May 30 On-Site Trinity Sunday and Memorial Weekend

Today's Worship
Memorial Weekend
May 30, 2021

Welcome

Opening Music: “ America the Beautiful” Mary Bondurant
( arrangement for flute, viola, and piano), Ward, ARRG Lamar, Church CCLI

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 us in this time and in this place!

Call to Worship

Leader: In mystery and grandeur
People: we see the face of God
Leader: In earthiness and ordinary
People: we know the love of Christ
Leader: In heights and depths and life and death:
People: we feel the breath of the Spirit.
Leader: Let us praise God!
— from the World Council of Churches 1991: In Spirit and in Truth.  Posted on the http://pilgrimwr.unitingchurch.org.au/ website.
Invocation

Gracious God, God of all compassion and consolation, your breath alone brings life
to dry bones and weary souls. 
Pour out your Spirit upon us,
that we may live with the hope of resurrection
through Christ, our Lord. 
Help us to dance with the Spirit,
the breath of life,
which calls us into your presence,
in this present moment of worship,
in our daily lives,
in our hope of eternal life. Amen.
~excerpted and adapted from a prayer posted on I’m Just Saying.  http://thepostmodernpastor.com/

Scripture: Romans 2:22-27

Meditation

Invitation to the Table 

Prayer of Communion     

The Lord's Supper
We come forward to receive the bread and cup and share our offering as we hear the music.

Communion Music: “Let there Be Peace on Earth”  
Mary Bondurant, flute on keyboard
Miller, Jackson, 1955, Chalice Hymnal p 677

Words of Institution 
We partake of  the bread and cup.

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.
 

Joys & Concerns

Prayer of Remembrance for Memorial Day:
Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict, and ask that God may give us peace: for the service men and women who have died in the violence of war, each one remembered by and known to God.
May God give peace.
For those who love them in death as in life, offering the distress of our grief and the sadness of our loss;
May God give peace.
For all members of the armed forces who are in danger this day, remembering family, friends and all who pray for their safe return;
May God give peace.
For civilian women, children and men whose lives are disfigured by war or terror, calling to mind in penitence the anger and hatreds of humanity;
May God give peace.
For peacemakers and peacekeepers, who seek to keep this world secure and free;
May God give peace.
For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership, political, military and religious; asking for gifts of wisdom and resolve in the search for reconciliation and peace;
May God give peace.
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
May God give peace.
As we honor the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever.
May God give peace.  Amen.
~ adapted from a prayer posted on the Church of England website. https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical-prayers/remembranceday.aspx


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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!


Closing Music

May 30, 2021 WWWW Trinity Sunday and Memorial Weekend

 Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church  (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
May 30, 2021 (Sunday of Memorial Weekend)

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. As we observe Memorial Day this weekend, remembering those who have died, especially those who have died in war service to country. You may want to add a picture of someone in your family who died in military servce to your worship center. You could also write the name of someone on a card and write your memories of them.

Worship 

Invocation We begin with prayer.
Gracious God, God of all compassion and consolation,
your breath alone brings life to dry bones and weary souls. 
Pour out your Spirit upon us, that we may live
with the hope of resurrection through Christ, our Lord. 
Help us to dance with the Spirit, the breath of life,
which calls us out into your presence,
in this present moment of worship,
in our daily lives, in our hope of eternal life.
Amen.
~excerpted and adapted from a prayer posted on I’m Just Saying.  http://thepostmodernpastor.com/



Lighting the Candles  We light our candles or lights.

Call to Worship
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Voice One: Life-giving, life-restoring, life-fulfilling God;
Voice Two: May our whole lives be worship.
~ Final lines from a prayer posted on The Minor Keys. http://theminorkeys.blogspot.ca/  
 

Witness
 

Interview: Today's guest disciple is

Prayer of Remembrance for Memorial Day:

Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict,
and ask that God may give us peace:
for the service men and women
who have died in the violence of war,
each one remembered by and known to God.
May God give peace.

