Sunday July 26, 2020

This Sunday and next Sunday (August 2) we will offer a simplified worship time that will focus on a study of the letter to the church at Rome. Thank you for worshiping with us today! 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come, people of God, and worship the Lord, for you have been given mercy and grace.

Come, people of God, and praise the name of Jesus, for you have been given eternal life.

Come, people of God, and receive the Spirit's blessing, for you have been given the privilege of sowing seeds for the reign of God.

(From Diane Zaerr Brenneman, Words for Worship 2, 5)

PRAYER TIME

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

The Jesus who invites all to come to him, also teaches us to pray. So let us join together with the words of the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 8:26-39

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

MEDITATION: Romans Part 1 (The Bible Project)

A poster that gives an overview to the book of Romans can be downloaded HERE. 

OFFERINGS

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.  

SENDING BLESSING

May there be love and understanding in our hearts and in our world.

May peace and friendship offer shelter from life's storms.

May we be released from our deep fears and our fruitless guilt. 

May we have the courage to speak truth against violence and suffering.

Guiding Spirit, bless our journey with these good companions, that we may be drenched with the longing for peace, to make justice blossom on earth. Amen.

(From Diane Zaerr Brenneman, Words for Worship 2, 155)

Sunday July 19, 2020

CANDLE-LIGHTING

If you have a candle at home that you are using for our worship gathering, you can light it at this time. We light a candle each week as a reminder of God’s presence with us through the Holy Spirit. Hear the words of our Prayer of the Day as we light our candles:

Rock of Israel and cornerstone of our common life, you are not bound by our visions, our structures, our doctrine. We cannot predict your coming or going, yet you have given us your story, your family, your work to do. Meet us here. Shape us for service in your world, for we carry the name of Jesus and live by the power of your breath. Amen.* (based on Genesis 28:10-15) 

CALL TO WORSHIP* 

(based on Psalm 86)

People of God, let us gather to worship and praise God’s name.

I give thanks to you, O God, with my whole heart.

I will glorify your name forever!

For great is your steadfast love for me.

You have delivered my soul from the depths.

God says, “Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.”

HYMN: "Heaven's Here"

PRAYER TIME*

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

The Jesus who invites all to come to him, also teaches us to pray. So let us join together with the words of the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

MEDITATION 

OFFERINGS

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.  

SENDING BLESSING

Go forth as beloved children of God, living in hope and confident in God’s promises. 

May God our parent, 

Christ our brother, 

and the Spirit who gives us breath 

bless you and keep you 

this day and forevermore.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Can you think of any unexpected places where you noticed God's presence?

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 80-86).  

Sunday July 12, 2020

CANDLE-LIGHTING

We light a candle each week as a reminder of God’s presence with us through the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. We also remember the words of our congregation’s mission statement—“being formed, being sent, by Christ”—and that Jesus is still doing this work in us, even as we are physically apart and worshiping in our homes. AMEN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP & PRAYER OF THE DAY* 

(based on Psalm 119:105,111)

Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Your word is our heritage forever, the joy of our hearts. 

(based on Isaiah 55:10-13)

You opened your mouth and uttered a word

and creation sprang forth in abundance.

Let us open our mouths in praise,

that we may bear fruit in every season

and be satisfied by your goodness,

for you, O God, are the source of all growth;

your grace abounds forever. Amen.

HYMN: "You Shall Go Out With Joy (medley)"

PRAYER TIME*

Call to Confession: In Christ there is no condemnation, for perfect love casts out sin. Let us confess our sins to God.

Prayer of Confession:

Faithful God, your word falls on hardened ground

when our worldly anxiety and attachment to wealth

crowd out your place in our lives.

Forgive our frail and human ways

and cultivate in us a spirit of trust and faithfulness,

for you are our hope for deliverance. Amen. 

Declaration of Forgiveness: Friends, when deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, God forgives our transgressions. Be at peace, for God restores and strengthens you and waters your soul in its parched and hardened places. Happy are those who come into God’s courts, for you shall be satisfied with the goodness of God and rejoice in the holiness of God’s temple. 

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

The Jesus who invites all to come to him, also teaches us to pray. So let us join together with the words of the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 55:10-13 

MEDITATION

OFFERINGS

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.  

