Sunday, July 24, 2011

Weaving the Future

Visitors:  Welcome to our church.  Please sign our guest book!  If you do not have a church home, we pray that you will find one with us.  We have large-print bulletins available, as well as hearing assistance devices.  Please ask an usher if you require either of these.  Restrooms are located in the church school building.  Go through the door next to the choir loft, and straight ahead.  We also have restrooms downstairs in Fellowship Hall.  Again, exit through the door next to the choir loft, turn left down the hall, and go down the steps. 

 We Gather To Worship

Prelude

 Announcements

Chime Interlude

 *Call To Worship

Leader:    Glory in God’s name, and seek God’s presence continually.

People:   God helps us in our weakness, even when words for prayer escape us.

Leader:    Give thanks to God, sing songs of praise, tell of the Holy One’s wonderful works.

People:   We trust in the power of God’s love to bring good.

Leader:    Remember:  the Holy One keeps covenant with us and with all.

 *Hymn:  “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” ……………………..#50

*Invocation (We light the Christ Candle.)

Leader:    We are on a journey; and now, our journey brings us into the presence of One whose love makes transformation possible.

All:         This is a place and time where we celebrate possibilities.  This is a place and time where we celebrate One who weaves the future with love.

 *Response:  “For the Life That You Have Given”………………………#813

 Prayer Of Confession

Leader:    When words of welcome and openness have not been matched by our practices, hear our prayer.  When we have been a stumbling block to another’s journey rather than a trustworthy companion, hear our prayer.  When we are afraid of change, and neglect the gift and privilege of love, hear our prayer.

All:         You hear our prayers, O God, even when words fail us.  But you do not fail us.  Your love holds steady and welcomes us into greater love.  Amen.  (A time for silent prayers of confession; Music:  “In Heavenly Love Abiding.”)

Assurance Of God’s Forgiveness

Leader:    In Romans Paul asked, “If God is for us, who is against us. . . who is to condemn?”  The answer is:  no one.  Because God in Christ, and God in love, is with us, transformation for the good is possible.

Affirmation:    “I Love You, Lord”. . . …………………………………..#124

 We Hear The Word

 ReadingOf The Scripture:    Genesis 29: 15-28

A Time For Children

Anthem:       “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” ……………African-American spiritual

Betsy and Dan

 Reading Of The Gospel:    Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

Message For This Day                                        

 We Respond To God

 *Hymn:  “Day by Day and with Each Passing Moment”……………………#367

Pastoral Prayers And 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.)

 Our Offering

Offertory:   “Steal Away:…………………..African-American spiritual

Betsy and Dan

 *Doxology:  “Praise God from Whom All Blessings” ……………..#809

*Prayer Of Dedication

 *Closing Hymn:  “Be Still, My Soul” …………………………….#530

*Pastoral Benediction

 *Choral Benediction:  “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior”………#841, V 1 & 2

*Chime Meditation

Postlude

*Where noted, please stand if able.                                           

July’s Proverb:

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will help you.        Proverbs 20: 22

 On Sunday, August 7, we will have an after-church breakfast buffet and discussion about the variety of scriptural perspectives on the afterlife.  All are welcome.

Habitat For Humanity Update.  Zion is scheduled to be in charge of the meal and refreshments on Saturday, August 6.  Volunteers from the congregation are welcome to join the work crew for that day.  The work day is from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; but if it only suits for part of the day, that would also work.  As usual, if you plan to work on that day, please contact Roger for signup.  The work force is limited to 20 people.  If anyone is interested in working any Saturday during the summer please let Roger know, and he will sign you up.

 A Hot Dog Roast Fellowship will be held on Sunday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m. behind Zion House.  Join us!

Soup Kitchen News:  Thank you to everyone for support in donations and manning the Soup Kitchen on the 5^th Tuesdays and Saturdays of respective months.  The July Soup Kitchen pick-up will be Saturday, 7/30, by 9:30 a.m. to serve on same day.   Menu /sign-up sheet is on the credenza.  Please note – main course option this month: your choice to furnish fried chicken or donate $10 to purchase fried chicken.   Please call Pam with any questions and concerns.

Our Next Trivia Nite will be Sunday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m.   Please consider getting a team together and joining us.  If interested, call Gina.

The Food Pantry Item for July is canned vegetables.

Thanks to parents for sharing your children with us for a fantastic week of VBS.   Thanks also to our helpers:  Kim, Mikaela, Kim, Peggy Sue, Karen, Chris, Beth, and Amy.  We had a great turnout with 35-40 children each night–fun times were had by all!

A pianist is needed to accompany the rotational model youth each Sunday during the Sunday School year.   We have song time from 11-11:10 each morning then perform for the church approximately one time per month.   If you would be willing to help with this project, please see Jessica.

Thanks to all for your generous support of our Sunday School program with snack and/or book sponsorship.   We have the entire year covered for snacks as well as all of the books/DVDs.  If you have not yet done so, you may make checks payable to Zion UCC and give them to Jessica or Laurie.   Thanks again!!

one  remaining opening exists for the fall rotation:  November K-1st Grade Shepherd.  Please see Jessica if you’re available.  Thank you.

 Greeters Needed for  Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28; Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Bulletin  Sponsors Needed for  July  31; Aug.  14, 28; Sept. 18; Oct. 9, 30; Nov. 13, 20, 27.

Coming Up Next Week:

July 30 , Habitat for Humanity,Gettysburg,  8 am – 4 pm

JJuly 30, Soup Kitchen, Prince of Peace, 10:45 am – 1 pm

 Looking Forward:

 July 31, Worship with communion, 9:00 am

July 31, Hot dog roast, Zion Hse, 6:00 pm

Aug. 1, Something More, Oakside Park, 12 noon

Aug. 7, Breakfast Buffet, Fellowship Hall, 10:15 am

Aug. 7, Trivia Nite, 6:30 pm

Aug. 8, Consistory Mtg,ZionHse, 7:00 pm

Aug. 11, Mission Mtg,ZionHse, 7:00 pm