For those who love them in death as in life,
offering the distress of our grief
and the sadness of our loss;
May God give peace.

For all members of the armed forces
who are in danger this day,
remembering family, friends
and all who pray for their safe return;
May God give peace.

For civilian women, children and men
whose lives are disfigured by war or terror,
calling to mind in penitence
the anger and hatreds of humanity;
May God give peace.

For peacemakers and peacekeepers,
who seek to keep this world secure and free;
May God give peace.

For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership,
political, military and religious;
asking for gifts of wisdom and resolve
in the search for reconciliation and peace;
May God give peace.

O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those whose memory we cherish,
and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world,
and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
May God give peace.

As we honour the past,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.
May God give peace.
Amen.

~ adapted from a prayer posted on the Church of England website. https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical-prayers/remembranceday.aspx



Word
Scripture: Acts  2:1-21
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
-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.

Meditation

Challenge for Discipleship

Welcome- The Lord's Supper

Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.

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

Words of Institution 

Prayer of Response
We have heard about you, God of all power.
You made the world out of kindness,and
each one of us in your own image;
Your fingerprint is on every soul.
So we praise you.
We praise and worship you, God, our Creator.

We have heard about you, Jesus Christ:
the carpenter who left his tools and trade;
the healer who let himself be wounded;
the saviour who died and rose again.
So we praise you.
We praise and worship you, Christ our Savior.

We have heard about you, Holy Spirit.
You broke the bonds of every race and nation,
to let God speak in every tongue;
You showed how love made all things new
and opened the doors to change and freedom.
So we praise you.
We praise and worship you, Holy Spirit our Inspiration.

Holy God, Three in One, receive our worship as we pray together the prayer you gave us,
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.
— adapted from a prayer in Bread of Tomorrow, ed. Janet Morley (1992). Posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

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.   And we abide in peace.

May 23, 2021 Online WWWW

 Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church  (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
May 23, 2021 (Pentecost Sunday)

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. It's Pentecost when we celegrate the "birthday of the church" and the fulfilment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower and inspire the disciples! Place something red to your worship center to symbolize the Holy Spirit. Or youcan add a picture of a dove or some extra candles!

Worship 

Invocation We begin with prayer.

Spirit God, blow into our lives, move us to action.
Where our language divides, offer us translation.
Where our fear overcomes, fill us with the fire of courage.
Where our lives are becalmed, fill our sails with wind,
moving us forward into the unknown future.
Fill us with the hope and promise of Pentecost! Amen.
~ written by Rev. Gord Waldie and posted on Worship Offerings. http://worshipofferings.blogspot.ca/

Lighting the Candles  We light our candles or lights.

Call to Worship

Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Voice One: Like the flames on the candles, Holy Spirit, come!
Voice Two: Hover over us. Inspire our hearts and minds in worship!

Witness
Today's guest disciple is Alysa Weaver. Alysa is winding up her third year as a Nursing Student at Berea College. She is a member of our Tuesday Evening Bible Study and affiliated with our College Fellowship. During the past two summers, Alysa has worked at residential care homes for the elderly.

Word
Scripture: Acts  2:1-21
    When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
    Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
    But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:*
‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
*the prophetic book, Joel 2:28-32 (Old Testament)
-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.

Meditation

Challenge for Discipleship

Welcome- The Lord's Supper

Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.

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

Words of Institution  

Prayer of Response

Holy One,
ignite within us a fiery passion
for your mission in the world today.
Come, Holy Spirit, we welcome you!
Warm us by the Spirit’s dancing tongues of flame,
that we may feel your kindling blaze within,
urging us to do your greater good.
Come, Holy Spirit, we welcome you!
Make us wholly present to experience a new birth,
and awaken possibilities within us
to share your love in the world.
Come, Holy Spirit, we welcome you!
In this love and abundance,
we celebrate your harvest—
a harvest bearing the first fruits of the Spirit
within us.
Come, Holy Spirit, we welcome you!
Show us how to use these gifts,
as we listen for your truth
in the gentle breeze of your Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit, we welcome you!
Open our hearts as we pray together as Jesus Christ has taught us,
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.
— written by Sara Dunning Lambert, from Abingdon Worship Annual 2009.  Posted on the website of the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren.

