each and every day. May this Christmas season live in our hearts and minds 365 days a year and may we be a part of God’s in-breaking reign all the days of our lives. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret…
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God…
and out again with the Peace of Christ...
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear…
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God…
and out again, with the Peace of Christ…
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: This is the final service in our series, “The Inn: Housing the Holy.” Now is our chance to talk about ways we might increase the hospitality ministries of our congregation. Hospitality welcomes people into not only worship services, but into the life of the congregation. This is our chance to dream, to be like children with visions of “sugarplums” dancing in our heads. Our “sugarplums” will this year be visions of what we as a congregation might do to invite others to become a part of our community as we open ourselves to “Housing the Holy.” I invite you therefore to take a moment for quiet dreaming, then share those dreams, whether lifting them aloud in worship or sharing them in written form with the church office. Remember, dreams often seem unattainable. On Christmas Eve I shared my love of the movie, “Miracle on 34TH Street.” Susan’s dream seemed very farfetched, unattainable for a young girl, a house with a yard and a swing. Even if your dream seems farfetched, unattainable due to lack of funds or people, I invite you to dream and to share that dream. Who knows, when the Hebrews were stuck between the Egyptians and the Sea, God opened a safe, dry path for them to crossover, drowning their enemies behind them. Perhaps God will bless your dream and bring it to fruition. What is your dream?
Closing Carol
Leader: We end our Advent/Christmas worship series with one last Christmas carol, and this one is truly about Christmas Day. “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” is a medieval carol that would have been used for folk dancing rather than for Mass–a more boisterous praise of the newborn child than was permitted in worship at that time. It was written in Latin and German and the original Latin reveals the heart of this song:
“In sweet jubilation
Now sing and be joyful!
The joy of our hearts
Lies in a manger
And shine like the sun
In the lap of his mother
Alpha and Omega (beginning and end)!”
Let us remember that the joy of our hearts lies in the simplest of mangers. May our church be a “lap of the mother” for those who need it most.
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” UMH 224
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
”Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Words Afro-American spiritual; adapt. by John W. Work, Jr., 1907; Music Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. By William Farley Smith, 1986; Tune TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN; Words ; CCLI #27051Public Domain, Music © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; Used with permission
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” Words 14th cent. Latin; trans. by John Mason Neale, 1855, Music German Melody; harm. by Gary Alan Smith, 1988; Tune: IN DULCI JUBILO; Words in the Public Domain; Music tune in the Public Domain, harm. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; CCLI#1214849; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil for the homeless at Deny Park (Gazebo), December 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:00.
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and in-person service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30, in-person and 7:00 in-person and zoom service.
Lay Servant Courses: Rev. Ralph Howe (First UMC Brattleboro) will be facilitating the Basic Lay Servant Course in Brattleboro on Sundays, January 30, 12:30 – 5:30, and February 6, 12:30 – 5:30. Zoom will be available for hybrid participation. To register, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form). Book. The Seacoast Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant course and the advanced courses, Leading Public Worship and Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, in January 2022 via Zoom. Click here for details and the registration link.
Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete financial planning for next year. If you need another card, please contact the church office.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
NE CORR offers “New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism”
The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race is offering a five-week course titled New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism beginning March 3, 2022. This workshop is designed for people who understand that racism is a deeply embedded problem in our society. There is an application process to join the course, application deadline is Feb. 3, 2022.
Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth
This week features a new occasional blog by retired elder Kim Hornung-Marcy, who shares information and tips based on her philosophy that going green saves money over the long haul and will help us save the earth.
Donations will support local churches and global missions
In his Thanksgiving message, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar asked people to consider donating the cost of one cup of coffee/tea/soda or meal each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas with the proceeds to be shared equally by your local church and world missions.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
Christmas Eve 2021
“The Inn”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: All through the season of Advent as we prepared for Christmas, we’ve been exploring how we as a church can “make more room in the inn,” becoming more hospitable to the needs of our community. On this Christmas Eve, we declare that The Inn is open for the business of compassion with room enough for all! The long-awaited Messiah has been born and on him the light shines. We have only to open the doors of our lives and say “welcome.” Our Advent journey has led us to this moment when the light shining through the closed doors of life becomes an open door to new possibilities, new relationships. What a poignant moment for us this year as the light–the hope, peace, joy and love–multiplies from one illuminated heart and hand to another.
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
Reader: Tonight we offer the Lights of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to illumine the Door of Welcome.
And we add the brightest light of all… the Light of the Newborn Jesus. It shines bright like the star that rose over Bethlehem. May this light also shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May this light awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality. There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Love comes to us at Christmas
Love comes to heal our souls.
Love brings an invitation
that our hearts might be made whole.
As we gather at the stable
in the darkness, glad and grateful
for the sacred in our midst,
for wonder and delight,
Christ is born in us this night.
The Peace
The Light of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Joy to the World” UMH #246
First Reading The Prophecy Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Second Reading The Story Luke 2: 1-7 (NRSV)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Sermon
It is hard for me to read the passage from Isaiah without my mind going into song as I recall singing the Christmas portion of Handel’s great oratorio, The Messiah when I was a teenager. We often find power in music. Methodists are known for singing our theology. Many of us learned our ABCs not from spoken repetition, but from singing them to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. As we come into our time of worship tonight; as we come in from the cold of another Vermont winter’s night, our hearts are waiting to be warmed, to sing the songs we have sung for so many years; our ears are twitching as they listen for familiar strains filling the air, yet, as we gather, we wonder, will we be able to sing? Will COVID restrictions silence the music that so fills our hearts as it silenced us and kept us apart last year?
As I write this, the plan is to sing, but the Administrative Council and I are constantly listening to the science and the numbers, staying open to change in order to reduce the risks of spreading the virus to people who may be more vulnerable due to many situations.
Children are still anxiously shaking packages and wondering, will Santa come this year or is he too afraid of the virus to come into our homes? Into this time of anxiety and anxious waiting and watching, the baby seeks to be born in our hearts once more. The child whose name was to be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, waits to bring peace into our hearts once more; to bring hope into our lives; to replace our anxiety with love and our.sorrow with joy.
In order for this to happen, we must believe. One of my favorite movies, often shown around this time of year is, Miracle on 34TH Street, the 1947 edition with Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood. As Susan Walker (a young Natalie Wood) struggles to accept that the “nice old man” that has come into her and her mother’s lives is really Santa, despite having been taught for her whole life that Santa doesn’t exist, she repeats over and over to herself, “I believe. I believe.” trying to convince herself that Chris is truly Kris Kringle, Santa Claus.
I hope we don’t need to repeat over and over to ourselves, “I believe. I believe.” Trying to convince ourselves that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. I hope we instead are seeking ways to open our hearts so that, as we “house the Holy,” the light that has come into the world will shine more brightly. For tonight, we are invited to “house the Holy,” to allow our hearts to become the inn in which the new baby is born. At the birth of Jesus light came to illumine the darkness of a world lost in sin. That light shines on us this night, let that light enter in so that it can shine out again, lighting the world in a future filled with the hope born that night so long ago.
Jesus is born, Hallelujah!
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret…
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God…
and out again with the Peace of Christ…
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear …
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God…
and out again, with the Peace of Christ….
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for hope to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
Love Feast
“Comfort Food: A Feast of Love”
When we “break bread” together as a church in our worship, we remember that Jesus invited folks to his table as part of his ministry, not just at the Last Supper. So we wanted to create a way for all of us to break bread together with whatever we have at our homes. Indeed, what we’ve asked you to do is to prepare your favorite “comfort food!”
Jesus used the parable of a great banquet to which all people are invited in order to talk about what the “kin-dom” of God, the family of God, looks like. He said, “Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled.” He often invited the most unlikely guests to his meal-times, confounding the disciples. In this way, he was encouraging a deep love and connection beyond social norms. He knew that we humans need connection and inclusion. Jesus comforts us, saying “you have a place at the table” and Jesus challenges us to make sure we are doing the same–that all people know they are welcome in our hearts, in our homes, in our churches–even if we can’t physically be with each other right now.
It is difficult in this moment not to be near some of the people we love and might be worried about. Take a moment and say out loud the names of people you wish were right there next to you at your table today.
Jesus is no longer physically on earth, yet every time we gather around a table and we call him to mind, he is present with us in Spirit. And so too, our loved ones are with us. Let this be a comfort to us.
We also want to call to mind, the people we cannot name, whose names we do not know. But we know they need our prayers and God’s comfort.
I invite you to take a deep breath on behalf of all those we do not know and cannot call by name. As we do so, we know that God knows who needs our prayers and the Spirit, Breath of God, is blowing from within us outward as a Spirit of Compassion and Presence
Blessings at the table are part of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Indeed, Jesus adapted his Jewish ritual blessing spoken before and after meals. He asked us to remember him whenever we break bread and raise a cup in thanksgiving. This is why we call our communion prayers the “Great Thanksgiving.” In this feast of love and comfort, we can call to mind things for which we are deeply grateful. I invite you to speak aloud a couple of things that you are grateful for in this moment.
And so I invite you to raise a plate of “something” on your table, or a glass of whatever you are drinking,
and let us bless it in this way.
Holy Comforter
Holy Comforter [continue to repeat the next lines in this way]
We gather in your name…
invited by Jesus…
bound together with your Spirit…
in union with each other…
Feed our bodies and our spirits…
with your comforting presence…
so that we might be your comfort to others…
Bless this food…
and break open our hearts…
Bless this drink…
and pour out your love…
Amen.
As you pass and fill your plates, getting ready to continue to eat your comfort food following this service, I invite you to imagine what extravagant love looks like as you reach across the social distance to loved ones, to friends, and even acquaintances or strangers.
And now may you shelter not only in place, but in peace. May the peace and comfort of Christ be present with you now and forevermore. Amen.
Closing Carol
Leader: Leader: Friends, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. This is the moment we missed so much last year. Yes, we found ways to “pass the light” from one to another across the distance, knowing that nothing could extinguish the light of God in this world, knowing that Christ was with us and will always be. But oh, how good it is to be in this Holy House together. And for those who are watching online, we feel you, we know you are there, we are so glad that you join us in this moment with a candle lit at your own holy house. The Spirit makes it possible for us to be connected, as we found out last year. Let us sing this beloved song, Silent Night, that has been present through two centuries of ups and downs, steadfast in its message that the light still shines.
”Silent Night” UMH #239
Leader: I invite you to turn and face the doors of this church for the Benediction before extinguishing your light. As you turn, see the lighted faces of this gathered community and know that you belong in this family of love.
Benediction
As you go out into the world this night…
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
“Comfort Food, A Feast of Love” by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com
”Joy to the World” Words Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps 98:4-9); Music Arr. From G. F. Handel, 1741, by Lowell Mason, 1848; Tune ANTIOCH; Words and Music in the Public Domain; CCLI # 24016
“Silent Night” Words by Joseph Mohr, 1818, alt.; sts. 1,2,3 trans. by John F. Young, st. 4 trans. anon. (Lk. 2:6-20); Music by Franz Gruber, 1818; Tune: STILLE NACHT; Words & Music in the Public Domain; CCLI#27862; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil for the homeless at Deny Park (Gazebo), December 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:00.
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and in-person service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30, in-person and 7:00 in-person and zoom service.
Lay Servant Courses: Rev. Ralph Howe (First UMC Brattleboro) will be facilitating the Basic Lay Servant Course in Brattleboro on Sundays, January 30, 12:30 – 5:30, and February 6, 12:30 – 5:30. Zoom will be available for hybrid participation. To register, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form). Order Participants Book.The Seacoast Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant course and the advanced courses, Leading Public Worship and Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, in January 2022 via Zoom. Click here for details and the registration link.
Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete financial planning for next year. If you need another card, please contact the church office.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
NE CORR offers “New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism”
The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race is offering a five-week course titled New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism beginning March 3, 2022. This workshop is designed for people who understand that racism is a deeply embedded problem in our society. There is an application process to join the course, application deadline is Feb. 3, 2022.
Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth
This week features a new occasional blog by retired elder Kim Hornung-Marcy, who shares information and tips based on her philosophy that going green saves money over the long haul and will help us save the earth.
Donations will support local churches and global missions
In his Thanksgiving message, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar asked people to consider donating the cost of one cup of coffee/tea/soda or meal each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas with the proceeds to be shared equally by your local church and world missions.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
Blue Christmas
December 21, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
For some, Christmas is a mixed blessing, evoking grief over the death of loved ones, or other sorrows. A Blue Christmas service is a serve of hope and healing that is more quiet and reflective than exuberant. It may speak not only to those who bear personal sorrows but also those who lament injustice and broken relationships in their communities or the world.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, Creator of all, you who make the snow of winter and the darkness of night, the day is yours, and also the night; summer and winter are yours.
The darkness is yours, and in it we seek your blessing.
Christ, Companion of all who sit in darkness, you came to us on that night long ago, and warmed our night with your presence.
In the darkness of this night we wait for your coming again.
Holy Spirit, we open our hearts to your light, and our lives to your presence.
O Come, O come! God, be with us, dwell in our hearts,
and let your dawn break upon us, and on all who dwell in darkness. Amen.
Psalm 13 (MSG)
Long enough, God - you've ignored me long enough. I've looked at the back of your head. Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. I've thrown myself headlong into your arms - I'm celebrating your rescue. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.
Listening Prayer
Creator God, from the beginning of time, when only chaos and darkness existed, you have been with us. In the fullness of time, you sent your light into the world as Christ, to bless our days and our nights, our joys and our sorrows, our living and our dying. Come now, enter into our hearts, anoint us with your Spirit, and comfort us with your healing love. Amen.
Bidding Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the many blessings you have given us. We remember with grateful hearts our loved ones, and all who have blessed us through our years.
God of grace, we give you thanks.
We hold in your light what is no longer ours: loves and dreams that have passed, friends and hopes that have died. We hold in your light our struggles, our darkness, our emptiness.
God of grace, be with us in the night.
O come to us, God, and walk with us. Grant us your consolation, strength and renewal. Enter into the rough stable of our lives so that here, by your presence, there is healing, and hope, and joy.
God of grace, grant us light.
Gentle God, for all who suffer we ask your blessing. For all who are lonely we ask your presence. For all who struggle we ask your Spirit. Come to us, receive our wounds, dwell with us, and strengthen us by your spirit.
God of grace, grant us your peace.
God of mercy, we mourn the world’s injustice, and pray in hope. Bless those who suffer oppression. Bless those who work for justice. Bless us, that with hope and courage we may shine with your light even in the darkest night.
God of grace, grant us your hope.
Spirit of healing, fill us with your grace that we may shine with your light in the darkness, that we may bear your healing to others, that we may be living signs of your coming.
God of grace, grant us your peace. Amen.
Isaiah 40:1-11 (MSG)
"Comfort, oh comfort my people," says your God. "Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem, but also make it very clear That she has served her sentence, that her sin is taken care of - forgiven! She's been punished enough and more than enough, and now it's over and done with."
Thunder in the desert! "Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said."
A voice says, "Shout!" I said, "What shall I shout?" "These people are nothing but grass, their love fragile as wildflowers. The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren't these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever."
Climb a high mountain, Zion. You're the preacher of good news. Raise your voice. Make it good and loud, Jerusalem. You're the preacher of good news. Speak loud and clear. Don't be timid! Tell the cities of Judah, "Look! Your God!" Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power, ready to go into action. He is going to pay back his enemies and reward those who have loved him. Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, hugging them as he carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture. The Creator of All You Can See or Imagine.
A Litany of Remembrance
Leader: As we near the longest night of the year, we light this advent candle of hope. We pray for all those who suffer—mentally, physically, emotionally, and ask your blessing upon them. Open our eyes to those who are lonely, afraid, and forgotten, that we might be to them a comforting and hopeful presence.
All: As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to those in need of hope.
Response— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, verse 1
As we light this advent candle of love, we remember with grateful hearts all those who have blessed our lives with love. We pray for our loved ones who are no longer here with us. We remember their names, their voices, their lives. God, may your eternal light surround them.
As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to those in need of love.
Response— O Come, Come, Emmanuel, verse 2
As we remember that dawn defeats darkness, God, we light this advent candle of joy. As we experience times of loss—the loss of our health, our jobs, our relationships, our hopes and dreams, God promises to be with us and to lead us into a deeper joy.
As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to those in need of joy.
Response— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, verse 3
Though we live in times of conflict and division, we light this advent candle of peace. In a world of unspeakable violence, you came to us as a baby—vulnerable, precious, and pure, offering to us the gift of your love. May your peace, which surpasses all human understanding, fill our hearts, and heal our world.
As the candle shines through darkness,
may we be your light to a world in need of peace.
Response— O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ,verse 4
Silence…
Psalm Meditation
(Psalm 85, paraphrased)
Leader: God of life, the land has blossomed with your favor.
You have restored your people;
you have forgiven us,
all of our brokenness a thing of the past.
In our suffering there was your grace,
your fierce protection.
All: We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
Restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Heal our fear of you.
How long will we go on distrusting of you,
keeping our distance for generations?
Awaken us from our bad dreams
and renew our joy.
Show us your steadfast love,
and grant us whole and vibrant life.
We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
We listen for your voice,
for you speak peace.
We turn to you in our hearts.
Even in the darkness, unseen, you are near.
We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
justice and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up like green plants;
solidarity with one another
will spread over us like the sky.
God will give what is good,
and the earth bloom with joy.
Compassion will walk through the world
and make a way for God to enter.
We listen for your voice, O God,
for your compassion draws near. …
Revelation 21:1-4 (MSG)
I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea. I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband. I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good - tears gone, crying gone, pain gone - all the first order of things gone."
Closing Song
Come Again, Poor Jesus
(Tune: In the Bleak Midwinter)
When our souls are wintry, when our hearts are cold,
come to us, dear Jesus, as you did of old.
When our hearts, unsheltered, feel the winds above,
come to us and warm us with your gentle love.
In the dark we wander, searching for our way,
waiting, lost, and longing for the light of day.
Dawn upon your children; fold us in your grace.
Child, be born among us. Show to us your face.
Shepherds on the hillside, poor, without a friend,
kept their watch in silence, vigil without end.
But then in the darkness, angels brought the word:
“God has not forgotten, and your prayers are heard.”
To the simple, poor ones, Jesus came that night.
Come again, poor Jesus. Bless us with your light.
Lamb of God, be with us in our joy and pain,
and companion us, Love, to new life again.
Liturgy by Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, used with permission.
MSG – All Scripture passages from, THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language, copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Words: 9th cent. Latin; trans. st. 1,3, The Hymnal, 1940; st. 2, Henry Sloane Coffin, 1916; st 4, Laurence Hull Stookey, © 1986, 1940, 1943, 1981, 1989 The United Methodist Publishing; Music 15th cent. French; arr. And harm. by Thomas Helmore, 1864; Tune: VENI EMMANUEL, Music in the Public Domain; CCLI # 3060194; Used with permission.
Come Again, Poor Jesus Words: Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Used with permission. Music: Gustav Holst, 1906; Tune: CRANHAM (In the Bleak Midwinter), in the Public Domain; CCLI #294736. Used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: # 20810329
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST
4TH Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021
“A Room with a View (Love)”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: This has been an Advent season of prophets: Jeremiah, Baruch, Isaiah, Micah. And now the prophet is Mary–the woman who was the original house for the holy. She was “the inn,” her womb gestating love for the world. With all her heart, she proclaims that the lowly are lifted, the hungry are fed, mercy reigns. Like Mary, we must envision, must see, must prophesy and act on that vision for the world that God continues to call us to co-create. What is the view from the room that God has prepared?
