PAUSE FOR REFLECTION
We can choose to follow those who would have us hide in fear or we can choose hope.
― Gradye Parsons, PCUSA, 2015
CALL TO WORSHIP “We Choose Welcome”, PCUSA Awareness Campaign
In the midst of fear of terrorism and radicalism, we choose to welcome those who flee from terror and tyranny.
In the midst of hate speeches and hate crimes, we choose to welcome those who are rejected because of their skin color or their foreign dress.
In the midst of anxiety about our own economic prosperity, we choose to welcome those who come from distant lands to labor in our fields and our warehouses.
In the midst of political debates which seek to divide us between those who are born here and those who are not, we choose welcome, a welcome for all children of God, proclaiming one household.
OPENING HYMN Change My Heart Oh God
Original Words and Music by Eddie Espinosa
CHRISTIAN READING John 20: 19-23, Jesus Appears to the Disciples
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As God above has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they will be forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from any, your forgiveness will be withheld.”
ANOTHER VOICE Gradye Parsons, PCUSA, 2015
The way to end terror is to prove that those who demonize us are wrong. We are not a heartless secular culture. We must witness to the Gospel with generous hospitality. To hide in fear is a mistake. Fear is the ammunition of terror. Hope is the best defense.
SERMON
“We Choose Welcome, Not Fear”
Rev. Don Ludwig
If you are able, please join us for worship on Zoom at 10 AM. The sermon text and video will be published at a later time.
GUIDED MEDITATION & PASTORAL PRAYER Song of Centering: “Lord Prepare me to be a Sanctuary”
CORPORATE PRAYER Lord’s prayer Paraphrased by Sarah Dylan Breuer
Loving Creator we honor you, and we honor all that you have made. Renew the whole world in the image of your love. Give us what we need for today, and a hunger to see the whole world fed. Strengthen us for what lies ahead; heal us from the hurts of the past; give us courage to follow your call in this moment. For your love is the only power, the only sanctuary, the only honor we need in this world and in the world to come. Amen.
Minute for Mission, Offering and Announcements:
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 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).