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.   And we abide in peace! 


May 23, 2021 On-Site Worship Pentecost

Today's Worship
Pentecost Sunday
May 23, 2021

Welcome

Opening music:

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 us
in this time and in this place!

Call to Worship

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit,
People: The wind of God, the breath of Life.
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit,
People: Our Advocate, our Counselor.
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit,
People: Teacher of Wisdom, Reminder of Christ.
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit,
People: Granter of forgiveness, giver of peace.
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.
People: May we feel God breathing through our worship as we receive the Holy Spirit in this place. Amen.
~ written by Joanna Harader and posted on Spacious Faith. https://spaciousfaith.com/

Invocation

Spirit God, blow into our lives, move us to action. Where our language divides, offer us translation. Where our fear overcomes, fill us with the fire of courage. Where our lives are becalmed, fill our sails with wind, moving us forward into the unknown future. Fill us with the hope and promise of Pentecost! Amen.
~ written by Rev. Gord Waldie and posted on Worship Offerings. http://worshipofferings.blogspot.ca/

Scripture: Acts 16:1-15

Special Music:

Meditation

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


Prayer of Communion  

   

The Lord's Supper We come forward to receive the bread and cup and share our offering as we hear the music.

Communion Music:

Words of Institution  We partake of  the bread and cup.

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.

 

Prayer of Intercession

Great God, you wrap us round with mighty, gentle love, and you carry us with strength and tenderness,
setting us on our feet to be your free, mature and joyful daughters and sons. Now, in our weakness, we pray to you because we cannot come through life’s troubles unscathed; and, with souls and bodies stressed and strained, we cannot meet each other’s needs without your Holy Spirit.
 

Holy Spirit, come with healing power;
Spirit, gift of Christ, fill us with us God’s love.

Great God, we come to you with the resurrected Christ, who bore the weight of human flesh and blood to Calvary, for your love’s sake; and even now, in the glory of his resurrection, he pleads with you for all your suffering children.
 

Holy Spirit, come with healing power;
Spirit, gift of Christ, fill us with us God’s love.

We join our prayers to the prayers of Christ for those we know who are ill or troubled, and for all your suffering children who are beyond our reach of mind: we know that all are brought home to your heart in the prayers of Christ  and in the silent intercessions of your Spirit, who comes from your deep heart to ours,
and returns again to you with all our deepest longings.
 

Holy Spirit, come with healing power;
Spirit, gift of Christ, fill us with us God’s love.

Heal us and help us, comfort and strengthen us, deepen our joy. Let our love reflect your mighty tenderness and serve your healing gentleness.
 

Holy Spirit, come with healing power;
Spirit, gift of Christ, fill us with us God’s love.

So, Living God, let praise begin, here and now with us, welling up from our hearts, rising towards the skies, until praise fills the universe and joy is unconfined: as you delight in us and we delight in you, for evermore.  

Holy Spirit, come with healing power;
Spirit, gift of Christ, fill us with us God’s love.
 — from a prayer by Alan Gaunt, © 2005. 


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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!

Closing Music

On-Site Worship May 16, 2021

Today's Worship
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 16, 2021

Welcome

Opening Music: "Peace Like a River" Williams Family, chimes

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 us
in this time and in this place!

Call to Worship
Leader: We gather in this place, some empty, some filled, some whole, some broken:
People:  Yearning for the Holy Spirit to fill us.
Leader:: We come, with these ordinary people, who have shown us the way:
People: trusting that God will continue to illumine our hearts.
Leader: We surround the Table of grace
People: so we might be fed by the Bread of life:
Leader: We come that having found grace,
People: We may serve others;
Leader: We come that as we are healed,
People: We may bring hope to the world.
—Thom Shuman, posted on his blog, Lectionary Liturgies.
See his website for more great worship resources.


