Sunday May 17, 2020 Easter 6

During the season of Easter (April 12-May 24) we are doing a series on the “fruits of the Spirit” from Galatians 5. We suggest doing the PREPARING activity first. Then start the MEDITATION video, which includes the prayers and other parts of the liturgy, so you can participate with each element. Just pause the meditation video for the elements that are included below (HYMNS, OFFERING, etc).

PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP:

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is…kindness” (Galatians 5:22)

Recently, the country of Ireland sent a significant donation to the Navajo and Hopi Nations for COVID-19 relief. Read the story here

How is kindness embodied here? Are kindness and empathy related?

CANDLE-LIGHTING:

We light this candle as a reminder of God’s presence with us, and to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Know that whether we gather together in the same place, or in separate places, that God is here among us too, through the Holy Spirit. AMEN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP:*

Here we are Lord, your church, uncertain, on an ever changing Journey.

Show us your path.

Here we are, longing to know your way.

Guide us to follow you.

Here we are, desiring only your comfort.

Help us to hear your voice.

Here we are, God; lead us according to your will.

HYMN: "I Choose to Worship"

PRAYER TIME:

We are going to create some space for silent reflection and prayer. Feel free to pause the video and pray and meditate as long as you like.

During this time you are invited to offer your prayers to God—whatever prayers and praises you have within you today. We also want to use this time to continue to offer a silent remembrance for the lives that have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each life is precious. And we also bear witness to those who are especially vulnerable because of destructive economic and social policies: Black and Brown communities, farm workers, those who are in prison, families in immigrant detention centers, Native American nations, and fellow citizens in Puerto Rico—all of whom are people created in the image of God. We remember them and hold them before our God of steadfast love and mercy, even as we seek to honor and benefit the most vulnerable among us.  

Let’s pause now, and silently offer our prayers to God. 

Congregational Prayer** and Lord's Prayer: Loving God, in whom we live and move and have our being, help us to choose life in you, that we may keep the commands of Jesus, follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and witness to the hope that is within us, sharing Christ’s love in the world. 

Make the fruit of the Spirit grow in our lives as we seek to live more like Jesus, 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.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Galatians 5:22-23; Micah 6:8, Proverbs 14:21,31

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 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: "All Creatures of Our God and King"

SENDING BLESSING:

May the God who creates, redeems, and sustains us keep you in steadfast faith and hope, and abounding in love. Go with God’s blessing and peace into this new day—to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. AMEN.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

• This passage about the fruits of the Spirit begins with “By contrast…” (v.22). How is kindness a contrast to other behaviors that people might display? 
• Look at Micah 6:8 again. The prophet summarizes God’s requirements down to 3. Are you surprised that kindness is included? What do you think that says about God’s view of kindness? 
• Have you ever done any “random acts of kindness”? Who benefited from this action? 
• Make a quick Kindness journal entry: try to think of the last 5 kind things someone did for you. How do you feel after thinking about these?

* “In the midst of uncertain times,” Words for Worship 2 (Herald Press, 2009), 19.

** Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (135).

Sunday May 10, 2020 Easter 5

During the season of Easter (April 12-May 24) we are doing a series on the “fruits of the Spirit” from Galatians 5.

We suggest doing the PREPARING activity first. Then start the MEDITATION video, which includes the prayers and other parts of the liturgy, so you can participate with each element. Just pause the meditation video for the elements that are included below (HYMNS, OFFERING, etc).

 

PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP:  

“God grant me the wisdom of patience. Let me see clearly this day the difference between patience and cowardice, between patience and fear, between patience and weakness. At my moments of confusion, give me the insight needful for Thy purpose in me. Teach me that my fear of impatience may be a mere indulgence. There are some things in the presence of which I dare not be patient lest they destroy and render evil even the good intent and the holy will. God grant me the wisdom of patience.”

-Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman

("The Wisdom of Patience," Meditations of the Heart, 178)

CANDLE-LIGHTING:

We light this candle as a reminder of God’s presence with us, and to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Know that whether we gather together in the same place, or in separate places, that God is here among us too, through the Holy Spirit. AMEN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Source of all hope and holiness,

we gather this morning to be church.

Bless those who are absent, but not from our hearts.

Bless all of us who are physically distant, but not from your love. 

Bless each of us who gather, that we may

  choose justice by your Spirit

  draw kindness from the well of your mercy,

  and walk humbly in your path, O God. AMEN.*

HYMN: "Love > Fear" by The Many

PRAYER TIME:

Let us unite our hearts in prayer, saying, God of resurrection, hear our prayer.**  

For the church throughout the world, that all who profess to honor the risen Lord may be faithful in their witness and courageous in their testimony to the way of Jesus; God of resurrection, hear our prayer. 

For the governments of the world and its leaders, that the nations may dwell in peace, and that good will prevail over strife, God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For rain and sun in proper measure, and for abundant food and water for all who dwell upon the earth, God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For the sick and those in need, and for any who are oppressed by wounds of the soul; and for all whom we have named in our prayer chain this week, God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For our neighbors that we may live together in amity, and that strangers among us may find us to be hospitable friends, God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, your Son promised to grant whatever we ask in his name. By your Holy Spirit empower us to minister to the world as his faithful disciples, that our work may testify to what we pray, and show forth your eternal glory, through 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.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Galatians 5:22-23, Exodus 34:6

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 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: "I Believe" performed by the Dock Mennonite Academy Touring Choir

SENDING BLESSING: We will close with a prayer today titled, “We are People of Courage”, by Barbara Glasson and Ale De La Torre. They created this as a prayer for the people of God in a time of coronavirus. Let’s pray it together…

We are not people of fear:

We are people of courage.

We are not people who protect our own safety:

we are people who protect our neighbors’ safety.

We are not people of greed:

we are people of generosity.

