PAUSE FOR REFLECTION
“A polarized civilization wants us to ‘take sides’ but God’s love invites us into paradox and complexity that will baffle the world.”
– Dan White Jr.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us lift our vision of what we can do and what we can achieve:
in being authentically ourselves
in being more loving and more thoughtful
in listening more to others
in working for justice and peace
in connecting with all of creation – and with the infinite.
OPENING HYMN | “For Everyone Born”
STORY TIME | Children’s Story
MINUTE FOR MISSION | Responsive Chorus
There are so many exciting ways that God is working through each of us and in this community. As we consider our receiving and our giving to the works of ministry in this place and in the world, may we remember that we belong to God.
Let us sing
Through all our living, we our fruits must give.
Good works of service are for offering.
When we are giving, or when receiving,
We belong to God.
We belong to God.
We belong to God.
We belong to God.
CHRISTIAN READING | John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
EPISTLE READING | I Corinthians 12:12-13; 27
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Therefore, you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
SPECIAL MUSIC | “His Daughter” by Molly Kate Kestner, performed by Jason Sabino (LIVE)
SERMON | “How do we go from Them to Us?” by Rev. Don Ludwig
SPECIAL MUSIC | “People Get Ready” by Glenn Olson
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
- Craig Butler’s father passed away a week ago. We continue to hold him and the family in prayer.
- Karen Wittenburg has resumed another round of chemotherapy.
- Carol Howe continues to recover from knee replacement surgery and is recovering at home.
- Jary Parker, friend of Judith Foster, is now in hospice in an adult care facility.
- Bob Buell continues to be in hospice.
- Bert Schmidt continues treatment. Please keep him and Sue Chandler, daughter, in prayer.
- Please keep the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) in prayer as they discern the future of Southminster.
CORPORATE PRAYER | Written by Rev. Hope Johnson
We are one,
A diverse group of proudly kindred spirits
Here not by coincidence—But because we choose to journey-together.
We are active and proactive. We care deeply. We live our love, as best we can.
We ARE one Working, Eating, Laughing, Playing, Singing, Storytelling, Sharing and Rejoicing. Getting to know each other, Taking risks Opening up. Questioning, Seeking, Searching. Trying to understand. Struggling. Making Mistakes. Paying Attention…
Asking questions. Listening. Living our Answers. Learning to love our neighbors.
Learning to love ourselves. Apologizing and forgiving with humility.
Being forgiven, through Grace. Creating the Beloved Community – Together We are ONE.
