First United Presbyterian Church
  • Home Page
    • What We're All About
  • Pulse
    • FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
  • Leadership & Ministries
    • Staff
    • Session Elders
    • Active Deacons
    • Ministry Team Leaders
    • Mission and Outreach
    • Spiritual Development
    • Small Groups
  • Worship
  • 2018 Sermons
  • 2019 Sermons
  • 2020 Sermons
  • 2021 Sermons
  • 2022 Sermons
563-243-1142

2021 Sermons

THE STONE CHURCH 
      WITH A WARM HEART 
             RECIEVING CHRIST 
                   REACHING OUT
                           SHARING LOVE

January 31, 2021  Worship Services Fighting Evil  by Melody Oltmann

1/31/2021

0 Comments

 
e love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
youtu.be/Cz48U8GleCQ
 
Jan 31, 2021   

Mission slide
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship  
Even before a word is on my tongue,
          O LORD, you know it completely.

They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching — with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”
                                                                             Mark 1:27
 
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee                  CCLI 11259100

1 Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the gloom of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.

2 All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3 Mortals, join the happy chorus
Which the morning stars began;
Love divine is reigning o’er us,
Joining all in heaven's plan.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

Call to Worship
Pastor Melody: What are we waiting for? Let us praise the Lord, with joy and song.
Marty: Let’s shout God’s praises for all to hear!
PM: We are here to listen to God’s word and ponder anew the mysteries of God.
Marty: Our God is an awesome God, greatly to be praised!
PM: Yes; let’s praise the Lord! 
Marty: and, delight in God’s works!
PM: Praise the Lord!  
Marty: and, rejoice in God’s word!
PM: Praise the Lord!  
Marty: and, praise the Lord’s Holy name! Alleluia, amen.
 
Our God is an Awesome God  (3 times)       CCLI 11259100
Our God is an awesome God, who reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God!
 
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Mighty God, we love to hear your deeds of power and might, imagining that we would not tremble with fear, if we saw you before us in a pillar of fire or column of smoke. But as we wander, lost in our own wilderness, we know only too well our own fear and dread of being in your awesome presence. We come before you to confess our sins of pride, judgment, impatience, greed, lack of mercy and love. Have mercy on us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . Send us prophets to teach us your ways. Help us recognize them within our midst, so that we might hear your words in the lessons they teach. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
Change My Heart O God           CCLI 11259100

Change my heart, O God
Make it ever true,
Change my heat, O God
May I be like you.
 
You are the potter;
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me;
this is what I pray.

Assurance of Pardon               
L: Who can rightly judge us? Only Jesus, because only He is perfect. But, Jesus does not judge; Jesus lived, died and arose, conquering the power of death over us. Jesus intercedes on our behalf. In the name of Christ, we, who seek forgiveness, are forgiven! Thanks be to God.
 
Gloria Patri
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another.  The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
 
Prayer of Illumination
P: Let us pray:  Thy word, O Lord is a lamp unto our feet. Today, right now, help us to hear and obey your call on our lives. Amen.
 
Psalm 111:1-10
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;                                                                                       
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

Kum Ba Yah       verses 1-2    CCLI 11259100

1 Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!

2 Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!

The Gospel Reading  Mark 1:21-28
They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy evil? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching — with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him. ”At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
L: This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Sermon:         Fighting Evil
 
          Our life education – what we learn by listening and watching others starts early in our lives. Perhaps it starts with such simple words as, “Our family does it this way”; therefore, that is the right way. Pretty soon, we have it figured out that it is us against them. The us being whoever does and says things like us. The them being anyone and everyone who does things differently or who questions how we do things. Sometimes there are clear lines, people who look different or speak differently are usually not with us; not on our team; and therefore, are less than us. In today’s scripture there are two people who are different from the rest. First, there is Jesus; one who teaches and speaks with authority. Secondly, there is a man with unclean spirits, one who interrupts and causes trouble. Our scripture doesn’t tell us, but, be sure that this man was not welcome; he was different; he didn’t act like anyone else and he was considered unclean; and not good enough. Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, knew what to do. He ordered the evil out of the man, thus changing that man’s life.

          In case we missed it, the evil spirit, the sickness, that demon asks, “Have you come to destroy evil?” Jesus replied, with authoritative words and actions: “YES!” That’s what Jesus did. He destroyed the evil that was there. We, the well-informed people of the 21st century, usually have a difficult time accepting the idea of evil spirits. We’ve been educated; we’ve lived life … studied science and watched TV. Science says little about evil. And, yet … with some thought, each of us can name evil events; like the Holocaust, like the bombing of the southern churches and the lynching of so many African people, and the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9-11-2001. We can’t always see it in the midst of the event, but we certainly can identify it afterwards. Be sure, the evil of this century is just as possessive, just as ugly and just as demanding as ever. And, we certainly see evil on TV:  shootings and other crimes; evil that really, really hurts others; that destroys families and deeply injures communities.

