Worship for both the Live Stream Worship on Sunday and the Onsite Worship on Sunday 9:30AM, July 5, 2020

Morning Worship Text: July 5, 2020

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth

Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of green fabric or a plant to remind us of growth in this season of Ordinary Time.


Welcome

Musical Meditation

Focus

Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with s in this time and in all these places!

Call to Worship  

There are many gifts, talents, and abilities given by God.
But there is only one Spirit.
There are a variety of things we can do to serve the Lord.
But it is the same Lord we all serve.
There are many activities we can do to serve God:
teach, sing, clean, preach, play, work...
But all these are activated by God.
There are many manifestations of God's Spirit
in the world.
It is impossible to list them all.
To say that one is better than another is foolish.
God gives to each as God chooses.
Thanks be to God!

Invocation    We pray together in unison.
Lord, open our hearts to the surprising ways in which you offer to us your love and your presence. Help us to truly believe in the wondrous ways that you work in our lives. Give us hearts and spirits for service to you. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.

Scripture:   John 2:1-11

 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. ³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

⁴ “Woman,^[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.^[b]

⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside ¹⁰ and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Footnotes:

1. John 2:4 The Greek for Woman does not denote any disrespect.
2. John 2:6 Or from about 75 to about 115 liters

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sermon 



Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people
.

Prayer of Communion Elders this month are  Judy Halstead and Dennis Blackburn.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.

Prayer of Thanksgiving "The Lord's Prayer"

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who
are alone.

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

For this community, and each of our neighborhoods;
For our nation remembering and celebrating our beginning in this challenging time;
For the world experiencing pandemic and change in so many places, and all at once,

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

For all who work for justice, wholeness, health and peace.
For good stewardship of your creation;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the
needy.

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

For the peace and unity of your church, O God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek truth.
For our Regional Ministers, the General Church leadership, and for the Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and leaders of this congregation;
For all who serve God.

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

In Jesus' name and with the encouragement of your Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.

The Light that was in one place and at one time,

is now in all places and all times,

for God has placed the light in us. 

We abide in peace! 

June 28 Worship

Morning Worship Text: June 28, 2020

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth

Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of green fabric or a plant to remind us of growth in this season of Ordinary Time.


Welcome

Musical Meditation

Focus

Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with s in this time and in all these places!

Call to Worship    We read together responsively.


L: Good morning! Welcome far and wide!
P: We are one in the Holy Spirit.
L: Come let us worship with great joy the Lord who greets us.
P: Let us praise God who lifts our hearts and spirits.
L: Come together in faith, open your hearts to the Lord.
P: Thank you, Lord, for your welcome through this church. AMEN.

or

 From the comfort of our homes we gather to worship.

Whether through printed word, or through the gift of technology

we are a community.

Here we seek connection to the Divine.

Come, let us worship God,

shown to us through the risen Christ.

~ submitted by Ann Harbridge, DLM, Minister at Trinity Centennial United Church in Rosemont, Ontario.

Invocation    We pray together in unison.

Faithful God,
your love stands firm from generation to generation,
your mercy is always abundant.
Give us open and understanding hearts,
that having heard your word,
we may seek Christ's presence in all whom we meet. Amen.

Scripture:
Matthew 10:40-42

Sermon 



Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people
.

Prayer of Communion Elders this month are  Judy Halstead and Dennis Blackburn.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.

Prayer of Thanksgiving "The Lord's Prayer"

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

Pastoral Prayer

(inspired by James 1:17-27)

Holy and Gracious God,

we give you thanks for family, friends, life, love—

for all the blessings (name blessings and thanksgivings)
you have bestowed upon us.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of our Mothers and Fathers,

your desire for us leads the way,

may we have the ears to hear the cries of this world -
responding with Your hope.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate One,

fill us with your love

that we may see deeply into all the needs around us,

(name the hurts, needs, and hope you are carrying.)

Help us to care with Your heart.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer.

May Your love, Your grace, Your compassion, Your mercy,

carry us away, this day
and lead us with love
to be Your hands and heart in the world.

Amen.

~ posted by Terri on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.

The Light that was in one place and at one time,

is now in all places and all times,

for God has placed the light in us. 

We abide in peace! 

June 21, 2020

Morning Worship Text: June 21, 2020

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth

Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of green fabric or a plant to remind us of growth in this season of Ordinary Time.


Welcome

Musical Meditation

Focus

Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with s in this time and in all these places!

Call to Worship    We read together responsively.

Voice One: Let us raise our voices in praise to the risen, living Christ,
Voice Two: We embrace God's gift of resurrection power.
Voice One: Let us open our whole being to God's invitation to
join  Christ in moving from deadness into fullness of life.
Voice Two: We respond, "Yes!" to God's call to live.