Love waits for us at Advent
Love waits for us to care.
Love waits for our compassion
freely offered, freely shared.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where faith shapes all we do.
Love is born in us anew!
Reader: Today we offer the Light of Love to illumine the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Love awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Love waits for us at Advent
Love waits for us to care.
Love waits for our compassion
freely offered, freely shared.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where faith shapes all we do.
Love is born in us anew!
The Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Tell Out, My Soul” UMH #200
First Reading Micah 5:2-5a (CEB)
As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces,
one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you.
His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.
Therefore, he will give them up
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth.
The rest of his kin will return to the people of Israel.
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
They will dwell secure,
because he will surely become great throughout the earth;
he will become one of peace.
Second Reading Luke 1: 46-55
Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”
Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
just as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”
Sermon
I give thanks! A few months ago, I was hospitalized several times over a short period of time. A couple of those times I was at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and, believe it or not, in the same room and initially the second time, the same side of the room. As I lay in my bed, I had a wonderful view of a curtain, the door to the hall, a door to a closet, a computer and the bathroom. It was a very small area, hardly room for the “recliner” for me to sit in and the bedside cabinet. I wondered what the other side of the room held, particularly after a family meeting with the patient and others on the other side of “the curtain.” The second time I was admitted to the room, as soon as the patient occupying the space on the other side of “the curtain” departed, the staff arranged for me to be moved to the other side. There was a window, a closet and room for more than a chair or two. The stark difference in the two sides of the room were brought to mind by the title for this week, “A Room with a View.” The change in view helped with the way I felt, with my attitude about all that was going on with my body and with how I was dealing with once more being in the hospital.
Have you ever noticed how one’s view of a situation affects their attitude, their demeanor, their very response to a situation? When I was “stuck” on the side of the room with a view of the bathroom, I was frustrated, had a very negative view of how I was doing and all in all felt pretty blue. While the move to the other side didn’t erase my frustration or my total understanding of what was going on, some of the negative feelings, the “blues” began to disappear.
As we listen to “Mary’s Song,” sometimes called, “The Magnificat” as she was ‘magnifying God,’ we sometimes lose sight of her circumstances. Here is a young woman, pregnant outside wedlock, singing praises to God for the gift of her pregnancy with God’s child, yet, as she sings, it is not all pretty and comfortable. Mary sings of the child’s future, a future that includes the removing of those comfortable in positions of power from those positions, the feeding of the poor while those who are rich are turned away. As we heard at the beginning of the service, Mary was prophesying about the child growing in her womb. She spoke of one who had a different view of the world, a view that brought hope to those who had no hope, who could only see “the curtain” and not the window into the world. She spoke of one who would love those who no one else seemed capable of loving.
What is our own personal view, our vision of who we, as Grace United Methodist Church, as followers of that baby born so long ago, are? Who are we and what is God calling us to be in a world where so many are losing hope due to economic insecurities made worse by the pandemic? How is God calling us to change in order to bring about God’s plan for the future? When we live out Jesus’ Gospel of Love, we must remember, “We love because [God] first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NIV). We love because we know that we are loved. We are also reminded in First John, “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1John 4:7b-8, NIV)
Jesus came into the world that we might know God through knowing Jesus and learning of God’s love for us through him. If we have been loved, then how do we show others in a way that they might know of God’s love?
Recently, the Finance Committee voted that $200 of this year’s mission outreach would be to an Afghani family that has recently moved into Lyme. This family, coming from a country facing increasing difficulties with the pull-out of US forces, should encounter the love that God has for God’s people as they try to assimilate into life in a small New England community. Their faith background may or may not be Christian, in fact is probably Muslim, yet, they are still children of the same God, calling God by another name, Allah, does not change that. Though they see Jesus as only a prophet, they believe he was one of the great prophets and teachers, and as such, we should welcome them into the community with compassion rather than hesitancy and distrust. Who knows, by being the feet and hands of Jesus, we may also become Jesus’ voice to these people, not in an overt, proselytizing manner, but in a manner that shares Jesus’ love in tangible ways.
The remaining few dollars of our mission funds will go to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is used locally to help those that are struggling to buy gas so they can get to work, move from temporary housing for the homeless into an apartment, help with rent, and other needs that seem out of reach for so many.
]Sometimes we need a “room with a view,” a change in view, so we can see the needs around us and see how we are or how we may impact those needs in a positive manner. Sometimes that “room with a view” is as much about a vision for the future as it is about what has happened in the past.
As I moved from the bed behind the curtain to the one closer to the window, it had subtle effects on my vision for the future. It helped me to be less focused on what was wrong and helped me be more thankful for what I had.
How might we help others to have a change of view, a change of vision, that helps them have hope for the future? What do we need so that we too might have that change in vision, that hope for the future in ourselves?
Mary carried a baby in her womb, praising God despite the troubles her pregnancy likely brought for her. We too should look to Jesus as a harbinger of hope as well as a challenge to our comfortable lifestyles. Let us be open each and every day to his guidance. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for love to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for love to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again, with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for love to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
Denise Morse
Rob & Helen Elder
The Isleys
Bob & Chris Clark
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: Imagine living in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. Little town with a big expectation! As we heard, the prophet Micah, hundreds of years earlier, had predicted that a baby would be born in this “least significant” place, one that would “surely become great.” This was part of the sacred texts of the people and surely something that everyone, including the Innkeeper, in Bethlehem knew about. But did they believe it? Did they believe that something great, a peaceful ruler, would come from their town? Perhaps not enough to realize the possibilities of a pregnant woman on their doorstep that night. Do we believe that we are capable of birthing something life-changing for the people in our community? As the Body of Christ, could we live with more expectation of what is possible? Could we look more closely at what is right in front of us?
Closing Carol
Leader: Today’s closing carol is “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” an 18th century hymn by John Francis Wade. This carol invites us to come “joyful and triumphant.” It moves between exhortation and doctrine from the Nicene Creed in the second verse. But each verse moves from boisterous to almost a hushed tone at the beginning of the refrain as we tiptoe into the stable with “O come, let us adore him.” A little-known verse focuses on love and places us in the manger with Jesus:
Child, for us sinners
poor and in the manger,
Fain we embrace thee, with awe and love:
Who would not love thee,
loving us so dearly?
O come, let us adore him…
Each one of us has known the need to love and be loved, to forgive and be forgiven, to embrace and be embraced. May we approach each person we meet with the adoration of Jesus Christ, tender and merciful, loving and kind, and make this a house of adoration for all.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
”Tell Out, My Soul” Words Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1961 (Lk. 1:46b-55); Music Walter Greatorex, 1919; Tune WOODLANDS; Words © 1962 Hope Publishing Co.; Music by permission of Oxford University Press; CCLI #27051
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Words by John F. Wade, ca 1743; Trans. by Frederick Oakeley, 1841 and others, Music by John F. Wade, ca. 1743; harm. from Collections of Motetts or Antiphons, 1792, Tune: ADESTE FIDELES; Words & Music in the Public Domain; CCLI#3154; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil for the homeless at Deny Park (Gazebo), December 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:00.
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and in-person service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30, in-person and 7:00 in-person and zoom service.
Lay Servant Courses: Rev. Ralph Howe (First UMC Brattleboro) will be facilitating the Basic Lay Servant Course
in Brattleboro on Sundays, January 30, 12:30 – 5:30, and February 6, 12:30 – 5:30. Zoom will be available for hybrid participation. To register, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form). Order Participants Book.The Seacoast Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant course and the advanced courses, Leading Public Worship and Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, in January 2022 via Zoom. Click here for details and the registration link.
Please return your pledge cards as soon as possible so we can complete financial planning for next year. If you need
another card, please contact the church office.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid
on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
NE CORR offers “New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism”
The New England Conference Commission on Religion and Race is offering a five-week course titled New England United Methodist Dismantling Racism beginning March 3, 2022. This workshop is designed for people who understand that racism is a deeply embedded problem in our society. There is an application process to join the course, application deadline is Feb. 3, 2022.
Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth
This week features a new occasional blog by retired elder Kim Hornung-Marcy, who shares information and tips based on her philosophy that going green saves money over the long haul and will help us save the earth.
Donations will support local churches and global missions
In his Thanksgiving message, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar asked people to consider donating the cost of one cup of coffee/tea/soda or meal each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas with the proceeds to be shared equally by your local church and world missions.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
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GRACE UNITED METHODIST
3RD Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021
United Methodist Student Sunday
“How Much is Enough? (Joy)”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Prayer for Peace Pastor Kelly Harvell
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.
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader: As John baptized new converts, he invited them to live with “changed hearts and lives.” When asked how to do that, his answers all point to making sure no one is cheated or left without the basic necessities of life, including the right to not be harassed. A full life of joy, which the prophet Isaiah desc ribes as an ever flowing spring, is the birthright of all children of God. May we act to make it so.
Joy waits for us at Advent
Joy waits for us to sing.
Joy waits for our amazement
at the grace in everything.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where wonder is restored.
Joy is born in us once more!
Reader:
Today we offer the Light of Joy to illumine the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Joy awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Joy waits for us at Advent
Joy waits for us to sing.
Joy waits for our amazement
at the grace in everything.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
where wonder is restored.
Joy is born in us once more!
The Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” UMH 213
First Reading : Isaiah 12: 2-6 (CEB)
God is indeed my salvation;
I will trust and won’t be afraid.
Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield;
he has become my salvation.”
You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.
And you will say on that day:
“Thank the Lord; call on God’s name;
proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples;
declare that God’s name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things;
proclaim this throughout all the earth.”
Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion,
because the holy one of Israel is great among you.
Second Reading Luke 3: 7-18 (CEB)
Then John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire.”
The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more than you are authorized to collect.” Soldiers asked, “What about us? What should we do?” He answered, “Don’tocheat or harass anyone, and be satisfied with your pay.”
The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.” With many other words John appealed to them, proclaiming good news to the people.
Sermon
Have you heard the news? A family of six from Afghanistan has been living on a military base in El Paso, TX and is headed for Lyme, NH as their new residence? By the time you hear this, they should have already arrived. A request for volunteers to help welcome this family as once more they uproot and move, this time from the sunny, warm areas of Texas to our more frigid, snow prone region went out December 4. As I write this, the family is due to arrive in Manchester, NH in a couple of days and in Lyme later this week.
Imagine if you would how this family may feel. They have left their homeland in the midst of chaos resulting when US troops pulled out. Their country has been taken over by an ultra-conservative group of people many in our country consider terrorists; people who treat women more as property than as people, denying them the right to education or to a fulfilling job. Some women are staying in their homes, fearful to be seen out in the community without a male relative as escort. This family is arriving in a land where women are more often seen alone or in groups of women than with a male relative; are educated alongside men in our institutes of higher education and enter the workforce on more equal footing than many from such an environment can even imagine. Boys and girls attend school together rather than separated by gender. How will the children in this family react to such a situation, to the level of freedom their classmates expect as their due, to being in coed classrooms?
Today’s scriptures remind us of how God is our salvation, our strength and shield, but that there are expectations placed on faithful followers of God, expectations that are supposed to ensure that all have enough to eat, clothes to wear, that they may go about their lives without concern for being harassed, cheated, or subjected to excess taxes because of who they are.
Though we have many poor in our communities, life in the US comes with so much unfettered freedom, freedoms that far exceed the freedoms so much of the world experiences. We have poor, but they live in a world where consumerism is rampant and are encouraged to have all the fancy gewgaws for which everyone else strives. We live in a world that encourages us to spend, spend, spend, to satisfy our every dream by buying more things.
The families that come to our country often come from countries where incomes are much less than they are here; where people are more satisfied with the basics of life, food, clothes, and housing. When I was in the Army Reserve, I traveled to several places in Central and South America where people lived in mud walled huts with thatched roofs, where there was no running water or indoor plumbing. Some might think that people living in such difficult situations would find it difficult to find joy in life, but the smile on a man’s face, as he points to a cow he has received from Heifer Project and the calf by its side, would help you see that joy comes in many forms, not just in the acquisition of more, fancier things.
Joy comes when we are able to be with those we love. It can happen as we watch a baby struggle to take those first steps. It happens when we know that the bills are paid and there is still food on the table. It happens when people reach a place where they feel safe and welcomed.
As we approach Christmas, a time of family members trying to outdo one another in giving the “best present,” as we look through the eyes of family with a soon to be born baby, a baby born to redeem all of creation, let us look through eyes of faith and ears, open to the cries of the most needy in our world. May our hearts be open to the love of Jesus, born that night and in housing the Holy in our hearts, may that love flow out from us into the world around us. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for joy to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less peace in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for joy to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again, with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for joy to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for…
… Bob and Chris Clark
… Family of Lisa Kelly and her husband and for all victims and perpetrators of domestic violence
… Ryan, losing battle with COVID
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury;
may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
… Lillian’s brother and his wife are over COVID
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: Many imaginative tales have been spun about "The Inn” and the people who may have been involved in the story. As we’ve already said, we know very little about the circumstances from the Bible. Another theory is that it wasn’t an inn at all but the downstairs of a house where the family animals were kept, under the top floor where the family lived. This scenario suggests that each and every home can be a birthing place for more goodness in this world. It suggests that this House of God, this church, might contain a surprising nook or cranny that could house a holy endeavor for bringing more joy to someone’s life.
Closing Carol
Leader: Today’s closing carol is “What Child is This” that invites “peasants and kings” to claim Christ as their own (the Glory to God hymnal changes this to “one and all”). Chatterton Dix was not a clergy person like most of the hymn writers of the 19th century. He was a businessman in England. He asks the question, “Why lies he in such mean estate,” referring to the stable, and in the original second verse, answers by connecting the humble, wooden birth manger to the wood of the cross “borne” at his death: [see more about this history HERE].
Why lies He in such mean estate,
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear, shall pierce him through;
the cross be borne for me, for you
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary.
True joy acknowledges the suffering of the world, and invites all people regardless of status to claim Christ’s grace and joy as salve for the soul. May we offer warm laps and soft lullabies to sooth a hurting world.
“What Child Is This” UMH 219
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” Words Georg Weissel, 17th cent., trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 (Ps. 24); Music Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789; Tune TRURO; Words & Music Public Domain; CCLI #1863214
“What Child Is This” Words by William C. Dix, 1865 (Lk. 2:6-29; Mt. 2:1-12), Music 16th cent. English melody, Tune: GREENSLEEVES; CCLI#30983; Used with permission.
“Hope Waits” and “Make of My Heart a Stable” by Amanda Udis-Kessler, used with permission.
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329;
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Blue Christmas Service, Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30, zoom and Gathering Room service
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2021 at 5:30 (Gathering Room Service) and 7:00 (Zoom Service)
Church Council Zoom Meeting, Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 6:30.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
November’s Collection: $2,857
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST
1ST Sunday of Advent
United Methodist Student Sunday
“Making Room (Hope)”
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
We Open the Door (Threshold Moment) “Hope Waits for Us at Advent”
Leader:
The pandemic has laid bare, and widened, economic disparity locally and globally. As we enter the Advent season, how can our church become a house where the Holy will be born anew–offering respite, sustenance and care, opening the doors ever wider to those seeking shelter from the onslaught of life? No one church can do it all, but each can do something. As we study the biblical prophets that call us to care for our neighbors and “make room in the inn,” the lonely and frightened spaces within us are filled with the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Hope waits for us at Advent
Hope waits for us to trust.
Hope waits for our commitment
to a land that’s kind and just.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
that heals the ones in pain.
Hope is born in us again!
Reader:
Today we offer the Light of Hope to illumine the Door of Welcome.
May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May Hope awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Hope waits for us at Advent
Hope waits for us to trust.
Hope waits for our commitment
to a land that’s kind and just.
In this time of preparation
for the work of co-creation,
for the birthing of a world
that heals the ones in pain.
Hope is born in us again!
The Peace
The Hope of Christ be with you!
And also with you!
Opening Hymn/Song “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” UMH 203
First Reading Jeremiah 33: 14-16 (CEB)
The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.
Second Reading Psalm 25: 4-5 (CEB)
Make your ways known to me, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth—teach it to me
because you are the God who saves me.
I put my hope in you all day long.
Sermon
The “First Sunday of Advent,” the beginning of a new liturgical year, the time the cycle of scripture readings moves to the next year of the cycle, this year we move from Year B to Year C; the time we begin preparation for the coming of a baby, the birth of Jesus, the welcoming of the Prince of Peace.
The promised birth of a baby brings many things. It brings a lot of stress as the young family worries about their ability to care for the new born. It often brings thoughts of the future; will it be a boy or a girl? Who will they look more like? What will they grow up to be? A farmer? A lawyer? A soldier? Will they walk in the footsteps of their parents? The promise of the birth of a baby can also bring hope. As a family prepares for a baby, it prepares for the future. New life brings hope as we look at the promise new life brings.
Advent is a time we look to the future hope that Jesus brings into the world, the hope that comes for those who are followers of Jesus as we traditionally look at the promised second coming of Jesus. This year, we will look at scriptures not only through eyes that look for that second coming, but through eyes that know Jesus came into the world some 2000 years ago and how that coming opened doors that changed everything.
The people of Israel are in exile. Imagine how they must have felt. Many had been killed as their homes were overrun. They were forcibly taken to live imprisoned, far from their homeland. Fear and despair would not be surprising. The people of God were in desperate need of a word of hope. The prophet, Jeremiah, steps up and brings such a word. A righteous king will arise, one that will protect them, will bring the blessings of God upon them.
These last almost two years have been difficult for us, for our community, our country and the world. We are slowly emerging, with many backward steps, from the pandemic that has killed over 768,000 people in the U.S., over 5 million worldwide. We, like the people to whom Jeremiah was speaking, need a word of hope. Thousands have come or are coming to our borders, seeking a new life, seeing our country as a place of hope. Thousands were evacuated from Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American and other troops that resulted in the Taliban taking over the country with still more seeking to get out, hoping to make their way to the United States where they hope for a welcome from the people with whom they have worked for the last 20 years. There is a crisis of drugs and violence in our country, people of darker colored skin are dying at even higher rates than those of white skin, but people of all colors and ethnic backgrounds are engaging in acts of violence. Even politicians are using violent words and videos that are apparently acceptable to certain others.
The world is in need of a word of hope. As we enter the season of Advent, we are all searching for a word of hope. We need to hear a word from God that things will get better, that we will have a place to live, food on our tables, jobs that will fulfill us. We need a word of hope that this pandemic will end and we will return to life like it used to be. We need a word of hope that we will return to a civil world where violence is no longer encouraged or condoned at any level of government or by any part of our culture.
From Jeremiah and from the Psalm, we get such hope. God keeps God’s promises. God wants good for those who trust in God. When a time of struggle is over, God will change the playing field, so that those who have suffered will find their very lives changed if they continue to walk with integrity and trust in God.
The one called “The Lord Is Our Righteousness” has come into the world. Born some 2000 years ago into a royal family, though a humble branch, Jesus brought God’s message of redemption for all of creation. Believe in Jesus, living lives that show our trust in his saving grace, brings us onto the pathways that lead to God. Faith in Jesus brings hope to our lives and to the lives of others.
