FOR REFLECTION
“There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein
A Special Memorial Day Prayer
“Hear Our Prayer”
Rev. Don Ludwig
Click “video” (no written text) and pray with Pastor Don.
Call to Worship: Psalm of Lament (137:1-4)
By the rivers of Babylon—
there we sat down and there we wept
when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there we hung up our harps.
For there our captors asked us for songs,
and our tormentors asked us for mirth,
saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
Psalm Sing-a-long
Passing of the Peace
Pastor Don: May the Peace of Christ be with you.
Congregation at Home: And also with you.
Pastor Don: Consider three ways that you can extend peace to one another this week through a phone call, text or email.
Opening Hymn
O God of Every Nation (tune: Llangloffan) [Sheet Music PDF]
Christian Scripture: excerpts from Luke 24
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him….
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures….
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him…
Inspirational Video
“A Message of Hope”
SERMON
“From Exile to Easter to Emmaus: Miracles Happen”
by Dan Rasmussen
If you prefer to read the sermon text, click here.
Responsive Hymn
“How Can I Keep from Singing” – NYC Virtual Choir and Orchestra
Pastoral Prayer
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalms 46:1-2).
Gracious God,
On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace. In union with people of goodwill of every nation, embolden us to answer the call to work for peace and justice, and thus, seek an end to violence and conflict around the globe.
We remember those who are on our hearts this morning (take a moment to pause, lift up your joys and concerns and listen to the still small voice within you)… May they be filled with grace and be renewed with hope and strength and peace. A-men.
Offertory Anthem Video
Henry Purcell – Hear My Prayer
Portland State Chamber Choir (including Jason Sabino)
Time for Offering
As we reflect on all of our blessings, individually and as a community, may we consider how we may give of ourselves so that the work of Christ’s love and peace may continue throughout our world. (Please contact staff@southmin.org, or one of our Trustees to discover simple ways you may give electronically or via mail. Thank you for supporting the staff and on-going ministries of Southminster Presbyterian Church).
Closing Hymn
We’re Marching To Zion [Sheet Music PDF]
Final Blessing and Benediction
Closing Psalm of Joy (Psalm 126):
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves
Peace and Joy and Health to you and your family—always. Amen.
Postlude Sing-Along
Psalm 126 – Amidon Choral Arrangements – Starry Mountain Singers
