June 13, 2021
“For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.”
~ Saint Augustine of Hippo
“Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.”
~ Max Lucado
“All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.”
~ Flannery O’Connor
“Grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us. Ask people what they must do to get to heaven and most reply, ‘Be good.’ Jesus’ stories contradict that answer. All we must do is cry, ‘Help!’”
~ Philip Yancey
Prelude
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“The Musical Clocks Suite“
~ Franz Josef Haydn, arr. E. Power Biggs
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” – tune – “Cum Rhondda”
~ arr. John Hughes
Call to Worship
Lead a life worthy of the calling
to which you are called:
We cannot do this alone,
we dare not try this alone,
so we gather as God’s people.
Lead a life worthy of your calling,
a life filled with service and meekness.
We come to build up Christ’s Body,
in humility and gentleness,
with patience and love. Lead a life which reflects your calling,
that life of peace grounded in the Spirit.
We rejoice in our oneness in Christ;
we would share the grace offered to us.
Live a life worthy of the calling
to which you have been called.
We gather as God’s family
at the Table prepared for us,
waiting to be fed by the Bread of life.
~ written by Thom Shuman
Hymn
Sue Livingstone & John Palmer
“Amazing Grace” ~ UMH #378 vs. 1, 3
Time for Kids
Pastor Kate
Scripture Lesson
Marcelle Dougan
Ephesians 4:1-16
Message
Pastor Kate Conolly
“Responsible and Therapeutic Grace”
Offertory
Marcelle Dougan, piano
“Nocturne E flat major” ~ Chopin
Offering Prayer
God of forgiveness and new beginnings,
you feed our hearts with compassion,
and nourish our souls with the bread of heaven.
As Jesus fed the hungry crowds,
knowing that they needed both physical bread
and the bread of heaven,
fill us with your generous spirit
and make us one with Christ. Bless our offerings
and may they bring Christ to life for others. Amen.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
The Celebration of Holy Communion
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Be Known to Us In Breaking Bread” – tune – “St. Agnes”
~ arr. Mark Siebert
As we come again to this table
we remember the story that Jesus’ friends told.
It was a night of celebration and also betrayal
when Jesus took the bread left over on the table
blessed it and broke it and shared it with them saying,
“When you eat this bread, and remember me,
you become one in my body.”
On that same night in much the same way
he took the cup after supper saying,
“My very lifeblood will be poured out
but when you drink this cup, and remember me,
I will be in you.”
Come Holy Spirit, come.
Bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine.
Bless all of us in our eating and drinking
that our eyes might be opened,
that we might recognize the risen Christ in our midst,
indeed, in one another.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Hymn
Sue Livingstone & John Palmer
“Are Ye Able?” ~ UMH #530 vs. 1, 4
Sending Forth
Go into the world with all humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, in the unity of the Spirit, the bond of peace, and the name of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life.
Amen.
Postlude
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Gigue” – based upon Psalm 149:3 – “Let them praise His name in the dance”
~ Douglas E. Wagner
“God of Grace” – tune – “Cum Rhondda”