           I think evil is lurking on the edges of our lives; and sometimes, evil is very present in our lives. We certainly saw evil last year, when George Floyd was murdered. I know it is an uncomfortable topic and one that most of us would prefer to avoid. But, today, we are talking about evil, so I thought it would be a good time to consider Racism. It’s not going to go away if we ignore it. Thankfully, there are people at work; people inviting us to join in. “President Biden signed four executive actions Tuesday aimed at increasing racial equity across the nation, a move the administration said was a big early step in his efforts to dismantle systemic racism” (www.washingtonpost.com › politics).

          In my mind, systemic racism is an evil we must eradicate. Examples of systemic racism include denying Black men treatment for Syphilis, because the scientists wanted to see what happened with untreated cases. “In 1932, the Public Health Service, working with the Tuskegee Institute, began a study. It was called the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male.” The study initially involved 600 black men – 399 with syphilis, 201 who did not have the disease. The study was conducted WITHOUT the benefit of patients’ informed consent. Researchers told the men they were being treated for “bad blood,” a local term used to describe several ailments. In truth, they did not receive the proper treatment needed to cure their illness. In exchange for taking part in the study, the men received free medical exams, free meals, and burial insurance. Although originally projected to last 6 months, the study went on for 40 years” That group of Black men had been misled and they were never given adequate treatment for their disease. Even when penicillin became the drug of choice for syphilis in 1947, researchers did not offer it to the subjects.  (https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm). NO wonder people of color mistrust medical care in these United States!  That kind of thing happened again and again: Blacks being mistreated only because they were Black.

     Let me bring systemic racism a little closer to home. Ever since World War II, white people have been afraid that Black people would lower the value of their property, so they often wrote laws to prevent that; they often had unspoken agreements with the real estate companies. When I was a student nurse in Cedar Rapids, I had a Black doctor tell me how much trouble it was to buy a house in Cedar Rapids in the 1960’s, even though he was a successful doctor. Difficult because no one wanted a Black family to live next to them. He said, his family finally had a friendly white man purchase the house and have a private sale to the Black family. These things are evil; these things are systemic racism. If we are not working to stop these practices, then we are condoning and agreeing with this evil; with these dangerous practices.

      Like it or not, we, who are not people of color, are part of that systemic racism. I know we want to say and we want to believe that we aren’t racist. But, because we are white, because we are Christian, we have participated, knowingly and unknowingly in systematic racism. Let me give you a few examples: we can’t understand the fear Blacks have when they are stopped by law enforcement. Fear that they could die at any moment. If we are honest, we are more like the woman who accused a Black teen of taking her phone, because he was in the same vicinity as she was and he was holding a phone similar to hers. African American men and boys are afraid to jog in their own towns, because running “makes them look guilty” even though they aren’t doing anything but getting exercise and enjoying the day. Sixty years ago, some people from our church worked to have a community garden in Le Claire, and invited African Americans to come, share in the harvest. Those from our church had their houses egged and their children bullied because they were helping African Americans. I’d like to think we have grown in understanding and compassion but, in OK and here in Iowa, I have heard things again and again. My youngest daughter was in kindergarten and went to daycare after school. One day on the way home she asked, “I’m sad because kids said I can’t be friends with Tamika, because she is black. But, Mom! She’s not black, she’s brown and she is my best friend. We have lots of fun together. Why can’t I be her friend?” I’ve heard countless adults saying, “I forbid my adult children from dating or marrying someone from another race.” When I asked if a happy marriage to a person of color would be better than an unhappy marriage to a white person, most said, “No.” Recently I had a white colleague tell me that when she told her mother that she was engaged to a Black man, her Christian mother didn’t talk to her for three days. Finally, though the mother did talk, apologized and asked for forgiveness. My colleague said we must keep working to rid our country, our world and ourselves of racism.

     Living in Le Claire we mostly see white people. In fact, for the most part, our experience with Black people is seeing their mugshot on TV. Hopefully, we are growing in our understanding that some African Americans are wrongly arrested, solely because they are Black and in the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course, some, maybe most Blacks are guilty of what they have been charged. Just as like most whites who are arrested, are mostly guilty of what they have been charged. My point is that as we watch TV, as we see commercials and TV shows with people of color, let us realize there are many, many successful, accomplished people of color in our state, in our country and in our world.

       On the advice of a friend, I am reading three books,  Waking Up White, White Fragility and White Rage, to increase my understanding of what was and what is. Our Presbytery is asking us, as Christians, to get out of our comfort zone and learn about the evil of racism so we can make changes. The Presbytery says, “The time is now.  We, the church, must commit our time and resources to anti-racism work.  As witnessed by the Black Lives Matter Movement and other efforts to examine systematic racism and white privilege, there is much to be learned before we can most effectively begin to participate in the building of God’s Kingdom where ALL of God’s people experience justice and the opportunity to flourish and live (MJS, PEIA). 

