Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church Barboursville, West Virginia May 31, 2020 The Day of Pentecost5/29/2020
Greeting Caroline True, Elder
Call to Worship The Lord said: You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia! Prayer for Pentecost True and only Light, from whom comes every good gift, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of your wind. Open the horizons of our minds by the flame of your wisdom. Loosen our tongues to show your praise, for only in your Spirit can we voice your words of peace and acclaim Jesus as Lord. Amen. Duet It is Well With My Soul Horatio Spafford, Text Philip Bliss, Music Nancy and Katie Jackson Japanese translation by Lucah Jackson This beautiful hymn was written following a series of traumatic events in the life of Horatio Spafford and his family. In the face of grief and loss, the hymn is a stirring testimony to the healing power and presence of God. When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul, with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll. The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend. Even so it is well with my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul, with my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul. Acts 2 :1-4 I hope you enjoy this interpretation of Acts 2, verses 1-4, as imagined by a special six-year-old. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all gathered together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Scripture Reading Acts 2:42-47 I commend to you the reading of the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, in its entirety. I selected this passage for today as it reflects something of the life and history of this church. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the flavor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. The Word Proclaimed There Was a Knock at the Door We hope you enjoy this account of the Spirit’s gracious intervention in the early days of Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church, as witnessed by our first faithful members. On April 18, 1918, the five remaining members of the James I. Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church of Barboursville, met in the home of Mrs. P. A. Vallandingham, wife of the local banker, to draw up a declaration of dissolution. The church had been organized in 1914 with 11 members. One by one they had died or moved away, and the Rev. J. D. Coleman’s time of a night service a month in someone’s home could be better spent elsewhere. Mr. F. I. Updyke, a deacon, led in prayer. Mrs. Vallandingham sat at the table to record a motion of disbandment. But before she could write, there was a knock at the door…Mrs. Vallandingham answered to find a man and his wife and three children standing without, lately arrived in town, and hearing the Presbyterians were having a meeting at her house, had come asking to become members. They were welcomed in. Mrs. Vallandingham turned the paper of resolution over and wrote their names on the back of it- to be written into the church roll as new members. So within a matter of two or three minutes, the membership of James I. Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church was doubled. The meeting was dismissed and the church struggled on its way. And the new family, whose name is lost from the fields of memory, were never told of the original purpose of the meeting. Frank Ball, The Barboursville Bulletin, 1977 Pastoral Prayer Including the Lord’s Prayer Eternal God, by your Holy Spirit you have given life to this earth, and brought new life to Christ’s Church. You have blessed your people with remarkable gifts and call them to share generously with others. On this day, we thank you for those who proclaim your gospel message; those who govern and guide your Church; those who wait on others in need; those who teach in the spirit of wisdom and truth; those who provide music, art, and drama; those who work for unity in the Church; those who bravely reach across barriers to encourage peace and understanding; those who do menial tasks; those who care for children, visit the lonely, and the home-bound. Merciful God, you have called us by your grace and empower us to show your love. Help us to show that love to the poor, hungry, and homeless; to those suffering from illness, including the Coronavirus; those who live in places of strife and warfare; refugees and victims of oppression; those who are newly bereaved and sorrowing; the imprisoned or confined; the uneducated and underserved; those who are abandoned and outcast; those who are persecuted for their loyalty to Christ; and all those we name before you now… We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father…Amen. Blessing Spirit of the Living God Daniel Iverson Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. The gifts of the Spirit are many and we extend our thanks to all those who contributed their gifts to the preparation of this service of worship. Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church Barboursville, West Virginia May 24, 2020 Ascension of the Lord5/22/2020
Call to Worship Revelation 5:13
