Today is the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “Seriously?!”. Our Scripture passage comes from Matthew 18:21-35 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 103. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 103)
Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul,
People: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Leader: The Lord is merciful and gracious,
People: Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Leader: He will not always accuse,
People: Nor will he keep his anger forever.
Leader: He does not deal with us according to our sins,
People: Nor repay us according to our iniquities.
Leader: For as the heavens are high above the earth,
People: So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
Leader: As far as the east is from the west,
People: So far he removes our transgressions from us.
Leader: As a father has compassion for his children,
People: So the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
Leader: Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus reminds us of the radical nature of God’s grace.
What is Jesus’ point about God’s willingness to forgive?
What barriers do we think prevent us from forgiving others?

Today is the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “Waiting on God. Our Scripture passage comes from Isaiah 40:21-31 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 147. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 147)
Leader: Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God;
People: For he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
Leader: Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
People: Make melody to our God on the lyre.
Leader: He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth,
People: Makes grass grow on the hills.
Leader: He gives to the animals their food
People: And to the young ravens when they cry.
Leader: His delight is not in the strength of the horse
People: Nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner,
Leader: But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
People: In those who hope in his steadfast love.
All: Praise the Lord!

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this passage, the prophet sings of a God who is steadfast.
How does God’s strength allow us to rest?
What can you change in your own life to rest more fully in God?

Today is the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “A Place to Lay Your Head”. Our Scripture passage comes from Matthew 8:18-27 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 4. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 4)
Leader: Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
People: Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Leader: How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
People: How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
Leader: But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
People: The Lord hears when I call to him.
Leader: When you are disturbed, do not sin;
People: Ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Leader: Offer right sacrifices,
People: And put your trust in the Lord.
Leader: There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
People: “Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
Leader: You have put gladness in my heart
People: More than when their grain and wine abound.
Leader: I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
People: For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus tries to find some rest.
Where does he ultimately find his resting place?
How can his resting place help us live more faithfully?

Today is the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “For All Creation”. Our Scripture passage comes from Leviticus 25:1-7 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 116. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 116)
Leader: What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
People: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
Leader: I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
People: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
Leader: O Lord, I am your servant;
People: I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
Leader: You have loosed my bonds.
People: I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
Leader: And call on the name of the Lord.
People: I will pay my vows to the Lord
Leader: In the presence of all his people,
People: In the courts of the house of the Lord,
Leader: In your midst, O Jerusalem.
People: Praise the Lord!

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this passage, God establishes a sabbath year for the Earth.
Why does God do this?
How could this sabbath year pose a challenge to humans?

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?

Today is the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “Our Chosen Portion”. Our Scripture passage comes from Psalm 16 and our Call to Worship comes from 1 Peter 1:3-9. We will also be joined by our friends from the Olive Chapel Handbell Choir for today’s worship service.

Call to Worship (from 1 Peter 1:3-9)
Leader: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
People: By his great mercy he has given us a new birth
Leader: Into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
People: And into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
Leader: In this you rejoice, so that the genuineness of your faith
People: May be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Christ is revealed.
Leader: Although you have not seen him, you love him,
People: And even though you do not see him now,
Leader: You believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
People: For you are receiving the outcome of your faith,
All: The salvation of your souls.

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this psalm, David declares God to be his refuge.
How does God’s presence bring joy to your life?
How does God’s presence make rest possible?

Today is the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “A Deserted Place”. Our Scripture passage comes from Mark 6:30-44 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 23. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 23)
Leader: The Lord is my shepherd
People: I shall not want.
Leader: He makes me lie down in green pastures;
People: He leads me beside still waters;
Leader: He restores my soul.
People: He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Leader: Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
People: I fear no evil, for you are with me;
Leader: Your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
People: You prepare a table before me,
Leader: In the presence of my enemies;
People: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Leader: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
People: All the days of my life.
Leader: And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
People: My whole life long.

Questions for Further Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus offers rest to his disciples.
Why is it important for Christians to find rest?
How can we be a place of rest for other people?

Today is the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “Can We Hear Jesus?”. Our Scripture passage comes from Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 119. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 119)
Leader: Your word is a lamp to my feet
People: And a light to my path.
Leader: I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
People: To observe your righteous ordinances.
Leader: I am severely afflicted;
People: Give me life, O Lord, according to your word.
Leader: Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
People: And teach me your ordinances.
Leader: I hold my life in my hand continually,
People: But I do not forget your law.
Leader: The wicked have laid a snare for me,
People: But I do not stray from your precepts.
Leader: Your decrees are my heritage forever;
People: They are the joy of my heart.
Leader: I incline my heart to perform your statutes
People: Forever, to the end.

Question for Further Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus imagines four ways people will react to hearing the good news.
What can the actions of the sower tell us about how churches should act?

Today is the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “Tomorrow’s Worries”. Our Scripture passage comes from Matthew 6:24-34 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 118. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 118)
Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good:
People: His steadfast love endures forever!
Leader: Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
People: The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
Leader: With the Lord on my side I do not fear.
People: What can mortals do to me?
Leader: The Lord is on my side to help me;
People: I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
Leader: It is better to take refuge in the Lord
People: Than to put confidence in mortals.
Leader: It is better to take refuge in the Lord
People: Than to put confidence in princes.

Question for Further Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples not to worry.
How can these words be good news to people who are struggling to get by?
What do they say to those with more than enough?

Today is the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Benjamin Wines will bring the message, “Be Perfect”. Our Scripture passage comes from Matthew 5:38-48 and our Call to Worship comes from Psalm 112. We look forward to joining you in this time of Worship.

Call to Worship (from Psalm 112)
Leader: Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord,
People: Who greatly delight in his commandments.
Leader: Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
People: The generation of the upright will be blessed.
Leader: They rise up in the darkness as a light for the upright;
People: They are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Leader: It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
People: Who conduct their affairs with justice.
Leader: For the righteous will never be moved;
People: They will be remembered forever.
Leader: They are not afraid of evil tidings;
People: Their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Leader: Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
People: In the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
Leader: They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
People: Their righteousness endures forever.

Question for Further Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus gives his disciples a simple command, “Be perfect.”
How can we take a command like that seriously?
And how does a command like that change the way we view the world?