Hope looks different for different people. The people of Jeremiah’s time found hope in the promise of God’s integrity, of safety and a return to home. For soldiers returning from deployment hope might look like a return to life as it was before the deployment, something with which can sympathize as we look for the ending of the pandemic. For the teaming masses at our borders or who have recently arrived, hope might look like peace, lives no longer lived in fear of attacks from gangs, drug lords or those who have recently taken over their homeland; it might look like an economic chance, a chance of getting an education, finding a job and being capable to adequately provide for a family.
Hope may look different, but without hope, the despair can become palpable, people giving up on life, upon themselves. As we share the hope we have with others, we begin to open the doors, welcoming the heavenly family in as we move outward expanding the reach of Jesus’ message to new people in our community and in the world.
Prayers of the People “Make of My Heart a Stable”
Make of my heart a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for [hope] to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our hearts to honesty before God
about what we’ve done and left undone that created less hope in a hurting world.
Let us breathe out this regret… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the life-giving, for-giving Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of my life a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for [hope] to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of our lives to the call of the Spirit,
inviting us to become more than we can ask or imagine.
Let us breathe out our fear… [pause to breathe out]
and breathe in the courage of the Spirit of God… [pause to breath in]
and out again, with the Peace of Christ… [another breath out].
Make of our church a stable,
a house for the holy,
a warm and sturdy place
for [hope] to live and grow.
In this moment we open the doors of this church, filling it with
the compassion of Christ for all those who are struggling.
We remember and pray for… Joan’s (Phyllis sister) family
… those who are suffering economic hardship, and insecurity in basic needs;
may abundance be shared.
… those who are suffering mentally, finding it difficult to cope;
may paths open and hope return.
… those who are suffering illness or injury; Bob Clark, Phyllis, Sharon, Lillian’s brother, wife, nephew and son (COVID), Dottie may healing abound.
…. those who are suffering loneliness and isolation;
may companionship and solace arrive.
… those who are suffering discrimination, fear and violence;
may they know respect, respite, and safety.
In this moment we pause to give thanks to God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, for the gifts with which we have been blessed.
For opportunities to gather with family we haven’t seen in a while as well as those whom we see daily…Lillian’s family celebrated Thanksgiving early
For the gift of vaccines and all who have received their boosters as well as for those who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated.
For the wonders of our natural world, for turkey vultures who cluck and the wonders of an eclipse.
For these and so much more, we give you thanks and praise. May your passion for giving of yourself fill us that we might give ourselves that others may know your blessings.
May the Advent of Compassion be born in us,
reside within us,
move outward from us,
to meet the needs of the world,
making a house for the Holy that is each and every child of God.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who taught us 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.
A Story of Innkeeping: Offering
Leader: The Bible doesn’t actually mention an Innkeeper in the story of Jesus’ birth. But this popular notion is alive in our imaginations. Sometimes the Innkeeper gets a bad rap, as if providing substandard accommodations for a family about to go through the birthing process. But what if we saw the innkeeper as someone who, with a full house, thought literally “outside the box” to solve a problem? What if we endeavored to do the same to provide ministry, to “house the Holy” in ways we have not yet imagined? This Advent season we will offer some stories to stir our imagination and stoke the possibilities for our own hospitality. What is a story you might have to offer?
Closing Carol
Leader: Each week of this series we will close out with a Christmas Carol. Yes, Advent is not yet the birth of Christ. However, as we prepare our homes and this house for the Holy, we live in the “already and not yet.” We already know “the rest of the story” AND YET we have not seen the fulfillment of a time when suffering ends. Today we sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” a carol written by Phillips Brooks in 1865 after a horseback ride between Jerusalem and Bethlehem on Christmas Eve [see more about this history HERE]. An original verse not included in our hymnals is especially poignant for our theme:
“Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where misery cries out to thee,
Son of the Mother mild;
Where charity stands watching
And faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.”
Let us remember that it was in a little and unassuming town where the Holy was housed. We too can offer light and hope and a place where “faith holds wide the door,” even and especially in our little town.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH 230
Benediction
May God’s Door of Welcome
swing open in your heart and in your life.
May Christ’s humble first dwelling
remind you of the plenty you already know.
And may the Spirit lead you into
more possibility and hospitality than you can imagine,
making room in The Inn for all.
May it be so for you.
May it be so for us.
May it be so for this church.
Amen.
Postlude
Unless otherwise indicated, liturgy by Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studios © worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” WORDS: James Montgomery, 1821 (Ps 72); MUSIC: Gesangbuch der H. W. k. hoƒkapelle, 1784 alt; adapt. and harm. by W.H. Monk, 1868; TUNE: ELLACOMBE; Words & Music in the Public Domain
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” WORDS: Phillips Brooks, ca. 1868; MUSIC: Lewis H. Redner, 1868; TUNE: ST LOUIS; Words & Music in the Public Domain; CCLI #27829; CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please have your pledge cards in by the end of the month.
Sign up for items to bring/drop off for the Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene kits. There is a plastic tub with a black lid on the parsonage porch that items may be left in.
RESULTS OF THE VOTE ON THE RECONCILING STATEMENT: Overwhelmingly, the congregation approved the statement. Next steps, a picture needs to be taken, application completed, and a check for support of the network needs to be mailed to the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Spirit Wind Fair Trade Online Sale Extended
Spirt Wind Fair Trade sells products from the seamstresses and artisans in Nicaragua. Do some Christmas shopping and some good at this online sale, Which is now Nov. 19-30, 2021 Learn more
Join Hybrid Event INVISIBLE: RACISM, SEXISM, & XENOPHBIA
Clergy and laity are invited to INVISIBLE: RACISM, SEXISH, & XENOPHOBIA a time of connection and learning with the Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. The event will be in-person and live-streamed from 9:30 to 1 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2021, at Carter Memorial UMC in Needham, MA. Learn more and register
Three From New England Among 2021 EarthKeepers
Global Ministries will commission 17 new EarthKeepersin December and among them are three from England—including two youth. They are Isaiah Robinson, Rev. Sheri Smit and Taylor Smith. The EarthKeepers commission will be live-streamed at 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 202. The service will be led by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. Read more
Still Time to Donate Jewelry for AC 22 Sale
Thank you very much for the wonderful jewelry donations we have received! We look forward to offering many beautiful choices at the 2022 Annual Conference while also benefitting youth ministries here in New England. We are still happily collection donations of gently used jewelry. You may bring donations to district events or mail them to: New England Conference, Attention: Bishop’s Office, 411 Merrrimack St., Suite 200, Methuen, MA 01844
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
26TH Sunday after Pentecost
Reign of Christ/Thanksgiving
November 21, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
Centering Words (Psalm 126) B .J. Beu
Let those who sow in tears, bear sheaves of joy this Thanksgiving. Let those who have endured a long winter of waiting, sing for joy at the rich harvest of God’s bountiful love.
*Opening Hymn: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” UMH 694
Call to Worship (Joel 2, Psalm 126, Matthew 6
L: Those who go out weeping,
P: shall come home with shouts of joy!
L: Those who worry about their life,
P: shall learn that God knows all their needs.
L; Those who have experienced the swarming locust,
P: shall eat in plenty and be satisfied.
L; Those who long for comfort,
P: shall be glad and rejoice,
for God has done great things!
Prayer of the Day (Joel 2, Ps 126, Matt 6, 1 Tim 2)
Maker of heaven and earth, you enliven your creation:
causing the skies to rain,
the soil to be rich and fertile,
the fields to yield abundant crops,
and the trees to bear fruit.
Enliven us once more, Holy One.
Call us forth into the joy of your harvest:
from tears to shouts of joy,
from calamity to plenty,
from worry to faith,
and from what is false to what is true.
You are our God, there is no other.
We praise your name, for you have dealt wondrously with us and will do so again. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Joel 2:21-27
Psalm 126
1Timothy 2:1-7
Matthew 6:25-33
Message
It is Christ the King Sunday, but what better way to celebrate the Reign of Christ than to give thanks?
In case you have forgotten, Thanksgiving is Thursday. Families are scrambling to get ready for this feast day, this day when people traditionally gather to share in a huge meal and give thanks for an abundant harvest. It is a day of families gathering, over-eating, fighting, and falling asleep watching the parades and football games.
From the prophet, Joel, we hear words of promise for healing of the land following an invasion by locusts that has devastated the land, words of hope for the future, for one is coming to teach the people how to live so they no longer need fear punishment from God. The psalmist celebrates a future hope for good harvest by those who live lives focused on God. The Letter to Timothy encourages us to pray, paying particular attention to those who are governmental leaders. The gospel says worry won’t change anything, just as God provides for the rest of creation, so God is able to provide for those who trust in God.
As we prepare for this feast day, one of the rare ones where the focus is on food rather than gifts, let’s reflect back on this last year. For what are we able to give thanks, particularly in light of the still very present pandemic?
Last year at this time, we were strictly meeting on Zoom. That precious gift of technology not only allowed us to gather when the state told us to not be in-person but continues to allow people to worship with us from home when they are not up to driving to worship, are being health conscious about themselves or others, or when they have other reasons for not being at a gathering of people. The Administrative Council is enjoying the ability to meet without having to go out at night and I suspect some are looking forward to not having to get out during snow covered or icy roads. We that are gathered here are, I suspect, thankful that we are at least able to meet in-person though things are not back to normal and we are wearing masks, opening windows and turning on ventilatory support to reduce the risks of being gathered together.
We are blessed to live in a country where the people have a say in the governing process, yet we are seeing that democratic governance threatened by petty political infighting built on greed and a desire for power. As Timothy was encouraged to pray for rulers and governments, so too should we pray, seeking God’s wisdom and God’s desire for justice for all people, not just a select demographic, for those leading our country.
Most, if not all, of us should be thankful that we have food on our tables, roofs over our heads, heat coming from our furnaces. I’m sure you heard me say “most.” There are many in our community for whom an assumption of “all,” would do a great disservice. Some struggle to afford heat, some must decide between food and medications, some are just one paycheck away from losing housing and others are homeless. As we gather and give thanks to God for the many gifts God has given us, let us keep those who are not as blessed with the necessities of life in our prayers, and consider the changes that need to occur that all might have enough. God looks to us to be the hands, feet and mouths that seek to change things, that work to bring about an equitable distribution of food and resources, that all might have enough and know the love God has for them.
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, tells his listeners they should not worry about food and clothing because if God provides for the birds all that they need and clothes the flowers in such radiant beauty, won’t God care for people in whom God takes pride. Lest we throw up our hands and say, “God will take care of them,” let us remember that God works through the hands, feet and voices of people to ensure all have what they need. That means God looks to us to help out as we can. The food, cash, and other essentials this congregation shares with others through the Food Shelf is just one way we serve God through serving others.
God sent Jesus into a world filled with struggle, sin and hopelessness. We are on the verge of a major season where people get caught up in a competition to see who will give the most presents to friends and family while failing to see the everyday needs that arise throughout the year. Giving to charitable organizations increase during this time, but rapidly fall off after the first of the year. Jesus was sent into the world to teach us how to live in righteousness, recognizing the needs of others not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but throughout the year. While even Jesus realized that the poor would always be with us, he also said, those who offer a drink of water, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit those in hospitals and prisons, all in his name would find salvation through him and be welcomed into his reign at the end of time.
This year, as we celebrate the in-breaking of Jesus’ reign, let us give thanks to God for the gift of a Savior willing to suffer at the hands of humanity that we might know God’s love for us. As we gather with family and friends, let us put aside our petty squabbling’s over politics and who will win the football game, instead giving thanks to God who has provided for and loves us. Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Woke to seeing snow and ice this morning
Petitions:
Bob & Chris Clark
Dottie having knee replacement 11/17/21
Our country, COVID-19 rising numbers, political situation, economy
Pastoral Prayer Ami Sawtelle
We give thanks to you creating, sustaining, life giving God. You have poured out the wonders of your creation that we might have food to sustain our bodies; wood and metals that we have shelter for our families, knowledge that we might find ways to combat disease. We ask for wisdom, that we will use the gifts you have given us in ways that sustain rather than destroy, wisdom, that we will learn the way to peace is not through conflict, but through helping one another to have a better world. Forgive us when we think that our desires are more important than others’ needs. Forgive us when we fail to share the love with which we have been showered with others. We know you are a loving God, seeking to heal the relationship with your people. Open us to your mercy and grace as we open ourselves to your loving, healing presence.
You have heard the not only prayers we have lifted aloud, but also the ones we hold closely in our hearts. Heal the sick and those recovering from surgery gracious God. Give hope to the hopeless. Comfort those that mourn as you welcome loved ones into your presence. Assure us of your presence not only in days of celebration, but also in times of pain and sorrow. Guide those who are the leaders of our country, showing them the way that leads to hope and health for all. Heal the land that you have given us. You placed us in a garden at the beginning of time, giving us the responsibility to care for it that our children would have food, shelter and a healthy environment in which to live, but we got busy using its resources for our own wants and have messed it up. Heal it, that future generations may look back and know that we really did care.
You who art the giver and sustainer of life, to you we give our thanks and praise for the gifts you have poured out on us. As we go into the future, may we continue to walk in the light of your love. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Joel 2) Mary J. Scrifes
Be glad and rejoice! Just as summer brought green forests and sunny days, so now fall brings abundant fields and changing leaves. As the rain falls upon us, may we remember that the seasons, the fertile earth, and the blessings they yield, are gifts from God—gifts to be shared with those in need.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH, Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer B .J. Beu
Gracious God, source of every blessing, we look forward to your harvest each year. Our tables overflow with the bounty of this good earth, but our tables pale in comparison to the splendor that awaits us, and all of your children, at your heavenly banquet. Receive these offerings, as we thank you for your many blessings, and help us be mindful of those who go without, as we feast and make merry during this festive season. Amen.
*Hymn to send us into the world: “Now Thank We All Our God” UMH 102
Benediction (Psalm 126, Matthew 6()
Go home with hearts filled with hope!
For God, who has restored us in the past,
will do so again.
Let us go home singing songs of hope!
Go home with shouts of joy!
For God, who knows our tears,
will not leave us comfortless.
Let us go home singing songs of joy!
Go home with souls touched by grace!
For God, who knows our needs and daily cares,
will provide us with the blessings of life.
Let us go home singing songs of grace and mercy!
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Mary J. Scifres, B.J. Beu & Rebecca J. Kruger Gaudino from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” UMH 694; Words: Henry Alford, 1844, alt. (Mk. 4:26-29; Mt. 13:36-43); Music: George J. Elvey, 1858; Tune: ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR, Copyright: Words and Music, Public Domain; CCLI#: 50200
“Now Thank We All Our God”; UMH 102; Words: Martin Rinkart, 1636; trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1858 (Sir. 50:22-24);
Music: Johann Crüger, 1647; harm. by Felix Mendelssohn, 1840; Tune: NUN DANKET; Copyright: Words & Music Public Domain; CCLI # 86638
CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special Charge Conference – November 30, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.. There will be a Special Charge Conference via Zoom on November 30, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m.. “The purpose of the conference is to take any legal action with respect to the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy litigation by December 14, 2021.” Pastor Ami will set up in the Gathering Room for any who are interested in what is happening, but unable to connect to Zoom either by phone or by internet.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Meat, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
November 14, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and Lighting our Candle 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.
Centering Words (Psalm 16) Karin Ellis
In the presence of God, we find the fullness of joy. May this time of worship be full of joy, surprises, healing, and love.
*Opening Hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” UMH 117
Words: Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps 90); Music: Attr. To William Croft, 1708; Harm. By W.H. Monk, 1861
Tune: ST. ANNE; Copyright: Words and Music, Public Domain
CCLI#: 43152; CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
Call to Worship (1Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Hebrews 10, Mark 13) Sara Dunning Lambert
L: My strength is exalted in my God.
Despite sorrows and sadness, anxieties and vexations, we praise your name, O Lord.
P: For the power of the Lord gives me strength,
and the love of the Lord gives me hope.
L: With Hannah, the mother of sorrows,
we bless the name of the Lord, today and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting, God is with us.
P: Blessed be the name of the Lord.
We praise your holy name, O God.
L: From Hannah, the mother of joy,
we learn the bounty of unwavering hope.
P: Let your servant find favor in your sight, O Lord.
L: Hardship is a constant companion.
We must rely on the selfless example of Christ
to show us the way to truth, life, and love. Amen
Prayer of the Day (1Samuel 1, Hebrews 10) Sara Dunning Lambert
Holy One, there is no God like you. In praise and thanksgiving, we come before you
ready to learn of your power, ready to follow your path for our lives. Through days of jubilation as well as dejection, help us realize your influence in the world. We ask simply for ears to hear, eyes to see, and minds to comprehend the blessings you bestow. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
1Samuel 1:4-20
1Samuel 2:1-10
Hebrews 10:11-18
Mark 13:1-8
Message
Hannah, a faithful believer in God, trusting in God, is barren. In a society that values women mostly for their reproductive abilities, this is a tragedy and seen as a sign of God’s judgement, much like Job’s losses were supposedly a sign of his sinfulness.
In today’s world, barrenness is a condition that brings less of a stigma but still a great deal of distress to families. Families go to many extremes in their struggle to have a child of their own, yet there are numerous times this fails to work. As we hear Hannah’s story, let us hold those who are unable to have a child of their own in our hearts.
Hannah remains faithful to God. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, gloats over her own ability to reproduce and rubs it in Hannah’s face. How do we see those with differing abilities? How do we treat them? At our best, we partner with them in ways that encourage and enable them. At our worst, we can come across as Peninnah did, belittling them and treating them as less than useful members of society.
Sometimes people misjudge others, jumping to conclusions without having all the facts. Eli, a priest of God, jumped to conclusions when he saw a woman he assumed was drunk because her lips were moving and he heard no words. Hannah, this devout woman, was crying her pain and her shame before God, and the priest stumbled, making assumptions without having all the facts. We all slip sometimes, jumping to conclusions based on appearances rather than seeking to understand the situation. We jump in, as did Eli, assuming the worst rather than trying to understand and perhaps offering support or help as the situation might indicate.
When we pour our hearts out before God, when we share our hopes, fears, and desires with a servant of God, many times we find peace for our hearts. While not a guarantee that all will be as we desire, that sense of God’s presence uplifts our spirits, helping us deal with our hopes and disappointments. Hannah had no guarantee that she would have a son, but having poured out her sorrow to God, having shared her hopes with Eli, she appears to at least have found some sense of peace as her countenance was no longer sad.
Finally, after years of barrenness, Hannah’s prayers are answered and she has a son. Most of us would want to hang on to such a precious gift from God, watching him grow, guiding him and rejoicing in his achievements. Maybe he’ll be a sports star, or a famous lawyer, perhaps he’ll distinguish himself as an heroic soldier, we would desire to see our child grow and succeed. I’m sure Hannah was no different, but, Hannah had promised God that if God opened her womb and gave her a son, she would give that child back to God.
Would we be willing to return such a gift to God? Would we have the strength to wait until the child is weaned, about 2-3 years old; helping him take his first stumbling steps; watching as he takes his first bites of solid food, knowing that soon it will be time to take him to the Temple to be raised by the priest who jumped to conclusions and berated us for being drunk? This is what Hannah did in the latter part of this first chapter of 1 Samuel.
