ORDER OF WORSHIP Ordinary Time July 11, 2021
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Prelude: Four German Hymn Tunes Jan Bender
Welcome: Rev. Nancy Butcher and Rev. Judy Proctor
Call to Worship: inspired by Ephesians 1: 3-14 Leader: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, People: who destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, Leader: : who has forgiven our sins according to the riches of his grace, People: and has made known to us the mystery of his will. Leader: This is our God! All: Let us worship God together!
Hymn: “O Christ, the Great Foundation” NCH - 387
Invocation and Lord’s Prayer (unison): Michael Saward O God our Father, we thank you that today you have called us to worship you and learn of you . You alone know our needs. Satisfy them with your unchanging love. In your presence may we find comfort in sorrow, guidance in perplexity, strength to meet temptation, grace to overcome the fascination of disobedience, and courage to face up to the hostility of this rebellious world. Above all, may we meet Jesus and go from our worship indwelt by his spirit. This we pray in the Name of the One who taught us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Anthem: Sicilian a from the Violin Sonata in G minor J.S. Bach Matthias van Maaren
Prayers of the People Leader: May God be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray . . .
Prayer Response
Invitation to Offering
Anthem: Prelude from the Suite for Viola and Orchestra R. Vaughan-Williams Karen McConomy
Scripture Reading: Mark 6:14-29
Message: Fear Not - Respond with Deep Commitment Rev. Nancy Butcher
Hymn: “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” NCH – 495
Benediction
Postlude: All Creatures of Our God and King Kevin Norris / Richard Lloyd
______Many thanks to Matthias van Maaren and Karen McConomy special music this morning. Our continued thanks to Trey Simmons for his tech support, and to Chris Dunn and Max DeSantis for video.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “There is a beautiful single verse Shaker song, ‘Simple Gifts’ with repeating lyrics: ‘Tis the gift to be simple, tis' the gift to be free ‘Tis the gift to come down, where you ought to be And when we find ourselves in the place just right ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gain’d, to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed, To turn, turn will be our delight Till by turning, turning we come round right.” composed by Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. (1848)
In this dance called life, what is God inviting you to do to “come round right? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Church in Wenham is an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ.
We are committed to loving God and loving each other as God loves us, freely and unconditionally. We welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, races and ethnicities, mental and physical abilities, marital and socio-economic status, into the full life, ministry and leadership of our faith community. We are committed to the mission of Christ's teaching of all-encompassing love, peace and justice for all creation, and reaching out to the community and the world in service, ministry, and care.
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INVITATION to OFFERING
Did you know you can offer your pledge online?
It's really easy. Just go to the giving page at www.firstchurchwenham.org, Scroll down to Donate or Give Now button. You can use your credit card, debit card, or bank account. You can give one time this way, or make it a recurring donation. There is a small transaction fee that you can cover, if you like.
In this strange time of virtual worship and online connection, why not give it a try!
First Church in Wenham One Arbor St. Wenham MA 01984 978-468-4900 http://www.firstchurchwenham.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are delighted to have you with us. May you experience Christ’s transforming love and the healing grace of the Spirit as we worship together.
We welcome Rev. Nancy Butcher as our guest preacher this morning. Nancy Butcher lives in Wenham with her wife, Carly Alboth. She is a lifelong member of the UCC and was ordained in Feb. 2018. Nancy believes that offering God’s love to ALL people with a smile on her face, deep listening and sincerity in her responses is at the heart of her Call to Ordained Ministry. She has a special passion for ministering to seniors, shut-ins and people with cognitive disabilities. On a warm summer’s day, Nancy enjoys riding motorcycles along the coast with her wife as well as exploring the great outdoors and camping in their travel trailer.
The Parish Caregiver this week is Sue Ackerman at 978-468-6561. If you would like a ride to church or medical appointment, a meal, a visit or prayers, contact this Caregiver. During Judy’s vacation (July 12-18) Rev. Holly Brauner will be on call for pastoral emergencies. To contact Holly, call Sue Ackerman, or call Finella Williams, church administrator, at 978-468-4900 or email her at [email protected].
Summer Flowers: During July and August, members of the congregation are invited to bring flowers from their garden or potted plants for the chancel table to brighten our services. Please look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex for a summer Sunday that is best for you. Thank you!
Summer Preaching and Start Time: July 18 - Rev. Judy Brain July 25 - Rev. Judy Proctor August 1 – Rev. James Ross
Sunday Worship services will be at 10am throughout the summer