Invocation
Holy Spirit, sacred breath, move through this time. Unlock a song within your people. Breathe into us your hopes and dreams for a world filled with justice, love, and peace. Amen.
~ written by Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits. https://liturgybits.wordpress.com  

Scripture: Acts 16:1-15

Special Music: "Psalm 40"        Andra Moran
A. Moran, Chalice Praise, CCLI

Meditation

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


Prayer of Communion    

 

The Lord's Supper We come forward to receive the bread and cup and share our offering as we hear the music.

Communion Music: "It Is No Secret"  Janie Taulbee, piano
Hamblen, 1951, CCLI

Words of Institution  We partake of  the bread and cup.


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.
 

Prayer of Intercession

 
O Holy Spirit, source of creation, come to those who are ill or in trouble to heal them in body, mind, and soul, that they may return to abundant life.
Lord, hear our prayers.

O Holy Spirit, mind of God, come to those in power to enlighten their minds with your mercy and wisdom, that their work may reflect and extend your will for all creation.
Lord, hear our prayers.

O holy Spirit, presence of Christ, come to those you call your own to enlighten their minds with your grace and truth,that we may be your hands and feet in this world you love.
Lord, hear our prayers.

O holy Spirit, comforter and companion, come to all of us to guide our actions and words that we may rejoice in your presence and make this world your home.
Lord, hear our prayers.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

~ adapted from a prayer, Copyright © 2006 by Brummhart Publishing Company.  Posted on the Brummhart Publishing website.  http://www.brummhartpublishing.com/


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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!


Closing Music

Online WWWW May 16, 2021

Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome

Online Worship with First Christian Church  (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
May 16, 2021 (Seventh Sunday of Easter Season)

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.

Worship
Invocation
Holy Spirit, sacred breath, move through this time.
Unlock a song within your people.
Breathe into us your hopes and dreams
for a world filled with justice, love, and peace. Amen.
~ written by Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits. https://liturgybits.wordpress.com  

Lighting the Candles  We light our candles or lights.
Call to Worship
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Voice One: Come, let us worship God, our Savior,
Voice Two: Who hears us when we cry out for help!

Witness
Today's guest disciples are the Williams family, Mandy, Brad, Caroline, Wyatt and Barrett. Mandy teaches at Richmond Model. Brad is a doctor in McKee, Ky. Caroline, Wyatt and Barrett are students, athletes, gardeners, explorers and friends. What's the Good Word from Red Lick?

Word
Scripture: Acts 16:1-15
    Paul went on also to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went from town to town, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily.
    They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
    We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon 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.

Meditation
Challenge for Discipleship

Welcome- The Lord's Supper
Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Chrsit who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Kathy Sharp and Gwynne Griffith.
Words of Institution 

 
Prayer of Response
Our God—we, your people, stand ready and open to receive the flame of your Spirit. Give us the ability to speak your truth so that others may hear.
Come, Spirit of Truth, fill our hearts.                  
May that which was of stone be now transformed into life.
Come, Spirit of Life, change our hearts.
May we who receive your light dwell together in Your love.
Come, Spirit of Love, soften our hearts.
Bestow your compassion on those who suffer in mind, spirit, and body.
Come, Spirit of Hope, heal our hearts.
Make us bold to bring light to the dark places, warmth to the cold places, and love to the empty places.
Come, Spirit of Faith, strengthen our hearts.
Spirit of the Living God, fill our hearts, minds, and souls to overflowing.
Come, Spirit of God, move in our hearts.
Our God—we, your people, celebrate the mystery of your never-ending love, as we pray together as Jesus Christ has taught us,
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. 

 
-adapted from a prayer written by Roberta Hiday, for use at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Port Townsend on the Day of Pentecost, 2008.  Posted on In the Courtyard. www.inthecourtyard.com

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.   And we abide in peace! 


On-Site Worship May 9, 2021

 Today's Worship
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021

Welcome

Opening Music: “Fairest Lord Jesus”  Shannon Abney, violinist
-Anonymous , public domain

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 us
in this time and in all these places!

