PAUSE FOR REFLECTION | Thomas Merton
“Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward.”
CALL TO WORSHIP
A love that never ceases,
A creativity that designed the universe,
A hope that cannot be quenched,
A pursuit of reconciliation no matter the cost:
These are the things that are of God. God is Good.
All the time.
All the time.
God is Good.
OPENING HYMN | Blessed Be The Time that Binds Glory to God #306
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 | Acts 2:40-22
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
THEME MUSIC VIDEO | Most People Are Good Luke Bryan
SERMON | “Global Images of Togetherness”
by Rev. Don Ludwig
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
- Prayers for Barbara Killoran and family as her husband, Michael, passed away last month.
- 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.
CALL TO TOGETHERNESS | Pope Francis
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is. Life is good when you are happy but much better when others are happy because of you. Let us remember that pain is a sign that we are alive, problems are a sign that we are strong and prayer is a sign that we are not alone. If we can acknowledge these truths and condition our hearts and minds, our lives will be more meaningful, different, and worthwhile.
