FOR REFLECTION:
“All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. In Christ there is no Jew or Greek, slave or citizen, male or female. All are ONE in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:27-28
CALL TO WORSHIP Excerpts from the Jewish Talmud and Albert Einstein
We all have reasons why we don’t do the things we say we want to.
Our minds and hearts know the person we want to be and the life we want to live, but it seems awesomely difficult sometimes to put that knowledge into practice.
If you want to see a change, there is no substitute for action.
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s problems.
Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now.
You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
You have to color outside of the box once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece.
OPENING HYMN Gather Us In by Marty Haugen
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.
MINUTE FOR MISSION Adelante Mujeres
Adelante Mujeres A non-profit based in Forest Grove, Oregon. Southminster gave $500 last month as a donation to increase food vouchers which will be given to Latino families in need.
HEBREW READING Genesis 12: 1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.
INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO FOR THE FAMILY Maroon 5 – Memories (Cover) One Voice Children’s Choir
CHRISTIAN READING Matthew 28:16-20
“The Eleven made their way to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had summoned them. At the sight of the risen Christ they fell down in homage, though some doubted what they were seeing. Jesus came forward and addressed them in these words: “All authority has been given me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of Abba God, and of the Only Begotten, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I AM with you always, even until the end of the world!”
SERMON
“Missio Dei”
Rev. Don Ludwig
If you prefer to read the sermon text, click here.
RESPONSIVE HYMN / ANTHEM In Christ There is No East or West
PASTORAL PRAYER
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalms 46:1-2).
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be.
Father and Mother of us all. Loving God, in whom is heaven.
The hallowing of your name echoes through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the earth!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
Now and forever. Amen.
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 & FINAL BLESSING
The Lord Bless You and Keep You (John Rutter) – Virtual Choir by Batavia Madrigal Singers
May the God of hope go with us every day,
Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
May the God of justice speed us on our way,
Bringing light and hope to every land and race.
Praying, let us work for peace, Singing, share our joy with all,
Working for a world that’s new, Faithful when we hear Christ’s call. A-men.
