Sunday June 28, 2020

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* 

Steadfast God, you greet us as a loving parent and patiently love us beyond all measure. Great is your faithfulness. May we offer that same kindness to all whom we encounter, knowing it is Christ whom we greet as we welcome others. Amen.

 PRAYER TIME*

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

Prayers of Intercession:

Creator of all things seen and unseen, you blew the Spirit of Christ into apostles and disciples enslaved by sin, freeing your people from death and captivating us with your steadfast love. You raised the body of Christ, the church in the world, to proclaim the good news of salvation. For the sake of the world we pray, Come, Lord Jesus!

We pray for all whose lives are touched by the church’s witness. May they feel the healing hands of Christ Jesus serving them with gentleness, kindness, grace, and love. 

We pray for the world into which you call the church. 

Help us to be faithful in giving ourselves away for the sake of the gospel. 

In your Spirit, let us show the peace of Christ to a world of violence, 

share the bread of heaven with a world of hunger, 

offer springs of living water to a world of pollution, 

and lead the way of truth and life with the gifts of faith, hope, and love, 

until you bring the fullness of your new creation. 

Then and now we rejoice with the multitudes: praise, honor, and glory to you, Holy Trinity, in the name of Jesus Christ, 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.

HYMN: "God of the Movements and Martyrs" 

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Matthew 10:40-42

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

May the One who creates, redeems, and sustains you from everlasting to everlasting, grant you the grace of peace, holiness, and eternal life.* 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Why might both giving and receiving hospitality be important? How can both postures contribute to the kind of life Jesus calls us to?   
• In this time of pandemic we’ve been sort of “sent out” in a different way. Where have you received hospitality and welcome during this time? Who has welcomed you? Can you name some examples?
• Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes said that Jesus calls us to “put our love in jeopardy.” What do you think that might look like?

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 40-53).