Epistle: a Letter. an Amazingly Simple Definition for a Word That Carries with It the Power to Embody Love, Demand Justice, An

Epistle: a letter.

An amazingly simple definition for a word that carries with it the power to embody love, demand justice, and transform the world.

Together we will be working towards these goals throughout the summer.

Together we will learn about The Epistles in the Bible. How they were written for their time and how we can apply them to our current times.

Together we will write epistles to those we cherish in our church community.

Together we will let our voices be heard by writing to our legislative representatives.

Together we will worship as a community of faith united in the knowledge that God will stand by us in all times and all places.

5275 Sunset Drive | Miami FL 33143 www.rivierachurch.org 305-666-8586

RIVIERA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH THE EPISTLES: PHILIPPIANS JULY 4, 2021

GATHERING We ask all who are attending “in person” worship to keep your mask on as a visible expression of “loving your neighbor as yourself.” Please note that this service is being broadcasted via live stream and digitally recorded.

*Please stand in body or in spirit.

CHIMING THE HOUR & WELCOMING THE LIGHT

PRELUDE We Gather Together Riviera Ukulele Ensemble (Please use the prelude as a time to quiet your spirit and prepare for worship.)

GREETINGS Rev. Martha M. Shiverick

*OPENING HYMN My Country, ’Tis of Thee

* CALL TO WORSHIP (Litany for the nation) One: Mighty God: the earth is yours and nations are your people. Take away our pride and bring to mind your goodness, so that, living together in this land, we may enjoy your gifts and be thankful. All: Amen. One: For clouded mountains, fields and woodland, for shoreline and running streams; for all that makes our nation good and lovely; All: We thank you, God. One: For farms and villages where food is gathered to feed our people; All: We thank you, God. One: For cities where we talk and work together in companies, factories, shops, or schools to shape those things we need for living; All: We thank you, God. One: For explorers, planners, states-people; for prophets who speak out, and for silent faithful people; for all who love our land and guard freedom; All: We thank you, God. One: For vision to see your purpose and apology hidden in our nation’s history, and courage to seek it in love exchanged; All: We thank you God. One: On this Independence Day, let us worship God!

CALL TO CONFESSION Unlike ours, God’s anger does not last. But God’s favor, God’s grace, and God’s forgiveness are for us, and not just in this moment, but forever.

It is with confidence then that we are able to confess as God is indeed ready to heal us. Please join me as we pray, saying:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION unison (Woodrow Wilson - 1855-1924) Almighty God, ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive, we pray, our shortcomings as a nation; purify our hearts to see and love truth; give wisdom to our counselors and steadfastness to our people; and bring us at last to the fair city of peace, whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, and whose builder and maker you are; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Sing praises to our God, faithful children of God. God has heard our prayers and made us whole. We will not be silent but will sing our joy to the one who has forgiven us and made us a new creation.

CHILDREN’S SERMON Anna Rosas

CHILDREN’S SONG #853 We are Marching in the Light of God Starting this Sunday look for our sheep Madeline De Rivera in our sanctuary! Each week she'll be hanging out in a different part of the sanctuary so keep an eye out. She will be visible online as well so look for her at home!

THE WORD CHORAL ANTHEM This is My Song

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION Loving God, your word has the power to restore our lives. Open our hearts to the presence of your Spirit, for you are mighty to save. Amen.

SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:4-9 4 Rejoice[a] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[b] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved,[c] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[d] these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SERMON Rev. Martha M. Shiverick ‘Meditating on What is Good’

ANNOUNCEMENTS Be in the Know – read the bulletin and see what opportunities for ministry you are interested in making a connection with, events to participate in and classes to expand your faith journey.

CALL TO THE OFFERING Dear God, in the offering of our gifts as well as the living of our days, may we not grow weary of doing what is right, but commit ourselves to speaking up for those who are voiceless, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, and all those mercies which are such a part of your heart and hopes for all your children. Amen.

