PAUSE FOR REFLECTION | Jesus bar Joseph
“The Kingdom of Heaven is Now.”
CALL TO WORSHIP | A New World by Zhailon Levingston
We are made in the likeness of Eternal Creativity.
Another world is possible and on its way.
Its insistence moves us into being and imagines for us world’s beyond our hopelessness.
Another world is possible and on its way.
We are made to collaborate with those around us to build deeper connections and sustainability around new ways of doing life together.
Another world is possible and on its way.
We are making space in our world for doubt and uncertainty by calling out fear and isolationism.
Another world is possible and on its way.
This is the truth about us. It always has been and always will be.
A new world is both here and arriving. We wait for it, usher it, greet it as a hopeful people.
Together, let us worship.
OPENING HYMN | “There is a Sweet Sweet Spirit”
by Chancel Choir with Dan Rasmussen on piano
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 | 1 Peter 1:3-9 from The Message by Eugene Peterson
What a God we have! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole. I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime.
Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure. Genuine faith put through this suffering, comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, which God will have on display as evidence of victory. You never saw Jesus, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him – with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.
THEME READING | An Excerpt from Experiences in Theology: Ways and Forms of Christian Theology by Jürgen Moltmann
What furthers life is whatever spreads reverence for life and the affirmation of life through love for life. What furthers life is whatever heals broken relationships and liberates life that has been oppressed. What furthers life is whatever leads to the new beginning of life in hope. What furthers life is whatever ministers to God’s covenant with life, and whatever breaks the covenant of human beings with death. What furthers life is, first and last, whatever makes Christ present. For in and with Christ, the kingdom of eternal life is present today.
SERMON | “The Future Is Now” by Rev. Don Ludwig
RESPONSIVE HYMN | 200 Kids Sing A Cappella Style | You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
- Donna Bekooy’s sister has seen improved health and has been removed from hospice. Donna expresses many thanks for all the prayers.
- Linda Ingala asks for prayers for her dear friend Cathy’s son, Peter Smiley, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Peter lives in the Seattle area.
- Wally Carey’s daughter would like to ask for prayers. Please pray for a gentle, calm, loving passing of Cindy Brusie. She is a dear friend of Jennifer’s.
- Karen Wittenburg has moved and continues cancer treatments.
- Bert Schmidt continues treatment. Please keep him and Sue Chandler, daughter, in prayer.
CORPORATE PRAYER | “Our Goodness Prayer”
Our Goodness, which is in compassion,
We revere your vision.
May we support your ways
In common deeds
As we do in our highest ideals.
Nourish us daily.
Help us to forgive others
As we would want to be forgiven
And strengthen us to resist selfishness,
To shield us from bitterness.
For Goodness is our dominion
The power and the wonder
Throughout time
Amen