     Waking Up White, is written by Debby Irving, who describes herself as “a middle-aged white woman raised in the suburbs” (Page xii). She says, “No one alive today created this mess of racism, but everyone alive today has the power to work on undoing it. People are not born racist. Racism is taught, and racism is learned. Let’s try to understand how and why our beliefs developed along racial lines…” (page xii). Irving says, “The way I understood it, race was for other people, brown- and black-skinned people. I thought all those other categories, like Asian, African American, American Indian, and Latino, were the real races. I thought white was the raceless race – just plain, normal, the one against which all others were measured” (Page xi). Just like we think people in Iowa don’t have an accent, we often think white people aren’t a race. Irving goes on to say: “I believe most white people would take a stand against racism if only they knew how, or even imagined they had a role. When trying to understand racism, most of us have said or thought “What is going on here? I wish I could make a difference” (page xi). We tend to think “I can help people of color by teaching them to be more like me. And, racism is about bigots who make snarky comments and commit intentionally cruel acts again people of color” (page xi).

     “When, actually it is more about the idea of white superiority.” Irving writes, “I think of no bigger misstep in American history than the invention and perpetuation of the idea of white superiority. It allows white children and white adults to believe they are exceptional and entitled, while allowing children and adults of color to believe they are inferior and less deserving. Neither is true; whites are not better; people of color are not inferior; both statements distort and stunt development. Racism crushes spirits, incites divisiveness, and allows us to separate entire groups of people who, like all humans, come into the world full of goodness, with a desire to connect, and with boundless capacity to learn and grow”. Irving continues, “Unless adults understand racism, they will, unknowingly teach it to their children, just as I taught it to my children” (page xii). We did not start this, but unintentionally and maybe intentionally, we have perpetuated the idea that whites are better than people of color, in nearly everything. This is an evil that we continue to promote by our thoughtless words and actions.  Irving says, Racism is a “massive social dysfunction in which we all play a role.”  With some effort and thought, we can “discover our power to make the world a more humane place to live, work, and thrive” (Waking Up White. Debby Irving. page xiv).

          The Good News is that Jesus came to destroy evil and to free all of us from all evil, just like He rescued that man and that community we heard about today. Throughout His life, Jesus liberated people again and again by modeling God’s love. Jesus came not only to free us from evil but to EMPOWER us to join Him in defeating evil, with the power of love. Jesus showed us how to treat others, even as He explained the Golden Rule again and again, with parables, and with simple, powerful and authoritative actions. We can join Jesus, fighting evil. In the past, we have partnered with Jesus in destroying evil; so now let us learn about racism and work to make the world a loving place for everyone.

          Let’s watch this video that the Presbytery is using to promote a book study. The Mission and Social Justice Committee of the Presbytery is offering a book study during Lent. It will be via Zoom. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can come to church to join in the book study. This committee is providing grants so we can purchase the book at little to no cost to us. We will be reading White Rage, by Carol Anderson.

      Sometimes, we are slow in realizing both the presence of evil and Jesus’ amazing, authoritative POWER in defeating evil. But, when we see, hear and experience Jesus’ love, we are both changed and empowered to live changed lives: lives of love, gentleness, presence, forgiveness, healing and wholeness. As we embrace change brought about by Jesus’ power to defeat evil and, as we live into a brighter, more loving world, we are able to defeat evil.

     Today and every day, let us be open to learning more about better ways to live and work alongside all people including people of color. Let us be honest; that we are part of the problem, AND, let us be willing to learn to be and do differently. Because we follow Christ, who calls us to love one another as we are loved. And, because all people, regardless of color, regardless if they are the same or different from us, ALL people are God’s beloved; all people are our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Now and forevermore in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
 
Kum Ba Yah       verses 3-4    CCLI 11259100

3 Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
 
4 Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!

Offering
 
Doxology
 
Prayer of Dedication:
Let us pray. Precious Jesus, may these gifts of money and ministry be like wings to the exhausted and strength to the powerless. May these gifts bind up the broken-hearted,
and welcome the outcast. And may our offerings of time, talent, and treasure sing your praises and be a cause of delight throughout your marvelous world. Amen 
 
Prayer / Film by The Work of the People
A Prayer for the church by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lord…
We thank you for your church, founded upon your Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, 
but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon you. 
Help us to realize that humanity was created to shine like the stars and live on through all eternity. 
Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace. 
Help us to walk together, 
pray together, 
sing together, 
and live together 
until that day when all God’s children 
- Black, White, Red, Brown and Yellow - 
will rejoice in one common band of humanity 
in the reign of our Lord and of our God, we pray. 
Amen. 
- The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 
 