The Act of Gratitude 1. You may donate today with a credit/debit card at www.rivierachurch.org and click on the GIVE button or use the scan me code with your phone camera. 2. You may leave your donation in the offering plate as you exit the sanctuary. 3. You may download the free Give+ app (iOS & Android) 4. You may set up online payment via your bank bill pay program. 5. You may also mail in your check to the church at Riviera Presbyterian Church at 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami FL 33143

*DOXOLOGY

THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Michele Ready and Rev. Martha Shiverick Instructions prior to communion for those on zoom or watching our live stream Prepare a space for communion. Light a candle and place it on your table with bread and a cup filled with wine or grape juice add any other items (bible or cross) that will make your table a spiritual and holy place.

PRAYER OF PREPARATION Let us pray. God, we ask you to be present with us as we meet knowing that you transcend our physical distance from one another. You are not tied to time or space and you part the veil between us as we come together to share your holy meal. As we worship online and in person, we know that we are one body and that through this sacrament we are one in your Spirit and together. Amen.

INVITATION TO THE TABLE At Riviera Church we practice open communion. You need not be a member of Riviera or any church to share in this sacramental meal. Communion is a tactile, sensory experience where we symbolically serve a meal that has been handed down to us from the ancient Hebrews at their Passover Table and adapted by Jesus as he shared his last meal with his disciples. You are invited to participate in this communion in any way that fits your faith journey at this time. Taste the love that we share together even in this time of worshipping online.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts! All: We lift them up to the Lord. One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise. O Lord, our Governor, your glory shines throughout the world. We commend to your merciful care our United States of America, that we may live securely in peace and be guided by your providence. Give all in authority the wisdom and strength to know your will and do it. Help them to remember that they are called to serve the people 9 as lovers of truth and justice. Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. And now let us pray in the manner that Christ taught us praying: Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kin-dom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kin-dom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE COMMUNION

THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Thank you again, God, for feeding us with this spiritual food and nourishing us to be your disciples, doing your will and bringing your realm to earth. On this day as we celebrate our nation’s birthday we ask you to bless our country. Make us, who come from many nations, with many different cultures and languages, be a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there might be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful and generous; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*CLOSING HYMN

POSTLUDE Perfect Peace You are encouraged to take the bulletin home with you to read the prayers throughout the week.

Thank you for worshipping with us today. Take a moment to fill out the Friendship Form on our website.

You may also share any prayer requests or joys which will be sent to our pastoral care team.

Youth Reading Group | You don't need to have the book. Just log in on Zoom Sundays at 3:45 pm. Speak to Anna after worship today or email her for the Zoom login. [email protected]

Are you ready to explore the next Epistle in our series? Sunday Morning on Zoom and In-Person Adult Bible Study Class 10:00 am - 10:30 am. Meeting 860-148-3445 Password: 2708

Beach Breakfast is Back! Come join the church family at Riviera for an Intergenerational Beach- Breakfast on July 10th at 9:00 A.M. We will meet on "North Beach" in Crandon Park under some lush palm trees and hang out! Parking is $7 for the whole day. Please bring sunscreen, water, and a breakfast item to share! OJ and some fruit will be provided. If you have any questions contact Anna at [email protected].

Christmain July 12

Worship Service

DISPLAYING PERMISSIONS

Copyright Information: We Gather Together – 841487 Text: 12 11 12 11; Wilt heden nu treden; tr. by Theodore Baker, 1851-1934, alt. Music: Valerius' Nederlandtsche Gedenckclanck, Haarlem, 1626. Contributors: KREMSER, Edward Kremser. All Rights Reserved

Riviera Presbyterian Church – PCUSA (A Member Congregation of the Presbytery of Tropical Florida) 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143 | (305)666-8586 [email protected]| www.rivierachurch.org

Ministers All the People Pastor Rev. Martha M. Shiverick Parish Associate for Visitation Rev. Rosemary N. Welton Parish Associate for Visitation Rev. Dr. David Welton Director of Music Dr. Walter Busse Youth Education & Outreach Anna Rosas Certified Church Administrator Barbara Prieto Nursery Care Giver Josephine Gurri Custodian Mary Lopez

Session Session Session Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Kyle Dettloff Karen Collier Susan Admire Vivian German Barbara Overton Amparo Hernandez Rey Prieto Susan Mazzola Bryan Page Cris Sweeny Mimi Sutherland Michele Ready