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Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Let us give thanks for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties, for all the wonder of our country’s story. We give you thanks, O God. For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth. We give you thanks, O God. For those, who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows. We give you thanks, O God. For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service. We give you thanks, O God. Almighty God, and most merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering them with gratitude and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence. Amen. Permission for one-time use in worship granted by The Armed Forces Chaplains’ Board, Washington, D.C. *Hymn 331 God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand Prayer of Confession God of every nation, as we remember those who gave their lives for the sake of the nation, let us be stirred to action in their memory. We confess that we have not done all that is possible to promote peace and justice in our world. We have not loved our neighbors, let alone our enemies. Forgive us for failing to live up to your commandments. Empower us to work for your kingdom in this world, and welcome us by your grace into your eternal realm. *Hymn Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Pardon The saying is true and worthy of full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Furthermore, the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven. We may be at peace. Amen. First Reading Micah 6:6-8 Moments With Our Young Disciples New Testament Reading Romans 8:31-39 The Morning Message At first these verses seem simple. What does the Lord require of you? Just these few things: To do justice. To love kindness. And to walk humbly with my God. It has taken a lifetime for that text to sink in and I’m still learning new applications. I remember the first time I experienced the reality of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. When I was almost twelve my grandmother and I went to visit my Uncle David and his family in England, just a few miles outside of London. The day before we left, a national tragedy had occurred: Robert F. Kennedy, who was running for President, was shot at a campaign event in California. As we boarded our plane in Washington, DC, he was hanging onto life. But sometime during the flight, the captain announced the terrible news that Mr. Kennedy had died. I remember a sadness, like a pall, that seemed to fall over the passengers. I wasn’t old enough to understand the full impact this incident portended for our country, and indeed, the world, but I knew enough to know that what happened to a presidential candidate, or any other human being, was wrong. So, my first memory about the importance of justice, was to witness its opposite: injustice. A man lost his life. A woman lost her husband. Children lost their father. That was about all my twelve-year-old mind could process and it haunted me. It would be a long time before I understood that the assassination of the second Kennedy in five years was one of several events that marked the decade of the 1960’s as one of lawlessness, engendering fear in our nation and the world. By the time we landed in London and made our way to the little town where my uncle and his wife and children lived, jet-lag had settled in and I settled into a soft bed for a nap. The next day was Sunday and in the morning my uncle loaded his kids and me into his car and we went to the Air Force base where he worked. On Sundays, he was the protestant Sunday School teacher. He clearly loved it. I saw how his face lit up when working with the children, presenting the day’s lesson, praying with us. He was the youngest of my mother’s siblings and still living at home when I was very young. And I adored him. I couldn’t tell you why at the earlier age, but now I understood: it was his kind and gentle nature, his humor, his patience, and the way he encouraged the children. Later that day, we went into London by the Tube, or subway. We went to the American Embassy where we stood in line with hundreds of others, some weeping, some embracing one another, many speaking in hushed tones. All of us waiting our turn to sign the sympathy book that would be given from England to the people of the United States, upon the death of Robert F. Kennedy. Waiting patiently in a long line of people, on a warm day, in the capital city, to receive nothing, to purchase nothing, just to sign our names. No rudeness or jumping the line, no harsh speech. A real example of humility. From that day in 1968 to now, the message of those simple, short verses, have deepened in meaning. When plans were being made for Helen Noe’s funeral, I learned that her committal would be at the West Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery in Dunbar. I had never been there, although Ed had attended a service there. I was riding with the funeral director, who predicted I would like the cemetery. And he was right. It is a beautiful place,well-planned and constructed, reminding me of Arlington National Cemetery, the white headstones standing in soldier-like rows across the rolling green landscape. Serene and peaceful. And I thought of all those for whom this was their final resting place. And what made them eligible. They were veterans of one of the branches of the armed services or their spouses. Those who gave of themselves to bring justice, restore order, protect the vulnerable- where those things are threatened or destroyed; to put others before themselves, giving generously, even sacrificially, when necessary. Human-kindness that can’t be measured. To wear a uniform, to conform, to take orders, to endure hardship, to set your own agenda aside for the sake of the nation, or the people of another nation in distress, and finally to be buried in grave that looks like all the others. No monuments, no shrines. Just a white stone marker standing in the soft green grass, where they will humbly rest and on the last day, rise in glory. I heard a beautiful, ethereal pice of music this week by a small choral ensemble, “A Day May Come.” The text was written to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. I offer it to you on this Memorial Day weekend: A day may come that asks of us all we have to give: a day we never would have sought and yet we have to live. If it should be our destiny to live in such a day, let our faith and love be worthy of the ones who showed the way. The ones we now call heroes, The ones we say their memory will not die. They were no different in their day than you and I. The fears they faced, The faith they found, Their common cause and common ground, we carry with us, come what may as we now face our destiny, our day. Grahame Davies. *Hymn 730 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God *Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 581 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Gifts of Tithe and Offering Offertory *Hymn 606 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication *Hymn 338 O Beautiful for Spacious Skies *Blessing Send your peace, O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace. Send your peace, O Lord, that we may think, act, and speak harmoniously. Send your peace, O Lord, that we may be contented and thankful for your bountiful gifts. Send your peace, O Lord, that amidst our worldly strife, we may enjoy your bliss. Send your peace, O Lord, that we may endure all, tolerate all, in light of your grace and mercy. Send your peace, O Lord, that our lives may become a divine vision, and in your light, all darkness may vanish. Send your peace, O Lord, that we, your children of earth, may unite in one family. Hazrat Inayat Khan *Postlude Comments are closed.
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PastorCinda Harkless Archives
April 2025
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