Sunday, July 10, 2011

Gathering Songs

• Sing Them Over Again to Me, NCH#319, vs. 1 & 2
• Be Now My Vision, NCH#451, vs. 1 & 2
• Let It Breathe on Me, NCH#288, vs. 1, 2, then 1 again
  

(Gerry, please use the text from New Century for these gathering songs. It's fun to hear these in new ways.)

for Sunday, 10 July 2011

4th Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Leaders

• Music Leader: Lisa Haley
• Pianist: John Chen
• Liturgist: Judy Hitt
• Elder: Loma Eaves
• Preacher: Gerry Brague
• Communion Provider: Judy Hitt

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 25:19-34
• Psalm 119: 105-112
• Romans 8: 1-11
• Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

Music (John--Lisa Haley picks the gathering music and will be in contact with you separately)

• Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast, New Century Hymnal #318
• You Are the Seed, Chalice Hymnal #478 (also NCH #528)
• Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth, Chalice Hymnal #83

Liturgy

 written by Thom Shuman found here
Call to Worship
Your grace is a lamp for our hearts, O God.
Light our way through the shadows of this world.
When we struggle with questions and doubts,
tell us your stories of hope and grace.
When we are about to wander off into the wilderness,
show us the paths to your peace and joy.

Prayer of Approach
When we wonder
why life is the way
it seems to be,
you teach us how
to live for others.
When we would sell
our birthgift of grace
for a bowl of sin's stew,
you nourish us with
a serving of hope.
Prayer Granter,
listen to our hearts and words.

When we are convinced
we are only barren soil,
you plant seeds of grace
deep within us.
When our souls are as
parched as arid deserts,
you refresh us
with the waters
of goodness and mercy.
Story Teller,
fill our hearts with your words.

You come into our hearts,
to remove the bricks and mortar
from that great wall of hostility
we have built over the years,
setting us free to play
in the kingdom of peace.
You help us to let go
of our focus on ourselves,
so we may reach out
to share with others.
Emancipator,
send us forth to live your words.

God in Community, Holy in One,
with our hearts and with our words,
we lift our prayers to you... 

Focus 
I expect I'll be focusing my sermon on the Matthew passage about the seeds.