The Prayers of the People
We pray for these, our family and friends,
Thank you God, for this day. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. We love you God. Help people who are hungry; people who don’t have a home and people who are sick. Thank you for the people who work to make our country, our state and our town a better place. Thank you for our neighbors, our teachers and the schools. Thank you for the rain, snow and sun. Thank you for clean, clear water, this earth and our clean air. Help us to take care of these gifts. We pray for people who are alone and people who are lonely. Help us to be helpful and friendly. Thank you for our church. We thank you for our families and friends, and these whom we now pray for:
Lords Prayer

Breathe on Me, Breath of God           CCLI 11259100
1 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

2 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

3 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine
​.
4 Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

Charge
May Christ’s love transform you. May the joy of God’s grace sustain you. May, The Holy Spirit fill you with boldness to do God’s will.
 
Benediction
Now may the love of God, the peace of Christ and the community of the Holy Spirit be with you, with your family and with all of God’s family. Amen
0 Comments

January 24, 2021  Worship Services  “Accountability” by Melody Oltmann

1/24/2021

0 Comments

 
youtu.be/VVBR8LyKzRs
Mission slide

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship  
Even before a word is on my tongue,
          O LORD, you know it completely.


How Majestic is Your Name                     CCLI 11259100
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.
 
Call to Worship
Marty: Listen on the stillness of the morning, in the hush of this moment.
Pastor Melody: Listen for the Spirit of God.
M: God searches to find you and calls you by name.
P: Speak, O God, for your servant is listening.
M: God hems you in and lays the hand of blessing upon you.
P: Here I am, Lord, willing to serve.
M: Christ calls to you now: “Follow me.”
P: Here I am, Lord. Lead on!
 
Shout to the North                  CCLI 11259100

1 Men of faith rise up and sing
Of the great and glorious King
You are strong when you feel weak
In your brokenness complete
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth

2 Rise up women of the truth
Stand and sing to broken hearts
Who can know the healing power
Of our awesome King of love
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth 
 
We've been through fire, we've been through rain
We've been refined by the power of His name
We've fallen deeper in love with You
You've burned the truth on our lips
shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth

3 Rise up church with broken wings
Fill this place with songs again
Of our God who reigns on high
By His grace again we'll fly
Shout to the north and the south
Sing to the east and the west
Jesus is saviour to all
Lord of heaven and earth
He is Lord of heaven and earth

 
Call to Confession
 
Prayer of Confession
O God, you have searched us and know us. When we are following you with confidence and when we are hiding out of fear, you are with us. Your knowledge is too wonderful for us, and yet it is your knowledge that we so desperately need.
Speak to us now. Reveal our sins, that we may truly repent and repair the damage we have wrought upon others. Cover our shame with the robe of your love and acceptance.
Hear us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . Empower us with the wisdom of your ways. Strengthen our courage and commitment to follow you in service to others. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
 
Change My Heart O God           CCLI 11259100

Change my heart, O God
Make it ever true,
Change my heart, O God
May I be like you.
 
You are the potter;
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me;
this is what I pray.

Assurance of Pardon
God has formed our very being, making even our bodies members of Christ. We are united to God in Christ’s love and grace. Celebrate God’s forgiveness for you and me! Praise God for Christ’s death and resurrection have given us forgiveness!
Gloria Patri
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another.  The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
 
Children’s moment
 
Prayer of Illumination
O God who searches and knows us and calls us by name. You speak in the hope that we are listening. Forming us and shaping us for service, help us to be still and hear the Word of God Amen
 
 
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
   O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
   You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
          you discern my thoughts from far away.
   You search out my path and my lying down,
          and are acquainted with all my ways.
   Even before a word is on my tongue,
          O LORD, you know it completely.
   You hem me in, behind and before,
          and lay your hand upon me.
   Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
          it is so high that I cannot attain it.
  For it was you who formed my inward parts;
          you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
          Wonderful are your works;
     that I know very well.
       My frame was not hidden from you,
     when I was being made in secret,
          intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
  Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
     In your book were written
          all the days that were formed for me,
          when none of them as yet existed.
 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
          How vast is the sum of them!
  I try to count them — they are more than the sand;
          I come to the end — I am still with you.

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”
Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.”
As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord.

Sermon      “Accountability” Your life lies before you like new fallen snow.
                     Be careful how you go, because every step will show!

