Sunday May 3, 2020 Easter 4

During the season of Easter (April 12-May 24) we are doing a series on the “fruits of the Spirit” from Galatians 5.

We suggest doing the PREPARING activity first. Then start the MEDITATION video, which includes the prayers and other parts of the liturgy, so you can participate with each element. Just pause the meditation video for the elements that are included below (HYMNS, OFFERING, etc).

  

PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP: You are invited to read the text from Psalm 23, and watch the video below.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (NRSV) 

A creative interpretation of Psalm 23 by Samantha Beach Kiley (video)

CANDLE-LIGHTING

We light this candle as a reminder of God’s presence with us, and to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Know that whether we gather together in the same place, or in separate places, that God is here among us too, through the Holy Spirit. AMEN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP*    

Friends, let us gather together with glad and generous hearts.

For many signs and wonders are being done among us.

Let us break bread together and share our lives in common.

Let us give what we can to all who have needs so that all people,

no matter who they are, may regard us with good will.

Let us devote ourselves to our prayers and to the gospel.

For in this way God will add to our numbers every day.

HYMN: "All Belong Here" by The Many. We have listened to this song frequently on Communion Sundays.  

PRAYER TIME**

First let’s pause for a moment, and silently offer our prayers to God—whatever is on your mind this day. In the presence of God, who sees and hears, let us offer our prayers…

(Intercessory Prayer)

Shepherding God, in a dangerous world, let us hear your voice and come and go through your gate. 

We pray for the whole church, that we may be devoted to your Word and to universal fellowship, being generous to all who have need. 

We pray for the earth, for green pastures and still waters, that we may restore them to the goodness and purity that they had at the time you created them. 

We pray for the people of the world, their nations, and leaders, that your wisdom and peace may govern all, so that no one will fear. 

We pray for all those in need, for those in want, those ill and those dying,

that we may be the banquet that you set before them as we anoint them, feed them, and comfort them in your name. 

We pray for ourselves, our families, and those we love. May no one live in fear; may all dwell in your presence.

Blessed are you, Great Shepherd, who, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, gives us goodness and mercy, leads us down right paths, and restores our souls. 

Receive these prayers we offer, and make us witnesses to our risen Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we pray, and who taught us to pray saying…

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 2:42-47

MEDITATION 

 OFFERINGS:

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry. 

HYMN: "Lo, I am With You"

SENDING BLESSING***

Risen Christ,

when fear and doubt seem all that’s left,

tell us again the stories of faith.

Touch us with your promised presence,

and set our minds at peace. AMEN.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

This passage about the fruits of the Spirit begins with “By contrast…” (v.22). How is goodness a contrast to other behaviors that people might display? 

How is God good/generous? How have you experienced God’s goodness? 

Where have you noticed an example of goodness/generosity this week? 

* Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (p. 148).

** Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (p. 150), and Hymnal: A Worship Book number 731.

*** From Sing the Story, number 182.