Our reading from the second chapter of 1Samuel is Hannah’s response following her release of he son, Samuel, to Eli. This song of celebration, of thanksgiving, of praise, is a testimony to her faith and her love for God. Will she miss this, her first child? Yes, of course, but she rejoices in the gift of life and the goodness of God toward her.
You see, everything we do, everything we experience, is just a part of the story. When we are faithful followers of Jesus Christ, lovers of God, who was willing to come to earth in human form, we are never alone. God sees and hears what is in our hearts. God hears our prayers. God doesn’t always answer us the way we desire, but God is with us in our joys and in our disappointments. Like Hannah, we should share our thanksgivings with God. Like Hannah, we are called to trust in God and God’s love for us, knowing that God also loves us and wants only good for our lives. God was Hannah’s rock in a time of struggle and shame, let God be your rock in times of trouble and pain.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Patrick had a good visit with his dad
Seeing Nancy Townley’s name in the liturgy nice
Maddie turning 14
Petitions:
Bob & Chris Clark
Pastoral Prayer Ami Sawtelle
Rock of Ages, our place of hope and comfort, to you we lift our prayers, seeking your comfort, desiring your healing, needing you presence in our lives. We acknowledge that we don’t always live the way you want us to live. We speak when we should be silent and are silent when we should speak. We fail to share your love to those in need and fail to walk in integrity and peace when things do not go our way. Forgive us mighty One, help us in our times of trouble and celebrate with us in our times of joy. To you we lift those who are ill… asking your healing touch upon their minds, bodies and spirits. We lift to you those who are nearing the end of their journey on earth… asking for a peaceful transition and joyful welcome into our presence. To you we lift those who walk in darkness… shine your light of love in their hearts that they may find peace and joy, turning from their sinful ways and walking the pathway of love and light that leads to you. Righteousness and grace are yours O Rock of our Salvation, we celebrate your loving presence and joys you have given unto us. We give thanks for the changing seasons yet mourn the damage we have done to our environment. We give you thanks for birthdays and anniversaries that mark the passing of time, yet mourn the divisions in so many families that lead to violence, injury, and sometimes death. Enkindle within us a light of hope, that overrides the darkness that surrounds us and help us to have faith and trust like Hannah’s that we may serve you in all our days. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God Karin Ellis
Hannah went to the temple and offered her prayers to God. Jesus offered his love and his life. May this be the time when we offer our gifts to God in thanksgiving for God’s abiding presence in our lives.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH, Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (1Samuel 1, Psalm 113, Hebrews 10, Mark 13)
Today, O Lord, we offer you our sacrifice of time, energy, and love, knowing full well they are mere tokens of the awesome faith you inspire within us. Accept these gifts, that they may continue the good work in Christ — in our church, in our community, and in the world. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
*Hymn to Send Us Into the World: “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” UMH 361
Words: Augustus M. Toplady, 1776; Music: Thomas Hastings, 1830
Tune: TOPLADY; Copyright: Words & Music Public Domain
CCLI # 40588; CCLI License # 11554317; Streaming License: 20810329; Used by permission
Benediction Sara Dunning Lambert
Go in peace, remembering a mother’s faith in God — a faith that provided her with comfort and strength
in her time of need. May you pray unfailingly, grow steadily, and love constantly. Amen.
Centering Words & Invitation to the Offering – Karin Ellis, from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
Call to Worship, Opening Prayer, Offering Prayer & Benediction by Sara Dunning Lambert, Worship Elements, found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saving money, saving the earth!
The Vermont state weatherization program transforms people’s lives! It is free for those who qualify. They save money, and are more comfortable. Moderate- and low-income Vermonters qualify based on income and number of people in the home.
To learn more go to: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization. If you have further questions email Kim Hornung-Marcy, retired elder, khmarcy@comcast.net.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through October 3: $3,406
October’s Collection through October 10-24: $2,470
$1,000 donation in memory of someone
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
22ND Sunday after Pentecost
October 24, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
- Worship is moving to the Gathering Space beginning 10-24
- Church Conference is Monday, October 25 at 7:00 pm. Pastor Ami will set up in the Gathering Space to allow those who do not have access to the internet or to Zoom to participate in-person.
Prayer for Peace and Lighting Our Candle 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.
Centering Words (Psalm 34) B .J. Beu
Taste and see that the Lord is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Opening Hymn: “Wonderful Words of Life” UMH 600 Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1874, Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1874
Tune: WORDS OF LIFE
CCLI # 47392, Words and Music Public Domain
CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: UMCDiscipleship.org, Used by permission
Call to Worship (Job 42, Psalm 34) B. J. Beu
L: Magnify the Lord. Exalt God’s holy name.
P: How can we praise God amidst so much suffering?
L: God is Lord over all—both good and evil.
P: Only the saints can comprehend such things.
L: The Lord hears the pleas of the perishing,
and transforms the suffering of the faithful
into a deeper joy.
P: Restore our fortunes, O God,
when calamity strikes.
L: Magnify the Lord, you righteous of the Lord.
P: We will exalt God’s holy name.
Prayer of the Day (Job 42, Mark 10) B. J. Beu
God our healer, source of everlasting mercy,
give us the courage to cry out in our need
when the crowd seeks to silence us,
as did blind Bartimaeus outside Jericho;
give us the wisdom to admit our limitations
and accept our limited understanding,
as did Job before us;
give us the confidence to sing your praises
in the midst of fear and doubt,
as the psalmist did in David’s court.
Grant us your healing balm, O God,
that we may be truly made well and whole
and follow you all the days of our lives. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34: 1-8, 19-22
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
Message
Have you ever had a time when you wondered if what you have believed for years is true? A crisis of faith, such as the one Job has just gone through, may change the way we see God. Young people often reach a point where what they have been taught about God no longer works for them. A grandfatherly looking man, with a white beard and white robes sitting on a throne no longer makes sense to some people and they go through a time of struggling with who God is, what the meaning of life is,
Job has experienced a crisis of faith. As he has listened to his friends spout the party line, ‘you suffered because you have sinned,’ he has continued to declare his innocence while still struggling with why he is suffering. When God showed up, Job didn’t get the answers for which he was looking, instead being challenged by a series of questions posed by God concerning Jobs understanding of how the created world functions and Jobs own control of nature.
Job’s response to God shows us a growth in Job’s faith, a change in Job’s understanding of God. “I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand - from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry - forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor." (Job 42:5-6, MSG)
Job has grown from an understanding of God that he has been taught by others, to a personal relationship that helps inform his understanding.
Our understanding and relationship with God often change during our life times. As young children, our families and Sunday school teachers teach us what we are to believe, but there often comes a time in our lives when something we have been taught about God no longer make sense to us. Individuals respond differently to this challenge to their faith. Some just walk away, never to return to trusting in God, believing that God does not exist. Others struggle, searching the scriptures, reading various writers who talk about God, Jesus Christ and faith, and eventually coming to their own understanding of the Holy Trinity.
There are a couple of things that can impact someone’s journey through this struggle. For those who are open to discussing their faith and the struggles they are having, a more mature believer can often be a good sounding board, helping direct the struggler to texts or individuals that can help guide them to a deeper understanding of and a closer relationship with God. Trying to dictate to these individuals that there is only one way to believe flies in the face of the reality of today’s world of many denominations, yet there are those who have been taught that to even begin to question and explore their faith is to deny having faith to begin with. Such obstruction to the explorations of individuals can result in them walking away from their faith, possibly never to return.
Job shows us that we can attain a deeper relationship with God, but it requires us to look at our faith and see the cracks that suggest there might be more than we understand. When something about faith makes no sense to us, we shouldn’t just toss it out, rather, we should explore, speaking with believers we respect and seeking guidance to understand what the Bible has to say and how we might integrate our new understanding into our own faith walk.
Too often pastors and teachers assume we need someone to tell us what and how to believe and are not prepared for legitimate questions we might raise. I remember how difficult it was to get someone to teach a high school Sunday school class when I was Sunday school superintendent years ago. The teenagers included the pastors’ sons and the boys were willing to ask and struggle with the questions they had, sometimes challenging what the teachers believed. There was also the octogenarian who asked, what difference does it make if Mary was or was not a virgin.
When we struggle with questions of faith, it doesn’t mean we don’t believe, it means we have questions with which we struggle and we need someone we can talk with who is willing to struggle with us and seek with us so that we can come to a new, deeper faith that will carry us through the difficult times, just as Job struggled with his own understanding of faith and came to a deeper understanding of God due to his struggles.
Job is not the only one to struggle with faith. God is not going to disconnect from us if we struggle with our faith. God wants a personal relationship with us. Jesus came into the world to bring that relationship to reality and create a bridge between the world and God. Our struggles indicate a desire for a closer relationship and should be encouraged. If you have questions, struggles don’t be afraid to ask. If you come to me, I am willing to help you find answers if I can’t answer your questions. I am willing to sit with you and encourage you in your struggle so that the faith you have can be deepened and your relationship with God deepened. Faith doesn’t mean easy answers, it is about a relationship that often has been honed through difficult times. It is about seeking answers to our questions and through our struggles growing deeper in our understanding and thus in our faith.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Joys:
Tim and Cathy are beginning the process to adopt Baby K
Harvest time
Pastor Ami has an interview at NEADS beginning the process of matching with another Ministry Dog
Concerns:
Baby K's parents
Bob and Chris Clark
Gabe and Betsy in Houston
Depressed friend with a 15 year old cat, that is not doing well, and suffering from COVID isolation
Those struggling with depression exacerbated by COVID
Young man struggling with addiction
Kids @ school being bullied, particularly those who are differently abled
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
Why is it that we are afraid to cry aloud our need to God? We sit in our darkness and cry and complain about the dire circumstances that have overtaken us. Yet, when given the opportunity to approach the Savior who offers us light and healing, we cower in the darkness, not daring to believe that healing and light are possible for us. The darkness of our souls invades all of our lives; it colors our attitudes and determines our actions. Lord Jesus, come and shine your light not only on us, but in us and eventually through us. Break the barriers we have erected against peace, freedom, and hope. Bathe us in the light of love, and we shall become bearers of that incredible light for others who dwell in darkness. As we receive the light from you, give us courage and confidence to reach out in compassion and service in your name. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Job 42, Mark 10) A. R. Sawtelle
God is with us in the good times and the bad. Job suffered through many things, but he continued to walk in faith. In the end, he was rewarded with more children, crops, herds, and flocks. Blind Bartimaeus had faith that, with the help of Jesus, restored his vision. Both of them praised God for the gifts they had received. What about us? Do we have faith that keeps us connected to God through the difficult times? Let us offer our gifts of thanksgiving for that with which God has blessed us.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH , Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Job 42, Ps 34, Mark 10) B. J. Beu
Mighty God, just as you restore sight to the blind
and benevolence to the afflicted,
use these offerings to provide refuge for the lost
and mercy for those who suffer.
May our gifts find those who cry out in their need
and who seek you with their whole hearts.
We ask this in Jesus’s name,
the name above all names. Amen.
*Hymn to Send Us into the World: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” UMH 110
Words: Martin Luther, ca. 1529; trans. By Frederick H. Hedge, 1853, (Ps46)
Music: Martin Luther, ca. 1529; harm from The New Hymnal for American Youth, 1930
Tune: EIN FESTE BURG
CCLI# 42964, CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org,
Used by permission
Benediction
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by B. J. Beu, from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
Pastoral Prayer (alt.) by Nancy C. Townley found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Conference – Our church conference will be held via Zoom/telephone on Monday, October 25, 2021at 7:00 pm. The SPRC will meet with the DS at 6:15 pm, also by Zoom/telephone. Please let Pastor Ami or the church office know if you do not have access to Zoom and would like to either participate from the church via Pastor Ami’s Zoom link or would like to use you phone and call/be called by someone who has Zoom access.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
20TH Sunday after Pentecost
October 10, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
Centering Words (Mark 10) Mary Petrina Boyd
It is not what we do that saves us. It is the mercy and grace of God, poured out in love. The first shall be last, for God’s love turns our expectations upside down.
Opening Hymn: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” UMH 103
Words: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867 (1 Tim. 1:17)
Tune: Welsh melody from Canaidau y Cyssegr, 1839, adapt. by John Roberts
Tune: St Denio, CCLI # 124466, Public Domain
CCLI License # 11554317, Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship Mary Petrina Boyd
L: Come and worship.
P: God is here.
L: Listen for God’s word.
P: It is alive and active.
L: Draw near to the source of mercy.
P: The God of grace is with us.
Prayer of the Day (Job 23, Heb 4) Mary Petrina Boyd
There are days, O God,
when we feel far from your presence.
We long for you,
yet we feel no response, no closeness.
Give us the strength to cry out in pain,
speaking our truth.
Give us the courage to complain,
even when there is no response.
In the emptiness,
we long for your presence.
We wait, O God, for you.
We know that you are the source of all mercy and grace.
We trust that you will help us in times of need. Amen.
Scripture Readings:
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Psalm 22:1-15
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
Message
Job continues to suffer from his sores and his losses, but now he also suffers from the comments of his friends who try to convince him he has sinned and thus deserves all that has happened to him. Job, on the other hand, continues to declare his integrity and now seeks to face God who has brought this upon him.
Have you ever been angry with God over something that has happened? Job is angry. His children are dead. His crops, herds and flocks are gone, and now his health has been destroyed and he is mad.
So often we hear, the patience of Job, as we talk of the patience of a “saintly” person, but quite frankly, Job was not patient, he was just as angry as any of us would be, but he still trusted God. Our language today would be a little more harsh, perhaps, but we are no more nor less human than Job. When life gives us what we believe is a raw deal, we react, then later, we worry what God will think.
If we look at today’s Psalm, we are reminded of the words Jesus spoke from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” As Jesus quotes from this Psalm, we are reminded that even for him, things did not go smoothly. Yes, Jesus had a special connection with God, but even for him, in the midst of agony, there is a sense that he does not feel God’s presence with him at this instant in time.
You see, that’s the thing. We want God’s presence when things are going badly, but we don’t seem able to sense that presence, so we want to think that God has abandoned us.
Have you ever put on headphones or worn earplugs and had someone try to speak to you from another room? You may not hear anything or if you do, it may be garbled.
Sometimes difficult times make it difficult for us to hear or feel God’s presence. Our ability to sense God is dampened by the noise of the troubles surrounding us just as the headphones dampen the sounds around us. We sometimes must get through the difficulties before we can see God’s presence with us during them. – have you ever heard the poem, “Footprints in the Sand”? It is a reminder that during the darkest times, when we think God has deserted us, God is actually closest to us, we just are unable to recognize that presence.
God is not some sniveling weakling, unable to take our shouts of despair and pain. In fact, in reading the Psalms, there are some that speak to the psalmist inability to “find” God. We are not alone in our struggles. We are not the first, nor are we likely to be the last to complain that God doesn’t listen, doesn’t hear, doesn’t care.
Were we to read the remainder of Psalm 22, we would hear the psalmist praising God for hearing the voice of the psalmist. God came to his aid and the psalmist praises God not only for that but for all the things God has done to help those who call upon God’s name.
We are a “Burger King” society. We have lost the patience that goes with agrarian societies of ages past, exchanging that patience for a demanding culture that wants things our way and wants them now. We have been so bombarded by the advertising world promising us that if we buy this product or join this club all of our problems will be solved; we’ll be happy, healthy and have nothing to worry about.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but life is not fair, it is not easy and the purchase of those goods or services are not really going to make it that much, if any, easier. God is with us. That is the reality. God is in it with us for the long haul.
Job knew this, trusted that God had not deserted him, was not punishing him, but he was frustrated that God was not answering. Why do bad things happen to good people? God alone truly understands. Humanity tries to understand an inscrutable God, but falls far short. We try to explain it saying, “God is testing us.”, or “It is the consequences of sin.”, or the many other platitudes we come up with, but in reality, we know bad things happen to good people, that is just the way it is. We don’t know why some seem to get good things no matter how bad they are while others get bad things no matter how good they are.
Faith teaches us to trust in God, no matter how difficult the situation. Jesus, in the garden prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” During times of trial and tribulation, we too may pray this same prayer, but, just as Jesus continued to the cross, so too may we have to continue through the difficult times, just a Jesus seemed to feel deserted by God, so too may we feel deserted by God. But, just as the Resurrection occurred on Easter because Jesus was never deserted, so too will there be a time when we will realize God’s presence with us, no matter how dark the preceding night.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Jean is back
Phone call from friend
Seeing neighbor’s chickens following me around yard
Elsie is a great, great grandmother
Petitions:
Rebecca
Bob & Chris Clark
The disasters occurring worldwide and the people in their paths
Baby K’s birth parents
Migrants facing difficult times
Pastoral Prayer Nancy C. Townley
God of infinite patience and wisdom, we come to you with so many things that claim our time, our energy, our resources, our very lives. We are easily drawn away from serving you by the enticements of the world for wealth, ease, and comfort. Just like the young man in the scriptures, we are owned by our possessions, held captive by our treasures. You continue to offer to us healing and hope. You seek to transform our lives from captivity to freedom in witness and service. We look at the world in which there is so very much warfare and strife, anger and hatred, and we easily become overwhelmed by the needs and the stresses. Help us to place our lives and our trust in you, knowing that with your help, many wonderful things can be accomplished which will provide hope and peace for others and ourselves. Give us courage and strength to truly be your disciples. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Mark 10) Mary Petrina Boyd
Jesus challenged the rich man to sell what he had and give to the poor. He challenges us today to be generous in our giving, trusting God’s provision for our lives.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH , Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Mark 10) Mary Petrina Boyd
Generous God, we bring you our gifts today.
We recognize that all we have comes from you.
May these gifts bring hope to places of pain and need.
We want to be followers of Jesus,
who leads us from greed into service.
We offer ourselves. Amen.
*Hymn to send us into the world: “When We Are Called to Sing Your Praise” TFWS 2216
Words: Mary Nelson Keithahn, Music: Trad. English melody
Words © 2000 Abingdon Press, admin. By The Copyright Co.
Tune: Kingsfold , CCLI# 3409507 , CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329, Musician: UMCDiscipleship.org,
Used by permission
Benediction
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy by Mary Petrina Boyd, from the Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, © 2020 by Abingdon Press. Found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission.
Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley found at MinistryMatters.org. Used by permission
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please have all church reports in to the church office by Monday, October 11.
Ad Council Meetings--Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 on zoom.
Finance Committee Meetings—Friday before the 2nd Tuesday at 10:30 on zoom.
Church Conference – Our church conference will be held via Zoom/telephone on Monday, October 25, 2021at 7:00 pm. The SPRC will meet with the DS at 6:15 pm, also by Zoom/telephone. Please let Pastor Ami or the church office know if you do not have access to Zoom and would like to either participate from the church via Pastor Ami’s Zoom link or would like to use you phone and call/be called by someone who has Zoom access.
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I have sent out forms via e-mail. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible as I need to complete the Church Conference Booklet and send it to the DS in time for it to arrive a week prior to the meeting. I would like to mail it by October 14th if at all possible. Thank you!
Save the date! – October 14, 2021, Bishop’s Day on the District – beginning at 7:00 pm, in-person and by Zoom. Details and location pending.