When we are beginning a new chapter in our lives, or, perhaps, a new year, I wonder how much we think about the imprint we are making on our own lives, on the lives of others and on the world. As we age, we might be more likely to think about our legacy, just like Eli. In today’s scripture, Eli is the old priest who is teaching Samuel. As he looks back on his life, he sees that he was not the best father; maybe too wrapped up in work to be fully present to his sons. Or, maybe there was another reason that his grown sons are so sinful, sinning against God and others. Whatever the reason, God was angry; God had spoken to Eli about tending to his family; and apparently Eli had not done that. Young Samuel was the messenger between God and Eli. No wonder Samuel did not want to tell Eli what God had said. But Eli knew it would be bad news and he prepared himself to hear it. Looking back on his life, Eli probably remembered certain days that he chose to go to work; or he chose to let his boys do whatever they wanted, just hoping that their actions wouldn’t catch up to him or them. Alas, we hear that those terrible actions did catch up and would cause Eli and his sons, great tragedy in the end. Like all of us, Eli learned that his life’s work lies clearly behind him, showing him every step and misstep he took; every good thing and every not so good thing that he did. Just like a new fallen snow usually shows our every footprint.
          We’ve had some different snows already this winter. One of our snows was what I called every 10-year-old’s dream – snow covered by ice! It’s the best kind of snow to use to make a snow fort! If you were light enough and fast enough, you could walk over that snow without falling in. It was like snow-shoeing without the big, clumsy snowshoes. Fun! If you wanted to, you could walk up to someone’s house and ring the doorbell. Then hurry away and leave no evidence; no footprints to give away your size or the direction you went. Not that any of the kids we know would do that! But, imagine, to be able to walk here or there and not leave any footprints in the snow! That’s pretty cool!
 Makes me wonder if there are things that we do that we’d prefer to keep to ourselves; actions we don’t want to “take credit or receive blame” for doing. For example, this month, we will receive the end of year, 2020 statements from banks, church and other businesses. When we look at these statements, we can see how much we saved; how much we spent and how much or how little we financially gave to God and the church. These balance sheets won’t show our gifts of time and talent. In today’s scripture, we are reminded of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, who gave up her son, so that he might learn to be God’s prophet. Eli, the old priest, also gave up a lot to be a man of God. And, Samuel, as a young child, stayed committed to serving God. As we might remember, Samuel was God’s faithful servant, his whole life. These are costly and sacrificial gifts, given to the glory of God. How might we step up our giving, financially, if we are able and, giving of our time and talent? The Covid-19 virus and the pandemic have caused chaos in our lives; and in some lives, that financial uncertainty was extreme. Many were grateful for the stimulus checks that we have received. Those checks, along with food banks, might have been the only ways they have been able to continue meeting life’s expenses. Yes, for some, those stimulus checks were life preservers. And, for others, the stimulus check was needed less, so perhaps those people gave money to places, like the church, which does much to help those in need. As we go forward into 2021, and hear of more financial assistance from the government, perhaps we who are comfortable financially, could give more to the church; more than pocket change. Because as Christians, we have pledged; we have promised to God and to ourselves, that we WOULD give. We are called to live into that covenant promise, that we give as a thankful response to the blessings we received.
I imagine that some might be surprised at how much or how little they have given. If you are in a better place now than in 2020, you still have time to send your donations in for 2020. Of course, anything sent in January or later will show as a donation for 2021. But, don’t let that stop you. Send in any donations you want. And, to all of you who gave what you pledged or more, THANK YOU! This isn’t really a sermon about financial stewardship; but it is about accountability. Each of us is accountable for what we do and don’t do; just like Eli was in the Old Testament reading.
I think we do need to respect Eli that he insisted on hearing exactly what God said; knowing that it would be unpleasant. We know what God calls us to do and to be. We are to be loving, and we are to forgive others. We are to treat everyone with respect, just like we want to be treated. Everyone includes our children and all children; taking time to listen to them and acknowledging their pain and joys. Everyone includes all people, even those who don’t look like us, don’t think like us and don’t live like us. All we need to do is to remember the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son; stories that Jesus told so we could learn how we are to love and to forgive everyone. When we do less, when we ARE less than we could be, we are robbing ourselves and the world of goodness. When we skimp on our offerings to church, we might think that no one will notice, but we are just kidding ourselves. God knows. God has given us much; we are to give back, according to our blessings. When we skimp on kindness, time, energy and attention to our children, they suffer. And, in the end, others will experience the negative consequences of our stinginess.
Last week I spoke about how the Holy Spirit empowers us. As Christians, we have one foot in this world as it is and one foot in the world as it could be. Let’s be accountable to God and to each other. We have been blessed mightily. Let us be a mighty blessing! Let us give our best, faithfully, as we pledge. If we haven’t pledged, then let us pledge and give; or just give faithfully as we know we should give – of our time, talent and finances so that together we are working with Christ to bring God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. 
On Wednesday, we saw President Biden and Vice-President Harris sworn into office. Today, we are installing our new Elders. I know both groups have plans to improve some things and to continue with other things. We might say, their whole job lies before them like new fallen snow. They need to be careful, because, every step will show! We will hold our President accountable. We will work alongside the Elders to help them be successful. Maybe we can do the same for the President; work alongside him to improve lives and to make a difference in the world. Let’s assume all will be successful; and then, let’s all work for the good of the world. It’s easier and more pleasant to assume success, then work toward that success, than it is to assume failure, burn with resentment and keep score. Besides, the lesson of Samuel and Eli tell us that whenever anyone successes, we all succeed. We might not fully agree on specific plans, but let’s allow some wiggle room, some breathing space, for the possibility of success; success, which is described as God’s righteousness; that is, where there is peace; and where all people are loved, forgiven and acknowledged as being worthy of God’s love. As we work on projects in 2021, let’s hold each other accountable as well as holding ourselves accountable – that we make a positive difference in this world; and, that it doesn’t matter if there is snow on the ground, because our footprints go to God; to bringing God’s kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. Now and forevermore. Amen.
 