SENDING BLESSING

Go forth sowing the seed of God’s new world,

and give thanks, for God will supply the growth.

May you go forth in joy and be led back in peace

this day and always.*

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• How does the image of rain and snow remind you of God, or of how God cares for the world?
• Where are you experiencing new life? Where are you struggling? How might God be bringing new life from that struggle?

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 70-77).  

Sunday July 5, 2020

CANDLE-LIGHTING

We light a candle each week as a reminder of God’s presence with us through the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. We also remember the words of our congregation’s mission statement—“being formed, being sent, by Christ”—and that Jesus is still doing this work in us, even as we are physically apart and worshiping in our homes. AMEN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP* 

Come, all you who carry heavy burdens,

and Christ will give you rest.

For he is gentle and humble in heart:

in him we find rest for our souls.

HYMN: "You are Good (Your Mercy Endures)" 

PRAYER TIME*

Call to Confession: Jesus said: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Prayer of Confession:

Lord, we marvel at the thought of a well-fitted yoke,

a burden scaled to match our frames;

we do not know how to rest in the promise of such labor.

Some of us are weary from unceasing responsibility;

others find no welcome in the marketplace.

We confound your vision for our common life.

Forgive our blind striving, our stifled concern, 

the judgments we cast on others.

Make yourself known to us in the silence.

Shape your children for the commonwealth of your love.

In Jesus name we pray. AMEN. 

Declaration of Forgiveness: Friends, hear this gospel word: 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. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. In the presence of Jesus Christ, we understand that our sin is forgiven. We have been freed for service in his name. 

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

The Jesus who invites all to come to him, also teaches us to pray. So let us join together with the words of the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

MEDITATION (with Communion)

OFFERINGS

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.  

HYMN: "Come to Me"  

SENDING BLESSING

May the God who brings good from broken situations,

the Christ who shares his yoke with us,

the Spirit which breathes her wisdom into our hearts

sustain and guide us this day and every day. AMEN.*

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Take a few minutes to reflect further on the word or image that came to you during lectio divina exercise (Step 4, Rest). 
• What burdens are you carrying today? Where do you sense God working in your life?

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 61-66). 

Sunday June 28, 2020

CANDLE-LIGHTING

We light a candle each week as a reminder of God’s presence with us through the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. We also remember the words of our congregation’s mission statement—“being formed, being sent, by Christ”—and that Jesus is still doing this work in us, even as we are physically apart and worshiping in our homes. AMEN.

CALL TO WORSHIP* 

Steadfast God, you greet us as a loving parent and patiently love us beyond all measure. Great is your faithfulness. May we offer that same kindness to all whom we encounter, knowing it is Christ whom we greet as we welcome others. Amen.

 PRAYER TIME*

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

Prayers of Intercession:

Creator of all things seen and unseen, you blew the Spirit of Christ into apostles and disciples enslaved by sin, freeing your people from death and captivating us with your steadfast love. You raised the body of Christ, the church in the world, to proclaim the good news of salvation. For the sake of the world we pray, Come, Lord Jesus!

We pray for all whose lives are touched by the church’s witness. May they feel the healing hands of Christ Jesus serving them with gentleness, kindness, grace, and love. 

We pray for the world into which you call the church. 

Help us to be faithful in giving ourselves away for the sake of the gospel. 

In your Spirit, let us show the peace of Christ to a world of violence, 

share the bread of heaven with a world of hunger, 

offer springs of living water to a world of pollution, 

and lead the way of truth and life with the gifts of faith, hope, and love, 

until you bring the fullness of your new creation. 

Then and now we rejoice with the multitudes: praise, honor, and glory to you, Holy Trinity, in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying…

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

HYMN: "God of the Movements and Martyrs" 

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Matthew 10:40-42

MEDITATION

OFFERINGS

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.  

SENDING BLESSING

May the One who creates, redeems, and sustains you from everlasting to everlasting, grant you the grace of peace, holiness, and eternal life.* 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Why might both giving and receiving hospitality be important? How can both postures contribute to the kind of life Jesus calls us to?   
• In this time of pandemic we’ve been sort of “sent out” in a different way. Where have you received hospitality and welcome during this time? Who has welcomed you? Can you name some examples?
• Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes said that Jesus calls us to “put our love in jeopardy.” What do you think that might look like?

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 40-53).