For Reflection
Youth fades; love droops,
the leaves of friendship fall;
A mother’s secret hope
outlives them all.
–Oliver Wendell Holmes
Just for Fun Prelude
Do you miss our Southminster Bell Choir? Maybe they can do this for us!
Call to Worship: Rev. Dawn Hutchings
The road to the kin-dom of God begins with one step, followed by another, and another.
This is the dream, the dream of enough for all; the dream of peace.
May we have the courage to walk the path of peace for the sake of our one human family.
Welcome by Rev. Don Ludwig
Passing of the Peace
Pastor Don: May the Peace of Christ be with you.
Congregation at Home: And also with you.
Pastor Don: Consider three ways that you can extend peace to one another this week through a phone call, text or email.
Opening Hymn
Breathe on Me, Breath of God PDF Sheet music
Christian Readings
Philippians 4:10-13
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Gospel of Thomas, Verse 70
Jesus said, “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 Music Video
Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror
Theme Reading
― Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability
“Today is a new day and it brings with it a new set of opportunities for me to act on.
I am attentive to the opportunities and I seize them as they arise.
I have full confidence in myself and my abilities.
I can do all things that I commit myself to.
No obstacle is too big or too difficult for me to handle because what lies inside me is greater than what lies ahead of me.
I am committed to improving myself and I am getting better daily.
I am not held back by regret or mistakes from the past.
I am moving forward daily.
Absolutely nothing is impossible for me.”
SERMON
“Personal Transformation”
Pam Gross
If you prefer to read the sermon text, click here.
Meditation Music
Allegro by Telemann. Piano and Violin performed by Matt Thompson-Aue and Sandy Ruff
Take a moment to listen to the music, perhaps close your eyes, breathe deeply, and be in this moment!
Pastoral Prayer
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalms 46:1-2).
Mother God, we thank you for the love of the mothers you have given us, whose love is so precious that it can never be measured, whose patience seems to have no end. May we see your loving hand behind them and guiding them, give us courage for the journey.
Guide us to live fully in the midst of so much change all around us. 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 to the needs and cries of others. 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 a Mother’s kindness and unconditional love, may we share that kindness in all that we say and do. Amen.
Time for Offering
As we reflect on all of our blessings, individually and as a community, may we consider how we may give of ourselves so that the work of Christ’s love and peace may continue throughout our world. (Please contact staff@southmin.org, or one of our Trustees to discover simple ways you may give electronically or via mail. Thank you for supporting the staff and on-going ministries of Southminster Presbyterian Church).
Closing Hymn
In the Midst of New Dimensions (Hymn 315)
Final Blessing and Benediction
Friends, We are resilient people. WE GOT THIS! May we continue to imagine a world of health, hope, peace, and solidarity. In the words of Rev. Dawn Hutchings:
The road to the kin-dom of God begins with one step, followed by another, and another. This is the dream, the dream of enough for all; the dream of peace. May we have the courage to walk the path of peace for the sake of our one human family.
Peace to you and your family—always. Amen.