 
Spirit           CCLI 11259100
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.


1 You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,
and over the eons you called to each thing:
Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.

2 You swept through the desert,
you stung with the sand,
and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
and when they were blinded with their idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.

3 You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.

4 You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams,
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes,
with bold new decisions your people arise.

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free.
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness,
Wind, Wind on the sea.

 
Installation of Elders
 
Offering
 
Doxology
 
Prayer of Dedication: Let us pray.
God of seeing and knowing, thank you for seeing so many possibilities within us. Use our gifts and offerings to transform possibilities into realities, that others may come and see your grace. Speech through us and through these gifts, that others may hear and respond as you call them by name.
 
The Prayers of the People
“Creator God: as our troubled nation inaugurates a new administration, please be at the heart of this year. Be at the center of all the ceremonies, all the parties and celebrations. Lord God, protect and bless us all and forgive our sins as individuals, as community, as church and as a nation divided. Let no one return evil for evil or hatred for hatred. Renew and refresh our minds that our focus may be on you and only you. Guide our spirits. Give us words of LOVE and KINDNESS and not words of condemnation. Forgive us Lord.” (Church of the Bayou Presbyterian Church, FL)
God our father, fill our lives with your compassion; may we live in the generosity of forgiveness. For those who cannot believe and give their lives in the service of others, Lord we pray. For the church, make your light shine upon her. O Christ, light from above, come and visit all those who are in darkness; show them the way of love. Support those who are going through times of difficulty and discouragement, O source of confidence and life. Guide us by your Spirit so that we may accomplish the will of your love; give us new hearts.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
 
Here I am, Lord             CCLI 11259100

1 I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
 
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
 
2 I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne My people’s pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
I will break their hears of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my word to them
Whom shall I send?
 
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart

3 I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?
 
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I will hold Your people in my heart

 
 
Charge
Even at the end, God is with us. Even as God has spoken, God is still speaking. Go forth – listening and seeing, learning and growing. Following Christ, read to serve the world.
 
Benediction
 
Now may the love of God, the peace of Christ and the community of the Holy Spirit be with you, with your family and with all of God’s family. Amen
 
 
 
0 Comments

January 17, 2021  Worship Services “We will see greater things” Melody Oltmamm

1/17/2021

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

January 10, 2021  Worship Services  “HOPE" Melody Oltmamm

1/10/2021

0 Comments

 
The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Le Claire is to continue to be a warm and welcoming church that actively shows the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Jan 10, 2021   
 
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Moment of Silence to Prepare Our Hearts for Worship  
We lift our praise to you, O Lord. 
  My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day. Psalm 71
 
I Lift My Eyes Up                  CCLI 11259100

1 I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven
Creator of the earth
 
2 Oh how I need You Lord, You are my only hope
You're my only prayer
So I will wait for You to come and rescue me
To come and give me life
 
Call to Worship
Marty: When the world is unjust and cruel,
Pastor Melody: we gather in hope
M: In moments when it is easy to see God’s presence,  
P: We gather in hope.
M: We gather together as God’s people, doing God’s work in God’s world.
P: We gather in hope!
 
All Creatures of our God and King  vs 1-4    CCLI 11259100

1 All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
 
2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong, 
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O sing ye! alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice, 
ye lights of evening, find a voice,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

3 Thou flowing water, pure and clear, 
make music for thy Lord to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, 
that givest us both warmth and light,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
 
4 Thou fertile earth, that day by day, 
unfoldest blessings on your way,
O sing ye! alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, 
let them God’s glory also show,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 
 
 
Prayer of Confession
Infinite God, there is no shortage of pain in your world. We are surrounded by unjust systems that separate your creation as though some are more deserving than others. Yet, we go along with others, too afraid of the risks you may call us to take. We see communities that are forgotten and instead of turning our attention to them, we hoard our own resources and pretend not to know what is happening outside our own doors. We know the weight of trauma that rests in the hearts of many. Forgive us when we demand that people “get over it” so that we don’t have to participate in the healing. Stir us from our settled ways. Give us hope and understanding, so that we may continually praise you, by caring for one another. Now, have mercy on us as we confess our personal sins silently (time for silent prayer). . . In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
 
Assurance of Pardon
Our continual hope is met by God’s continual grace, calling us in through the generosity of the Spirit so that we may find in Jesus Christ, a forgiveness that moves us to action. Let us be moved! Let us act! Let us give thanks! Amen.
 
