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Welcome Opening Meditation Lucille Clifton, from “won’t you celebrate with me” “what did i see to be except myself? i made it up here on this bridge between starshine and clay, my one hand holding tight my other hand;” Prelude & Passing of the Peace Call to Worship ONE: When we are scattered, Jesus our Good Shepherd gathers us in. MANY: When we are lost and lonely, we can depend on Christ’s love. ONE: When we are oppressed, Jesus our Good Shepherd cares for us. MANY: When we are threatened because of who we are, we can depend on Christ’s protection. ONE: We know Christ, because Christ’s tenderness has guided us for generations. MANY: Christ knows us by name. Christ will lay down his very life for our sake. ONE: Let us worship our Good Shepherd, who cares for all of us with fierce love. MANY: Let us give thanks for Christ’s presence with us. Hymn “My Shepherd is the Living God” #247 Prayer of Transformation MANY: Shepherding Christ, even as you lay down your life for us, we confess our unwillingness to support those in need. Too often, we may be more like the one who runs away in times of trouble. We aren’t always bold enough to protect the powerless; following your example is rarely easy or comfortable. Forgive us. Help us lay down our apathy and follow your example. Remind us that we belong to one another, and to you. Amen. Words of Assurance ONE: Beloved of God, receive this comfort. It is impossible to respond to every need in this complicated world. A full life of faith gives us the grace to lay down our work, take the rest we need, then refocus our energy toward the cause of the oppressed. Rest in the shelter of your Good Shepherd, knowing you can take up the cause again with restored souls. Many: We are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Hymn “Halleluja” #236 The Message for Younger Disciples Kids, families, those young at heart, are encouraged to come forward to the steps to spend a few minutes together. Hymn “Halleluja” #236 To Share of Ourselves… Prayers of the People Holy God, you sent us Jesus as our comforter and guide. We give you thanks for the ways he cares for us. Help us be empowered to join him in protecting the oppressed and marginalized. We pray this in gratitude for your provision. We pray for… Those struggling to find a job, those in prison, those hospitalized, in recovery and rehabilitation, Elizabeth - wedding stress We seek health and healing with… Connor Doherty, infant with health issues - extended family of Desiree Schelling, Mike Ryan - long COVID, Christy Fisher, those impacted by cancer, including King Charles and Princess Catherine, Deb - starting cancer treatment, Sandy Ollie - recovery after surgery We continue to pray with… Carol Ann Simpson, Lisa Williams, Tammy Smith, Jan Mindish, Debbie Husser, Debbie, Andrea, Becki, Pam, Dan Brouse, Frank Harpel, Kim Sterner, John Burk, Brad Stermer, Ruth Harpel, Ray Kinard, Alia, Mary Lohr, Nancy S. We celebrate with gratitude… Linzy Carson, coming home from Navy The Lord’s Prayer MANY: Our Creator/Mother/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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Announcing Missions and Ministry Centering on Generosity ONE: Jesus offers us fullness of life, protecting us and advocating for our needs. What will you give to join him in the work of building beloved community in the world? Musical Reflection Sung Response # 780 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, thank you for your gift of Jesus Christ, who cares for us and protects us. With these gifts we return to you, help us care for others in our communities and around the world. Amen. Hymn “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” #252 To Open to Wisdom… GOSPEL John 10:11-18 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.” PSALM Psalm 23 (CEV) You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord. ACTS Acts 4:5-12 The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are being asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” Sermon “Cornerstones & Shepherds” Pastor Beth Rogers To Extend Love to the World! Closing Hymn “God is My Shepherd” #479 Benediction Today you have received the gift of Christ’s protective, unceasing love for you. Because you are beloved, may all that you do and all that you are be a reflection of that love. Fight for the powerless, help the week, and provide for the needy, because Jesus provides for you. Amen. Postlude Today in Worship Liturgist: Joan Spire Tech: Elspeth Williams Usher: Jim Landvater & Carole Hoover Acolyte: Tylah Peterson The altar flowers are dedicated to the memory of Rebecca L. Horn, beloved wife and mother, by John, Lauren and Adam Horn The bulletin is dedicated to the memory of parents Dave and Peg Heisey and brother Keith, by Karen Mamrak. SIGN UP TODAY: REBUILDING TOGETHER: Sign up with Rich Hebel or on the paper sign up on the windowsill in the Sanctuary DRAG BINGO: We are looking for volunteers to gather prizes, donate baked goods, drinks or snacks and volunteers willing to sell concessions during the show!
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