PAUSE FOR REFLECTION | Matthew Fox, Creativity
“Where the Divine and the Human meet shows how important it is to meet the world with the creativity of an artist, particularly in these uncertain times.”
CALL TO WORSHIP | by Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, 2015
In this world are hints of the Great Spirit, the power of creating, which flows through all life and beings.
Let us be in awe of that Creative Power – and be aware of the creativity within ourselves and each other.
May we see ourselves as works of art, full of beauty and possibility…
May we see each other as precious and cherish each other’s gifts and uniqueness.
That gifts we possess which is not nurtured, developed and shared, will eventually wither and die. That would be no use to the self or to God.
Let us call forth the power which lives within us; recognize, affirm and use all our gifts.
Then will we be extensions of the Great and Holy Creative Power of Life.
OPENING HYMN | “In the Midst of New Dimensions”
MINUTE FOR MISSION
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.
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 |Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God.”
CHRISTIAN READING |The Gospel of Thomas, Saying 70
“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”
THEME READING |On Jesus’ Dream Team
by Nadi Bolz-Weber
That’s the thing with the Kingdom of God:
there is no personal treasure to be had.
There are only gifts to be shared.
God’s desire for the wholeness and healing of
all creation was inaugurated in a world-changing way
in the life of Jesus and it continues through you. . . .
Your hands are what God has to work with here.
. . . Just by merit of being here, you’ve been
conscripted into this beautiful, redemptive
story of God’s love for all of humanity.
SERMON | “What is Within You?” by Rev. Don Ludwig
THEME READING |On Jesus’ Dream Team
by Nadi Bolz-Weber
Spirit of life and of love, give us courage for the journey. Guide us to live fully in the midst of so much change. May we look to all the things that make life abundant and amazing. Through it all, help us to make a space for the stirring of our hearts. Help us to listen and to pay attention. Give us hope. Give us patience. We especially pray for those family and friends and issues that are on our hearts this morning….(talk a moment to name them now….) And as people of faith who have been touched by Jesus, may we touch others with grace and compassion in all that we say and do. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
- Ambrose, Vicki Lukich’s father-in-law, has multiple brain tumors causing difficulties. Please pray for Ambrose and his wife Barbara as well as Vicki and Pete.
- Please keep Alma Sauve, long time member of Southminster, and her sons (Steve and Jim) in your prayers as they face end-of-life decisions for Alma.
- Barbara Boyd’s sister passed away this week. Please send comfort and prayers to Barbara and her many siblings and family members at this difficult time.
- Donna Bekooy’s sister – Sally Deniston – suffered a major brain bleed last weekend. Please send healing thoughts and prayers to her family in both Oregon and Chicago.
- Bert Schmidt continues treatment. Please keep him and Sue Chandler, daughter, in prayer.
- Bob Buell continues to be in hospice.
- Karen Wittenburg has resumed another round of chemotherapy.
- Please keep the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) in prayer as they discern the future of Southminster.
Lord’s Prayer | A translation from Aramaic by Neil Douglas-Klotz in Prayers for the Cosmos
Our mother, which art the earth, nurturing are thy ways. Thy web of life be woven. Thy way be found within, as it is all around. Thank you this day for our daily bread and sweat and forgive us our misuse of you, as we forgive others in their misuse of us. And lead us not into exploitation, But deliver us from lording it over you, and over each other, and over all our other fellow creatures. For thine are the waters of life, the hills, valleys and plains of home. A-men.
