Sunday June 14 2020
Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1:43PM PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP:
Read this piece about “angelic troublemaker” Bayard Rustin, from the book Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints by Daneen Akers.
In what ways did you notice Rustin showing or embodying compassion?
CANDLE-LIGHTING:
We light a candle each week as a reminder of God’s presence with us through the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. We also remember the words of our congregation’s mission statement—“being formed, being sent, by Christ”—and that Jesus is still doing this work in us, even as we are physically apart and worshiping in our homes. AMEN.
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Holy Presence, let us be with you today. Awaken our senses to the wonders of your creation, and fill us with compassion for every person we meet. Protect us from those who would hurt us; make us watchful so that we do not harm anyone. Fill our inward being with the love of Christ, and inasmuch as it is possible, let others know your presence through us. In this way let us glorify you, Holy One, Holy Three. Amen.*
HYMN: "Heaven's Here"
PRAYER TIME:**
Prayer of the Day:
God of all power and peace, as Jesus sent his disciples out to heal the sick, cast out demons, gather the lost, raise the dead, and proclaim the nearness of your realm, make us ready to go and share the good news we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Prayers of Intercession:
From you alone, Lord Jesus Christ, comes the authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, welcome the outcast, and even raise the dead. Therefore we are bold to seek your power and ready to claim your grace.
Heal the sick…. [silence]
Touch with compassion all those who suffer;
speak the word that will make them whole.
Cast out demons…. [silence]
Banish the powers that oppress your people;
bring peace to troubled hearts and minds.
Welcome the outcast…. [silence]
Open the doors of your church to all;
gather the lost and bring them home.
Raise the dead…. [silence]
As you broke free from the grave,
destroy the power of death forever.
Nothing is impossible for you, Christ Jesus.
Let these signs of your coming realm be manifest in our world today;
for you are our Lord and Savior.
And now we pray together, as Jesus taught us, saying the words of the Lord’s Prayer:
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: Matthew 9:35-10:1
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 Mosaic 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.
SENDING BLESSING:
Live without fear of the wrath of God.
Live in the peace of Christ.
Live in the hope of the Spirit.
The three persons of the Trinity surround you.
The hand of God keep you from all harm;
the Spirit of God guide you in all joy;
the Son of God deliver you to eternal life.***
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- Pema Chödrön has written, “Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” How might we go about doing this? (from The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times)
- When you think of God’s good news (“gospel”) do you think of compassion being part of that news? Why or why not?
- What is one way you can show compassion this week? What is a step you are willing to take?
* Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 32).
** Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 34).
*** Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 32).