The Secret to Rest

Today is the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “The Secret to Rest”. Our Scripture passage comes from Philippians 4:4-14 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 46. We will also have our Blessing of the Students today. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 46)
Leader: God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.
People: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
Leader: Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
People: Though its waters roar and foam, though mountains tremble.
Leader: The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
People: He utters his voice, the earth melts.
Leader: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
People: Come, behold the works of the Lord;
Leader: See what desolations he has brought on the earth.
People: He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
Leader: He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
People: “Be still, and know that I am God!
Leader: “I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”
People: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Blessing of the Students Litany
Leader: God of new beginnings, the new school year is upon us once again. As the children of our community prepare to return to their studies, we ask a blessing over them and all those who care for them. Life-giving God,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: O God, we ask your blessing for school teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff, and volunteers who interact with our children daily. Grant them wisdom as they strive to meet students’ needs. Grant them patience when they are tired or frustrated. Grant them joy and a renewed sense of purpose when they see the spark in a child’s eye that says, “I got it!” Wise and nurturing God,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: O God, as this new school year begins, we ask your blessing on the parents and guardians of school children. Grant them the love and patience they need to help their children learn and grow. Loving and supportive God,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: O God, we ask your blessing over the children as they return to the classroom. Help them feel safe. Spark their curiosity and help them find joy in learning. Teach them your gentleness and mercy, that they may make new friends and build long-lasting relationships. Vibrant and creative God,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: Finally, O God, we ask for a blessing for this church. Help us create a place where the energy and excitement of youth has a home. Teach us to be faithful stewards of your love, that these children would know their church family loves them and supports them. Bless us with curiosity, that we would meet new ideas with excitement as we seek your will. Joyful and communal God,
People: Hear our prayer. Amen.

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this passage, Paul speaks about being content in all things.
What does it mean to be content in the Lord?
How does contentment lead to rest?