Upcoming Lay Servant Courses
- BASIC Course: An Introduction to Lay Ministry – St James UMC in Proctorsville, VT - starting on Sunday, October 17 at 12:30. This class will be taught by Pastor John Hawkins and will go for 5 weeks. Participants are responsible for buying their own book, Basic Course Participant’s Book, and registration*.
To register for a course, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form).
Resource Day with Bill McKibben – Saturday, October 16, the Commonwealth East District is hosting a resource day with Bill McKibben. What Can We Still Do? Climate Change and the Need for Action. It will be held via Zoom from 11:00 – 1:30. Registration is required in order to get the Zoom link.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
19TH Sunday after Pentecost
World Communion Sunday
October 3, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
Centering Words (Hebrews 1) B. J. Beu
Christ is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s glory. Let all God’s children come to the light.
Opening Hymn: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” UMH 599
Words: Mary A. Lathbury, 1877, Music: William F. Sherwin, 1877
Tune: Bread of Life, CCLI# 6389363
Public Domain, CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship (Job 2, Ps 26) B. J. Beu
Walk humbly before the Lord,
even in hardship and pain.
We will live with integrity before God
all the days of our lives.
Walk faithfully before our God,
even when put to the test.
We will honor the Lord our God
all the days of our lives.
Come! Let us worship.
Prayer of the Day (Job 2, Ps 26, Heb 1, Mark 10) B. J. Beu
Almighty God, you spoke to our ancestors long ago
through your prophets and teachers,
but today you speak to us through your Son.
In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations,
help us keep our integrity
and walk faithfully in your ways.
Help us listen to the words of your Son
and become like children again,
that we may rejoice in your kingdom
and trust in your Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of Yearning (Job 2, Ps 26) B. J. Beu
Mysterious One, your ways can seem inscrutable.
When the road of life is smooth,
and the world is our oyster,
you seem to welcome us with open arms.
But when calamity strikes
and our need for you becomes desperate,
it feels like you slam the door between us
and we are left in the agony of silence.
We know how Jesus felt on the cross.
We also know his faith in you never waivered.
Give us the faith of Jesus,
who taught his disciples to pray to be spared
from the time of trial.
May we come to see your Presence,
whether we are receiving
the good from your hand or the bad,
for truly, you never leave us. Amen.
A time of silence for personal reflection and confession
Words of Assurance (Heb 2)
Rejoice, for we are sanctified by God
and Jesus calls us brothers and sisters.
As Christ’s sisters and brothers,
rest secure in the assurance of God’s saving love.
Invitation to the Word (Heb 1–2) B. J. Beu
Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. Today, God speaks to us through a Son, who is the very Word of God. As we listen to today’s scripture, may we hear the incarnate Word of God speaking words of unfailing love.
Scripture Reading:
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
Message
“Curse God and die.” Job, and by extension his wife, (We don’t know how many wives he had or if any of the children were her’s) have suffered the loss of their children, their lands, herds and flocks and now Job has health issues. In a time when it was believed that faithfulness to God engenders good – wealth, good health, many children, etc. – and lack of faithfulness results in punishment – poverty, loss and ill health – the story of Job stands in stark contrast.
The ultimate story of why bad things happen to good people leaves us scratching our heads. The Satan, the Adversary, challenges God concerning the perceived righteousness of Job when God brags about Job’s integrity. God responds by first giving the Satan permission to destroy Job financially and kill his children, then later allowing him to also take Job’s health. As we enter the story at this point, Job is sitting in ashes, a sign of mourning, and scraping his sores with a piece of pottery. In it all, so far, Job refuses to lose faith.
The response of his wife, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God and die.” again speaks to the belief that cursing God results in God’s anger and punishment in the form of loss of life.
Have you ever questioned why bad things happen to good people? Some believe that such happenings are a result of God testing their faithfulness. This is similar to the story of Job, that when people are truly righteous, they will only experience good at the hand of God. When difficulties arise it is because God is testing them to ensure they are truly righteous.
Perhaps the story is more about the need to remain faithful despite what has happened to us.
At this point in the story Job is suffering physically (sores) and emotionally (grief) but continues to believe that God is ultimately in control and no matter how good he might be, there is no promise that all will always be easy.
Jesus also tells us that faith comes with potential persecution and challenges. In Matthew 10, Jesus warns that the disciples were being sent out, “like sheep into the midst of wolves.”
Being faithful to God and God’s Son, Jesus, will not protect anyone from difficult times. Sometimes bad things just happen. Faith is about not allowing difficulties to destroy our trust in God.
Today, we still struggle with the effects of the pandemic, the impacts on the economy, its impact on our daily lives, the loss of life happening daily. A year ago, we hoped that by now we would be “back to normal.” Our reality is very different. People of all religious persuasions, of all levels of faith, those who are faithful and those who are faithless continue to sicken, and many die, on a daily basis. This international disaster challenges our trust in God who tells those that are faithful, “for surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jer. 29:11; NRS)
It is difficult to remain faithful in the face of such worldwide devastation. It is difficult to believe that God wants good for us. It is difficult to even believe that God cares. Faith is about trusting, believing, when we can’t see God; when there is nothing concrete to prove the existence of God. In the letter to the Hebrews we read, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1; NRS)
We hope that the pandemic will pass us by, that it will end soon and we will get back to life as it was ‘pre-pandemic.’ We trust God is with us in the middle of all that is happening. We believe God is with us in the midst of sickness, death, the loss of livelihood, and all of life’s difficulties, but it isn’t always easy. In fact, there are times when it is very difficult. Listening to this part of Job, it looks easy for him, despite his suffering, but hold on, in the next couple of weeks, we’ll hear more of the story. Does Job continue his faithful journey or not? How about us, will we remain faithful or will we drift away in the face of hardship and trouble?
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Jean is home
Petitions:
Maurice (Patrick’s father)
Rebecca
Bob & Chris Clark
Gabe and Betsy in Houston
Those under threat of natural disaster
Gayle & Ashley Clifford
Adam Langlo – ICU with COVID
Baby K’s birth parents
Migrants facing difficult times
Town Office workers catching heat for things they have no control over
Pastoral Prayer Nancy Townley
Patient God, we want to have things go well and to have everyone be happy and content, but all too often we stand in the way of peace and hope. We recognize that life is not a fantasy in which everything turns out just right. We know that there is strife and struggles and we stand in the midst of them. Our hearts and spirits carry the scars of the struggles and disappointments we have borne. Today we come to seek restoration, reconciliation, and relationship with you and with others. We want to overcome the barriers which prevent us from being people of compassion and hope. There is so much that needs to be done to aid in the cause of your peace and justice. Help us to become peacemakers and those who would bring hope. Give us courage to become disciples who follow your will and your way. For we ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124) Amy B. Hunter
Jesus Christ is on our side, offering us the love of God—a love that gives us all we have, a love that makes us all we are. Jesus Christ is with us in every circumstance, suffering with us when we are in trouble, and rejoicing with us when we are glad. The generosity of Crist calls us to lives of gratitude and generosity. In Jesus Christ we are given new life. Let us celebrate this life by giving generously to the work of God’s redeeming love.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674, Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH , Public Domain, CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Psalm 26; Hebrews 1, 2) Deborah Sokolove
Holy Giver of all that we need,
you have filled our hearts with joy
and our hands with overflowing abundance.
With thanks and joy, we bring these gifts,
offering ourselves in communion with you
and with all creation. Amen.
*Hymn of Preparation: “Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees” (v.v. 1-2) UMH 618
Words: Afro-American Spiritual (Acts 2:42)
Music: Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. By William Farley Smith, 1986
Tune: Let Us Break Bread
Adapt. and arr. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
CCLI# 3205952, CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org, Used by permission
LOVE FEAST
When circumstances and concern for the common good keep us from gathering to share the Eucharistic Feast in person we gather to pray, separated in the body, yet
ONE IN THE SPIRIT and ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!!
Before beginning, gather a candle and matches (or a small lamp), a Bible, a piece of bread, and a small glass of water.
CENTERING: Recognizing the presence of God
God is with us. [We are not alone.]
Christ is with us. [The Risen One has met us,
blessed and fed us on the road that leads us home.]
The community of the Holy Spirit is with us.
[We gather with the communion of the saints in light
throughout history and with God’s people around the world.]
With brothers and sisters, absent in body but united in Spirit, we pray:
Holy One, Trinity of grace and power,
Maker and Mother, Beloved and Lover, Father and Friend:
Thanks be to you, O God!
[You are ever the father who gives us bread, not stones.
You are the mother who never forgets we’re her own.
From the beginning of life to the closing of time,
you are the One who is with us to the end.]
And so, with all who breathe on earth and all who sing in heaven,
we praise your name and join Creation’s song:
(said or sung or read silently)
[Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done in whom this world rejoices,
The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore,
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.]
Martin Rinkart, 1663, translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1858
WORD AND RESPONSE
First reading: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Light the candle.
[Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. You are our Risen Lord in whom light has conquered darkness.]
Sit silently in the light, feeling the power and presence of the Risen Christ.
Second reading: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Hold the Bible.
[Here in our hands is the story of God’s covenant of steadfast love with God’s people. We are assured of God’s presence with us at all times and places – even in the midst of fear and difficulty.]
Sit quietly and absorb the stories of God’s love and grace that can sustain you wherever you are.
Third reading: On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38)
Hold the glass of water in your hands.
[Without water, there can be no life. In creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the water and brought forth light. God brought John to the Jordan River to call us to repentance. We were nourished in the water of the womb. We were baptized by water and the Spirit into God’s family. Water reminds us of the gifts of creation that God has so abundantly given us, and of the love and grace we have all received.]
Drink the water slowly. Feel it flow into your body. Know that God’s love is flowing into your body and soul right now.
Fourth reading: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Take a piece of bread in your hands.
[Christ broke bread and fed the multitudes. Christ broke bread and formed a new covenant with his closest friends and with all who break bread in remembrance of him. Christ was made known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread. Bread reminds us that, just like individual grains of wheat are gathered together to make a single loaf, we who are scattered are one body in Christ.]
Break and eat the piece of bread that you are holding. Remember the times you have received bread in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Remember those who gathered with you. Remember the presence of Christ in that moment. Be assured that Christ is with you in every moment of your life. Sit silently and allow Christ’s love to surround you.
PRAYER
In the silence after every petition (marked by . . .), specific names or situations may be spoken aloud or held closely in the heart.
Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, you speak to us words of life.
Call forth in us rivers of living water, and feed our deepest hunger.
[In trying times, in times of loneliness or confusion, in times we feel most alone,
remind us that we are never alone, for you are with us always.]
Hear us now, and pray for us in our weakness with sighs too deep for words,
as we lift up:
- Those whom we love – those present with us and those from whom we are
- The prisoners, and those held captive physically, mentally, or spiritually . . .
- The sick and the suffering . . .
- Those who care for the sick, both medical caregivers and families who wait and watch with them . . .
- Those who mourn the loss of loved ones, the loss of freedom, the loss of security, the loss of a livelihood, or the loss of a sense of order and control . . .
- Those with more questions than answers, and all who long for your guiding light for their path . . .
- The lonely, the isolated, and those who long for a loving touch . . .
- Those whose remaining days on this earth are few, and for those walking in the valley of the shadow of death . . .
- Those whom we too easily forget, and those whose needs are known only to you . . .
fill us with your grace, and inspire us to be instruments of mercy and hope,
for we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.]
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Hymn to send us into the world: “Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees” (v.3) UMH618
GOING FORTH
(said or sung or read silently)
[When we are living, it is in Christ Jesus,
and when we’re dying, it is in the Lord.
Both in our living and in our dying,
Somos del Senór, Somos del Senór
(We belong to God, we belong to God.)]
In these days of anxiety and uncertainty,
may we go forth in Christ’s name into all our interactions (digital or otherwise)
as a people of hope.
[May we be for the world the body of Christ, broken and shared to be a blessing for all.]
May God bless us and keep us.
May God’s face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
May God look upon us with kindness and give us peace. [Amen.]
Unless otherwise noted, worship elements today by B.J. Beu from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2021, October 3, 2021, Copyright © 2020 Abingdon Press. Found @MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission.
Pastoral Prayer by Nancy C. Townley, from Worship Connection, October 3, 2021 @ MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission
Invitation to the Offering by Amy B. Hunter from Worship Elements, September 26, 2021 @ MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission.
Offering Prayer by Deborah Sokolove, from Worship Elements, October 3, 2021 @ MinistryMatters.com. Used by permission.
Love Feast Liturgy ©2020 by The Order of Saint Luke
Prepared by Beth Fender, OSL; Elizabeth Moore, OSL; and Dwight Vogel, OSL
Permission granted for reproduction in print or on the web by including this permission statement
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Conference – Our church conference will be held via Zoom/telephone on Monday, October 25, 2021at 7:00 pm. The SPRC will meet with the DS at 6:15 pm, also by Zoom/telephone. Please let Pastor Ami or the church office know if you do not have access to Zoom and would like to either participate from the church via Pastor Ami’s Zoom link or would like to use you phone and call/be called by someone who has Zoom access.
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I have sent out forms via e-mail. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible as I need to complete the Church Conference Booklet and send it to the DS in time for it to arrive a week prior to the meeting. I would like to mail it by October 14th if at all possible. Thank you!
Save the date! – October 14, 2021, Bishop’s Day on the District – beginning at 7:00 pm, in-person and by Zoom. Details and location pending.
Upcoming Lay Servant Courses
- BASIC Course: An Introduction to Lay Ministry – St James UMC in Proctorsville, VT - starting on Sunday, October 17 at 12:30. This class will be taught by Pastor John Hawkins and will go for 5 weeks. Participants are responsible for buying their own book, Basic Course Participant’s Book, and registration*.
- Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (United Methodist Polity) - Beginning Wednesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m., Rev. Greg Smith will facilitate the advanced course. Beginning Wednesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m., Rev. Greg Smith will facilitate the advanced course.
To register for a course, please complete the registration form and return it with $15 (check payable to GMLSM) to Dawn Hill-Fleury (address is on the form).
Resource Day with Bill McKibben – Saturday, October 16, the Commonwealth East District is hosting a resource day with Bill McKibben. What Can We Still Do? Climate Change and the Need for Action. It will be held via Zoom from 11:00 – 1:30. Registration is required in order to get the Zoom link.
Conference Request – from: Pastor David Arruda, temporary emergency response coordinator for the New England Conference - UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits – Due to the number of storms in the offing and the low inventory of these supplies, churches are asked to create and store (until the first of next year) these kits in anticipation of possible need in parts of our Annual Conference. Links to UMCOR Website for contents: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
https://umcmission.org/umcor-hygiene-kit/
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
September’s Collection through Sept. 20th: $1,265
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev. Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Thank you so very much for
helping to put on our
last-for-the-year,
Sizzlin’ Chicken!!!
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
18TH Sunday after Pentecost
September 26, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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: “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” UMH 126
Words: Johann J. Schütz, 1675; trans. By Frances E. Cox, 1864 (Dt. 32:3)
Music: Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesänge, 1566; harm. By Maurice F. Bell, 1906
Tune: Mit Freuden Zart
Public Domain
CCLI# 7106112 CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 20810329 Musician: UMCDiscipleship.org Used by permission
Call to Worship (Psalm 124, James 5) Amy B. Hunter
If it had not been God who was on our side,
the troubles of our world would have swallowed us whole.
If it had not been God who was on our side,
the sorrows of our times would have swept us away.
Are any among us suffering?
Come and pray.
Are any among us cheerful?
Come sing songs of praise.
Are any among us sick?
Come and ask for healing.
Our help is in our God,
the One who made heaven and earth.
Call upon God, creator and rescuer.
God is on our side.
Prayer of the Day (Psalm 124, Mark 9) Amy B. Hunter
Eternal God, you create us and you rescue us. Be here with us now. Help us know how much we need you. Teach us that no other power can support us like your power. As you share your power with us, teach us to be Christ to the world, proclaiming your reign for all people. As you lavish your love upon us, help us receive that love and offer it to the world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
Message
I have to admit, every time I see Esther come up in the lectionary, I am a bit frustrated. It usually is one or two Sundays with only a few verses of this story of the history of Purim, a Jewish Holy Day of celebration, a story of how God used a woman to save the Jews of her time. If you have not read Esther or if it has been a long time, I highly recommend reading this Hebrew (Old) Testament story of court intrigue and faith. You may also note that “God” is never mentioned by name in this story.
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” so opens Psalm 124. While it is a “Song of Ascents. Of David,” a song sung as people went up to the temple in celebration of David’s defeat of the enemies of Israel, it could almost be a song from Esther.
Esther lived in perilous times of exile and, when forced into King Ahasuerus’ harem, she hid her nationality. Though a favorite of King Ahasuerus, to approach the king could mean death, yet Esther did just that, after spending time in fasting and prayer, she approached the king with a plan in mind. We enter the story after she has already had the king and Haman to diner once.
God uses the places we are to accomplish that which God desires. God wants good for God’s people and when we are faithful, God uses us and our circumstances to further the introduction of God’s reign on earth.
Throughout today’s scriptures, we hear the call to faithful living. From Esther’s triumph over Haman to the call by James to pray, sing songs of praise and seek healing, we are called to a life of faithful living. Even Jesus, in speaking with the disciples, calls us to faithful living by calling us to “cut out” those things that cause us to sin, be it eye or hand or foot.
So, what does faithful living look like?
Esther shows us one way. Even though the name of God never appears, we see Esther listening to the advice of her cousin who has raised her, then when the chips are down, she prays and fasts, listening for guidance from God how to go about this thing her cousin is asking her to do. So, prayer and fasting might be a part of faithful living.
Prayer is what helps us to connect to God, to hear that which God is saying to us. Fasting is less about “giving up something,” and more about freeing us from the labor of preparing and eating meals and giving us more time to focus on God. It is also a practice that, when we are hungry, we are reminded to stop and meditate on God’s word for us.
James also talks of praying, particularly praying when we are suffering. As we look around us, as we listen to the news, as we walk through our neighborhoods or through the woods, we are invited to pray. Pray for the people whose homes you pass on your daily walk, asking God’s intervention on their behalf. Pray for the environment, for the plants and animals who are suffering from the effects of climate change as you walk through the forests and along the rivers, streams and lakes. Pray for the situations you see arise in the news, whether it is about a natural disaster, violence in the workplace, school or neighborhood, or is about some other situation of suffering or disparate. When we see news stories worthy of celebration, when we encounter situations in our neighborhoods for which we should celebrate, James tells us to sing songs of praise. We are after all United Methodists. We often sing our theology. This is a time we can sing our praises to God for answered prayer, for thanksgiving for always being present.
Walking in faith can call us to some challenges. When we pray for healing, we should pray with the expectation of that healing, but in all things, we should also pray for God’s will to be done. When we pray with true belief, we can move mountains, stop the rain, do many wonders, but we must pray with true faith and trust in God.
A faith filled life does not do things that might cause another of weaker faith to stumble in their faith. A faith filled life welcomes people of all persuasions in the place where they are and then helps them to see the presence of Jesus in what they do. Rather than condemning someone for a belief different from our own, a faith filled life walks with a person, showing through their love and actions what we believe and seeking to understand where the other person may be coming from before helping them to understand why we may differ. It opens up wonderful, sometimes scary discussions that may challenge us, but may also bring us to a place of deeper understanding of our own beliefs.