~ modified from a prayer written by Sonya Dyer, in Sonya Dyer’s Prayerbook, posted on the Seekers Church website. http://www.seekerschurch.org/


Invocation    We pray together in unison.

Holy Spirit of God,
you go before us and call us into the future.
Encourage our community
as we form and re-form ourselves as your Body.
Just as the revelations of new life
energized the first disciples,
so we would be energized to dream new visions
and be open to new risks
and to the unknown. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

~ modified from a prayer written by Sonya Dyer, in Sonya Dyer’s Prayerbook, posted on the Seekers Church website. http://www.seekerschurch.org/



Scripture: Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 & Romans 6:1-11

Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,  for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long.
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
 abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication.
In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.
There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord,and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant;
Save the child of your serving girl. Show me a sign of your favor,
So that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
Because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Romans 6:1-11
What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

-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 



Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people
.

Prayer of Communion Elders this month are  Judy Halstead and Dennis Blackburn.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.

Prayer of Thanksgiving "The Lord's Prayer"

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

Teach us Your ways, Lord,
that we may come down from our heights
and be open to the same Spirit
who moved over the face of the waters in the first day of creation
and moves also over the chaos of this time
to fashion a day like this,
a world like ours,
a life like the one we are living,
a kingdom acting as leaven in the bread of earth.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.

And make us aware of the miracles of life,
of warm and cold,
of chaos and order,
of roaring wind and impenetrable silences,
and of the unfathomable mystery of amazing grace
in which we are kept.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.


Teach us Your ways, Lord,
that we may praise You
for all the surprising, ingenious ways You bless us,
and for all the wondrous gifts You give us,
along with all the pain and joy we sustain.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.


Teach us Your ways, Lord,
that we may accept our own talent openly,
nurture it hopefully,
develop it faithfully,
and give it freely.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.


Teach us Your ways, Lord,
that we may love Your kindness
and practice it toward the hungry of the world,
the poor and sick, and oppressed,
that we may learn the healing humility that comes from You.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.


Teach us Your ways, Lord,
so that our hearts are flooded with Your mercy—
emptying it of what makes it firmly opposed to Your ways,
so that they beat more in rhythm with You
and pound greatly for Your kingdom. Amen.

~ modified from “Teach Me Your Ways” by Ted Loder (Guerillas of Grace).  Posted on Peninsula Covenant Church website. http://wearepcc.com/  Response from "Spirit of the Living God," by Daniel Iverson. © 1935, 1963 Birdwing Music, a div. of The Sparrow Corp.

Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.

The Light that was in one place and at one time,

is now in all places and all times,

for God has placed the light in us. 

We abide in peace! 

Morning Worship Text: June 14, 2020

Morning Worship Text: June 14, 2020

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of green fabric or a plant to remind us of growth int this season of Ordinary Time.


Welcome

Musical Meditation

Focus


The Apostle Paul tells us that the Spirit of God prays for us  “with sighs too deep for words”.  Through the Life-Giving Breath of God, we are given all that we need.  Let us breathe deeply—inhaling the good gifts that God provides, and exhaling all of the things that we need to release.
Let us breathe in strength.  (breathe in) 
And, let us exhale our exhaustion.  (breathe out)

Let us breathe in unconditional love.  (breathe in) 
And, let us exhale distrust and hate.  (breathe out)

Let us breathe in a new sense of direction. (breathe in) 
And, let us exhale the paths we no longer want to use. (breathe out)

Let us breathe in hope.  (breathe in)   
And, let us exhale self-doubt. (breathe out)

Let us breathe in freedom.  (breathe in) 
And, let us exhale all that holds us back. (breathe out)
~ written by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet website. http://worshipcloset.com/

Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.


Call to Worship    We read together responsively.

 Voice One: It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,

Voice Two: to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night.

Voice One: For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

Voice Two: Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Voice One: Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

Voice Two: For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

Voice One: Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

Voice Two: Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Voice One: Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;

Voice Two: give thanks to him and praise his name.

— posted on Resources for Your Ministry

Invocation    We pray together in unison.

Holy Spirit, let us feel the mighty rush of your presence in this place. 
Blow away our fears and worries,
and help us to breathe in your gifts of new life.  Amen.

~ written by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet website. http://worshipcloset.com/


Scripture: Romans 5:1-8 (NRSV)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

-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 



Invitation to the Table

 The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people


Prayer of Communion Elders this month are  Judy Halstead and Dennis Blackburn.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.

Prayer of Thanksgiving "The Lord's Prayer"

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

We thank you, O God, that you have given us an enduring hope—one which cannot disappoint us or mislead us.  We thank you, that through our faith in you and in your Son Jesus Christ, you enter into every believing heart and make new lives that have been torn asunder by the darkness of this
world...
Lord, hear our prayer.....