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.  Amen. Amen.  Amen.  Amen.  Amen.  Amen.  Amen.
 
Passing the Peace
L: Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another.  The peace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Let us pass the peace of Christ to one another.
 
Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, we long to see Jesus. Quiet our thoughts, open our hearts. Let us hear your word read and preached, so that we might see our Lord, Jesus. Amen.
 
Psalm 71:1-16
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame.
 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
    turn your ear to me and save me.
 Be my rock of refuge,
    to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.
 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.
 From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.
 I have become a sign to many;
    you are my strong refuge.
 My mouth is filled with your praise,
    declaring your splendor all day long.
 Do not cast me away when I am old;
    do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
 For my enemies speak against me;
    those who wait to kill me conspire together.
 They say, “God has forsaken him;
    pursue him and seize him,
    for no one will rescue him.”
 Do not be far from me, my God;
    come quickly, God, to help me.
 May my accusers perish in shame;
    may those who want to harm me
    be covered with scorn and disgrace.
 As for me, I will always have hope;
    I will praise you more and more.
 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
    of your saving acts all day long--
    though I know not how to relate them all.
 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
 
Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
 
Sermon      Hope
          I’m not sure if it is the time of year or my state of mind but today’s Old Testament reading of Psalm 71 really caught my attention. In addition to Covid 19 and the promise of the vaccine, the new year also reminds us that, God-willing, we will be another year older. As one of my friends said, “Soon, I will be celebrating my 72nd trip around the sun … and I’m starting to feel my age!” It certainly sounds like the author of this Psalm was an older person, looking to make a statement, both to,  him or herself, and to God. The Psalmist starts with a reminder that he is and has been faithful to God. He has looked for and found safety – refuge – a place to hide in God. As he remembers how God has shielded him, he again asks God to be his protector. “Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked.” We aren’t ever told who his enemies are – whether it is another tribe or clan, or an illness, unpaid taxes, a poor harvest or a displeased family member. Perhaps, like us, through his long life, he has had all of these and more as enemies. Doesn’t it just seem like sometimes, there is always someone after us, wanting more and more, pushing, grabbing and demanding that we give and, then, give more. Sometimes it is a person; sometimes it is our own weak bodies, failing or giving in to illness or injury.
Today’s author looks back and remembers God’s goodness and faithfulness in his own life. Of course, he doesn’t remember his own birth, but perhaps his mother told him of a challenging delivery or an unsafe political situation into which he was born. The Psalmist gives thanks that God was there, caring for him at his birth and throughout his youth. God’s continual presence strengthened and empowered the author. And, now he is an example of old age and “success” to others. Living beyond, surviving and thriving because God is present; God is faithful; God is his refuge. But, even as he praises God, he knows his own fragility and weakness. One moment he is praising God. The next line he is asking for help: “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” The Psalmist is aware; he knows even if the old enemies are gone, there are new enemies, new accusers to come after him. People who will doubt and deny God. But the Psalmist knows; he knows that God is ever present; ever faithful. So, full of hope, the author calls to God again, “Come quickly, God, to help me.” And, his prayer inspires more hope, more praise, as he speaks about God’s righteousness. Because the Psalmist has grown up in a family and atmosphere of faith, he is confident of his future, which like his past and present, will be with God.
Author Max Lucado “talks about growing old as a normal part of aging and, the next step in getting closer to our forever home. He reminds us that a flower bud is tightly closed, but opens, spreading it’s petals and fragrance, to become more beautiful. He says we don’t get a girdle or plastic surgery to keep the flower bud tight and firm; no! We celebrate and rejoice at the changing beauty, right before our eyes. Oh, that we could do that as we go one more time around the earth. Let’s celebrate who we are and what we are becoming. A colleague half-jokingly complained that soon she will be 40 years old. I reminded her that she would not be the capable, delightful, unique person she is IF she hadn’t lived those previous 39 years; that each year, every joy and sorrow, every experience taught her about love, compassion, forgiveness, strength and God. That is the gift the author of Psalm 71 has given us – a reminder that God is good and God is great; and God is here for us.
Our New Testament scripture – the baptism of Jesus reminds us that we’ve been doubly blessed. Because God in Jesus came to show us what love and forgiveness really looks like. Now, we have heard. Now we see. Just as God claimed Jesus, as His beloved Son, so too, God claims us as God’s beloved children! Now we have more. As the “father of Presbyterianism”, John Calvin says, “Now we have faith. That is, we have the firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence; (God’s goodness toward us) founded upon the truth of the promise in Christ,
(the promise of love, forgiveness and eternal life)
which is both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our Y hearts through the Holy Spirit.
When I was in Seminary, I spent one summer as a student hospital chaplain intern. This hospital was as big as the University Hospital in Iowa City; and as you can imagine it has a large emergency department. As student chaplains, we spent several weeks in the emergency department, prepared to give emotional and spiritual support to families and patients. One man left an impression on me. I might even say, he could be the author of today’s Old Testament reading. Except, maybe he wasn’t quite old enough. He was both a doctor and a son. He came to the emergency room because his 80-year-old mother was brought in by ambulance. She was in critical condition; she was not responding to treatment. The son was torn because he wanted to be involved in every medical decision and he wanted to be present for his mother. Finally, the emergency room doctor suggested that for that night, he only be “SON”. And, reluctantly, he agreed. After an hour or so, the emergency room doctor came to the waiting room to tell the son that  his mother had died. Nothing more could be done. The son and I visited about his mother and her faith. He cried. We prayed. I talked about the HOPE we have in Jesus. The Son said, “I don’t have hope in Jesus. I have sure knowledge that my mother is with Jesus right now. To me, hope sounds tenuous – shaky and unsubstantiated. I have clear and firm faith that because Jesus lives, my mother lives!”
I thought that was what I was saying but it wasn’t quite what he heard. I’m glad he was able to clearly articulate what he believes and what he means. I saw with my own eyes how his belief, his faith, and yes, his hope in Christ gave him the strength to withstand this enemy; the enemy of death and dying that takes so much from us. Each of us and all of us have our own enemies; enemies otherwise called fear, doubt,  political unrest at the Capital, loneliness, grief, changing health concerns, financial burdens, depression and other mental health concerns. We have several reasons to feel stressed this day and this winter season. It has been an exceptional gray winter with little sunshine. Christmas was much quieter and with fewer people this year. We still need to wear masks and stay socially distant. We are unsure when we can get the vaccination. I could go on … but you understand what I am saying. It’s a new year and yet, there are many unanswered questions! If ever you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed; perhaps too exhausted to face your enemy, then remember the psalmist, the son and … remember God’s faithfulness. A faithfulness you may have known since birth. A faithfulness that has been with you, showing you the faithful love, mercy and strength of God. Rest in that hope, your experiences, and the clear knowledge that God is Great. God is Good. And, God is for us, now and forever more. For that, we can say, Alleluia, amen!
 