We often hear, “be in, not of the world.” We live in a world filled with chaos, violence, fear and distrust. God invites us to transcend those human emotions and actions that go with such a situation and trust in God. God does not mean it as an act of “superiority,” but as an act of faith. When we live in faith; when we fully trust in Jesus and the message of salvation he brought; when we seek to be like Jesus, we may invite challenge and controversy as did he, but we will also have God on our side, giving us the words to speak that can heal and transform.
As we study the scriptures and spend time in prayer, we are better prepared to not be of the world, to not be drawn down into the quagmire of self-righteousness, judgement and discord that often is a part of today’s world. It is not easy, and there will be challenges, but when we are truly in Christ, when we know deep in our hearts that “God is on our side,” we will be ready when presented with a situation such as Esther’s, where she had to trust in God’s protection as she reached out to the king for recognition and a chance to save her people.
Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader:
Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Time with Baby K
Last hummingbird has said good-bye
Petitions:
Maurice (Patrick’s father)
Rebecca
Bob & Chris Clark
Gabe and Betsy in Houston
Those under threat of natural disaster
Gayle & Ashley Clifford
Shelly Messenger, Shureen’s daughter, collapsed during race – home and doing okay now
7&8 graders at Oxbow struggling with bullying by upper classmen
Families of Philo Kennedy, Bernard Ouellet, & Allen Clark
Migrants facing difficult times
Snuggles (dog) moving to new home
Town Office workers catching heat for things they have no control over
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124) Amy B. Hunter
Jesus Christ is on our side, offering us the love of God—a love that gives us all we have, a love that makes us all we are. Jesus Christ is with us in every circumstance, suffering with us when we are in trouble, and rejoicing with us when we are glad. The generosity of Christ calls us to lives of gratitude and generosity. In Jesus Christ we are given new life. Let us celebrate this life by giving generously to the work of God’s redeeming love.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124, Mark 9) Amy B. Hunter
Giving God, we can never match your generosity.
When we are in need, you are at our side, present to us even in our darkest moments.
You rescue us from harm.
Make us into a people who celebrate your goodness, drawing others into the celebration of your many blessings.
Receive our offerings, even if they are as small as a drink for someone who thirsts.
Transform them into the mystery of your reign here and now on earth, in the name of Jesus, your greatest gift, amen.
*Hymn: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” UMH 127
Words: William Williams, 1745; Trans. From the Welsh by Peter Williams and the author, 1771
Music: John Hughes 1907
Tune: CWM Rhonda
Public Domain
CCLI# 1448
CCLI License # 11554317 Streaming License: 20810329
Musician Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org Used by permission
Benediction
Unless otherwise noted, liturgy today by Amy B. Hunter, from MinistryMatters.com, From “The Abingdon Worship Annual,” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I will be sending out forms via e-mail in the next few days. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible. The dates/times of church conferences is pending, but the sooner we finish our reports, the less we will be rushing at the last minute to complete. Thank you!
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
17TH Sunday after Pentecost
September 19, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
A Future with Hope
This last Sunday of the series offers a time of celebration and naming of hope for the future. We sing and speak of the day when all will be one, when all will be fed, when all will be loved. We imagine what the reign of God looks like and commit anew to live that out as disciples of Jesus.
Opening Hymn: “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” UMH 152
Words: Isaac Watts, 1715
Music: Trad. English melody; arr. By Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Tune: Forest Green
CCLI #738058
Public Domain
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship (Psalm 33)
L: Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
P: it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
L: Praise the LORD with the harp;
P: make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
L: Sing to him a new song;
P: play skillfully, and shout for joy.
L: For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
P: The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
L: Let us worship God!
Prayer of the Day
Wondrous Lord, you who art our help and shield, to you we lift our hearts and songs of praise and celebration, for you are always with us, you always reach out to us, offering us Love and guidance in all that we do. We come before you acknowledging our failure to always trust in you, and sometimes failing to step out in trust to do those things do you call us to do. You who are ever loving and merciful have seen fit to send your Son, that we might know the depth of your love and mercy. As we worship you this day hear our songs of thanksgiving and praise and see the truth of our hearts, amen.
Scripture Reading:
1Chronicles 29:14-16
Psalm 33:1-5, 18-22
Acts 2:25-26
Matthew 9:27-31
Message
And so, we come to our final week of our series of “A Future with Hope.” As we have considered the wonder of how God created a small, nondescript seed and from it grew a tree, a bean plant, a thing of beauty, we have also looked at how God not only brings hope into our own lives, but uses us to share that same hope with others.
We are invited to celebrate today, to sing praises to God who has done and will do such wondrous things in and through us. Our Psalm invites us to sing our praises to God, for it is a right thing so to do. As we listen to the news of continued cases of COVID in our own country as well as around the world, as we hear of countries once more slicing their borders to travelers for fear they will bring new variants into their already desperate medical settings where many countries struggle to have vaccines to protect their people, it is easy not to see hope for the future.
Yet, God is still with us. God who created has not abandoned us, but offers us a place of solace, of support, and of strength. In our reading from Acts 2, Peter reminds us of David, a shepherd chosen by God to become king; a shepherd whom the former king, Saul, tried to kill on numerous occasions; a military leader who refrained on more than one occasion from killing Saul, because Saul was the anointed king. David is the one to whom God promised that a descendant would sit upon throne in perpetuity and through Jesus, God fulfilled that promise. David celebrates God’s presence with him and his trust in God despite the difficulties he faced and that he must trust God’s promise, never to actually see the fulfillment of the promise. We are called to trust in God and to celebrate God’s presence among us, not knowing whether we will see the fulfillment of God’s promise while we are upon the earth or not.
I like the way Peterson in, The Message, puts it as Jesus is talking to the blind men asking for healing, “Do you really believe I can do this?”, and, after the blind men respond, “Why, yes, Master!" Jesus tells them, "Become what you believe." As he touches their eyes.
We must believe we have a future with hope, we must celebrate it. If we are told “Become what you believe.,” what will we look like? Will we be a powerful presence for God in our community, sharing God’s hope with others or will we be a nursing home, waiting to die because we believe we are inadequate, too old, to poor, too few in number to have an impact?
I invite you to dream. Dream large. As the title of Rebecca Simon Peter’s book says, “Dream Like Jesus.” We should have dreams as big and as focused on God’s will as Jesus did. Faced with 5,000 plus hungry people, Jesus didn’t bat an eye. He invited his disciples to play a part in the miracle as he feed all of them from five loaves and two fish. We are invited to be a part of God’s miracles in our community and the world. We are invited to believe that we have a future filled with hope, then encouraged to live out that future in our dreams and in our actions.
God has placed us in this place, at this time, in order to fulfill God’s plan for our future and the future of Bradford, VT. We are a people who have come from numerous places to arrive at where we are today both physically and spiritually. In that way, we are all nomads, itinerants on a journey to the next stop, the next opportunity to which God is calling us.
Take a brief period. Close your eyes. Take a couple of deep breaths as you listen for God and as you blow out that which is holding you back. What do you see in the future for Grace UMC? Don’t let your concerns of age, economics, or anything else limited your dream, for if God is calling us to it, God will provide the means for us to accomplish it. Dream, then write it down. Prayer over it for the next week or so and if you continue to feel God calling us to something – even if you think, “we can’t do that” – share it with some of our leadership team or with me so we can begin the process of living into the hope that God has for our future. Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS: Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy, Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Getting to see family (despite at a funeral)
Thanksgiving for the beauty of the weather and changing season
Balloons in all their colors hovering in honor of Brian Boland
Sizzlin’ Chicken
Visiting family and having chance to visit home church in process
Petitions:
Family of Brian Boland
Family of Jean DiBattisto
Maurice (Patrick’s father)
Rebecca – broke her foot
Bob & Chris Clark
Pastoral Prayer
We give thanks to you, O Lord, for your presence among us, for your love and your mercy toward us, and for your guidance always available to us. You who created the mountains, the valleys, and the streams; who placed the stars, moon and sun in the sky, always present always loving God. To you we offer our prayers celebration this day. We give you thanks for the seasons that mark the passage through the years. We give you thanks for the colors that brighten the fall and the quiet restfulness of the winter. We give you thanks that you are always willing to show us the way in which we can best serve the world around us, and we give you thanks for the willingness of your disciples to step out in faith and trust the pathway you have placed before us. Mighty one, you who are the Great Physician, place your hand upon those who are struggling with the many diseases that ravage our world this day. Relieve their pain, relieve their distress, and help them to know your healing will bring comfort and wholeness to their minds and their bodies. Help us to stand strong against injustice and evil in our world. Show us the way to be peacemakers in a world with a bent for violence. Teach us how to bring about changes that will help heal the world of it's brokenness and create a new world where all people may know your love and your help, amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer
You gave us all that we have, almighty and glorious God, it is only right that we offer back to you a portion of that which you have given us, that it may be used to spread your wisdom, your love, your mercy, to all the world. Bless and multiply these offerings that they may be enough to fund your ministries in our community and in the world, amen.
*Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH 89
Words: Henry Van Dyke, 1907; st. 4 alt. 1989
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven.
Tune: Hymn to Joy
Public Domain
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Benediction
Go forth this day to a future filled with hope for God is with us, God will guide us, and God Will provide for us when we walk in God’s paths.
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Leadership – Forms for Church Conference - I will be sending out forms via e-mail in the next few days. If you need a hardcopy, let me know. Most forms are fillable on-line, so are better done that way, but can be filled out by hand and I can do the on-line version if necessary. Please submit your reports as soon as reasonably possible. The dates/times of church conferences is pending, but the sooner we finish our reports, the less we will be rushing at the last minute to complete. Thank you!
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
Thank you so very much for
helping to put on our
last-for-the-year,
Sizzlin’ Chicken!!!
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH Sunday after Pentecost
September 5, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Remembering
I thank my God every time I remember you. — Philippians 1:3
The rings of a tree offer us a vision of the passage of time. We have a need to mark time, moments of significance. We remember the people and events of our lives that made their mark on us, transforming us into who we are, and we remember and honor the people and events of our church’s life. This is a living saints day and a celebration of the family tree.
Opening Hymn: “O God, Our Help In Ages Past” UMH 117
WORDS: Isaac Watts, 1719 (Ps. 90)
MUSIC: Attr. to William Croft, 1708; harm. By W. H. Monk, 1861
TUNE: ST ANNE
CCLI #43152
PUBLIC DOMAIN
MUSICIAN: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
L
Call to Worship (Ps 104) A. R. Sawtelle
L: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
P: O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
L: Praise God who created the earth and all that is in it,
P: the skies, the waters, the lands, the creatures.
L: The earth shall never move from its foundations,
P: for God has set it in place, that it might never move from the pathway God created for it.
L: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
P: O Lord my God, you are very great.
We worship and praise you with our whole hearts.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
We remember you, O God, the Creator, the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jacob. You came into the world in the form of a man, to walk among us, to teach us, to show us the pathways of love, but your love was a threat to the status quo, and so you were crucified. We cry in the remembrance of the pain and anguish which you suffered, but you turned our mourning into dancing and light as you rose again on Easter, proving your power over sin and death. We gather this morning to remember and to worship, giving thanks to you in the power of your names, Creator, Savior, Sustainer. Amen.
Prayer of Confession A.R. Sawtelle
Merciful God, you created us in your own image and called that creation good. Throughout the Bible we read of your love for your people and your desire to be in right relationship with them. We look at the history of the church throughout the generations and we claim the legacy they have left us, but we often fail to acknowledge the fullness of that legacy, choosing to remember the things we know will please you and failing to acknowledge our past failings. Gracious One, we confess that we are not always looking to what serves you the best, but what makes us less uncomfortable. Help us to look at ourselves through your eyes, to see ourselves, our fears, our anger, our weakness through your eyes and help us to turn ourselves around that we my lead lives of righteousness that help others to connect with your love and mercy. Amen.
A time for silent, personal confession
Assurance of Pardon
When we confess our sins to God, truly repenting and seeking to live lives reflecting God’s love and mercy, we are forgiven, for Jesus came into the world that we might be set free from slavery to sin and death. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God!
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 104:1-24
Philippians 1:3
Luke 23:39-43, 24:28-35
Message
We are now in week nine (9) of our “A Future with Hope” series. It is a time of looking back, of remembering. Were we to look at the rings of a tree, we would see they are of various widths, helping us to discern good years and more difficult years, times of adequate rainfall and nutrition and years of drought and poor nutrition.
The psalm this morning celebrates the wonders of creation and all that God did in the creating of the earth, a telling of the history and of the gift.
Our building tells us stories of times of plenty, the building of the original sanctuary, the sawing asunder of the building and the addition of 10 feet to the back of the sanctuary, the addition of the towers, the addition of the former gathering space now known as the Peckett Parlor and the upstairs classrooms and most recently the space we now call “The Gathering Space” with the classrooms and storage areas beneath. This tells the story of times of growth, of hope for the future as the need to expand the building to house the current congregation and the expectations for the future were lived out as well as times of ministry in and around the community.
But, what about the people of this congregation? As we look back, who do we remember as those who helped us to grow in the faith, who helped us to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup?
The roots of this congregation are deep in Methodism and the assurance of grace John Wesley preached. Our roots go back to one of John Wesley’s housekeepers, Margaret Appleton, who was strongly influenced by him. Margaret Appleton married Giles Peckett, a widower with three (3) children and the family emigrated from England to Haverhill, NH in 1774, then in 1780 moved to Mooretown, VT, later renamed Bradford. Margaret and Giles welcomed people into their home to share the gospel message. After the death of Giles, Margaret continued to speak to her neighbors about the Wesley’s doctrine of grace and accountability as she shared with them from the copy of Wesley’s works they had in their home.
The first preaching happened in 1797 in the Peckett home and later moved to the nearby schoolhouse on the Southern Plain (now called the Lower Plain.) Methodism continued to grow from there and finds us over 200 years later still gathering on the Lord’s Day to hear the scriptures read and preached, not only in Bradford, but in many towns throughout the region, for Maw Peckett was instrumental in the early training of many circuit riders in Vermont and surrounding areas.
There have been numerous preachers since that long ago service in the Peckett home. Who are some of the ones still remembered for their service to this congregation?
In the early days, people were placed in classes for spiritual care and accountability between the times of the coming of the preacher. We have gotten away from this practice that shares the care of the congregation as well as holding people accountable for their Christian walk among the laity with support from the appointed pastor, but several years ago Christ Cares groups were established to encourage mutual support and exploration and discussion of scripture, though there is a lack of mutual accountability. Sadly only one of these groups is still active and it is shrinking as its members are called home to the church triumphant. As Rev. Cheryl mentioned last week, Reunion Groups in the Emmaeus, Cursillo, and Tres Dias communities still continue to hold one another accountable.
The Psalm this morning calls us to “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” To praise God for the things God has done since creation began. The sun, moon and stars marking the cycle of days, months and years; the birthdays, anniversaries and other markers that follow to this day.
As we think about the past, who are people we think about who had a great impact on the faith of this congregation?
As we move closer to our own time, what are names that come to mind that continue to guide that faith tradition? What are some of the ministries that have grown from the ideas of these individuals? (UM ARMY, Food Shelf support, showers available for the homeless or those whose wells are dry, at one time were able to provide temporary housing for homeless…)
As we look toward the future, what is the legacy we hope to leave the next generation of Methodists in this region? What is the Holy Spirit calling us to do? How will we build toward that future?
We are in the midst of a pandemic, but that should not stop us from looking to the next stage of our journey, the next steps as we look to the future with hope and trust in God’s guidance.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
Holy, gracious, and loving God, giver of all good things, we come before you today remembering those who have gone before us, celebrating the legacy they have left us and wondering about the legacy we ourselves may leave. Embolden us to be a people filled with your hope, strengthened by your love, taught by your own hand. Let us walk in righteousness the pathway you have placed before us. Help us to be the people you have called us to be, a light to those who are stumbling in the dark, a beacon of hope in a world filled with violence and disaster. May your healing touch be on all those who suffer this day. Heal the land, earth, water, and air that have been damaged by our thoughtless actions. May your love overwhelm us as we remember how Jesus walked among humanity, healing the sick, bringing sight to those both physically and spiritually blind, and setting free those who were captive in body, mind, and spirit to the ravages of sin. Free us too that we may carry your love throughout the land. Amen.
Offering Our Gifts to God
What gifts do you bring this day to offer unto God? Will you offer yourselves as well as your dollars and cents? The saints of the past have established a legacy through their financial gifts as well as their gifts of time, devotion, and talents. What legacy will future generations attribute to this generation?
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer
Giver of life, of all that we have, we turn to you in thanksgiving and praise, offering to you these small tokens of our thanks; offering ourselves as servants in your call to carry your love to the world. May our gifts be found acceptable in your sight, and may they help enrich the lives of others. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Receiving the Bread and Cup
*Hymn: “Rise Up, O Men (O Saints) of God” UMH 576
WORDS: William F. Merrill, 1911
MUSIC: William H. Walter, 1894
TUNE: FESTAL SONG
Public Domain
CCLI #87156
MUSICIAN: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Benediction
The God of love is always with you, giving you life and breath, filling you with strength and peace. Go forth in the beauty and majesty of God to share love with the world. Amen.
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
14TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 29, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Sustaining
Growth happens in spurts, yes, but growth is also continuous throughout life. How are we sustaining health and wholeness in our lives and in the lives of others? Do we understand the reciprocity of all creation, the interdependence we have on each other and on the earth? How do we sustain and offer habitat to those who have none?
Opening Hymn: “I Love You, Lord” TFWS 2068
WORDS: Laurie Klein (Ps 35:9)
MUSIC: Laurie Klein
TUNE: I LOVE YOU LORD
CCLI #25266
MUSICIAN: America’s 25 Favorite Praise and Worship Choruses
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Used by permission
Call to Worship C. D. Heater
L: Holy One, in the chaos of conflict in our world
P: You call us to quiet the noise within and without.
L: Holy Spirit, in the chaos of conflagration
P: We seek Your flame of holy fire to beat back the firestorms of dissention and worry.
L: Lord Jesus, amidst the chaos of change around us
P: Guide us in prayer and praise to bring changed hearts and minds to worship.
Prayer of the Day C. D. Heater
God, you have given us this creation with the challenge to sustain it. Forgive us where we have failed and guide us as we seek a new tomorrow for your children who come after us. Grant us the wisdom and courage to see swords turned to plowshares and sun-cracked fields into green gardens. This we ask in the name of Jesus through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen
Scripture Reading: Romans 15:4 meditate on Scripture John 9:31 worship
Acts 14:23 prayer & fasting Philemon 5-7 witness
Acts 15:2 Christian conferencing
Message "Fathering and Mothering" Rev. Cheryl Heater
The last several weeks many of you and Pastor Ami have had a bean plant to tend. Last week Pastor Ami spoke about bearing – how our plants reach a level of maturity to bear fruit – beans in this particular case, and those of you who received a bean plant may have been more or less successful in mothering or fathering the plant, but once the first leaves were out, your job was not over. I think of it as mothering and fathering, but those terms bring different images to mind. Mothering seems more nurturing, like feeding and watering a plant, while fathering has been more muscular, like howing and pruning and chasing invaders. I won’t question your progress, but that activity may help us consider something I call soul tending.