We are your people God,

giving and loving,

wherever we are,

whatever it costs

For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.

AMEN. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 

This passage about the fruits of the Spirit begins with “By contrast…” (v.22). How is patience a contrast to other behaviors that people might display? 

How is God patient? How have you experienced God’s patience? 

In what ways do other people have to be patient with me? 

Can you think of some examples of people who have shown (or are showing) great patience in the face of injustice or suffering?

*Adapted from Sing the Journey, number 122. 

 ** Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (154). 

Sunday May 3, 2020 Easter 4

During the season of Easter (April 12-May 24) we are doing a series on the “fruits of the Spirit” from Galatians 5.

We suggest doing the PREPARING activity first. Then start the MEDITATION video, which includes the prayers and other parts of the liturgy, so you can participate with each element. Just pause the meditation video for the elements that are included below (HYMNS, OFFERING, etc).

  

PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP: You are invited to read the text from Psalm 23, and watch the video below.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (NRSV) 

A creative interpretation of Psalm 23 by Samantha Beach Kiley (video)

CANDLE-LIGHTING

We light this candle as a reminder of God’s presence with us, and to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Know that whether we gather together in the same place, or in separate places, that God is here among us too, through the Holy Spirit. AMEN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP*    

Friends, let us gather together with glad and generous hearts.

For many signs and wonders are being done among us.

Let us break bread together and share our lives in common.

Let us give what we can to all who have needs so that all people,

no matter who they are, may regard us with good will.

Let us devote ourselves to our prayers and to the gospel.

For in this way God will add to our numbers every day.

HYMN: "All Belong Here" by The Many. We have listened to this song frequently on Communion Sundays.  

PRAYER TIME**

First let’s pause for a moment, and silently offer our prayers to God—whatever is on your mind this day. In the presence of God, who sees and hears, let us offer our prayers…

(Intercessory Prayer)

Shepherding God, in a dangerous world, let us hear your voice and come and go through your gate. 

We pray for the whole church, that we may be devoted to your Word and to universal fellowship, being generous to all who have need. 

We pray for the earth, for green pastures and still waters, that we may restore them to the goodness and purity that they had at the time you created them. 

We pray for the people of the world, their nations, and leaders, that your wisdom and peace may govern all, so that no one will fear. 

We pray for all those in need, for those in want, those ill and those dying,

that we may be the banquet that you set before them as we anoint them, feed them, and comfort them in your name. 

We pray for ourselves, our families, and those we love. May no one live in fear; may all dwell in your presence.

Blessed are you, Great Shepherd, who, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, gives us goodness and mercy, leads us down right paths, and restores our souls. 

Receive these prayers we offer, and make us witnesses to our risen Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we pray, and 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.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 2:42-47

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 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: "Lo, I am With You"

SENDING BLESSING***

Risen Christ,

when fear and doubt seem all that’s left,

tell us again the stories of faith.

Touch us with your promised presence,

and set our minds at peace. AMEN.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

This passage about the fruits of the Spirit begins with “By contrast…” (v.22). How is goodness a contrast to other behaviors that people might display? 

How is God good/generous? How have you experienced God’s goodness? 

Where have you noticed an example of goodness/generosity this week? 

* Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (p. 148).

** Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (p. 150), and Hymnal: A Worship Book number 731.

*** From Sing the Story, number 182. 

Sunday April 26, 2020 Easter 3

During the season of Easter (April 12-May 24) we are doing a series on the “fruits of the Spirit” from Galatians 5. Each Sunday will include a meditation on 1 or 2 of these practices, along with opportunities to reflect at home.

PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP: As we prepare for worship today take a few minutes to watch this video, "God Will Heal Our Wounds, from Common Hymnal. 

CANDLE-LIGHTING (light your candle)

We light this candle as a reminder of God’s presence with us, and to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Know that whether we gather together in the same place, or in separate places, that God is here among us too, through the Holy Spirit.

CALL TO WORSHIP* 

Followers of Jesus, by his cross we are redeemed from the futility of sin.

Alleluia!

By his rising we are free from the fear of death.

Alleluia!

By his love we are made new in the living and enduring Word of God.

Alleluia! Thanks be to God! 

HYMN: "Christ Arose"

PRAYER TIME*

Let us unite our hearts in prayer, saying,

God of resurrection, hear our prayer. 

For the church throughout the world, that as we celebrate the great 50 days of Easter we may renew our faith and strengthen our witness in Jesus’ name.

God of resurrection, hear our prayer. 

For governments and leaders—globally and locally—that they may resist the corruption of sin and serve the common good;

God of resurrection, hear our prayer. 

For our planet Earth, that all people may be good stewards of its resources and share in its abundance;

God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For the poor and the immigrant, that they may receive a place of refuge and hope, and that the church may offer the hospitality the first disciples offered to Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35);

God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For the sick and those in distress, that they may find healing for their pain and be restored to fullness of life;

God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For our neighbors, that we may live together in peace and share in our resources;

God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

For our enemies, that they may receive good things, and that we, your servants, not return evil for evil;

God of resurrection, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, receive these prayers we offer, and by the power of your Holy Spirit make us witnesses to the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, through whom we pray, and 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.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Galatians 5:13-15,22-25; Philippians 2:1-4

MEDITATION

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

This passage about the fruits of the Spirit begins with “By contrast…” (v.22 in NRSV). How are Love and Joy a contrast to other behaviors that people might display? 

How might the fruits of the Spirit enhance the well-being of the community? 

Where have you noticed an example of Love/Joy this week? 

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 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: "Joy of the Lord"

SENDING BLESSING

May the grace of Jesus our risen Lord, the love of God who raised him from the dead, and the power of the Holy Spirit who fills the world with new life bless and keep you.  

*(adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost, p. 121-123).