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing: To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! Prayer of the Day God of heaven and earth, We rejoice today before the throne of Christ’s power and peace, for he has put down tyrannies that would destroy us, and unmasked idols claiming our allegiance. We thank you that he alone is Lord of our lives. by your Spirit, give us freedom to love with his love, and to embrace the world with his compassion. Accept the offering of our lives, that we may obey your commands to witness and serve. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn Lift High the Cross George William Kitchen; Michael Robert Newbolt, Sydney Hugo Nicholson Glory to God, Westminster John Knox Press Refrain Lift high the cross, the cross of Christ proclaim, til all the world adore his sacred name. Come, Christians follow where our Savior trod, the Lamb victorious, Christ, the Son of God. Refrain All newborn servants of the Crucified bear on their brow the seal of Christ who died. Refrain O Lord, once lifted, on the glorious tree, your death has brought us life eternally. Refrain So shall our song of triumph ever be: praise to the Crucified for victory. Refrain Scripture Reading Luke 24:44-53 The Word Proclaimed I’m not a very quantitative person, but I think it’s safe to estimate that approximately none of us has witnessed a person being taking up from earth into the clouds and vanishing from sight to be transported to the right hand of God. Which presented me with a problem this week as I considered the message I would share with you. I stumbled around my theological attic a bit until I learned that an extended family member had just that day been delivered to the entrance of a local hospital by family members, to have joint replacement surgery. No one was permitted to accompany him. I wondered how that felt on both sides of that event. What does it feel like to be a patient, or to face surgery alone, and what does it feel like to drop off a loved one and see the doors close behind him, shutting them out. When would they see each other again? Would they see each other again? I know many of you have experienced this same thing recently. And then I remembered how this scripture text connects to our life and faith. Since Advent and Christmas, I have been thinking a lot about the nature of Jesus, fully God and fully human. We celebrate his humble birth at Christmas. This is Emmanuel, God with us, a baby like we once were, who would grow and learn and experience the full range of human life. We call that “low Christology.” Here, in his ascension, we witness his divinity. Though he was born like us, he ascends to heaven, unlike us. This is high Christology. In my preparation, I was getting stuck in how we could relate to the divinity of Jesus, when all around me, and indeed, around all of us, are testimonies of his humanity, his presence with us in this time that has brought separation, mortal threat, fear, and a real “cloud of unknowing.” This is a very disquieting and discomforting time. We may not want to acknowledge it. We were raised on rugged individualism here in the mountain state. We’re strong and sturdy and nothing can shake us or shake our faith. So, dear friends, why did we strip bare the grocery shelves and fight over toilet paper? Oh, we can justify it. We needed to be prepared. I said that, too. Why? Because we had been plunged into a disaster we hadn’t anticipated. We were not in control. So, we took control in whatever way we could. This is human nature. Several weeks later, we are in a different place. We are making plans to return to church and other gatherings. We are thinking about going out to lunch or shopping at the mall for the first time in months. Maybe we will even dare to make vacation plans. I can hear the beach calling my name. But, in our efforts to get back to life as we knew it, let’s think of how we have been changed…for the better. I think one of the most important lessons we will have learned as we emerge from this Covid 19 era, is that the last time we kissed a loved one good-bye, hung up the phone, turned in an assignment, borrowed sugar from our neighbor…may well be the last time we see that person for awhile. And, those precious moments, that we probably took for granted because we couldn’t anticipate how the pandemic would interrupt life, may have been the last time we will be with that person this side of heaven. And that is sobering. The story of Jesus’ ascension is repeated in the book of Acts, which is also attributed to the writer of Luke’s gospel. In the Acts account, as Jesus disappears, a couple of angels appear to the disciples. Now, usually when angels show up in scripture, they say, “Fear not!” That’s the first message. Not here. In this text, the angels ask the disciples why they were standing still, staring at the sky. And in the Luke text, Jesus gives them their job description: repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in Jesus’ name to all the world, beginning at home right there in Jerusalem. If we take these two accounts together, we might interpret the message to be: “Shake a leg, people! There’s work to do. You will miss Jesus. You will grieve his loss. Do something with what Jesus taught you. Love people. Forgive offenses. Show