Sunday July 5, 2020
Friday, July 3, 2020 at 5:24PM 
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*
HYMN: "You are Good (Your Mercy Endures)"
PRAYER TIME*
Call to Confession: Jesus said: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Prayer of Confession:
Lord, we marvel at the thought of a well-fitted yoke,
a burden scaled to match our frames;
we do not know how to rest in the promise of such labor.
Some of us are weary from unceasing responsibility;
others find no welcome in the marketplace.
We confound your vision for our common life.
Forgive our blind striving, our stifled concern,
the judgments we cast on others.
Make yourself known to us in the silence.
Shape your children for the commonwealth of your love.
In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Declaration of Forgiveness: Friends, hear this gospel word: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. In the presence of Jesus Christ, we understand that our sin is forgiven. We have been freed for service in his name.
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.
The Jesus who invites all to come to him, also teaches us to pray. So let us join together with 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 11:16-19, 25-30
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.
HYMN: "Come to Me"
SENDING BLESSING
May the God who brings good from broken situations,
the Christ who shares his yoke with us,
the Spirit which breathes her wisdom into our hearts
sustain and guide us this day and every day. AMEN.*
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Take a few minutes to reflect further on the word or image that came to you during lectio divina exercise (Step 4, Rest).
- What burdens are you carrying today? Where do you sense God working in your life?