We pray today O God that those believers who are asleep may awake and know that salvation is nearer now than when they first believed.  Help them, and us, to lay aside the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light that you bestow upon those who actively seek you day by day.  Grant that their faith and ours may be fully alive....  
Lord, hear our prayer.....

We ask today, O God, for those who have lost hope and for those who have never had it.  Grant to us and to those we lift before you in our hearts a new and abiding vision of what have you have done, and what you are doing, and what you will do, to save and redeem your people and indeed the creation itself.  Grant, O God, that all might see and believe and discover their purpose and the purpose of all that is and all that is yet to be....
Lord, hear our prayer.....

We lift before you, O God, those persons and those places named in our sharing time (bidding prayer)…. 
Lord, hear our prayer.....

We ask all this of you, O God, knowing that you are our hope and our salvation, a very present help in times of trouble, and the One whose purpose is to grant and new and abundant life to us and our world.  Praise be to your name.  Amen.

~ written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on Kir-shalom. http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/a-ad01smsn.php

Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.
The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.  We abide in peace! 

Morning Worship Text: June 7, 2020
Season of Pentecoste
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of white fabric, a cross or bright spring flowers, like lilies to complete your worship center.


Welcome

Musical Meditation:

Focus
 Matthew 28:16-20  Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Focus on our baptisms.  Bring over the baptism display


Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Call to Worship    We read together responsively.
One: Great Spirit, Open our eyes that we may see the needs of others;
Many: Open our ears that we may hear their cries;One: Open our hearts so that they need not be without succor;
Many: Let us not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong, nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich.One: Show us where fear and prejudice blind us. Spirit of the Living God, open our eyes.
Many: OPEN OUR EYES!
Paraphrase, Cynthia Wilson


Invocation    We pray together in unison.
Creator God, Saving God, Comforter God,
Speak to us, we are listening,
Reveal to us, we are watching,
Teach us, our hearts are open,
Do it again, God!
Rush into this place, re-create us, redeem us, Parent us…
In your name, our Three-in-One and One-in-Three God. Amen!
Written by Cynthia Wilson © 2020 Free Indeed Productions


Scripture:2 Corinthians 13:11-13   Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Sermon 


Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home^[b] and ate their food with glad and generous^[c] hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having the goodwill of all the people

Prayer of Communion Elders this month are  Kathy Sharp and Gwynne Griffith.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.

The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.

Prayer of Thanksgiving "The Lord's Prayer"
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.


Prayers of the People
We are called into unity with one another. Yet especially this week our nation is experiencing painful and profound disunity. Let us preface our prayers this morning with several minutes of silence, meditating on the sorrows of our country.
A period of silence.
Held together in the mercy of your love and greace, let us join with one another to pray for the many needs of the world.
A brief silence.
O  God, bless the preaching and reception of your Word, and pour your Spirit onto congregational leaders and all the baptized. Give wisdom and stamina to those who work in national church offices for their unprecedented tasks. Hold the churches of all denominations together in one, as you are one.
A brief silence.
O God, as at the beginning of time your word and spirit visited the earth, so now sustain this planet with your renewing care. Teach us to care for the very good earth that you have created. Calm the summer’s storms, and send rain where there is drought.
A brief silence.

O  God, guide with your powerful mercy our troubled nation, where relationships are fractured and injustice marks the land. Heal our wounded people. Give hope to the despairing. Protect the protestors. Preserve our cities from more tumult, and keep away those intent on destruction. Guard stores and homes from fire, and save us from bloodshed. Control our police and national guard as they stand against violence. Assist our president, our governors and our legislators in moving forward from a history of racism into a future of peace.
A brief silence.
O God, open our eyes to see your likeness in everyone. Heal the sick, uphold all who face oppression, feed the hungry. Visit refugee camps with power to save. We ask your mercy on the millions who suffer from the coronovirus – the sick, the dying, the bereaved, the unemployed. Uphold medical workers, and accompany researchers as they seek a vaccine. Embrace the children who live confused and sad. We pray also for those we remember here before you:
A brief silence.
O God, as summer begins, give safety to those who travel and contentment to those who cannot. Give a sense of sabbath rest to those whose vacation plans have been canceled, and grant activities to the children who cannot attend summer camp. Shine your sun on farmers’ fields, so that enough food will grow for our needs. Shield all farm workers from the worst of the heat.
 A brief silence.
O God, bring us into the mystery of your creative life. We praise you as Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Mercy-maker. Accept now the petitions of our own hearts.
A longer time of silence.
O God, we praise you for all the saints who, in the past and the present, have lived and died in you. At the end, bring us all into the tender power of your presence.  We especially remember Ruth Nickell. 
A brief silence.
Hear these words, O God, and receive also those petitions that are too deep for words, joining our prayers with those of Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us, now and forever.
Amen.

Challenge for Discipleship

Blessing     We speak in unison.
All Voices: 
The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.  We abide in peace!