people the abundant life that results from turning away from sin and turning toward God. And, that’s what I would offer to all of you who have seen a teacher for the last time, or a classmate, or a neighbor, or a loved one. Do something with what he or she taught you. It will be a tribute to their life and give purpose to yours. Pastoral Prayer Including the Lord’s Prayer God of Goodness, grace, and love, like the Apostles, we stand looking toward the sky, not fully understanding all that this day means. We fail to grasp the wonder of your ascension. Forgive the smallness of our vision, the narrowness of our outlook, the weakness of our love, the nervousness of our witness, our repeated failure to recognize the fullness of your revelation in Christ. Give us a deeper sense of wonder, a stronger faith, and a greater understanding of all you have done for us. We have many concerns on our hearts today and we lift now the names of those in need… …the sick, those in the midst of treatment, the recovering, their families and caregivers; the lost, the lonely, the confused, and the forgotten; those in the halls of government, boards of educations, and all public servants; for those who are returning to work and those who must now search for it; for all those who are given charge of family and loved ones; give us your strength, wisdom, and love that we may care for them as you have cared for us. We pray in the way Jesus taught us saying, Our Father…Amen. Blessing May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you. May the eyes of your heart have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is at work among us. Amen. Next week is Pentecost, the day we traditionally celebrate as the Birthday of the Christian Church. The church will be clothed in red. You may choose to do the same in celebration. Call to Worship Antiphon at Lauds, Saints Days
Come, mine elect one, and I will set my throne within you. Source of all creation, maker of the world and everything in it, you are never far from each one of us. We come into your presence seeking you, O giver of life and breath. Reveal yourself to us; dwell with us; abide with us. We live because of you. We hope because of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, in whom we live and move and have our being. Amen. Hymn Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! William Chatterson Dix 1866; Rowland Hugh Pritchard, 1831 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne! Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone! Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood. Jesus out of every nation, hath redeemed us by his blood. Alleluia! Not as orphans, are we left with sorrow now. Alleluia, he is near us; faith believes nor questions how. Though the cloud from sight received him, when the forty days were over. Shall our hearts forget his promise, “I am with you evermore”? Scripture Reading Acts 17:22-31 John 14:15-21 Today’s texts lift up two important events: Paul’s speech before the Areopagus in Athens, and the ascension of Jesus. You recall that Jesus made several post-resurrection appearances. This is the final one as he is taken up into heaven. In the church year, this happens forty days after Easter and a few days before the Day of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on May 31st. I would like to turn our attention this morning to the Acts passage. My husband says when he was in officer training shortly after being elected a Ruling Elder, he was told that an elder should be ready to preach at all times. In fact, back in the day, some church elders carried a sermon in their wallets or folded up in the pocket of a suit jacket. Leaders of the Church should be ready to preach the gospel at all times. Paul was ready to preach before the Areopagus, the high court of intellectual and religious sparring, in Athens. This would not be a friendly audience. He was there to be tested. So what does he do? Well, he doesn’t start with the Westminster Catechism, or preach the importance of baptism. He doesn’t even enumerate the four spiritual laws that characterize some Christian preaching. No. Paul meets them where they are. He says he has noticed the numerous statues displayed in the temples around Athens. There were idols to everything. There was even one dedicated to the “unknown God,” in case they had forgotten one. And that’s where Paul seizes his opportunity. He tells them that he stands before them to introduce them to that unknown God. “What you worship as unknown, I now proclaim to you.” The court of the Areopagus was about the strength of reason and rhetoric. The Greeks were all about the life of the mind. Some adhered to a philosophy that the flesh, the human body, was inferior to the mind and the spirit. Some went to great lengths to deny the needs of the body or to satisfy the desires of the body. We have a more integrated understanding of life that includes body, mind, and spirit. Paul whets his audience’s intellectual appetite by saying there is more to learn. And to this body of critical thinkers, he drops a great mystery: the mystery of God in human flesh, the God who defies death by resurrection. “God calls all people to repent, to follow, for judgment in