WWWW Text July 4, 2021

 

Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church  (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
June 27, 2021

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 We begin with prayer.

God of gods and King of kings;
you called and anointed David,
you called and blessed Paul,
and through your Son Jesus, you called the twelve to follow.

In our time you have called us.
Enable us to trust you above all voices,
beyond all of our prejudices and fears.
Give us courage to follow and serve you
among all of our neighbours
and with one another in the body of Christ.
God of the Kingdom, hear our prayer.

— written by Bishop Telmor Sartison, and posted on the Worship website.


Call to Worship
Leader: We lift our eyes, seeking to worship and praise our God.
People: Great is the Lord our God, and greatly to be praised!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!    

Lighting the Candles  We light our candles or lights.

Witness
    VBS Volunteers

Morning Prayer
O Lord our God, creator of our world and ruler of all nations,
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.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the cabinet,
to Governors of states, Mayors of cities,
and to all in administrative authority,
grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives,
and those who make our laws in states, cities, and towns,
give courage, wisdom, and foresight
to provide for the needs of all our people,
and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Judges and officers of our courts,
give understanding and integrity,
that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength
and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens,
that they may elect trustworthy leaders
and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society;
that we may serve you faithfully in our generation
and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

~ posted by Elizabeth Kaeton, on Telling Secrets. http://telling-secrets.blogspot.ca/  It’s part of a longer Service of Lessons and Hymns for Independence Day.   http://telling-secrets.blogspot.ca/2010/06/service-of-lessons-and-hymns-for.html

Word
Scripture: Mark 6:1-13
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
-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 Kyle Sowers and Ele Workman.

Words of Institution 

Prayer of Response
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.

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 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;