We live in a precarious time surrounded by Covid delta variant, horrific weather events, and fire as well as political upheaval – and hellishly hot weather. We no longer feel as safe and secure as we may have not so long ago.
WE may feel some of the uncertainty our founding fathers and mothers felt. John Wesley, the founding father of Methodism, struggled with his faith, even though he was a pastor. But once he experienced the certainty of Christ’s presence in his life, he wanted to help others gain an assurance of God’s love and sustaining grace/presence in their lives.
Wesley laid out cornerstones added to communion which Pastor Ami discussed a few weeks ago. Wesley knew it was not enough to say Jesus died for our sins to right the ship that humans had poked holes in from Adam to the present day. People needed more than head knowledge, they needed to experience a personal connection with God in Christ. So, Wesley picked up and carried the ball to the primary source: Scripture – then prayer, fasting, worship, and Christian conferencing [or Christian conversation]. All of this was geared toward holding one another accountable to an awareness of God’s very presence in their lives and actions. Remember Jesus’ words from John 18:20 –
“For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.” Reading and searching the scriptures is pivotal to Christian growth and worship
Wesley’s world was much like our pandemic-ridden world. Diseases and childbirth or a simple cut could take the lives of young and old – and all ages between. Life was hard, and the Means of Grace [ways to get in touch with God’s Son and Spirit] helped folks get closer to the source of life, love, and an assurance of something beyond death.
Worship was a pivotal means of connecting to God’s unmerited favor – [i.e., grace]. It included prayer, scripture reading, and interpretation of scripture. Even today, prayer is a major part of worship. It includes the mnemonic A.C.T.S
Adoration – Look at the first hymn today: “I Love You, Lord”
Confession – especially prominent in our communion liturgy, but also today
the proverbial “I really screwed up, God.”
Thanksgiving – [God sightings, Offertory prayer] not like the pharisee who thanked God he was not like others]
Supplication – [Concerns, Seeking Forgiveness – hopefully after sincere confession]
It can be as simple as praying for someone/something we see on TV, etc. Maybe you witness an accident or other situation and offer a simple prayer for that situation.
Prayer is also linked with Fasting, another Means of Grace. We think of it as a Lenten activity, but did you know the United Methodist bishops and most members of the Cabinet fast on Fridays. Fasting is a way of helping us get more laser focused in our prayer life.
Another Means of Grace is Christian Conversation or Christian Conferencing – holding one another accountable to our walk with Jesus. Examples are found in the Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, Tres Dies, etc. Reunion groups gather on a regular basis to pray, share, worship, commune, and hold one another accountable to their walk with Christ and Christian witness.
Now John Wesley, known as the Father of Methodism, preached and wrote theological material based on his more “muscular” shepherding approach to Christian faith. But it was his brother Charles who made it “stick” with his poetry set to the music of the day – what we might call bar room bop – Popular secular tunes of the 1700s are the tunes we sing in worship today. It was Charles Wesley’s poetic theology set to music that continued to carry the Methodists with gusto in worship. Like so many women who support successful spouses, Charles got little recognition, because he didn’t write theology. Charles Wesley’s hymnology nurtured and sustained Methodism from its infancy. So, John did the “Fathering,” and Charles carried the “Mothering,” support role.
While this was taking place in England, another sustaining force crossed the ocean and landed in NH first. Then the former housekeeper for John Wesley moved from Haverhill, NH to Bradford, VT with her husband Giles Peckett. We know her today as Mother Margaret Appleton Peckett – the Mother of Methodism in all of VT and upstate Eastern NY. It was Mother Peckett who trained Methodist Circuit riders who spread the faith from VT to NY, PA, and as far as Texas. From a little cabin on the Lower Plain of Bradford this woman invited people of any Christian faith to worship in her home. And with the books she brought from England as a result of her contact with John Wesley, she had a little seminary on the south end of this community. After training all those young circuit riders, I guess you could rightly call her not only a Mother of Methodism, but a real Sustainer and nurturer.
So, it seems we have a tough act to follow here. But, you know, I have always believed that somehow the spirit of Mother Peckett abides with us, continuing to urge us onward. If she could do it with Native Americans journeying up and down the Connecticut River near her front yard, who are we to be faint of heart? She planted and nurtured the faith from her cabin on the plain. What are we going to do now to sustain the faith that she so skillfully planted?
There are a good many folks from the Walk to Emmaus living in this area still who have the power to push onward. There are Christ Cares folks who continue to make the love of God know to neighbors. But what more can be done to reach out in a time when it is difficult to meet indoors even for worship.
Today you are doing a very Methodist thing: singing in worship. It may sound silly – but I think that is a radical step in the right direction to sustain the faith so long a part of our heritage.
Amen
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer C. D. Heater
Gracious God, Creator and Sustainer, we thank you for the ways in which you care for us. We may not always recognize the value of the sun rising every day to give us light, then setting and giving us respite from the heat in summer. You give us the seasons which offer rest for the creation and the new birth of living things that burst forth to sustain us. You have provided us with food, water, family, friends, and guides who help us to see You and respond with gratitude. Forgive us when we take those things for granted. Most of all, we give thanks for Jesus, the Redeemer who continues even today to point the way when we go astray. We still hear the words to disciples: "When you pray, say...."
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
*Offering Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
We give you thanks, O God, for the many and wonderful things you have done in our lives. We offer these small tokens as gifts of thanksgiving. Use them, use us, to share your hope with others; to the glory of your name, amen.
*Hymn: “And Are We Yet Alive” UMH 553
Words: Charles Wesley, 1749
Music: Johann G. Nageli; arr. Lowell Mason, 1845
Tune: Dennis SM
Public Domain
* Benediction: “Go Now in Peace” UMH 665
WORDS: Natalie Sleeth, 1976 (Lk. 2:29)
MUSIC: Natalie Sleeth, 1976
TUNE: GO IN PEACE
CCLI#194317
MUSICIAN: Connie Linnell
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Used by permission
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Growing Relational Food Ministries in Our Communities – Resource Day with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill
Register now for a special webinar workshop featuring keynote speaker Pastor Liz Magill along with speakers from 4 of our Vermont congregations on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. – noon via Zoom. This event is for lay people as well as clergy – encourage a group from your congregation to participate!
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
13TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 22, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Bearing
Once planted and nurtured and cared for and tended, our gardens overflow. All of creation is pregnant with possibilities, bearing fruit and flower. The goodness must be shared with all. The diversity and variety of creation is cherished and celebrated. We vow to honor that diversity, to share God’s overflowing goodness and to hold, carry, and bear the burdens of any.
Opening Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” UMH 546
Words: Samuel I Stone, 1866 adapt. By Laurence Hull Stookey, 1983
Music: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864
Tune: Aurelia
Adapt. © 1983 The United Methodist Publishing House
CCLI Song Select # 1607188
Music: Dean McIntyre
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: 2081032
Used by permission
Call to Worship A.R. Sawtelle
L: God has sent you out
P: God has called us to make disciples of Jesus
L: God has produced fruit in you.
P: We come bearing the fruits of our labors, blessed by God’s love.
L: Let us worship our wondrous God.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
You call us to bear fruit as you send us into the world, O God. As we come this day, we celebrate that which you have made alive in us and in our ministries. Strengthen us, encourage, and fill us, that we may bear good fruit and that all may come to know the hope we have in you, amen.
Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:43-45
John 15:14-17
Philippians 1:9-11
Message What kind of fruit will we bear?
We are at week seven on our series, “A Future with Hope.” We started with seeds, acknowledging the hope inside, though what that hope looked like was hard to discern from the seed. Our plants are now growing and flourishing. The actual plants we started are getting larger and will eventually bear fruit, though today we are actually talking about “bearing” before our plants are quite there.
Let’s talk today about how our personal and corporate plants look. Are we strong healthy plants, bearing good fruit or are we unhealthy plants bearing wormy fruit?
While the strawberry harvest is over and the blueberries are waning, the corn harvest has now begun. The farm stands are selling fresh corn, only recently harvested from the fields. Most folks would like to strip some of the husk away so they can see that the corn is fully filled out and not full of worms, while the farmers ask that you not strip the husk away, reveling the delicate kernels to the drying and damage of the air. We are asked to trust the farmers only selected the best of corn to offer to their customers.
Was someone to strip away the outer husks, what sort of fruit would be found here are Grace? Would it be sweet and wholesome, teasing the taste buds as it is eaten, or would it be wormy and spoiled, something not fit for consumption?
Strong, healthy roots help to make a strong, healthy plant. When we are rooted in Jesus’ command to “love one another,” we have the basis for a healthy community life. If we root ourselves in selfish desire, or a desire to “look good” rather than in that love, our fruit will be less wholesome, less desirable.
When our ministries are done out of God’s love for us overflowing into our love for others, then those ministries will accomplish that which God desires them to accomplish. When they are based on a desire to “look good” in the community, they may work for a while, but ultimately, they will not accomplish God’s loving desire for the earth or for God’s people.
Those who have truly loved someone understand Eugene Peterson meaning in his, The Message, paraphrase of Philippians, “You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary.” True love for others is about using our heads, not just our hearts. It is about doing the best we can for others to support them and guide them, helping them to grow, not just giving them something because we can. It is about treating them with respect and not being showy about what we do.
Some of the better ministries make a place for those being ministered to, to walk and work beside those who would be in ministry. Such walking beside helps build relationships that go beyond the, “Hi, how are you?” stage. God created in relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God created humanity to be in relationship with God and one another.
If your son/daughter/spouse was being treated unjustly, what would you do? How would you react?
Jesus asks us to respond to injustice for others in the same way we would respond to injustice for our family members. When we love others, we treat them as family, having expectations, but also responding to situations that are impacting them in the same way we respond for those who are blood kin.
Jesus suffered injustice at the hands of the temple leadership and the government of his time. We are called to do better, to stand up to tyranny in its many forms, to stand with those who advocate for those suffering injustices and to do so with love for those who are suffering.
As we look at the world around us, at our community, at our country, what are the places we see God calling us to share the hope we have that others may also gain hope? We know we have a future with hope, as we trust in Jesus who called his hearers “friends.” As we trust that God loved us before we were even formed in our mothers’ womb, that God knew us and wanted what was best for us, let us share that love with others. Amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Heat wave is over
Phyllis know she will be living with Stephanie
Abigail has a new job, closer to home
Petitions:
Jean – at her mother’s doing better, but still a long way to go
Mitch (Cathy’s 12 y/o nephew) surgery Friday
Haiti – losses from earthquake with tropical storm pending
Bob Clark
Phyllis will not return to her home on Wrights Mountain
Robby (Patsy’s son’s nephew) week old, having open heart surgery
Rob (Bernice’s son) still no diagnosis
Sarah and Fran moving this week
Sarah C-H mother in law though vaccinated, now has COVID and in hospital
Pastoral Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
Lord of mercy and of light, we come to you with thanksgiving for all you have done for us. We thank you for days of light and of rain that waters the earth; for the warmth of sun and the coolness of shadow and shade; for the gift of life and the wonder of the creation around us. We acknowledge your wisdom and power and look to you for safety and hope. Bring hope into the lives of those struggling with illness and pain; hope for those whose hopelessness has led to addiction and other forms of escape; hope for those struggling with mental health challenges. Shine you light of love into situations where violence is destroying lives, changing hearts and bring about your peace. Heal the earth almighty One, controlling the flood waters and the fires, cooling the record-breaking heat and bringing about a change of heart in those who abuse the land, water and air for their own power and enjoyment. Mighty One, we know that you are with us in both good times and bad. Help us to show others your abiding presence and grace, that they may come to find hope in you, amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
What gifts do we bring to God who has made possible our ministries in our community? What gifts do we bring that those ministries may continue far beyond the time we remain here? God has given us gifts to help us bring hope to others, let us offer God our gifts of thanksgiving and praise.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Offering Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
We give you thanks, O God, for the many and wonderful things you have done in our lives. We offer these small tokens as gifts of thanksgiving. Use them, use us, to share your hope with others; to the glory of your name, amen.
*Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory” UMH 577
Words: Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930
Music: John Hughes, 1907
Tune: CWM Rhondda
Public Domain
Music: Dean McIntyre
Used by permission
Benediction
Theme & opening words for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Our Lady – Rummage sale, Friday Aug 27, 9-3 & Saturday Aug 28, 9-12
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
12TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 15, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Building
Our commitment to be part of one Body offers us the opportunity to build up the whole, strengthening and creating foundations of love and justice, faith and hope for the long term. What do we put our efforts into? Things that make a lasting difference? That offer stability and resources for the good of the whole earth?
Opening Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” UMH 64
Words: Reginald Heber, 1826 (Rev. 4:8-11)
Music: john B. Dykes, 1861
Tune: NICAEA
Public Domain
CCLI # 1156
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Call to Worship (Dr. Marcia McFee)
Leader: In the beginning was God… (rumble, slap) and God begat the
rhythm and the rhythm begat everything else, and the
dance began.
People: As rhythm sounds, creation happens.
Leader: We are a people bound together through sacred sound.
People: As rhythm sounds, communion happens.
Leader: Our faith leads us to a world reverberating like a thousand different
thunders.
People: As rhythm sounds, we become one.
Leader: We are part of a rhythmic creation as we build God’s reign together.
People: As rhythm sounds, opposition ceases.
Leader: We are all companions of life’s rhythms in our stillness
and motion, in the sound and silence our souls are uplifted.
All: As rhythm sounds, we are
standing on sacred ground!
Prayer of the Day (Ami Sawtelle)
God of rhythm and of life, guide the rhythm of our days and of our worship. May we be in sync with your rhythm of life as we carry your hope into the world each day. May our rhythms be in one accord as we lift our spirits in worship of you this day and may those rhythms be pleasing in your sight, amen.
Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 4:11-12
Message
There is a rhythm to our lives, be it the rhythm of the seasons, the rhythm of the sun, moon and stars, the rhythm of tides of ocean or of life, there is rhythm. Some rhythms have been around since the beginning of time, others are newly created causing a clash or crash when something or someone is out of sync.
The building of the body of Christ calls us to be “in sync” with God, that our rhythms keep us together, call us to be in sync with one another, to create beautiful harmonies, but how do we do that?
Our scripture passage today tells us of gifts that will help to build the body of Christ. Those with the needed gifts will be given us so that we can work on our rhythm, so we can work to serve God through our work and through our play, in rhythm, in sync, with Jesus Christ.
Jesus met with people of all walks of life, of various ethnic groups and shared the good news of God’s kingdom coming into the world. Jesus walked in harmony, in rhythm with God’s plan for redemption of all of creation. Whether the Samaritan woman at the well or the Syrophoenician woman, Jesus treated people outside the Jewish nation with respect.
There are those in many communities who feel those who call themselves Christian are not welcoming to them. They feel judged and pushed aside as many see them as unrepentant sinners. There are those within church circles who actively push against including people who see their gender identity as other than that which is on their birth certificate, creating clashes and crashes in the rhythm when the two groups meet.
Before I arrived, there was study and discussion around becoming a “Reconciling Congregation,” a congregation openly welcoming to those who identify as: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other forms of gender and sexual identity and understanding. The discussion into openly welcoming such persons can be a difficult process and disrupt the rhythms of the community. The welcoming of people of all races, ethnicities and other identifications that are created to separate one group from another can all create tension in the rhythms of the life of the congregation in which they are occurring.
At one time, the United Methodists claimed to have Open Minds, Open Hearts and Open Doors, inviting a wide range of people to be a part of creating a rhythm of welcome. Sadly, that can no longer be said of the denomination as a whole and many congregations in particular. In September, we will have an opportunity to vote on the Reconciling Statement created by the leadership of the congregation and whether we desire to become a Reconciling Congregation.
Christ calls us to love others as God loves us. A saying of John Wesley says, “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” reminds us that in loving others we strive to not harm others, rather to do good for them, seeking what is best for ourselves and others rather than just for ourselves. The most important part of this quote though is, “Stay in love with God.” As we focus our love on God, we will catch onto the rhythms God is trying to teach us.
What gifts do we have within our congregation that may help us to better understand God’s rhythm? Are there those who are gifted teachers, willing to step out to guide new Christians to an understanding of the gospel message? Are there teachers willing to teach those more mature in their understanding of scripture and faith? Do we have others with gifts of hospitality, ready to welcome newcomers, inviting them into the life of the congregation so they too may learn the rhythms? What about children and youth, are we ready to welcome them in all of their diversity, struggles and with all of their questions about faith, inclusivity and God? Who will be the person they can go to with questions?
God will gift us with people to help guide us and to hold us accountable on our walk with Jesus. In fact some of them are sitting in the pews this morning, encountering this message on Zoom or reading it in their homes. The question is, will those with the gifts be willing to step up and step out of their comfort zones participating, in perhaps new ways, as we bring the message of God’s love to others.
Do you hear God calling to you, inviting you to participate in the ministries of this congregation? What is your place in the rhythmic harmonies, steady beat keeper or syncopater? What help do you need to find your place in the rhythms of the life of Grace UMC?
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Celebrations:
Bob Clark is now in rehab, but continues to need prayer
Jean
Petitions:
Family of Winter Rousso
Pastoral Prayer
Life giving God, we give you thanks for the joy of your presence in our lives as your son teaches us the rhythms that bring you joy. We give you thanks for birthdays and anniversaries, for children and the joy of their voices as they play in our parks and yards. Keep them safe from the pandemic, from the dangers of traffic and accident. Help them to grow strong and help us to teach them about you.
Holy and merciful God, your rhythm of life plays in our minds, inviting us to join in, but we hesitate. We have worked long and hard for that which we have and are ready to rest. We fail to live out the rhythms we hear from you sometimes and just want some time to focus on ourselves rather than giving more to others. Help us to find the rhythm that balances the lives that we have with the life in you that we desire. Help us to work toward a world where all people are seen as worthy of love and where we are a part of your rhythm of healing love. Forgive us when we miss the beat, when we disrupt your perfect rhythm and bring us back once more to the basic rhythms of life in you.
Healing God, we lift to you this day those who are still in the pathways of drought, fire and storm. We know that the storms are getting worse each year. Help us to change our world, to slow the global changes. Place your loving arm around those who are suffering from spiritual and mental anguish. Heal them and show them the light of your love. We know you walk the halls in the midst of the pandemic, your children are crying to you in their distress. Place your soothing hand upon their brow and your healing touch upon their hearts. Strengthen and comfort the families who anxiously wait for word of improvement. Heal those within our congregation who struggle with cancer and other illnesses, bring healing and strength to them and their families. Mighty one, as we go about our daily lives, help us always to err on the side of mercy and love.
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts to God
What are you thankful for? Where has God touched your life? As we think about that brings us joy and peace, let us give our gifts of thanksgiving to God, to whom all things belong, and to whom we owe our very lives.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Words: Thomas Ken, 1674
Music: Attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Tune: OLD 100TH
Public Domain
CCLI # 56204
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
Prayer of Dedication
Holy Trinity, to you we offer our gifts of thanksgiving and praise. Let them help the world to walk together in the rhythms of grace and love as you lead us into a future which you have planned for us, amen.