righteousness by an appointed Savior, who has given us assurance by raising the Savior from the dead.” And in his death, is the promise of ours. Willie James Jennings, professor at Yale, has written, “ To speak of the resurrection of Jesus is…speech that changes reality, reorients how we see earth and sky, water and dirt, land and animals, and even our own bodies. This is speech that evokes a decision: either laugh at it or listen to it. Either leave it or draw near to his body. It is his body or your stones.” One positive outcome from this sheltering at home era is that we have been compelled to look at our immediate surroundings. How have we spent our time? I can’t tell you how many of my friends and family members have taken the opportunity to clean out closets and attics and garages, getting rid of those things they no longer use or need or ever needed. I actually found the floor of a closet I haven’t seen in about twenty years. My husband and I just spent a week with our two year old grandson. It was great fun, at least most of the time. It was good to be reminded of the early days of our family life, when we had little ones to feed, and bathe, and dress and comfort. We heard expressions we hadn’t heard in a long time, at least in such direct language. “Mine!” Whether it was a cup, a toy, a shoe, when it seemed to Thomas that he was about to lose something, he loudly protested and claimed it as his own. Most of us outgrow that behavior. We know that hanging onto or accumulating things can be a form of idolatry. So can the unhealthy pursuit of recognition, power and wealth. They become the stones that Dr. Willie Jennings warns us about. Like the idols in Athens, their promises are empty and they may come with a high price. Friends, Jesus isn’t a stone like the idols found in Athens. He is a living Savior who paid the highest price and keeps his promise: to be at home with us on earth and to welcome us to a home with him in the world to come. I’ll take it. How about you? Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Lord of love, in the upper room, you gave us a new commandment to love one another. You have demonstrated before us the power of love to bring healing, redemption, and hope in the lives of all your people. Just as you have called us all into the ministry of grace, you have empowered us with gifts to carry out your purpose. The weeks have been long, O God, and we are weary. So many lives have been disrupted, services interrupted, and events cancelled. Illness and death have been our food day and night. We have become isolated out of necessity, and that has brought its own set of troubles. And so today, we come before you to dwell in your presence and receive the courage to be your people in this time and in these circumstances. Remind us when we bring the names of those in need before you, we also bring our own needs and concerns. Hear now the names of those who long to feel your love and grace… We celebrate with the graduates among us, for the successful completion of their academic pursuits and their optimism and goals for the future. In the words of the prayer that never fails, in gratitude for all life’s blessing, we pray, Our Father…Amen. Blessing Wherever we are, we are in God. Wherever we are, we are in Christ, and Christ is in us. We go forth in peace and hope, with the support of God’s Spirit, in faithfulness and trust. and with enough transparency that, through us, others may glimpse the Divine. Call to Worship
And Jesus said, “Come!” To all mothers and children, he said, “Come!” To the motherless and the childless, he said, “Come!” To all who longed to be mothered, he said, “Come!” “Come unto me all you who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Prayer of the Day Holy God, We come together this day celebrating the role that mothers have played in our lives. We thank you for both the present love and the memories of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and all those who have been like mothers to us. Keep us mindful of those for whom this day brings grief. May we be prompt to extend Christian fellowship to any who are hurting or are in need. We pray, strengthened by the example of Jesus, who honored his mother, Mary, from the cross. Amen. Special Music Scripture Philippians 1:1-11 Here we have one of Paul’s letters. His letters, or epistles, play a significant role in how we understand the Christian faith. His letters inform our theology and doctrine. For many people, Philippians is the loveliest letter Paul wrote. It has been known by two titles: The Epistle of Excellent Things and The Epistle of Joy. We will hear in this letter Paul speaking of the need to rejoice at all times and in all circumstances. The world can turn ugly. Life is unpredictable. We all experience loss, frustration, brokenness. Paul tells his friends to direct their hearts toward joy-to the joy that no one can take from us. At the time of this writing, Paul is in prison in Rome. He has a short list of purposes for his letter: It is a letter of thanks. Paul was persecuted in Philippi and unjustly imprisoned. Behind him he left a community of faith. He says he thanks God every time he thinks of them. Their faith is growing stronger, even while