Call to Worship
Leader: The Spirit is coming to bless us all with a new song:
People: Let our joy be complete!
Leader: Gifts for the good of all, poured out on all to teach us a new song:
People: Love one another!
Leader: Strangers and neighbors, foreigners and family will join in the new song:
People: No longer servants but friends!
Leader: Come, let our worship make a joyful noise,
People: Rejoicing in the friendship of God!
— from Friends of God: Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain.  Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways archive.

Invocation
O Beloved One, All the ends of the earth marvel at your deeds of power; we feel your presence as growth returning to the countryside; we rejoice as we remember your faithfulness and steadfast love revealed in the risen Christ. Fill us with generosity and courage so that we may be called your friends and go forth to befriend your world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
— adapted from a prayer from Friends of God: Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain.  Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways archive.


Scripture: Acts 10:44-48  (Read all of chapter 10 for background)

Meditation

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

 

Prayer of Communion     
Elders are Kathy Sharp and Gwynne Grffith
 

The Lord's Supper We come forward to receive the bread and cup and share our offering as we hear the music.

Communion Music: “ I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”     Mary Bondurant and Janie Taulbee, piano and organ
- Ylvisaker, John Carl , Chalice Hymnal

Words of Institution  We partake of  the bread and cup.

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.

 

Prayer of Intercession
In the dry wildernesses of our lives,
in the days of heat and thirst,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.

When we begin to doubt your presence,
and grumble that your love is unreliable,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.

When life’s regrets and the bad choices we have made
leave us feeling excluded and unworthy,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.

When circumstances, or the inhumanity of others,
have left us alone and wounded,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.

We thank you and praise you, O God,
that how ever we may thirst,
what ever we may need to satisfy our souls,
you offer it freely and abundantly in Christ;
So we drink deep of the living water
and, as we draw from your wells,
we seek to pass the cup to others
who, like us, are thirsty for your grace.
Amen.
— Copyright © John van de Laar, on his excellent website Sacredise.com.  Visit there for more other great worship resources.

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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!


Closing Music

Online Worship May 9, 2021

 Transitional Format

Witness, Worship, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY

May 9, 2021
Sixth Sunday of Easter Season

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.

Invocation
O Beloved One, All the ends of the earth marvel at your deeds of power; we feel your presence as growth returning to the countryside; we rejoice as we remember your faithfulness and steadfast love revealed in the risen Christ. Fill us with generosity and courage so that we may be called your friends and go forth to befriend your world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
— adapted from a prayer from Friends of God: Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain.  Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways archive.

Witness
Today's guest disciple is John Mills, professor and Women's Basketball Coach at Alice Lloyd College in Pippapasses, Ky.

Worship

Lighting the Candles  We light our candles or lights.
Call to Worship

Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Voice One: Come, let us worship God in Spirit and truth,
Voice Two: For God is our source, our light, our life, wherever we may be!

Word

Scripture: Acts 10:44-48  (Read all of chapter 10 for background)
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
-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.

Meditation
Challenge for Discipleship

Welcome- The Lord's Supper

Invitation to the Table -All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Chrsit who is our host. The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper now. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Gwynne Griffith and Kathy Sharp.
Words of Institution 

Prayer of Response
Holy Watering One, Fount of Every Blessing, We open to you this morning, our parched places to receive the springs of living water You offer to us.

Most of the time, most of us don’t even know we are thirsty. We don’t know the deep dehydration that scours our bones and parches our hearts.

Sometimes, when our thirst pangs emerge, we draw from the enticing wells of the world’s offering of power and profit, which leave us even more empty.

Still us, God, so we might listen to You speaking to us, knowing us, seeing us, loving us.

Fill us with your Living Water that will transform our spirits and souls into springs that burst forth with life and love for your people, for ourselves, and for our world.

As we pray together as Jesus Christ has taught us,
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.

~ written by Rev. Karla and posted on RevGalBlogPals. https://revgalblogpals.org/2017/03/18/sunday-prayer-213/

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.   And we abide in peace!