PAUSE FOR REFLECTION | Rumi
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
CALL TO WORSHIP | Rivers do not Drink…
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. Let us join together in worship.
OPENING HYMN | “Peace Like A River”
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
Verse 2. Love like an ocean…
Verse 3. Joy like a fountain…
Verse 4. I’ve got peace, love and joy like a river….
TIME FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH | Welcome Pastor Scott
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 | John 20:19-27
It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid … Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he blew upon them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus Came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord. But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”
After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side.
THEME READING | Kintsugi, explanation by Scott Dalgarno
Kintsugi (literally, “golden joinery”) is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. Rather than rejoin ceramic pieces with a camouflaged adhesive the Kintsugi technique employs a special tree sap lacquer dusted with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The technique emphasizes the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections we can create stronger and more beautiful objects of art.
SERMON| “When Woundedness Reaches out to Woundedness” by Rev. Scott Dalgarno
RESPONSIVE HYMN | “Come Live In the Light”
Come, live in the light
Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord
We are called to be light for the kingdom
To live in the freedom of the city of God
Chorus: We are called to act with justice
We are called to love tenderly
We are called to serve one another
To walk humbly with God
Come, open your heart
Show your mercy to all those in fear
We are called to be hope for the hopeless
So all hatred and blindness will be no more
Chorus:
Sing, sing a new song
Sing of that great day when all will be one
God will reign and we’ll walk with each other
As sisters and brothers united in love (united in love)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
- Donna Bekooy’s sister continues hospice care in Chicago.
- Carol Howe continues to recover from surgery.
- Karen Wittenburg has moved and continues cancer treatments.
- Bert Schmidt continues treatment. Please keep him and Sue Chandler, daughter, in prayer.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH | “A Very Special Community”
Written by Rev. Hope Johnson, edited and personalized by Wally Carey
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, Crying, Playing, Singing, Storytelling, Sharing and Rejoicing. Getting to know each other, Taking risks, Opening up, Questioning, Seeking, Searching and Trying to understand. Struggling. Making Mistakes. Paying Attention. Asking Questions, Listening, and Living our Answers.
Learning to love our neighbors. Learning to love ourselves. Apologizing and forgiving with humility. Being forgiven, through Grace. Creating our Beloved Community -Together. We are ONE. We are Southminster.