Paul is in prison for his faith. They have become his companions in Christ, sharing in the gift of grace and witnessing to the gospel. A second purpose for this letter is to explain why Epaphroditis was returning to Philippi. Epaphroditis had been sent by the Philippians to Paul as his personal servant. But Epaphroditis grows sick and must return home. Paul instructs the church to treat him with welcome and mercy. Not to shame him. Another purpose is to encourage the Philippians in his absence, as they, too, endure persecution. In spite of the trials they all face, Paul is fully confident about their future, declaring that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The final purpose of this letter is an appeal for unity. Later in the Epistle, Paul addresses the selfless humanity of Jesus (2:1-11). He exhorts the church to model the life of Jesus. All they do in thought, word, and deed, should point to the life of Jesus Christ. Arguments among the church members had erupted and according to Paul, there were false teachers in their midst who were trying to coax them away from the true path, the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this age of electronic devices, we are in contact with people all the time. It is the way we communicate now and usually our technology keeps us informed and connected. But when our courage fails, when our bodies or spirits are troubled, when someone we love asks for our wisdom and help, a personal note, card, or letter is invaluable. Maybe you have a collection of such things, personal messages with which we cannot part. I know I do. Maybe some of those messages are from our mothers or fathers, or the one who was like a parent to us. Think of a time when you needed support, or when there was something to be celebrated, or someone to be mourned…who was there for you? Think of a time when you assumed a new role, took on greater responsibility. Was there someone to be your best cheerleader, reminding you of your gifts and strengths? Have you ever received a warning from someone who was concerned for your well-being? If you do, then you have something in common with the Christians at Philippi. Putting the shoe on the other foot, when have you written a note to express your thanks, or to encourage, or to say, “I’m sorry?” Mother’s Day is one of those occasions that calls for special, personal messages between family members. Who is waiting to hear from you? Hymn For the Beauty of the Earth Text: Folliot Sanford Pierpoint; Music: Conrad Kocher For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies: Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise. For the wonder of each hour, of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light. Lord, of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight, for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild: Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise. For thyself, best gift divine to the world so freely given, for that great, great love of thine, peace on earth and joy in heaven: Lord of all, to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise. Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Lord, we thank you for the gift of motherhood. We thank you for the many examples of faithful mothers in scripture: Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Lois among them. We thank you for those who embraced the role of mother as a high calling. We pray for all who longed for children and children did not come; for those who parented poorly; for those who have mistreated their own parents. In this moment, we let go of any offenses that interfere with a wholesome and joy-filled family life and ask that you help us make our homes a place of peace and welcome. Hear now the names of other women who have inspired, encouraged, taught, and sacrificed for their loved ones… We are mindful this day of Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, who had the courage to say “Yes” to your calling. May we, men and women, likewise have the courage to answer “Yes” to your call on our lives. Help us all to live more fully into your purpose. Whether we are parents or not, we are your disciples, and followers of your way, truth, and life. We lift to you all others on our minds and hearts this day… Bring hope and healing to the weary, worn, and sick; peace to all the troubled; and needs supplied to those who have little in a world that demands so much. We pray as Jesus, our brother, taught us, saying, Our Father…Amen. Blessing Go into this week knowing that you are embraced by the love of God, a love that is both tender and strong, like the arms of a mother around her child. Amen. Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church Barboursville, West Virginia May 3, 2020 Good Shepherd Sunday5/1/2020
Call to Worship