*Hymn: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” UMH 57
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739
Music: Carl G. Glaser, arr by Lowell Mason, 139
Tune: AZMON
Public Domain
CCLI #1369
Musician: Dean McIntyre
Used by permission
*Benediction
Theme. opening words & Call to Worship for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustees are asking for help with mowing the grass around the church and parsonage needs to be cut at least every two (2) weeks, depending on rain patterns sometimes more frequently. Tim would appreciate some help from folks that are able to push a mower around. It takes a bit over an hour to cut all of the grass. Please contact Tim Marcy, tpmarcy@hotmail.com or his cellphone: 715-416-0857 for more information or to sign up.
Green Mountain Earth Stewards present Virtual Vacation Bible School 2021
Join us virtually on August 20, 21, and 22 for Vacation Bible School. The focus will be on art, faith, and nature. There will be bible stories, songs, art projects, and nature activities. It will be geared toward ages 5-10. Registration information will be available by early August. If you would like more information or the registration link, please contact us at greenmountainearthstewards@gmail.com.
Goshen Church – last service of the season will be held September 5.
Piermont Church – Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Piermont at the church on Saturday, August 21st. Barbecue 1-2, and music by Patrick Ross and the Fiddler’s Crew 2-4
Our Lady – Rummage sale, Friday Aug 27, 9-3 & Saturday Aug 28, 9-12
Next Sizzlin’ Chicken September 11, 2021 – Speak with Connie, Dottie or Rebecca about what our needs are for volunteers or food.
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Peanut Butter, Meat, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please) – Items can be left at the church inside the door toward the Academy building or at parsonage and Pastor Ami will take them over if the Food Shelf is not open when you drop them by. There is a plastic box with a black lid on her porch for drop off if Pastor Ami is not home.
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
August’s Collection to Date: $4,000
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
10TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 1, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Nurturing
“a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:18)
We cannot abandon what we have planted. We must attend to our hopes, nurture them with living water in order to sustain growth. To attend over time is to know the fruit of discipline. What spiritual disciplines nurture our faith and hope? We affirm the abundance of God’s grace poured out for us and we ask God to let the waters of justice and righteousness flow freely.
Opening Hymn: “Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters” UMH 605
Words: Ruth Duck, 1967 (Jn 3:3-8)
Music: Attr to B.F. White, 1844;
Tune: Beach Spring (Public Domain)
Copyrights: Words © The United Methodist Publishing Hours
CCLI Song Select #2613112
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Call to Worship A.R. Sawtelle
L: Come, prepare the earth for planting,
P: that the crop may be lush and rich.
L: Come, nurture and care for that which has been planted,
P: that it may grow strong in the way God desires.
L: Come, open your hearts,
P: that God may nourish and strengthen us to serve.
L: Come worship God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
Creating, sustaining, nurturing God, we come before you today with thanksgiving and praise for the gift of life, for life sustaining ministries, and the gift of your Son, Jesus, who taught us how to live more closely to you, then gave his life that we might know forgiveness and have hope for new life in you, amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
Celebrations:
Larry Russ – wedding Aug 1
Bumschick is doing the wedding
Baby K – sitting up unsupported for a few seconds
Petitions:
Those who remain unvaccinated
Bob B. Recovering from hip replacement
Pat B.
Ami
Cheryl – chicken sitting with fox in the area, helping Ami
Bob C. – Chemo in hosp., still unable to stand/walk on own
Christ C.
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer A. R. Sawtelle
God of hope, hear our prayers. We lift to you those who are struggling with mental and physical illness and injury. Fill them with your hope, that they may better serve you. Heal them through your power. We lift to you the many places who are struggling with the on-going pandemic, where lives are being lost due to the lack of availability of vaccines, where families are being devasted through loss of life and loss of income. Blow with your wind of healing grace, driving the virus from the shores where it is growing, forcing its submission to your might and power. Heal our world mighty One. Reverse the damage we have done in our arrogance and greed. Tame the storms that are further damaging the environment, spread your gentle rains over those places where drought and heat are threatening lives and livelihoods. Guide the leaders of our country, that they may find ways to work together for the betterment of our country and the world, seeking what is best for all rather than what will bring the more power and prestige. Gracious God, you have blessed us with life and a land able to sustain many and we give you thanks. We give you thanks that we might once more gather as a community to offer our prayers and praise. We give you thanks that you are always willing to sustain us in times of distress if we but seek you. We thank you that you hear our prayers, even the ones we keep safely locked in our hearts. In the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus, we pray, amen.
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Matthew 18-19
Message
Nurture, according to dictionary.com, is a verb meanings: 1) to feed and protect; 2) to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; to foster; 3) to bring up; train; educate. As a noun it means: 4) rearing; upbringing; training; education, or the like; 5) development; 6) something that nourishes; nourishment, food.
When we nurture plants, we make sure they have what they need to grow. When I was in Iraq, a large part of discussions at the Governate (District) Departments of Agriculture was about inputs. What did they have and what did they need to get the next crop planted? Inputs: seed, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, were needed to bring in a harvest. Plants also need water for life, whether directly from rain or more often, in Iraq, from irrigation.
Our hopes, just like plants, need to be nurtured. Paragraph 122, The Process for Carrying Out Our Mission, says, “We make disciples as we: —nurture persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments, spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Wesley‘s Christian conferencing.” (UM Book of Discipline, 2016, para 122, p. 94) We don’t necessarily use herbicides, fertilizer and pesticides, but we do use inputs, things that as we take them in, help to nourish our spirits and vanquish those things that can breakdown or destroy our hope. We need water as well, living water that only comes from God through God’s Son, Jesus. Remember the story of the woman at the well. When she asks Jesus why he would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink, he answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10, NRS) As we said, water is not the only necessary input, but it is an important one if we want to grow or if we want the seeds we plant to flourish. When we speak of spiritual needs though, we are speaking of our need for living water, that which comes from Jesus.
One of the ways we can nurture the seeds of hope is through the “Means of Grace.” Today we will focus on two of them, baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion, Eucharist). These two sacraments help to nurture those who come to them and strengthen them. John Wesley defines the means of grace as, “outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end—to be the ordinary channels hereby [God] might convey to [people] preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.” (Albert C. Outler & Richard P Heitzenrater, John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, Compilation and Preface Copyright 1991 by Abington Press; p. 160, Para. II.1)
Baptism, “the sacrament of initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ,” is just the beginning. Once an individual has been baptized as an infant or as an adult, we, as the church, are to, “provide(s) the nurture that makes possible a comprehensive and lifelong process of growing in grace.” (Para 216, UM Book of Discipline 2016, p. 156) Thus, baptism first brings us into the family and then, the family is supposed to help nurture the baptized individual as we would any other member of the family, based upon their ability to take in and use that nourishment. The sacrament of baptism is a one time sacrament, for we believe that God is the One who acts, and thus there is no need to “re-baptize” someone if they have been baptized in the name of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we were washed in the waters of baptism and our sins washed away, our spirits were renewed and we are nourished that we might resist the forces of evil.
Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist, is the second of the two (2) sacraments observed in the United Methodist Church. John Wesley, in his sermon, The Duty of Constant Communion, says this about receiving the Lord’s Supper as often as possible, “A second reason why every Christian should do this as often as he can is because the benefits of doing it are so great to all that do it in obedience to him; namely, the forgiveness of our past sins and the present strengthening and refreshing of our souls.” And, “The grace of God given herein confirms to us the pardon of our sins by enabling us to leave them. As our bodies are strengthened by bread and wine, so are our souls by these tokens of the body and blood of Christ. This is the food of our souls:…” (Outler & Heitzenrater, John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, p. 502, para I.2. & I.3.)
Our souls need to be nurtured and nourished in order to have hope and to look to the future with hope. By being nurtured by the community, by being nourished by the Lord’s Supper, we can renew our hope and can participate in the renewing of the spirits of those who have lost hope. The sacrament of baptism is a one time renewal while the Lord’s Supper is one in which we may participate and be nurtured more frequently. As we remember our baptisms shortly, think about how it not only cleanses sins, but renews spirits. When we share in the family meal, the Lord’s Supper, through the prayer of Great Thanksgiving, we remember God’s actions in the world and God’s actions through Jesus Christ; we share the meal with Christ as Christ commands us to remember in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup; and as we invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit in the epiclesis, we are physically and spiritually fed and nurtured.
In just a bit, we will gather once more around the table. We are invited to come with expectation and hope of a renewed relationship with God through this sacrament in which God reaches out to us, assuring us of God’s love for us and forgiveness we have received through God’s son, Jesus. Remember, in receiving God’s love, we are to share that love with others. Amen.
Prayer of Confession A.R. Sawtelle
Almighty and wondrous God, we acknowledge that we have fallen short of your desires for our lives. We have failed to offer hope to those we deem unworthy. We have failed to work toward a world where all people may find hope for the future, where all people are acknowledged as worthy of education, jobs, healthcare, food, and shelter. Forgive us we pray for our shortcomings.
L: Wash us, O God,
P: That we may be cleansed of our sin.
L: Wash us, O God,
P: That we might walk in the light of your love.
L: Wash us, O God,
P: Create in us new hearts, worthy to serve you, to love you, and to worship you.
L: Through the power of Jesus’ love, your sins are forgiven, you have been washed clean and are ready to love and serve God. Amen.
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant (See insert)
Offering Our Gifts to God A.R. Sawtelle
Gifts are given for thankfulness to the Creator, the Maker of all that is and that shall be. They are channeled through the church, a portion going to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church where they are combined with the gifts of others to fund ministries outside our local area. Our Mission Shares help pay the overhead of organizations like UMCOR which responds to disasters throughout the world. Some of our Mission Share giving comes back to the New England Annual Conference to help support ministries of the Conference as well as providing monies for the Ministerial Grant programs. Finally, some of the money remains local, allowing us to be in ministry in the local community.
Remember, your gifts may be sent by mail to the church office, the address is at the end of the bulletin, or by going to our website: bradfordumc.org, clicking on the donation link and following the instructions there. Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of our congregation.
Offering Prayer A.R. Sawtelle
Giver of life and hope, receive these gifts, use them to nurture the ministries of our congregation as well as the greater church, that all may come to find hope in you, amen.
*Doxology ”Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Holy Communion
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians” TFWS 2223
Words: Peter Scholtes (John 13:34-35; Eph 4:4-6)
Music: Peter Scholtes
Copyright: © 1966 F.E.L Publishing, assigned 1991 to The Lorenz Corp.
Tune: St Brendan’s
CCLI Song Select # 22997
Used by permission.
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Benediction
Theme for the day from “A Future with Hope” series by Marcia McFee, https://worship-design-studio.mn.co/,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Yes! We are beginning to do responsive readings, joys and concerns during worship and sing hymns. Per CDC guidance, we ask that if you are not immunized for COVID-19 you continue to wear a mask during worship. There will be a brief "Gathering Time" in the "Gathering Space" following worship with coffee and confections.
Finance Meeting August 6, 10:30 am At the church
Bishop on the District August 7 and 8
Bishop Devadhar will be visiting in our district on the weekend of August 7 & 8. We plan to have a district-wide potluck with him on Saturday, August 7, at the Shelburne UMC. This will be a chance not only to have conversation with our bishop but also to see each other “face to face”! Plan to start arriving at 4:30 and we’ll eat around 5:00 p.m. Please register in advance and indicate the number of people who will come with you.
Green Mountain Earth Stewards present Virtual Vacation Bible School 2021
Join us virtually on August 20, 21, and 22 for Vacation Bible School. The focus will be on art, faith, and nature. There will be bible stories, songs, art projects, and nature activities. It will be geared toward ages 5-10. Registration information will be available by early August. Youth who would be interested in helping to lead activities, please contact Sheri Smith: sherismith27@gmail.com.
Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren
At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren’s latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 at 8:00 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and plan to participate!
Open Spirit Task Force hosts online gatherings
The Open Spirit Task Force is continuing to examine who New England Methodists are and who we are called to be. This summer, they will host a weekly presentation about their work and open conversation about the future of our denomination and Conference. Please join a Conferencewide presentation via Zoom each Tuesday beginning at 6:30 pm now through Aug. 31, 2021. Click the link to register; plan to attend one session, choosing the time most convenient for you: Register for a Zoom OSTF gathering
Find more information on the Open Spirit Task Force
Find the event on the Conference calendar
2021 Mission u
Mission u 2021 will take place online via Zoom July 24 & 31 and Aug. 7 & 11. Mission u provides opportunities for persons to grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context as well as initiate opportunities for spiritual and educational experiences. Mission u is for women, men, youth, children. Learn about the 2021 studies and register at www.neumc.org/missionu
United Methodist Anti-Racism Resources
Reparations: “Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining, Church & Society webinar series - 1 more session (July 19)
Now, Christians, let’s have a real conversation
The Upper Room Spiritual Resources for Overcoming Racism
New England Conference Commission on Religion & Race resources
Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to Be Allies
Resources for responding to systemic racism
A reading list from the NE Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Visit the UMC End Racism website for ideas.
Vital Conversations on the Realities of Race and Racism
Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism
Food Shelf Items Needed
Easy to prepare foods for kids, Flour & Sugar, Coffee, Toilet Paper & Paper Towels, Laundry Detergent, Shampoo & Hand Soap, cat & dog food, and Toothpaste & Toothbrushes (individually packaged, please)
Grace United Methodist Church
P. O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033, Church phone #: 222-9062, Parsonage phone #: 222-5247
Secretary’s email address: gracesecybradford@gmail.com,
Pastor’s email address: bradfordumcpastor@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: Grace UMC
Finance Moment: An update on our finances.
Yearly Church Budget: $79,839.00
Needed Weekly: $1,535.27
July’s Collection to Date: $2,108.02
Offerings may be mailed to GUMC, P.O. Box 726, Bradford, VT 05033 or go to bradfordumc.org, click on “More” in the pull-down menu and click on “Donate”. Follow the instructions.
LEADERSHIP
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, New England Conference
District Superintendent: Rev Jill Colley Robinson
Pastor: Ami Sawtelle
Organist: Connie Linnell
Minister: All the People
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
10TH Sunday after Pentecost
August 1, 2021 Pastor Ami Sawtelle
Greeting and Announcements
Prayer for Peace and lighting our candle 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.
The Nurturing
“a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:18)
We cannot abandon what we have planted. We must attend to our hopes, nurture them with living water in order to sustain growth. To attend over time is to know the fruit of discipline. What spiritual disciplines nurture our faith and hope? We affirm the abundance of God’s grace poured out for us and we ask God to let the waters of justice and righteousness flow freely.
Opening Hymn: “Wash O God, Our Sons and Daughters” UMH 605
Words: Ruth Duck, 1967 (Jn 3:3-8)
Music: Attr to B.F. White, 1844;
Tune: Beach Spring (Public Domain)
Copyrights: Words © The United Methodist Publishing Hours
CCLI Song Select #2613112
Musician: Dean McIntyre, UMCDiscipleship.org
Used by permission
CCLI License # 11554317
Streaming License: # 20810329
Call to Worship A.R. Sawtelle
L: Come, prepare the earth for planting,
P: that the crop may be lush and rich.
L: Come, nurture and care for that which has been planted,
P: that it may grow strong in the way God desires.
L: Come, open your hearts,
P: that God may nourish and strengthen us to serve.
L: Come worship God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
Prayer of the Day A.R. Sawtelle
Creating, sustaining, nurturing God, we come before you today with thanksgiving and praise for the gift of life, for life sustaining ministries, and the gift of your Son, Jesus, who taught us how to live more closely to you, then gave his life that we might know forgiveness and have hope for new life in you, amen.
Celebrating God Sightings and Sharing Concerns
Celebrations:
Larry Russ – wedding Aug 1
Bumschick is doing the wedding
Baby K – sitting up unsupported for a few seconds
Petitions:
Those who remain unvaccinated
Bob B. Recovering from hip replacement
Pat B.
Ami
Cheryl – chicken sitting with fox in the area, helping Ami
Bob C. – Chemo in hosp., still unable to stand/walk on own
Christ C.
CELEBRATIONS: PETITIONS:
Leader: Alleluia? Leader: Lord in your mercy,
Response: Alleluia! Response: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer A. R. Sawtelle
God of hope, hear our prayers. We lift to you those who are struggling with mental and physical illness and injury. Fill them with your hope, that they may better serve you. Heal them through your power. We lift to you the many places who are struggling with the on-going pandemic, where lives are being lost due to the lack of availability of vaccines, where families are being devasted through loss of life and loss of income. Blow with your wind of healing grace, driving the virus from the shores where it is growing, forcing its submission to your might and power. Heal our world mighty One. Reverse the damage we have done in our arrogance and greed. Tame the storms that are further damaging the environment, spread your gentle rains over those places where drought and heat are threatening lives and livelihoods. Guide the leaders of our country, that they may find ways to work together for the betterment of our country and the world, seeking what is best for all rather than what will bring the more power and prestige. Gracious God, you have blessed us with life and a land able to sustain many and we give you thanks. We give you thanks that we might once more gather as a community to offer our prayers and praise. We give you thanks that you are always willing to sustain us in times of distress if we but seek you. We thank you that you hear our prayers, even the ones we keep safely locked in our hearts. In the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus, we pray, amen.
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Matthew 18-19
Message
Nurture, according to dictionary.com, is a verb meanings: 1) to feed and protect; 2) to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; to foster; 3) to bring up; train; educate. As a noun it means: 4) rearing; upbringing; training; education, or the like; 5) development; 6) something that nourishes; nourishment, food.
When we nurture plants, we make sure they have what they need to grow. When I was in Iraq, a large part of discussions at the Governate (District) Departments of Agriculture was about inputs. What did they have and what did they need to get the next crop planted? Inputs: seed, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, were needed to bring in a harvest. Plants also need water for life, whether directly from rain or more often, in Iraq, from irrigation.
Our hopes, just like plants, need to be nurtured. Paragraph 122, The Process for Carrying Out Our Mission, says, “We make disciples as we: —nurture persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments, spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Wesley‘s Christian conferencing.” (UM Book of Discipline, 2016, para 122, p. 94) We don’t necessarily use herbicides, fertilizer and pesticides, but we do use inputs, things that as we take them in, help to nourish our spirits and vanquish those things that can breakdown or destroy our hope. We need water as well, living water that only comes from God through God’s Son, Jesus. Remember the story of the woman at the well. When she asks Jesus why he would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink, he answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10, NRS) As we said, water is not the only necessary input, but it is an important one if we want to grow or if we want the seeds we plant to flourish. When we speak of spiritual needs though, we are speaking of our need for living water, that which comes from Jesus.
One of the ways we can nurture the seeds of hope is through the “Means of Grace.” Today we will focus on two of them, baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion, Eucharist). These two sacraments help to nurture those who come to them and strengthen them. John Wesley defines the means of grace as, “outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end—to be the ordinary channels hereby [God] might convey to [people] preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.” (Albert C. Outler & Richard P Heitzenrater, John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, Compilation and Preface Copyright 1991 by Abington Press; p. 160, Para. II.1)
Baptism, “the sacrament of initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ,” is just the beginning. Once an individual has been baptized as an infant or as an adult, we, as the church, are to, “provide(s) the nurture that makes possible a comprehensive and lifelong process of growing in grace.” (Para 216, UM Book of Discipline 2016, p. 156) Thus, baptism first brings us into the family and then, the family is supposed to help nurture the baptized individual as we would any other member of the family, based upon their ability to take in and use that nourishment. The sacrament of baptism is a one time sacrament, for we believe that God is the One who acts, and thus there i