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less       CCLI 11259100

1 My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
 
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
 
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand


 
3 His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
 
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
 
4 When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
 
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Offering
Doxology
 
Prayer of Dedication
God, you have emboldened us to find your presence throughout your creation. We hear your voice in others, as voices join to ease pain and provide resources urgently needed. We see your hands in the places where health is restored, pain is relieved, and muscles are strengthened, so that other-abled persons can have fulfilling lives. We recognize your face in our brothers and sisters, those who look like us and those who are beautiful in other ways; in those who are hopeful and those who have no hope. We feel your love and joy wherever and whenever we hear the laughter of children, from one to 99 years old. We give today, so that we may celebrate these gifts of your creation and those who do your work in the world. May this offering be but a small part of the generosity and hope you have stirred in our hearts. Amen.
 
Holy Communion
 
The Prayers of the People
Gracious God,
Because we are not strong enough to pray as we should, you provide Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit to intercede for us in power. In this confidence we ask you to accept our prayers. Strengthen pastors and Elders and church staff, that they may faithfully tell the Good News of Jesus in word and action. Help us to remember that each of us is empowered to be a vessel of love and hope for the world.
 
Creator of all, you entrusted the earth to the human race, yet we disrupt its peace with violence and corrupt its purity with our greed. Prevent your people from ravaging creation, so that coming generations may inherit lands brimming with life.
Sovereign God, you hold both the history of nations and the humble life of villages in your care. Preserve the people of every nation from tyrants, heal them of disease, and protect them in time of upheaval and disaster, that all may enter the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
 
God of mercy, hear our prayer for these the people of our church family: June, Pat and Jim, Kaye, Phyllis, Jessie, Sandy, Tom, Donna, Sue and Steve, Jan and Kirk, Sally, Gary, L.C., Paul, Pryce, Ken, Amy, Anna, Brad, Candy, Amber, Joan, Tom, Kari, Randy, Ahlgren family on the death of Mary Ahlgren and, Mission Starfish in Haiti.
 
Now hear us as we pray as Jesus taught us…
 
The Lord’s Prayer
 
Canto de esperanza / Song of Hope              CCLI 11259100

May the God of hope go with us every day,
Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.
 
Praying, let us work for peace,
Singing, share our joy with all,
Working for a world that's new,
Faithful when we hear Christ's call.


May the God of justice speed us on our way,
Bringing light and hope to every land and race.
​
0 Comments

January 03 2021  Worship Services  “Bold for God’s Glory”  Marta Pumroy

1/3/2021

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.