Satisfy us with your love in the morning, and we will live this day in joy and praise. Prayer We have seen your glory, O God, and we have witnessed your mighty acts. By your Holy Spirit, put your voice in our mouths, fill our arms with your strength, and warm our hearts with your love. Then we will be worthy disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen. Scripture Readings Psalm 23; John 10:1-10 “Baa! Baa!” Driving inland from Ireland’s west coast, we passed through some small villages. The roads were unfamiliar and narrow, and we were driving on the “wrong” side of the road. If that weren’t complicated enough, occasionally we would have to move out of the way so a tractor could pass. And, to our surprise, the road was dotted with woolly pedestrians- sheep. They seemed unaware of us and impending danger. We were so close we could easily bump them or worse. “Baa! Baa!” On closer inspection, we noticed each was wearing a bright color painted on his rump. Green or blue. Turns out it was vegetable dye, kind of like we use for dying Easter eggs. This is how the flocks are identified. The green ones belong to one farm, the blue ones to another. For awhile, it was novel and amusing. But, eventually, dodging sheep lost its charm. The truth is they require a lot of care. They tend to go their own ways with no logical sense of direction. They get mixed up and follow their mates into neighboring pastures. They act on their own appetites. And, they really don’t know when to get in out of the rain. And sometimes they are roadkill. On subsequent trips, we have discovered the art of sheep-herding using trained sheep-dogs. Equipped with a whistle and a few vocal signals, the shepherd gives commands to the sheep-dog who works the flock into an organized troupe, moving them around the pastures, down by the cool, clear streams, up on the rocky hills, and back to their pen. The shepherd and his dog are of critical importance to the life and health of each sheep. Sheep are important in that place. Textile art- like sweaters, caps, and blankets- plays a significant role in the Irish economy. And, yes, I’m told lamb makes for a hearty stew. (When it’s on the menu, I order the fish and chips!) In John’s gospel, Jesus announces who he is through a series of “I am” passages. He says, “I am the good shepherd” and, “I am the gate.” He clearly identifies with the role of care-giver. It is an all-consuming task. It is a life of relationship. Jesus says he and his flock are so familiar with one another that his sheep hear and respond to his voice. Imagine for a moment that you are one of the flock and you have climbed up one of the craggy hills looking for something tasty to nibble. You lingered too long and you find yourself alone under a dark sky. It is growing cold. Which way is home? You hear water, but it is not the sound of the stream that gently runs over rocks near your pen, but the loud, crashing water of the ocean. You turn your head this way and that. Your heart starts to pound in fear. You cry for help. “Baa! Baa! Baa!” And then you hear a voice. The voice that has called you to breakfast, the voice that asks for your wounded foot so that it may be washed and treated, the voice that urges you to stick together this time, lest you become lunch for a predator, the voice that calls you back to the fold each night, where you may lay down your head and rest. The voice that says,“Welcome home.” Hymn My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (Psalm 23) My shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name. In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream. He leads my wandering spirit back, when I forsake his ways. And leads me for his mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace. When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay. One word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away. Your hand in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread. My cup with blessings overflows; your oil anoints my head. The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days. O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come. No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home. Glory to God, Westminster John Knox Press Prayers of the Faithful and the Lord’s Prayer Gracious God, shepherd of our lives, we come to you with thanksgiving. You are our provider and sustainer. You transform our weary souls with your grace, wisdom, and love. You bless us each day with glimpses of resurrection and the promise of new life- in signs of spring, in stories of kindness, and help in our distress. Tender Shepherd, we bring before you now our prayers for others... for all who are struggling with illness, loneliness, sadness, or grief; for those diagnosed with or recovering from Coronavirus, and all the issues that accompany this disease; for those who have lost income and other measures of security; for those who must decide when and how to return to work and resume other activities; for those who are victims of hatred and prejudice, ridicule, or scorn; for messengers of peace and healing, hope and reconciliation; for your Church and all faithful people here and around the world. Lord of mercy, hear our prayers. We lift our hearts and voices in the prayer Jesus taught us, saying, Our Father…Amen. Blessing May God lead you in paths of rest and renewal on this Sabbath day; may Christ Jesus accompany you on this week’s journey; and may the Holy Spirit fill your heart with joy and generosity. Go now in peace, to love and serve the Lord. Amen. |
PastorCinda Harkless Archives
July 2024
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